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Intel / AMD (x86) – impressBox Installation Guide (balenaOS)

Step-by-step setup for x86 media players and computers

Supported Devices

This guide supports most standard PC hardware running on Intel or AMD processors (x86_64 / amd64 architecture). This includes Intel NUCs, industrial PCs, standard desktops, and laptops repurposed as players.

The generic x86 image is highly versatile and turns any standard computer into a dedicated, managed digital signage player.

Installation Steps

1

Download balenaOS Image

Download the specific OS image prepared for generic x86_64 architecture.

x86-amd64-6.10.22+rev2-v17.4.2.zip
File size: ~500 MB

Architecture Check

Ensure your device is an x86/x64 based system. This image is NOT compatible with ARM devices like Raspberry Pi or Nvidia Jetson.
2

Install balenaEtcher

We recommend using balenaEtcher to flash the OS image to your USB drive. It is reliable and validates the write process.

Download tool:https://www.balena.io/etcher/
3

Flash Image to USB Drive

Connect a USB flash drive (at least 4GB) to your computer. This drive will be used to boot and install the OS onto the target machine.

Warning: Data Erasure

This process will completely erase all data on the USB drive. Please ensure you have backed up any important files before proceeding.
  1. Open balenaEtcher.
  2. Click Flash from file and select the downloaded zip image.
  3. Click Select target and choose your USB drive.
  4. Click Flash! and wait for the validation to complete.
4

Boot x86 Machine from USB

Insert the USB drive into your target PC/NUC. You may need to access the BIOS/UEFI Boot Menu to select the USB drive as the boot device.

Common keys to access Boot Menu:

  • F2
  • F10
  • F12
  • Delete

(Consult your hardware manual for the specific key)

Internal Installation

Once booted, the flasher image will automatically install the OS to the internal storage (SSD/HDD) of the device. The device will power off when finished. Remove the USB drive and power it back on.
5

Connect Network

Ethernet Preferred

Connect an Ethernet cable for the most reliable connection. The device is configured to use DHCP automatically.

6

First Boot & Automatic Deployment

Initial Setup Takes Time

Please be patient! The first boot sequence involves expanding the filesystem, installing the Docker engine, and downloading the impressBox container layers. This process takes 5–15 minutes depending on your internet speed.

Automatic Process:

  • Device boots from internal storage
  • Connects to impressBox Cloud
  • Downloads latest Player container
  • Launches Player application
7

Device Registration

Once the download is complete, the impressBox splash screen will appear, followed by a pairing code.

  1. Log in to m.impressbox.eu.
  2. Navigate to the Device list.
  3. At the bottom, locate the Add new device field and enter the 6-digit code displayed on your TV.
  4. Give your screen a name and assign a playlist.

Advanced Network Configuration

Ready to Go!

Your PC is now a powerful digital signage player. You can manage content, schedule updates, and monitor device health remotely from the dashboard.