DisplayHUB device setup

Ship ready to install systems, pre configured Pis, or full DIY with our install commands.

Use our hardware or yours

You can run DisplayHUB in three ways:

  • Complete systems: We can ship fully assembled, tested systems that are ready to install.
  • Pre configured Pis: We can ship Raspberry Pis already set up as controllers and encoders.
  • DIY: You can use your own Pis and follow the commands on this page.

We also offer consulting and installation services for more complex venues or multi site rollouts.

Under the hood, DisplayHUB uses:

  • Controller Pi: One Raspberry Pi that runs the DisplayHUB dashboard.
  • Encoder Pis: One Raspberry Pi per input that can encode HDMI, video files, or video URLs.
  • Players: Roku devices today, with AndroidTV support coming soon.

Important: There are no passwords inside the DisplayHUB control layer. All Pis and players must live on a private staff only LAN, never on guest WiFi or public networks.

Build in place, no need to rewire, rebuild or move anything.

Leave your current setup in place. Unlike most video matrix systems, you do not need to rewire or move anything. You can place the controller anywhere and each encoder can be placed alongside your current inputs, DirecTV boxes, or cable boxes. Free consultation services are available to large venues (20+ displays) or hire your local computer people for a few hours, our systems are simple and standard.

Roles at a glance

  • 1 controller Pi per location
  • 1 encoder Pi per input
  • Roku TVs and sticks as players
  • AndroidTV support coming soon
  • All devices on the same private LAN

 

Players Support

Coming soon…

Step 1: get your Raspberry Pi hardware

Controller Pi

  • Recommended: Raspberry Pi 5
  • 16 GB or larger microSD card
  • Flash our custom image, boot, and then configure via the built-in web interface.
  • Good quality power supply

The controller handles the web UI, discovery, routing, and upgrades. It does not need capture hardware.

This is a complete kit that comes with everything we recommend. You can purchase these for the controller and for each encoder.

CanaKit Raspberry Pi 5 Complete Kit

~120

Amazon

You are also welcome to use bare boards, uncased, used or any other method so long as it’s a Raspberry Pi 3 or better (controller only).

We also offer complete installation kits ready to install. Please contact us for details. Our kits come completely assembled, plug and play with consultation and support built into the pricing.

Installation options:

  • Self-install is easy (keep reading).
  • Hire the local computer shop for a few hours. Our system is a basic computer network requiring minimal skills.
  • Use our live guided step-by-step installation services for a small fee.
  • Hire us for on-site installation, rates available on request.

Encoder Pis

  • Raspberry Pi 5 (same kit as controller) per input
  • 16 GB or larger microSD card (in the kit we recommend)
  • Flash our custom image, boot, and then configure via the built-in web interface.
  • HDMI capture device for live inputs

IMPORTANT: Please install the HDMI USB device below in the lower left USB port of the Rapsberry Pi 5; our software is preconfigured to use this port.

Encoders can take in live HDMI, local video files, or remote video URLs and publish them as DisplayHUB sources.

HDMI to USB 2.0 Video Capture Dongle

~8

Amazon

You may also need this splitter for some HDMI devices that don’t support direct encoding via the above HDMI dongle/input. HDCP Bypass comes built into these:

 

eSynic Portable HDMI Splitter 1 in 2 Out – HDCP Bypass Splitter

~8

Amazon

Step 2: prepare the OS and networking

Use Raspberry Pi Imager to flash our custom firmware. Once booted, you can manage everything via the built-in web-based dashboard(s).

Controller Image: coming soon, beta release available by request.
Encoder Image: coming soon, beta release available by request.

Keep the network private

  • Connect all Pis and players to a private staff only LAN or VLAN.
  • Do not place any DisplayHUB device on guest or customer WiFi.
  • Prefer wired Ethernet for controller and encoders.
  • Use DHCP reservations or static IPs for easier management.

Read the full networking guide here:

DisplayHUB networking guide

We also offer complete installation kits ready to install. Please contact us for details. Our kits come completely assembled, plug and play with consultation and support built into the pricing.

Step 3: connect live HDMI, files, or URLs

  • HDMI: Connect DirecTV, cable boxes, media players, or PCs into the HDMI capture device on the encoder Pi.
  • Video files: Place your MP4 or similar file on the encoder Pi and point the encoder configuration to that file.
  • Video URLs: Configure the encoder with the HTTP or streaming URL if supported by your input pipeline.
  • Use fixed resolutions and frame rates (for example, 1080p 30) for the best stability.
  • Confirm in the controller dashboard that each encoder shows a live preview.

Once connected, each input type works the same in DisplayHUB. They all appear as routable sources in the matrix.

Step 4: keep everything updated

  • The controller dashboard will show when an update is available.
  • Upgrading is usually as simple as clicking Upgrade inside the controller.
  • Encoders can be updated from the controller or by re running the same install command.
  • New sync improvements and features are shipped regularly.
  • All features are included in the software. The only difference between free and paid is whether a watermark or advertising is shown on displays. Upgrading removes those overlays.

No full reinstalls are required. Click Upgrade and let the controller handle the rest.