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.
- Preconfigured 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: Your existing Smart TV / Smart Devices or add cheap Android dongles.
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
- All devices on the same private LAN
Players Support
Step 1: get your Raspberry Pi hardware
Controller Pi
- Recommended: Raspberry Pi 5
- 32 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
~140
On a budget? Here’s an entire kit with the min hardware included for just around $100 (prices vary)
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 super 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
- 32 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 upper 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.
You may also need this for some HDMI devices that don’t support direct encoding via the above HDMI dongle/input. HDCP Bypass comes built into these:
HDMI Audio Extractor – HDCP Bypass
~20
Active cooling (heatsink and fan) is always best, but for passive cooling for installations in hard-to-reach places or for encoders that you cannot clean regularly, it is a good option. Note: Your encoders will run hot, but under normal load they will run just under the tolerable limits.
~10
Step 2: prepare the OS and networking
Use an SD card imaging application, like Balena Etcher, to flash our custom firmware. Once booted, you can manage everything via the built-in web-based dashboard(s).
Please contact us for a link to the downloadable images that are used to flash your Raspberry Pi SD cards. No commitment needed, no purchase required. Get started as soon as NOW for the low, low price of FREE.
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:
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, Roku sticks/boxes, Android TVs sticks/boxes, media players, or PCs into the HDMI capture device on the encoder Pi. Basically, anything with an HDMI output.
- 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.