Overview
The public display is a monitor placed in a common area of your building (usually in the lobby or mailroom where residents can see it), connected to the BuildingLink Public Display website. This screen updates every few minutes with any new information (packages, etc.) entered into BuildingLink by your staff.
It is used to display information to residents (packages that are waiting for them, building announcements, the current weather, train/bus schedules, pictures of the building, the current time, etc.). These are all configurable so you can pick and choose what you wish to display for your residents.
Note: Click on the images to enlarge them.
What hardware is necessary for a public display?
The Public Display requires a monitor (this is usually a large flat-screen television), a PC, and an Internet connection. We do NOT recommend TV's that have built-in web browsers (some Smart TV's), as they will likely still require a PC be used.
Our newly redesigned public display currently only runs on supported browsers (Edge, Chrome, Firefox, Safari), and is optimized to run in Google Chrome. We strongly recommend displays are run using Google Chrome and do not support built-in browsers on SmartTVs, as they are proprietary browsers not built to handle a robust application like BuildingLink's display.
How big should our Public Display be?
This really depends on the space where the monitor will be installed. We usually recommend a 32” TV as a good starting point if it will be wall-mounted, but a larger TV may be desired. If a display smaller than 32" is desired, it is best to look for a PC monitor of the appropriate size, rather than a TV.
We do not recommend mounting a TV/Monitor sideways (vertically); while it may save a few inches in space, it can be difficult to properly manipulate vertical displays on PC's, which can result in frustration when initially setting up the display and when troubleshooting may be necessary.
Does the Public Display monitor need its own dedicated PC?
While not always required, we strongly recommend using a dedicated PC for the Public Display. This helps ensure uninterrupted, 24/7 operation and avoids issues that can arise when the display is set up as a secondary monitor on a shared PC.
We generally advise using a separate mini PC for each Public Display. There are compact models (see our recommendation below) that can be easily mounted behind the TV or tucked away discreetly to keep the setup clean and unobtrusive.
What are the PC requirements for the PC attached to the Public Display?
We recommend that the PC have a minimum of an Intel Celeron or Intel “i” series CPU (such as i3, i5, or i7) and at least 8GB of RAM. Higher-end CPUs are not required, but may be used if available. These specifications are more than sufficient for the computing tasks of the Public Display PC.
Can my Public Display PC be wireless?
Yes, it can. The PC we currently recommend has built-in Wi-Fi. However, we strongly prefer a wired Ethernet connection, as it provides a more stable and reliable internet connection.
Can we purchase the hardware from BuildingLink?
No. BuildingLink does not sell TVs, monitors, or PCs. We can only offer hardware recommendations.
Recommended PC:
MINIX NEO J51-C8 Max Mini PC: https://a.co/d/ajNx23R
This mini PC is compact, affordable, and supports both Ethernet and Wi-Fi. It runs a full version of Windows 11, enabling our Support Team to assist remotely if needed.
We strongly suggest purchasing a wireless keyboard for setup and occasional control of the PC. The Logitech K400 Wireless Keyboard is our top recommendation: https://amzn.to/2ThbTok
Its USB receiver can remain plugged in, making it easy to power on and use the keyboard when needed.
TV/Monitor:
Any TV or monitor with the appropriate input for your PC will work. For Public Display purposes, the performance difference between models is minimal. Choose one based on the desired size and aesthetic.
How do I configure my Public Display once I have the right equipment?
Once you have a computer with internet access hooked up to your Public Display monitor, view our help section on how to configure your Public Display or contact BuildingLink Support for assistance.