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Display Setup Guide

Complete guide to setting up FamilyCast displays throughout your home. Whether you're adding your first display or your fifth, this guide covers everything you need to know.

Overview

FamilyCast displays can be set up in minutes using any device with a web browser. Each display shows layouts tailored to its location and audience - calendars in the kitchen, photos in the living room, and kid-friendly schedules in bedrooms.

What You'll Learn:

  • Choosing the right hardware for each room
  • Creating and configuring displays
  • Registering devices with FamilyCast
  • Setting up room-specific layouts
  • Managing multiple displays

Before You Start

Hardware Requirements

Minimum:

  • Any tablet, smart TV, or computer
  • Web browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge)
  • WiFi connection (5+ Mbps)
  • Power outlet nearby

Recommended:

  • Tablet: iPad (2018+) or Android tablet (4GB+ RAM)
  • Smart TV: Any TV with built-in browser
  • WiFi: 10+ Mbps for photos and videos
  • Mounting solution (wall mount, stand, etc.)

Account Setup

Make sure you have:

  1. ✅ FamilyCast account created
  2. ✅ At least one integration connected (Cozi, Google Calendar, or Google Photos)
  3. ✅ At least one layout created

Not ready? Complete the Quick Start Guide first.


Step-by-Step Setup

Step 1: Choose Your Display Location

Popular Display Locations:

Kitchen (Most Popular)

  • Perfect for: Family calendar, meal planning, shopping lists
  • Recommended device: 10" tablet on counter stand or wall mount
  • Best layouts: Calendar + weather, family schedule

Entryway/Mudroom

  • Perfect for: Daily schedules, reminders, weather
  • Recommended device: 8-10" tablet on small shelf
  • Best layouts: Today's schedule, weather forecast

Living Room

  • Perfect for: Family photos, shared calendar, entertainment
  • Recommended device: Large tablet or smart TV
  • Best layouts: Photo slideshow, family updates

Kids' Bedrooms

  • Perfect for: Individual schedules, chores, activities
  • Recommended device: 7-8" tablet (kid-proof case recommended)
  • Best layouts: Kid's schedule, chore chart, activity reminders

Home Office

  • Perfect for: Family calendar visibility while working
  • Recommended device: Small tablet or second monitor
  • Best layouts: Calendar week view, family messages

Step 2: Create the Display

  1. Log into your FamilyCast dashboard
  2. Click Displays in the main menu
  3. Click Create Display

Fill in Display Information:

Name: Descriptive name that includes location

  • Good: "Kitchen Family Calendar"
  • Good: "Emma's Room Schedule"
  • Avoid: "Display 1"

Type: Choose display purpose

  • Family Hub - Central family information (calendar, photos, messages)
  • Kids Display - Child-specific content with safety controls
  • Photo Display - Primarily for photo sharing
  • Info Display - Weather, news, information

Location: Physical room or area

  • Example: "Kitchen", "Living Room", "Emma's Bedroom"

Description (Optional): Additional notes

  • Example: "Mounted on kitchen wall next to refrigerator"
  1. Click Create Display

You'll receive a 6-character registration code.

Important:

  • Code expires in 24 hours
  • One-time use only
  • Case-sensitive
  • Can generate new code if expired

Step 3: Prepare the Physical Device

Before registering, set up the device:

For Tablets

iPad:

  1. Update to latest iOS
  2. Install Safari (default browser)
  3. Go to Settings → Display & Brightness
    • Set Auto-Lock to "Never"
  4. Go to Settings → General → Software Update
    • Enable automatic updates
  5. Connect to WiFi
  6. Disable notifications for distraction-free display

Android Tablet:

  1. Update to latest Android version
  2. Install Chrome browser
  3. Go to Settings → Display
    • Set Screen timeout to "Never"
  4. Go to Settings → System → Advanced → Developer Options
    • Enable "Stay awake" (keeps screen on while charging)
  5. Connect to WiFi
  6. Enable "Do Not Disturb" mode

For Smart TVs

Samsung, LG, or Other Smart TVs:

  1. Update TV firmware
  2. Open web browser app
  3. Connect to WiFi
  4. Disable sleep mode/screen saver
  5. Set input to browser app as default
  6. Consider using guest mode if available

For Computers

Windows PC or Mac:

  1. Update operating system
  2. Install Chrome browser
  3. Disable sleep mode:
    • Windows: Settings → Power & Sleep → Never
    • Mac: System Preferences → Energy Saver → Never
  4. Connect to stable network (ethernet preferred)
  5. Set browser to open full screen (F11)

Step 4: Register the Device

On your prepared device:

  1. Open web browser (Chrome or Safari recommended)

  2. Navigate to: display.familycast.app

  3. Enter registration code (the 6-character code from Step 2)

    • Example: FAM123
    • Case-sensitive!
  4. Click "Register Device"

What Happens Next:

✅ Device connects to FamilyCast cloud ✅ Creates secure session ✅ Registers device fingerprint ✅ Downloads assigned layout ✅ Begins displaying content ✅ Starts heartbeat monitoring (every 2 minutes)

Troubleshooting Registration:

"Registration code invalid"

  • Check code was entered correctly (case-sensitive)
  • Verify code hasn't expired (24 hours)
  • Try generating new code

"Connection failed"

  • Check internet connection
  • Verify WiFi is stable
  • Try reloading the page
  • Clear browser cache

"Display not authorized"

  • Verify display is active in dashboard
  • Check that display type is correct
  • Contact support if issue persists

Step 5: Assign a Layout

Now connect your content to the display:

  1. Back in FamilyCast dashboard
  2. Go to Displays
  3. Click on your new display
  4. Under Active Layout, click the dropdown
  5. Select appropriate layout for this display
  6. Click Update

Layout will appear on display within seconds!

Layout Recommendations by Room:

Kitchen Display:

  • Family Calendar + Weather
  • Meal Planning + Shopping List
  • Today's Schedule + Photos

Kids' Room Display:

  • Kid's Schedule + Chore Chart
  • Morning Routine + Evening Routine
  • Activities + Reminders

Living Room Display:

  • Photo Slideshow Full Screen
  • Family Calendar + Photos
  • Calendar + Weather + Photos

Entryway Display:

  • Today's Schedule + Weather
  • Quick Calendar + Messages
  • Daily Agenda + Alerts

Step 6: Test and Verify

Verification Checklist:

  • Display shows online (green status) in dashboard
  • Layout appears correctly on physical screen
  • Content is visible and readable
  • Calendar events display properly
  • Photos rotate (if photo slideshow included)
  • Weather shows correct location
  • Display stays on (doesn't sleep)

Test Updates:

  1. Make a small change in dashboard (edit calendar event)
  2. Wait 2-5 minutes
  3. Verify change appears on display
  4. Confirms cloud sync is working

Display Configuration

Display Settings

Basic Settings:

  • Name - Change display name
  • Type - Modify display type
  • Location - Update physical location
  • Is Active - Enable/disable display

Advanced Settings:

  • Auto-refresh - Reload content every X hours (prevents browser memory issues)
  • Brightness schedule - Dim display at night (requires compatible device)
  • Safe mode - Kid-friendly content filter
  • Private mode - Hide calendar event details (kids' displays)

Session Management:

  • Current Session - View active session details
  • Last Active - When display last checked in
  • Registration Code - Generate new code
  • Disconnect - End current session

Multiple Layouts

You can rotate between multiple layouts:

Manual Switching:

  • Change active layout anytime from dashboard
  • Display updates within seconds
  • No need to touch physical device

Scheduled Switching:

  • Morning layout (6 AM - 12 PM): Today's schedule
  • Afternoon layout (12 PM - 6 PM): Family calendar
  • Evening layout (6 PM - 10 PM): Photos + messages
  • Night layout (10 PM - 6 AM): Clock + weather

See: Family Calendar for advanced scheduling


Room-Specific Setup Guides

Kitchen Display Setup

Recommended Hardware:

  • 10-12" tablet (iPad or Android)
  • Wall mount or counter stand
  • Near refrigerator or planning area

Suggested Layout:

  • 60% Family calendar (week view)
  • 20% Weather widget
  • 20% Shopping list or family messages

Content Updates:

  • Syncs every 15 minutes
  • Real-time for family messages
  • Daily weather refresh

Kids' Room Display Setup

Recommended Hardware:

  • 7-8" tablet
  • Protective kid-proof case
  • Mounted out of reach (prevents tampering)

Suggested Layout:

  • 50% Kid's personal schedule
  • 25% Chore checklist
  • 25% Activity reminders or rewards

Safety Features:

  • Enable safe mode (filters calendar details)
  • Private mode (hides other family members' events)
  • Read-only (kids can't edit)

See: Kids Safety for detailed safety setup

Living Room Photo Display

Recommended Hardware:

  • Large tablet (12"+) or smart TV
  • Picture frame mount or TV mount
  • Near seating area for visibility

Suggested Layout:

  • 100% Google Photos slideshow
  • OR 75% photos + 25% family calendar
  • Slow transitions (15-30 seconds per photo)

Photo Tips:

  • Create dedicated "Living Room" album in Google Photos
  • Curate favorite family photos
  • Update monthly for variety
  • Use landscape orientation photos

Entryway Daily Display

Recommended Hardware:

  • 8-10" tablet
  • Small shelf or wall mount near door
  • Eye level for easy viewing

Suggested Layout:

  • 70% Today's schedule (list view)
  • 20% Current weather + forecast
  • 10% Quick family messages

Updates:

  • Real-time schedule changes
  • Hourly weather updates
  • Instant message notifications

Managing Multiple Displays

Display List View

Dashboard Features:

  • See all displays at once
  • Online/offline status indicators
  • Quick layout switching
  • Bulk actions

Filtering:

  • By room/location
  • By type (Family Hub, Kids, Photo, Info)
  • By status (Online, Idle, Offline)

Bulk Operations

Update Multiple Displays:

  1. Select displays using checkboxes
  2. Click Bulk Actions
  3. Choose action:
    • Assign same layout
    • Change settings
    • Generate new codes
    • Disable/enable displays

Use Cases:

  • Deploy new family photo album to all displays
  • Switch all displays to holiday layout
  • Update weather location after moving

Display Groups

Organize related displays:

By Floor:

  • First Floor Displays (kitchen, living room, entryway)
  • Second Floor Displays (bedrooms, office)

By Function:

  • Calendar Displays (show schedules)
  • Photo Displays (primarily photos)
  • Kids Displays (child-focused content)

Benefits:

  • Easier management
  • Coordinated updates
  • Consistent layouts

Best Practices

Hardware Selection

Budget-Friendly:

  • Amazon Fire Tablet HD 10 ($150)
  • Older iPad (refurbished)
  • Repurposed Android tablet

Mid-Range:

  • iPad (2020 or newer) ($329+)
  • Samsung Galaxy Tab ($200-300)
  • Google Nest Hub Max ($229)

Premium:

  • iPad Pro ($799+)
  • Large smart TV (reuse existing)
  • Dedicated digital photo frame displays

Installation Tips

Mounting:

  • Wall mounts keep displays secure
  • Counter stands work for temporary setups
  • Ensure power cable is hidden or managed
  • Position at comfortable viewing height

Power:

  • Use surge protector
  • Hide cables with cable management solutions
  • Keep device plugged in at all times
  • Consider smart outlet for scheduling power

WiFi:

  • Ensure strong signal in display location
  • Use 5GHz WiFi if available
  • Consider WiFi extender for weak areas
  • Test speed: minimum 5 Mbps, recommended 10+ Mbps

Content Strategy

Start Simple:

  • Week 1: Calendar only
  • Week 2: Add photos
  • Week 3: Add weather/messages
  • Week 4: Customize per room

Update Regularly:

  • Monthly: Refresh photo albums
  • Weekly: Review calendar integration
  • Daily: Check display status
  • As needed: Adjust layouts

Family Involvement:

  • Let kids help choose photos for their displays
  • Ask family members what they want to see
  • Gather feedback after first week
  • Adjust content based on usage

Troubleshooting

Display Won't Register

Check:

  1. Registration code entered correctly (case-sensitive)
  2. Code hasn't expired (24 hours max)
  3. Internet connection working on device
  4. Browser is compatible (Chrome/Safari/Firefox)

Solutions:

  • Generate new registration code
  • Try different browser
  • Clear browser cache
  • Restart device and try again

Display Shows Offline

Check:

  1. Device powered on and browser open
  2. WiFi connected and stable
  3. Browser hasn't crashed or closed
  4. Device hasn't gone to sleep

Solutions:

  • Refresh browser page
  • Reconnect to WiFi
  • Disable device sleep mode
  • Re-register if needed

See: Display Problems for comprehensive troubleshooting

Content Not Updating

Check:

  1. Display is online (green status)
  2. Layout is assigned to display
  3. Integration is connected (Cozi, Google Photos, etc.)
  4. Calendar/photos actually have content

Solutions:

  • Wait 15 minutes for sync
  • Refresh display browser
  • Verify integration still connected
  • Re-assign layout to display

Display Keeps Disconnecting

Common Causes:

  • Weak WiFi signal
  • Device sleep mode not disabled
  • Browser memory issues
  • Network instability

Solutions:

  • Move closer to router or use WiFi extender
  • Disable auto-lock/sleep in device settings
  • Enable auto-refresh (reloads page daily)
  • Use ethernet if possible (computer displays)

Advanced Features

Scheduled Display Power

Control when displays turn on/off:

Using Smart Plugs:

  1. Connect display to smart outlet
  2. Set schedule: On 6 AM, Off 11 PM
  3. Saves energy when family is sleeping

Using Device Settings:

  • Some smart TVs support scheduled power
  • Tablets can use automation apps
  • Computers can use scheduled tasks

Display Automation

Auto-Refresh:

  • Reload page daily at 3 AM
  • Prevents browser memory leaks
  • Ensures latest content

Layout Scheduling:

  • Different layouts for different times of day
  • Morning: Today's schedule
  • Evening: Family photos
  • Night: Clock + weather

See: Family Calendar for scheduling details

Guest Mode

For temporary displays or visitors:

  1. Create guest display
  2. Assign public-safe layout (no private calendar details)
  3. Use 24-hour expiration
  4. Delete display after guest leaves

Next Steps

Expand Your Setup:

Manage Your Family:

Integrate More:


Questions? Check Common Issues or contact [email protected]