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Repurposed Chromebooks Transform into Video Display System

Negotiating the Predicament of Outdated Chromebooks: This is a common problem schools face, as these devices no longer receive updates from Google.

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Dealing with a surplus of outdated Chromebooks, as many schools might find, presents a challenge...
Dealing with a surplus of outdated Chromebooks, as many schools might find, presents a challenge since these devices no longer receive updates from Google.

Repurposed Chromebooks Transform into Video Display System

Looking for ways to repurpose those dusty, outdated Chromebooks? Well, luckily for you, clever folks like [Varun Biniwale] and [Aksel Salmi] are out there to give you some inspiration. These geniuses transformed ten of these legacy laptops into a stunning video display.

Two posts cover this unique project, with [Varun] detailing the software changes and the scripting needed to play the same video on all devices, while [Aksel] focuses on the intricate hardware setup utilizing custom-designed 3D printed mounting brackets.

Initially, the plan was straightforward: remove the motherboard and LCD from each Chromebook and stick them on the wall for simultaneous video playback. However, the limited hackability of Chrome OS posed a challenge. The team had to bypass the physical write protection screws, allowing them to install a basic Linux distribution and customize the boot-up process to run Chromium and load the appropriate web page for synchronized video playback.

On the hardware side, [Aksel] breaks down the process of dismantling the machines and preparing them for the wall-mounted display. The first attempt focused on mounting the hardware to a laser-cut piece of acrylic, but it lacked the necessary robustness. In the end, they opted for a highly specialized 3D printed mount that securely holds the motherboard and offers a place to attach each LCD.

With more and more end-of-life Chromebooks becoming available for a song, it will be intriguing to see what creative projects people come up with. This Chromebook hack covers both hardware and software aspects, offering an abundance of tricks and techniques you might find useful.

Enrichment Information:

Hardware Modifications:- Chromebook Customization: Most Chromebooks can be repurposed as a display without hardware changes, but using the screen with another device often requires HDMI-to-LCD controller board compatibility.- Safety Measures: Working in an ESD-safe environment and disconnecting the battery help avoid damages during the disassembling process.- Mounting:</s After connecting the controller, you may need to modify the Chromebook’s chassis for board and input access.

Software Development and Setup:- Chromebook as Wireless Secondary Display: Chrome Remote Desktop, third-party apps like DeskIn or Spacedesk, and web-based screen sharing or streaming services can help turn a Chromebook into a wireless secondary display.- Installing Linux (Advanced): Enabling developer mode on your Chromebook and installing a lightweight Linux distribution allows you to use various software tools to receive video streams.- Web-Based Solutions: Web-based screen sharing or video streaming services can work with a Chromebook if it can run a web browser. However, this isn't ideal for low-latency or high-performance scenarios.

Step-by-Step Summary:1. Check Chromebook Capabilities: Press to verify if it still supports modern web browsers or Android apps.2. If Using as a Secondary Display via Software: Install a remote desktop or screen-sharing app compatible with Chromebook and set up the main computer to broadcast the screen to the Chromebook.3. If Modifying Hardware (Using LCD Panel Only): Disassemble the Chromebook, identify the LCD model, purchase a compatible HDMI/LVDS controller board, and connect the controller to the LCD, power supply, and HDMI input. Reassemble, modifying the case for access as needed.4. Alternative Uses: If modifications are too complex, consider repurposing the Chromebook as a digital photo frame, video player, or lightweight web browsing device.

Comparison Table:| Approach | Hardware Modification | Software Development | Difficulty | Outcome ||--------------------------|----------------------|---------------------|-------------|------------------------------|| Secondary Display (SW) | None | Moderate | Easy-Mod | Wireless secondary display || Raw LCD Panel (HW) | Significant | None | Moderate-Hard | Dedicated HDMI display device || Linux Installation | Optional | Moderate | Moderate | Expanded software capabilities |

Key Considerations:- AUE Date: Chromebooks may continue to function for display purposes beyond their official update expiration date.- Performance: Older Chromebooks may struggle with high-resolution video streaming due to limited performance.- Android/Linux App Support: Verify if your Chromebook model supports Google Play Store or Linux to expand software options.

  1. In the process of transforming old Chromebooks into a video display, Varun Biniwale detailed the software changes and scripting required to play the same video on all devices, using a basic Linux distribution and customizing the boot-up process.
  2. Aksel Salmi focused on the intricate hardware setup, utilizing the creation of custom-designed 3D printed mounting brackets for securing the motherboard and LCD, which were then attached to the wall for simultaneous video playback.

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