Recommended Setup
End-to-end hardware configurations for common Virbe kiosk deployment scenarios – retail, events, and hospitality.
Recommended Hardware Configurations
The right hardware combination depends on your environment, traffic volume, and budget. Below are proven configurations for the most common Virbe kiosk deployment scenarios.
Standard Retail / Hospitality Kiosk
Scenario: A single free-standing kiosk in a retail store, hotel lobby, or similar indoor space. Moderate background noise. 8–16 hours/day operation.
| Component | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Computer | Intel NUC Dragon Canyon or mini tower with NVIDIA RTX 3060 (12 GB) |
| Display | 55" commercial display (LG, Samsung, or NEC) – 4K, portrait orientation, anti-glare |
| Microphone | Rode NT-USB Mini (cardioid) or Shure MXA310 (beamforming array, counter-mount) |
| Speaker | Built into display, or compact amplified speakers mounted in the enclosure |
| Camera | Logitech C920 for face detection (optional) |
| Peripherals | USB barcode scanner if product lookup is required |
| OS | Windows 11 64-bit |
Notes: Use a commercial display rated for continuous operation. Run a 72-hour burn-in test before installation. Configure Windows auto-login and startup script to launch the kiosk app automatically.
High-Traffic Retail or Event Kiosk
Scenario: A kiosk in a busy environment (shopping centre, trade show, airport). High ambient noise. 24/7 operation or extended event hours.
| Component | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Computer | Mini tower or compact workstation with NVIDIA RTX 3080 (10 GB+) |
| Display | 65"–75" commercial display – 4K, portrait, brightness 500+ nits |
| Microphone | Beamforming array with voice isolation and background noise cancellation |
| Speaker | Separate amplified near-field speakers mounted close to the user |
| Camera | Industrial USB camera (wide FOV) for face detection and queue awareness |
| Peripherals | Barcode scanner and/or RFID reader depending on use case |
| OS | Windows 11 64-bit |
| UPS | Required – protects against power fluctuations in event venues |
Notes: In high-noise environments, configure the STT engine with appropriate noise filters. Consider Tap to Speak or a Hold to Talk button (see Speech Capture: VAD, Hold to Talk, Tap to Speak) to give the user explicit control over when the microphone is active, improving accuracy in loud environments.
Counter-Top / Compact Kiosk
Scenario: A smaller kiosk on a counter or reception desk. Quieter environment, closer user proximity.
| Component | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Computer | Intel NUC Phantom Canyon or a compact PC with RTX 2060 or better |
| Display | 27"–43" consumer or commercial monitor, landscape orientation |
| Microphone | Boundary or cardioid microphone placed on the counter surface |
| Camera | Standard USB webcam (optional) |
| OS | Windows 10 or 11 64-bit |
Notes: With the user closer to the display, a smaller screen is fine. Boundary microphones work well when the user is close to a horizontal surface. This setup has a lower power envelope and is easier to install discreetly.
Multi-Kiosk Deployment
Scenario: Multiple kiosks at different locations (branches, stands, rooms) managed centrally.
Additional considerations:
- Remote access: Install and configure remote access software on every kiosk before deployment
- Standardised hardware: Use identical hardware across all units to simplify support and reduce configuration variance
- Naming: Give each kiosk a unique Windows computer name (e.g.,
KIOSK-BERLIN-01) for easy identification in remote management and logging - Profile per location: Create a separate Virbe profile per kiosk if locations need different content, languages, or pipeline configurations; or use a shared profile if all kiosks are identical
- Software updates: Plan an update strategy – either automated updates during off-hours, or remote deployment via a device management tool like Microsoft Intune or TeamViewer Management Console
Quick Hardware Checklist
Before going live with any kiosk installation, verify:
- GPU drivers are up to date (NVIDIA drivers, not the Windows Update version)
- Windows is fully updated
- Auto-login is configured (no password prompt on startup)
- Kiosk app launches automatically on boot
- Microphone is set as the Windows default recording device
- Speaker is set as the Windows default playback device
- Display orientation is correct and resolution is set to native
- Remote access is configured and tested
- Firewall allows Virbe API communication (outbound HTTPS on port 443)
- Power settings are configured for continuous operation (no sleep/hibernate)
- BIOS is set to power on after power loss
- 72-hour burn-in test completed without thermal throttling or crashes