When it comes to purchasing an LED video scoreboard for your sports facility, cost is a crucial consideration. Understanding the relationship between cost and return on investment is equally important. At ScoreVision, we recognize the challenges that come with this decision-making process and are here to guide you in making the right choice for your community. In this article, we will explore the various factors that impact the cost of video scoreboards, provide insights on budgeting, and offer strategies for maximizing your investment. Let's dive into the details!
Factors Affecting Scoreboard Costs
When considering the cost of video scoreboards, there are several key factors that can impact the final price. One of the primary factors is the size and pixel pitch of the scoreboard. Larger scoreboards typically require more display panels and may necessitate a more advanced system configuration, depending on the pixel pitch.
Pixel pitch refers to the vertical and horizontal distance between each LED pixel and determines the optimal viewing distance. This is a simple calculation and not subject to marketing hype - and there is no such thing as HD or high definition when it comes to calculating pixel pitch. Be very leery about "new" ways to calculate pixel pitch. How does this relate to cost? Well, the finer the pixel pitch, the more pixels are in the designated display size. If you have multiple displays, you might need additional hardware to process images that fit the pixel ratio.
But just how crucial is having a finer resolution? To be honest, it depends on the specific gym or location and how far away the audience will be from the display. Our recommendation for pricing is to start with a standard 4mm pixel pitch for indoor and 10-16mm for outdoor, then you can determine if further improvement is necessary. The pixel pitch required to make your game day graphics look exceptional ultimately depends on the location of the video scoreboard in relation to the fans. The way to calculate the optimal viewing distance is for every millimeter in pixel pitch, you should account for three feet. For example, if the pixel pitch for the video scoreboard is 4mm and let's say your fans aren't viewing the display up close they are beyond 30 feet away, it may not be necessary to go with such a fine pixel pitch.
Another factor to consider is whether your facility is indoor or outdoor. Outdoor video scoreboards often have higher costs associated with them because they are generally larger and may require additional engineering and construction. However, you can minimize these costs by fitting the size of the scoreboard onto an existing structure. ScoreVision resellers like Digital Scoreboards are experts at helping facilities explore options like reusing a structure or relocating the video scoreboard. Our recent episode on our podcast, ScoreVision ADvantage, discusses how to assess your current scoreboard to determine the best solution for you.
Lastly, it's essential to factor in maintenance and repair costs before making a purchase. At ScoreVision, one of our core values is having your back. We only partner with resellers who provide exceptional customer service. To ensure we deliver the same level of service, we install a secure camera system during installation that allows us to review issues and provide better support. Our support and development teams are always available during game time and can remotely access your system to help resolve any issues that may arise. Rest assured, we've always got your back.
Factors to Consider When Budgeting for a LED Video Scoreboard
When planning your budget for an LED video scoreboard, it's important to take into account various factors to ensure you allocate the appropriate funds. The cost of a new LED video scoreboard can range from $20,000 for an indoor display to $150,000 or more per display for an outdoor display, depending on those factors; including whether it's for indoor or outdoor use, the size of the video scoreboard, and any other additional customization you require. To begin, it's crucial to determine the size, quantity, and location of the video scoreboards that will best suit your facility. This will give you an estimate of the initial cost. If you are replacing both your indoor and outdoor facilities, we recommend you start with indoor as it tends to be lower in cost.
Additionally, consider any extra features or customization options that may be necessary. With ScoreVision, users pay an annual subscription that includes comprehensive support for every game, a personalized graphics package, unlimited training, and storage on the ScoreVision Cloud. You'll also have access to our suite of apps, including sports-specific score keeping apps, producer apps, live streaming and highlight capture apps, and your own personalized profile on the ScoreVision Fan App.
When creating your budget, don't forget to factor in the cost of installation and maintenance. These costs will vary based on where you purchase your LED video scoreboard. ScoreVision has a selection of resellers listed on our website and LED manufacturers with ScoreVision integration. We encourage you to explore their warranty and service offerings.
Lastly, it's important to account for any additional equipment or infrastructure required to support the video scoreboard, such as power supply units, control systems, or mounting structures and structured cabling.
By carefully considering these factors, you can develop a realistic budget for your video scoreboard project.
The Benefits of LED Scoreboards
It's not just about the score. Investing in an LED video scoreboard offers numerous benefits, not only for athletic events but for your entire school community. These video scoreboards have multi-use capabilities, making them perfect for school assemblies, concerts, presentations, and more. By incorporating an LED video scoreboard, you can create an inclusive atmosphere that fosters community involvement. What's more, these displays can also be used as educational tools, providing valuable learning opportunities for students.
Furthermore, LED video scoreboards offer schools the opportunity to generate additional revenue through dynamic advertising. Unlike static banners found in the gym or along the fence, ScoreVision's dynamic advertising features actively engage the audience and provide sponsors with valuable data on ad impressions and display time. This advertising can even extend to the Fan App experience. Many of our schools have experienced impressive returns of over $100,000 a year by replacing their old scoreboards with LED video scoreboards and leveraging the support of sponsors and advertisers through ScoreVision.
Once you have carefully considered the costs and benefits of replacing your scoreboard, we are confident that you will make the right decision for your school. If you still have any lingering questions, do not hesitate to reach out to ScoreVision. We are always here to assist you in evaluating your options. Our ultimate goal is to make professional fan experiences accessible to everyone.
