Designing a new K-12 athletic facility or renovating an existing one? One key element that’s often overlooked until late in the process is the scoreboard. Yet, this technology plays a major role in the student experience, fan engagement, and even building community. If you’re an architect or engineer designing these spaces, it’s important to understand what you're actually specifying—and what you’re not.
Let’s break down how to correctly specify a modern scoreboard system, with a focus on ScoreVision, a software designed to transform any LED or TV display into a scoreboard.
What ScoreVision Is (and Isn’t)
ScoreVision is the software that powers the scoreboard experience.
It’s a platform that enables you to keep score, display on-demand media, livestream, capture highlights, and advertise across your displays. It’s a subscription-based product that’s modular, meaning your client can choose just scoring or add media and event production, as well as advertising tools.
What we do NOT provide:
ScoreVision does not manufacture or sell displays, including LED displays and commercial-grade TVs. However, we can provide recommendations based on our list of resellers that service the area where your project is located.
So when you specify ScoreVision, you’re defining the brains behind the scoreboard—the platform that ties together scoring data, team branding, media content, advertising, and audience interaction.
Components to Specify
Here’s what goes into a scoreboard system when using ScoreVision software:
1. ScoreVision Software
Available in modular tiers:
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Basic Scoring – Indoor scorekeeping for gyms or TV displays
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Advanced Scoring – Indoor & outdoor sport compatibility, shot/play clocks, and advanced integrations for stats and timing solutions.
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Media & Event Production Suite – Includes access to our production tools for playing media on-demand, switching between layouts, capturing highlights, and live streaming.
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Advertising Platform – For cloud-based ad management and reporting, as well as access to our ad sequence builder for a dynamic experience.
All tiers are managed through ScoreVision Cloud and are operated via iPads and a Mac-based system controller.
2. Necessary Hardware
Depending on the selected tier, you’ll need:
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Mac OS (Mac Mini, Studio, or Pro, depending on output needs) or TV OS device
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HDMI or SDI capture device (for live camera feeds)
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iPad controllers for scoring
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Handheld shot/play clock controllers
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USB adapters and networking setup
Specifying the Display Hardware
ScoreVision does not provide this part, but your LED or TV manufacturer or provider should give you a product cut sheet and the specifications for displays:
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Display Type: LED wall or TV
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Display Size and Resolution
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Pixel Pitch (for LED)
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Video Input Type: HDMI or SDI compatible
ScoreVision supports virtually any modern LED or TV display that accepts an HDMI or SDI input.
Placement & Configuration Considerations
When designing your AV layout, keep in mind:
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Graphics Regions: Each independent display needs a dedicated graphics region and corresponding output.
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Palette Size: Defines how many outputs your system requires (e.g., 1080p vs 4K).
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Networking: Coordination with electrical and IT trades is essential. ScoreVision utilizes TeamViewer for remote support and can be integrated with standard campus networks.
Use Our Spec Template
To make the process easy, we’ve provided a downloadable ScoreVision Architectural Specification Template that includes language for:
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Basis of Design
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Cloud-based control
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Modular subscription tiers
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Compatible devices and connectivity
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Installation and commissioning requirements
This document is available through our Architect Resource Portal and can be inserted directly into your project specifications.
Pro Tip: Use Our Guided Questionnaire
Our Scoreboard Needs Questionnaire helps gather the right information from your school client before design starts. It walks through display choices, reuse of existing equipment, hardware compatibility, and more. You can use it to hand off to your engineering team as part of your early design documents.
Final Thoughts
When specifying a scoreboard system, remember:
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ScoreVision is the software that powers scoring, media, advertising, and fan engagement on displays.
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You’ll still need to specify the display hardware separately.
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Utilize our specification templates and configuration tools to ensure accuracy the first time.
Do you have questions about how to specify
ScoreVision for your next school facility?
Reach out to our Regional Directors by visiting
scorevision.com/scoreboard-specifications/ to request a demo.