Designing athletic facilities for K-12 schools involves striking a balance between budget, performance, and future flexibility. One of the key technology choices you'll encounter is whether to specify a fixed-digit scoreboard or upgrade to a modern LED video display.
This guide will help architects and engineers understand the differences—both functionally and financially—so you can make informed recommendations for your clients.
Fixed-digit scoreboards utilize static LED digits to display basic information, such as scores, game time, and periods. They’re manufactured as a single unit with no capability for dynamic video, media, or branding. Once installed, what you see is what you get—forever.
Here's the Pros:
Simple to specify
Low upfront cost
Familiar Look
Here's the Cons:
Zero flexibility (can't update graphics or layouts)
No school branding or media options
No compatibility with fan engagement or sponsorship tools
Limited or no integration with video cameras or streaming
An LED video display (often simply referred to as a video board) resembles a scoreboard but allows you to use the display for more than the score. With the right software—like ScoreVision—these displays can show:
Real-time scoring
Media replays and highlight videos
School branding and mascots
Sponsorship ads
Live camera feeds
Pre-configured layouts for each sport
LED video displays are compatible with a wide range of software, allowing schools to choose the solution that best fits their unique needs.
Here’s the critical part:
ScoreVision does not sell LED displays. We provide the software that transforms them into full-featured digital scoreboards.
With ScoreVision’s software, your client can start small with basic scoring and expand later into video production or advertising, without having to change the hardware.
ScoreVision software includes:
App-based basic or advanced scoring for multiple sports
Media production tools for switching layouts, showing replays, and presenting content
Ad management and reporting for displaying dynamic sponsorship ads
Cloud-based management for scheduling games, uploading media, and organizing advertisements across all seasons and teams.
This flexibility allows architects to design a scoreboard solution that evolves with the school’s needs—and budget.
|
Feature |
Fixed-Digit |
LED + ScoreVision |
|
Displays Score |
✔️ One layout regardless of sport |
✔️ Advanced layouts tailored for multiple sports |
|
School branding |
✔️ Colors |
✔️ Logos, colors, mascots, motion graphics |
|
Sponsorship ads |
❌ |
✔️ Dynamic ad sequences |
|
Video integration |
❌ |
✔️ Live camera feeds, replays |
|
Layout flexibility |
❌ |
✔️ Custom per sport or event |
|
Software upgrades |
❌ |
✔️ Modular and scalable |
|
Community engagement |
❌ |
✔️ Apps for fans, live sharing |
To include an LED scoreboard in your design:
Specify the display hardware (LED or TV). ScoreVision is compatible with any display that accepts HDMI or SDI input.
Specify ScoreVision software using our Architectural Specification Template.
Define the number of outputs and inputs based on your planned layout and desired features. This determines the necessary hardware (Mac or TV OS device, capture cards, etc.)
Coordinate networking and installation with the electrical and IT trades.
Use our ScoreVision Questionnaire to identify early display preferences and audio-visual goals with your client.
Architects play a critical role in helping schools future-proof their investments. While fixed-digit boards may offer lower costs today, they come with long-term limitations.
An LED scoreboard powered by ScoreVision software unlocks an entire ecosystem—scoring, branding, community engagement, and media —in a way that’s personalized, scalable, and future-proof.
Need help making a recommendation or determining your client's scoreboard needs? Contact our Regional Directors by visiting scorevision.com/scoreboard-specifications/ and request a demo.
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