Nov 02.2022

LED Scoreboard 101: Revolution, Features, Benefits, and Usage Tips

The Evolution of scoreboard

Features and benefits of using LED scoreboard

Prices of LED scoreboard

How to use an LED scoreboard

Tips on designing an LED scoreboard





As long as there is competition, human beings have always been inclined to keep track of the score. In the early days, notches were carved on sticks or pieces of bone to signify how many animals had been killed in a hunt. As civilization progressed, so did the scorekeeping methods. Entire walls were used to tally the outcomes of wars, and more sophisticated systems involving pebbles and knots in rope were used to track trade deals.

 

The Evolution of scoreboard

 

The first scoreboards as we know them today were developed in the late 1800s. These early boards were probably nothing more than somebody's tally of the score scrawled on a piece of paper or chalkboard and used to track the progress of horse races and other sporting events. The first football scoreboard was unveiled by Harvard University to display the scores for a match between the University of Pennsylvania and the Crimson in the Ivy League in 1893.

 

Enter the hand-operated scoreboard. These early scoreboards were usually large and bulky and had to be manually updated after each point was scored. They were also notoriously difficult to read from a distance, especially in outdoor conditions.

 

But as sports became more organized and competitive, the need for a more permanent and visible record of the score became apparent. Digital scoreboards eventually replaced their analog predecessors in the early 1900s and offered a more readable display as well as the ability to semi-automatically update the score. However, they required a power source and were often prohibitively expensive for many organizations.

 

For instance, in 1950, New York Yankees unveiled what came to be one of the largest scoreboards in history, consisting of 1120 individual lamps, and weighing 25 tons. This board consumed a whopping 11500 watts of power and had a 4860-button console.

 

LED scoreboards are the latest innovation in scoreboard technology and offer all the benefits of digital scoreboards without a high price tag. LED scoreboards are easy to read, even from a distance, and can be easily operated by anyone. They are also very inexpensive to operate since they only require a power source when they are first turned on.

 

In addition to their low investment cost, LED scoreboards offer a range of revenue-generating features such as sponsorship panels, statistical displays, and multimedia capabilities that can be used to generate additional revenue for your organization through, for example, advertising.

 

Features and benefits of using LED scoreboard

 

Led scoreboards offer many features and benefits that other types of scoreboards simply can't match.

 

LED scoreboards possess the following features:

 

  • - Screen brightness: LEDs offer a very bright light that can be easily seen even in direct sunlight. For indoor use, this can be dimmed to a level that is comfortable for viewers.
  • - Outdoor sustainable: LED scoreboards are usually vinyl or powder-coated steel cabinets that are weather-resistant and can withstand the elements.
  • - Adjustable elapsed time: One of the benefits of a LED scoreboard is that you can change the amount of time that is displayed. This is great for sports that have time in play, such as basketball or football.
  • - Adjustable match time: You can also adjust the time of the match that is displayed on the scoreboard. This is helpful if there is a time limit for the match.
  • - Shooting distance: The shooting distance is the distance from the front of the board to the back. This can be adjusted depending on the size of the court or field. Most LED scoreboards offer a shooting distance of 100m or more.

 

Some of the benefits of LED scoreboards include:

 

  • - Saves time and manpower: Semi-automatic or fully automatic operation means that you don't have to waste time or manpower manually updating the score. Two matches can also be displayed simultaneously, which can be a great time and power saver.
  • - Easy to read: The bright, clear display of an LED scoreboard can be easily seen from a distance, making it ideal for outdoor use, unlike its predecessor- the analog scoreboard.
  • - Allows efficient advertising: through features such as sponsorship panels and multimedia capabilities, LED scoreboards can generate additional revenue for your organization.
  • - Heightened game-time experience: The multimedia capabilities of LED scoreboards can enhance the game-time experience for fans, adding to the overall excitement and atmosphere of the event. Announcements, music, and other audio-visual effects can be played through the scoreboard, making it a true all-in-one entertainment system.
  • - Cost-effective: Depending on the team's financial muscle, LED scoreboards can be customized to suit the buyer's demand and budget.
  • - Appeals better to the fans: By keeping spectators entertained and updated on the match regardless of their proximity to the pitch, an Led scoreboard ensures that everyone has a good time.
  • - Easy to install: Most Led scoreboards on the market today come with easy-to-follow installation instructions. When it comes to setting up your new scoreboard, all you'll need is a few Basic tools and some help from your friends or family.
  • - Led scoreboards are energy efficient: Not only does an Led scoreboard use less energy than its predecessors (analog and digital scoreboards), but it also lasts longer. This is due to the fact that LEDs don't use a filament to produce light, meaning that there are no moving parts that can break or wear down over time.

 

Prices of LED scoreboard

 

Led scoreboards are very affordable, especially when compared to traditional digital scoreboards. However, the final price of your custom-made scoreboard will depend on a couple of factors including:

 

  • * size of the screen
  • * additional (scaffolding)hanging provisions - for outdoor usage
  • * control unit connection - wired or wireless

 

How to use an LED scoreboard

 

Led scoreboards are very easy to use. Simply enter the score into the provided keypad and the scoreboard will do the rest. This way, you can display statistical data for the game as it happens without having to interrupt play.

 

You can also use the keypad to change the time, date, or other settings on the scoreboard.

 

Tips on designing an LED scoreboard

 

When designing your Led scoreboard, there are a few things to keep in mind:

 

  • - Keep it simple: The Led scoreboard should be easy to read and understand at a glance. Avoid using too many colors or fancy fonts that can make the scoreboard difficult to read.
  • - Font size: The font size should be large enough to be seen from a distance. San serif fonts are usually best for scoreboards, while italicized or cursive fonts should be avoided. Also, remember to focus the important text on the center and maintain the text height of at least 3 inches.
  • - White background is a no: Led scoreboards usually have a black or dark background to make the text more visible. However, avoid using a white background as it can cause glare and make the scoreboard difficult to read especially in the outdoor sun.
  • - Use contrasting colors: Use contrasting colors for the text and background to make the scoreboard more visible. For example green and white, black and yellow/white, or even blue and yellow/white.
  • - Use simple but high-quality images: Use simple images that are easy to recognize. The last thing you want is for your Led scoreboard to look like a child's coloring book.
  • - Test everything before the big day: Make sure to test your Led scoreboard before the big game or event. This way, you can be sure that everything is working correctly and avoid any embarrassing mistakes.