Video Displays vs. Traditional Scoreboards
Whether you’re opening a brand-new school or replacing an outdated scoreboard, you need a budget-friendly option that engages audience members and functions exactly as expected. One of the most important decisions is whether to get a traditional scoreboard or a video display. Before you buy, learn more about the advantages and challenges associated with each type.
What Are Video Displays and Traditional Scoreboards?
Traditional scoreboards are a reliable standard for school events. They typically use tiny LED lights to display team names and scores. In contrast, video displays are a modernized version of the classic scoreboard. Video displays have cutting-edge features, allowing you to play game footage, zoom in on certain sections of the marching band, or show off the full-color logos of each game’s sponsors.
What to Know About Video Displays
Video displays come with dynamic capabilities, but they’re also more expensive than traditional scoreboards. These are some of the most common advantages and challenges of using them.
Advantages of Video Displays
- Display multiple colors and graphics, making them highly versatile for different sports and events.
- Can be used for all athletic events, concerts, and performances.
- Help attract sponsorships by enabling video advertisements.
- Enhance audience engagement with game highlights and dynamic content.
Challenges of Video Displays
- Higher cost to purchase and maintain.
- Require training or software for operation and content creation.
- Need specialized maintenance and careful cleaning.
What to Know About Traditional Scoreboards
Traditional scoreboards cost less to purchase and maintain, but they aren’t nearly as versatile as video displays. These are some of the major advantages and challenges of installing and maintaining traditional scoreboards.
Advantages of Traditional Scoreboards
- Cost-effective for schools with tight budgets.
- Easy to operate—no special skills or software needed.
- Durable and easy to clean with simple tools.
Challenges of Traditional Scoreboards
- Offer minimal audience engagement—no replays or dynamic content.
- Static design makes them sport-specific and less flexible.
- Cannot display sponsor ads or live crowd shots.
How to Choose the Right Scoreboard for Your School
At most schools, choosing a scoreboard is a group decision. You may have to collaborate with administrators, board members, students, faculty, local business owners, and members of the parent-teacher association. Remember to consider long-term maintenance costs, not just the initial cost of purchasing and installing a scoreboard.
Budget is one of the most important considerations, as many schools rely on a combination of government funding, grants, and private donations to purchase additional equipment. You also need to think about how you plan to use your scoreboard. If you plan to use it for a single sport, it may make sense to purchase a traditional scoreboard to conserve funds. Otherwise, you may want to purchase a video display to take advantage of the opportunity to form partnerships with local business owners.
If you secure grant funds, make sure you understand the terms of each grant. Your school may have to submit quarterly or annual documentation, use the grant to cover specific budget items, or meet other requirements set by the grantmaker. It’s also important to ensure you can meet your obligations to business partners. If you can’t guarantee you’ll be able to display their advertisements as promised, it may be better to purchase a traditional scoreboard instead.
Making the Right Choice for Your School
The best scoreboard for your school depends on several factors, such as your priorities, resources, and long-term goals. Varsity Scoreboards is a trusted partner for traditional scoreboards and video displays, so we can help you find just the right scoreboard for your needs.
