Events utilize a variety of Displays to provide important information to the Teams, Volunteers, Event Staff and attendees.
At a minimum, events should have:
- (1) Main Audience Display per Division
- (2) Remote Displays (Teamwork Rankings and Skills Rankings)
- (1) Field Timer per Skills Field
If there are other displays available at the event, it’s recommended to include:
- (1) Field Timer per Teamwork Field
- Additional Remote Displays, as desired.
Refer to the Venue Selection, Facility Planning & Field Layout article for more information.
Display Types
Main Audience Displays
There are two Main Audience Display options:
- Teamwork Main Audience Display
- Skills Main Audience Display
The Teamwork Main Audience Display is the most common type of display at events. It is a large display centrally located near the Teamwork Fields so that it is viewable by the Teams and Audience. These can be large TV or computer monitors, projectors with screens, or other devices with a well-sized display.
The Skills Main Audience Display is less commonly used at events because most Skills Fields have their own individual Field Timers. It does provide a way to display and control Skills Match timers, rankings, and other Main Audience Display types.
Remote Displays
Remote Displays are supplementary displays located around the event venue to provide additional information. These can be TV or computer monitors, projectors with screens, or other devices with a well-sized display.
Field Timers
Field Timers are used next to Teamwork and Skills fields to provide Teams a better view of the match time. They are typically smaller computer monitors (approximately 20”-24”), tablets, or laptop screens.
Connecting and Controlling Displays
- Displays need to be controlled by a device that is connected to the internet and has a web browser.
- These devices can be laptops, Raspberry Pi’s, or mobile devices. Or, some ‘smart’ monitors have built in web browsing capability.
- The devices can be connected to any network, as long as they are connected to the internet.
- HDMI hubs can be used to connect multiple displays with one device.
- More information on how to utilize Raspberry Pi’s, including using remote desktops, can be found in this article.
- An Event Administrator will need to login to RECFevents.org and open the Competition Portal to set up the Display. Or they can set up an event volunteer with the appropriate permissions to access the Competition Portal on the display’s device.
Event Partners should coordinate with the IT department and Event Technology Coordinator to identify suitable equipment to use for Displays at the event.
Examples of Common Display Setups
Laptop + HDMI + Monitor or Projector
Raspberry Pi + HDMI + Monitor or Projector
Mirroring Mobile Device to a Monitor
Other Display Equipment Considerations
- When planning for the event, consider the placement of the displays to ensure they will have access to power and the internet.
- The match sounds are played through the Main Audience Display and/or Field Timers. Ensure that the venue speakers are connected to the appropriate display devices to play sounds.