How to Install and Customize Hockey Scoreboard ProHockey Scoreboard Pro is a powerful, feature-rich scoreboard software designed for arenas, clubs, and broadcasters who need a professional on-ice display. This guide walks you through everything from pre-installation checks to advanced customization, ensuring your scoreboard runs smoothly and looks professional during every game.
Before you begin — system requirements & preparation
- Minimum operating system: Windows 10 (64-bit) or macOS 11.0+.
- Recommended hardware: Quad-core CPU, 8+ GB RAM, SSD, discrete GPU with 2GB+ VRAM.
- Display output: HDMI/DisplayPort for single displays; video wall controllers for multi-panel setups.
- Network: Wired Ethernet for reliable scoreboard connections; Wi‑Fi only if stable.
- Peripherals: External keyboard, mouse, and a backup power source (UPS) for match-critical setups.
Checklist:
- Confirm scoreboard hardware (LED panel controller or HDMI capture device) and compatible drivers.
- Gather license key and installer download link from vendor.
- Backup any existing scoreboard configuration and assets.
Installation steps
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Download and verify:
- Download the latest Hockey Scoreboard Pro installer from the vendor portal.
- Verify checksum if provided to ensure file integrity.
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Run installer:
- Windows: right-click the .exe → Run as administrator.
- macOS: open the .dmg, drag the app to Applications, grant permissions in System Preferences if prompted.
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Install drivers and firmware:
- Install any LED panel controller drivers or USB/HDMI adapter drivers included.
- Update firmware on the scoreboard controller following manufacturer instructions.
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Initial launch and activation:
- Launch Hockey Scoreboard Pro.
- Enter the license key and complete online activation. If offline activation is required, follow vendor-provided steps.
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Connect display hardware:
- For direct PC-to-panel setups, connect HDMI/DisplayPort to the LED controller or panel.
- For networked controllers, configure the controller’s IP address on the same subnet as your PC.
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Test basic output:
- Use the software’s test pattern mode or a demo match to ensure the display shows content and colors look correct.
Configuring core scoreboard settings
Open Settings → General (or similar) and configure:
- Game type: Select “Ice Hockey” to enable sport-specific rules and timers.
- Period length: Set regulation period durations (e.g., 20 minutes standard) and intermission times.
- Shot clock/possession: Enable if used in your league or broadcast.
- Overtime & shootout rules: Configure automatic transitions, golden goal behavior, and shootout rounds.
- Penalty clock behavior: Auto-start on goal, display remaining penalty time, and link penalties to player numbers.
- Score limits: Maximum goals display and overflow behavior.
Save a default configuration profile for quick resets between events.
Connecting and mapping inputs
Hockey Scoreboard Pro supports multiple input types for scoring and control:
- Manual keyboard/mouse input (quick control panel).
- USB/Serial button panels — map physical buttons to actions (goal, period start/stop, timeout).
- Networked remote apps — pair mobile or tablet controller apps using QR codes or IP pairing.
- Automated data feeds — integrate with league management systems via XML/JSON APIs or live timing feeds.
To map a button or key:
- Open Controls → Input Mapping.
- Select the action (e.g., Add Home Goal).
- Press the physical button or key to assign.
- Test mapping in live mode.
Always label physical controllers and create a simple cheat sheet for operators.
Display layouts & screens
Hockey Scoreboard Pro includes editable templates and a layout editor.
Common zones:
- Score (home/away)
- Period/time-of-game
- Penalty list
- Shots on goal
- Timeouts remaining
- Sponsor/advert panel
- Animated replays and video overlays
To create a custom layout:
- Open Layout Editor.
- Choose base resolution matching your LED panel (e.g., 1920×1080 or 3840×2160).
- Drag widgets onto the canvas and resize.
- Assign data sources to widgets (score, clock, penalty data).
- Add layers for sponsor graphics and tickers.
Pro tip: Keep score and time in the most dominant positions. Use sponsor panels for high-contrast static logos; animate minimally to avoid distracting viewers.
Graphics, fonts, and branding
- Import team logos (PNG with transparent background recommended) and set safe zones.
- Use bold, legible fonts for score and time. Suggested sizes depend on resolution — for 1080p, main score around 200–300px; adjust proportionally for larger displays.
- Color contrast: white/bright text on dark backgrounds or black/dark text on light backgrounds for readability.
- Create theme presets: home team theme, away team theme, neutral theme for tournaments.
If video playback is needed, convert clips to H.264 MP4 for best compatibility and set bitrate to match your playback hardware capabilities.
Audio, replays, and video overlays
- Integrate with your PA system via audio output or networked audio streaming.
- Replay workflow:
- Use a capture card or network camera to bring live feed into Hockey Scoreboard Pro.
- Trigger instant replays using the replay module; set loop counts and slow-motion factors (e.g., 0.5x, 0.75x).
- Overlays: Use keying (alpha channel) or chroma key if supported by your capture device to composite graphics over live video.
Latency: Test and minimize input/overlay latency, especially for televised events. Use wired capture and hardware acceleration where possible.
Automation, macros, and event scripting
Automate repetitive tasks with macros or scripts:
- Auto-increment period and reset shot clocks at period end.
- Auto-apply bench penalties for recognized infractions from an integrated data feed.
- Trigger sponsor ads during stoppages via timeline scripting.
Create a macro:
- Open Macros → New Macro.
- Record actions (e.g., Stop Clock → Display Timeout Graphic → Play Audio).
- Assign to a hotkey or button and test in the sandbox.
Troubleshooting common issues
- No output to panel: Check video cable, panel controller power, and driver installation. Confirm display resolution/refresh settings match panel requirements.
- Clock drift: Ensure PC system clock is synced via NTP; enable software timebase correction if available.
- Missing fonts or garbled text: Install required fonts system-wide and restart the app.
- Network pairing failures: Verify IP addresses, firewalls, and matching network subnets.
- Video stuttering: Reduce overlay complexity, lower video bitrate, or enable hardware acceleration.
Keep a playbook with common fixes and contact info for vendor support.
Backup, maintenance, and best practices
- Export configuration and assets after setup; store copies in cloud and offline storage.
- Keep software and firmware up to date but test updates in a staging environment before live events.
- Maintain a match-day checklist: equipment check, cable management, power redundancy, operator assignment.
- Train at least two operators and document step-by-step procedures for scoring, replays, and emergencies.
Example match-day workflow (concise)
- Power on panel/controller and PC; verify network.
- Load event profile and team assets.
- Run a quick test pattern and audio check.
- Pair remote controllers and test button mappings.
- Start pre-game graphics and music.
- Operate scoreboard during match, using macros for common stoppages.
- Post-game: export log, save final match data, and run shutdown checklist.
Hockey Scoreboard Pro can scale from small local rinks to broadcast environments. With careful setup, consistent templates, and operator training, you’ll deliver reliable, polished scoreboard presentations every game.
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