Daktronics Unveils Live Switch Control Solution for Live Event Productions

Daktronics has developed Live Switch, an all-in-one video production system with SDI and NDI input and outputs available to the live event production marketplace. The system provides the ability to create high-end video productions easier while enhancing the fan experience at the same time. It is expect to be available in Spring 2020.

The Live Switch has applications in producing engaging video content targeting in-venue LED video boards and streaming audiences with the ability to produce content for both targets simultaneously from a single system.

Highlights of the Live Switch feature set include switching live input video, playback of video packages through internal clip players with instant replay, overlays of live titles, graphics and animations through multiple internal keyers, automatic audio management for multiple sources, isolated camera recording, and streaming/encoding program output directly to major social networks or any CDN.

“We’ve designed this product specifically for live event producers to make things easier in their control room,” said Ron Linares, manager of the AJT Systems division of Daktronics. “Producers can run more simplistic or execute very complex functions with the push of a button during a live production. It makes for a much smoother, high-quality event production.

“We are also delivering great value with a complete solution coming from Daktronics. In many smaller to mid-sized venues, now we can provide an end-to-end system with LED video boards, timing and scoring systems, live graphics, in-game statistics, and camera switching and replay. This is all seamlessly integrated and delivered by Daktronics and backed by our industry-leading on-site and remote support services. Close integration with Daktronics solutions like Show Control will enable reduced operator workload and significantly enhance production quality on events of every size.”

The recurring theme of this product is making things easier in the control room. The workspace is customizable to fit the preferences of a single operator or multiple team members. This makes for an easier workflow and more professional show. More sophisticated video segments with overlays, logos and graphics can be swiftly created and shown, all from one control solution.

The system supports several methods for control interaction including standard mouse and keyboard, touch screen, and a professional-level, compact physical control surface with OLED key labels allowing users to use and learn the system at their skill level with the opportunity to grow.

“We are really excited about our split production feature,” added Linares. “As we are the world leading LED video board manufacturer with our own in-house control solutions, we are heavily focused on event productions within the venue using our LED displays. At that same time, we also support many productions for outside of the venue, either targeting streaming productions delivered via OTT or other video destinations.

“With our split production capability, we can drive an in-venue display, such as a main video board, while simultaneously driving a streaming production with separate branding and graphics, leveraging key camera cuts, all with a single operator. I think this will be a game changer for our clients and I’m looking forward to seeing how creatively this feature can be used in event productions.”

This solution can be run off a remote client, allowing for control from the main control room or from off-premise if needed. This also means Daktronics can provide remote support and training for these customers.

This Live Switch offering includes four SDI and two NDI inputs, two clip players, 10 audio inputs, three M/Es, two SDI outputs, and three analog audio outputs. The system supports video input and output resolutions up to 1080p. NDI is a trademark of NewTek.