• The electronic basketball scoreboard has undergone a radical transformation into a multimedia device thanks in part to technological advancements in basketball scoreboard software, hand-held devices, and wireless communications

The emergence of wireless technology has revolutionized electronic basketball scoreboards by blending incredible visual capabilities with controls that work by simply touching a screen. The days of hardwired scoreboards are as outdated as the set shot.

Today, the wireless electronic scoreboard can feature LED display screens capable of displaying videos or advertisements during breaks in the play. No matter what type of fan, the scoreboard always gets their undivided attention during these lulls in the action. Anyone who’s been to NBA game can appreciate the fine visual displays these scoreboards produce. Depending on the play of your team; the scoreboard highlights could end up providing the best entertainment of the night. The Verizon Center, home of the Washington Wizards, boasts the first high definition scoreboard which was in installed in 2006.

Most people would think that this type of technology would be reserved for large arenas for colleges or pro teams. But the reality is that these electronic scoreboards are found in just about every gym, from the small town high school to the largest NBA arena. The use of these scorebords has even made its way into use in local recreation and youth leagues. Their ease of use and long term benefits has led to their use by a wide range of organizations. Even outdoor recreational leagues can join in on the action with portable wireless scoreboards that are specifically designed for outdoor use.

PDA devices and hand-held LCD screens are the most common choices when it comes to programming and operating these scoreboards. The software packages associated with the controller actually reproduces the scoreboard on the PDA screen, making it extremely user-friendly. Larger units with display screens come with software packages that allow the user to program specific advertisement or highlight sequences. Most manufacturers allow the integration of the shot-clock with the scoreboard software, allowing the timekeeper total control over both game clocks.

Some models allow information, such as player minutes, to be downloaded to a laptop computer for the coach to review after the game. The increase in the use of these types of scoreboads has led to the substantial developments in basketball scoreboard software. Now electronic scoreboards can function as a tool for the coach to assist in the post-game analysis by allowing them to review player minutes and substitution patterns.

The game of basketball has been around for over 100 years and the sport itself remains virtually the same. However, the equipment around the game, whether it’s the sneakers, basketballs, or timekeeping equipment has changed dramatically. Technology has allowed the basketball scoreboard to become more than just a device to track the game score and time, but it can also function as a high-definition, multi-media tool that can get the crowd into the game like never before.