How Daktronics Live Switch Transformed Perry High School’s Video Production

Perry High School’s press box equipment was aging, so media and video production teacher Keith Brown began searching for a solution that would modernize their workflow and enhance the school’s live stream and in-stadium video board experiences.

Brown turned to Daktronics, which introduced him to Daktronics Live Switch, a video production switcher designed for seamless integration with Show Control and optimized for high school sports and live events.

Our equipment was 10 years old, and I wanted a separate live stream from what was going on the video board in the football stadium. With Live Switch, I can send two different outputs – one to the scoreboard and one to the live stream. That caught my attention right away. 

Streamlined Workflow & Standout Features

Brown immediately noticed a dramatic improvement in his workflow:

• Unified content management: “Previously, I had to create content for both the TriCaster and the video scoreboard. Now, everything’s together. I do it once, and it’s available for both the live stream and the scoreboard.
• Custom score bugs: “I always wanted a really nice score bug for my live stream, and now I can create exactly what I want. The creativity options are amazing.” 
• Multiple camera inputs and instant replay: “The camera inputs are excellent, and replays are built in. The transition was easy, with a minimal learning curve.” 
• Programmable controls: “The stream deck buttons are intuitive, and students pick up on the technology quickly.”

Enhanced Fan Engagement 

Before implementing Live Switch, managing both the video board and the live stream was a juggling act – switching between cameras, updating graphics, and keeping the stream running, often leading to missed opportunities for fan interaction on the board.

Live Switch changed that dynamic by allowing separate signals to be sent to the scoreboard and the live stream. This flexibility meant tasks could finally be divided. "Now I can have someone focused on in-game content for the video board, while I direct the live stream,” says Brown.  

Our fan engagement at the games increased because we could do more with the video board thanks to Live Switch.

With this setup, the production team can showcase instant replays, highlight sponsors, and create interactive moments for fans, all while maintaining a professional live stream for those watching remotely. The result is more immersive experience for the entire Perry High community.

Seamless Integration & Future-proofing

Keith praised the system’s reliability and future growth because the separate signals work so well together, with no delays or glitches.

The automatic updates are a positive upgrade as well. “We can get updates sent directly to Live Switch, so it keeps improving without needing new hardware.” 

If a school has the opportunity to upgrade, do it. Everything is crisper, smoother, more intuitive. It works like you think it should, and the scoreboard looks great. People are happy, and you can feel good about the investment.

Supporting Storytelling & Student Involvement: DakClassroom and FrameWrx

Students are also getting hands-on experience, creating hype videos and graphics that play on the big boards, giving them real-world skills and pride in their work.

They use their technology to support storytelling across the school community, sharing positive moments and student achievements on social media and in the stadium:

Daktronics gives us the tools and platforms to tell our story. It’s like an ecosystem, with DakClassroom, FrameWrx, and all the equipment – everything connects, and the boards look great. The content is awesome, and it all helps us share what’s happening at Perry.

DakClassroom, a CTE-based curriculum, was introduced at Perry High School this year, and Brown notes its positive reception among students: “I have two classes, about 25 students... they are engaged and enjoying it. We get to use it about once a week, and the students are getting into the flow of it.”

FrameWrx, meanwhile, streamlines the process of creating professional-looking content and helps students collaborate efficiently.

“We did all of our head shots for all of our boys’ varsity basketball team,” says Brown. “I gave every kid a picture. We already had the template, so we worked through it together, uploaded the picture, made sure all the spellings were correct and then exported... in half an hour we cranked out 15 headshots, and they're done. And that was the cool thing about it. We did it all together.”

Considering an upgrade for your school’s video production switcher or control system?

Daktronics Live Switch offers professional-level features, seamless Show Control integration, and a workflow designed for educators and students alike. Contact Daktronics to learn more about how Live Switch can transform your live event production.