Question 1

What is ScoreBird?

Accepted Answer

ScoreBird is an automated live scoring platform designed for high school and collegiate athletics. The NeST device plugs into your existing scoreboard controller and instantly distributes live score data to broadcasts, websites, social media, and scheduling platforms — no manual entry required.

Question 2

What is NeST?

Accepted Answer

NeST stands for Network Scoring Transmitter. It is a small hardware device that connects directly to your scoreboard controller and reads live game data in real time. NeST sends that data to the ScoreBird cloud, which then routes it to every destination you have configured.

Question 3

How does ScoreBird work?

Accepted Answer

The workflow is straightforward: plug NeST into your scoreboard controller, configure your destinations in the ScoreBird dashboard, and start your game. From that point forward, every score change and clock update is automatically captured and distributed to your broadcast overlays, school website, social feeds, and scheduling tools simultaneously.

Question 4

How long does setup take?

Accepted Answer

Most installations are complete in under 30 minutes. NeST ships pre-configured for your scoreboard model, so setup typically involves connecting a few cables and verifying the data feed in the dashboard. No IT expertise is required.

Question 5

Do I need to replace my scoreboard?

Accepted Answer

No. NeST works with your existing scoreboard hardware. It reads data from the scoreboard controller you already have — Daktronics, Nevco, Fair-Play, Electro-Mech, and others — without any modifications to the scoreboard itself.

Question 6

What scoreboards does NeST work with?

Accepted Answer

NeST is compatible with all major scoreboard brands, including Daktronics, Nevco, Fair-Play, Electro-Mech, Sportable, OES, Spectrum, and All American Scoreboards. Use the compatibility checker at scorebird.com/tools/compatibility-checker to verify your specific manufacturer and model.

Question 7

What sports does ScoreBird support?

Accepted Answer

ScoreBird supports all 16 sports commonly scored on electronic scoreboards, including football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball, hockey, and more. Visit scorebird.com/sports for the full list of supported sports and sport-specific data fields.

Question 8

What streaming software works with ScoreBird?

Accepted Answer

ScoreBird overlay graphics are compatible with OBS, vMix, Boxcast, Hudl, NFHS Network, and most other production software that accepts browser-source overlays. See the full list of supported broadcast tools at scorebird.com/integrations/broadcast-software.

Question 9

Does ScoreBird work with my school website?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ScoreBird provides embeddable scoreboard widgets that work on any website platform — including common school platforms like Final Site, DragonFly, and custom WordPress sites. The widgets update automatically with live data. Learn more at scorebird.com/features/virtual-scoreboards.

Question 10

How much does ScoreBird cost?

Accepted Answer

ScoreBird subscriptions range from $500 to $1,200 per year depending on the tier. Pricing is all-inclusive — hardware, software, cloud service, and support are bundled together with no hidden fees. View full tier details at scorebird.com/pricing.

Question 11

What is the difference between Facility, Campus, and Travel NeST?

Accepted Answer

Facility NeST is designed for a single fixed scoreboard at one venue. Campus NeST covers multiple scoreboards across a school campus. Travel NeST is a portable unit for away games and tournaments where you bring your own scoring setup. Each tier includes the same cloud features; the difference is scope and portability.

Question 12

Can I pay with a purchase order?

Accepted Answer

Yes. During checkout you can select the invoice/purchase order payment method. ScoreBird will issue a formal invoice that your school's purchasing department can process. Start the purchase process at scorebird.com/purchase.

Question 13

Are bulk discounts available for districts?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Districts purchasing NeST units for multiple schools qualify for volume pricing. Contact the ScoreBird team at scorebird.com/contact to discuss district-wide pricing and multi-school agreements.

Question 14

Is there a contract or cancellation fee?

Accepted Answer

No. ScoreBird subscriptions are annual with no long-term commitment required. You can cancel at any time without penalty. Your service continues until the end of the paid subscription period.

Question 15

What data does NeST capture from the scoreboard?

Accepted Answer

NeST captures all data your scoreboard controller outputs, including score, game clock, period or quarter, team names, and sport-specific fields such as downs and distance in football, fouls in basketball, count in baseball, and set scores in volleyball.

Question 16

What happens if the internet goes down during a game?

Accepted Answer

NeST buffers game data locally during any internet outage and automatically syncs when connectivity is restored. Your scoreboard continues to operate normally; ScoreBird simply resumes data delivery once the connection returns.

Question 17

Can ScoreBird send scores to multiple places at once?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A single NeST unit simultaneously feeds live data to broadcast overlays, your school website widget, social media, and athletic scheduling platforms. There is no limit on the number of destinations, and all updates happen in real time.

Question 18

Does ScoreBird report final scores automatically?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ScoreBird automatically submits final scores to Rank One Sport and DragonFly at the end of each game, eliminating the need for a coach or administrator to log in and enter results manually. See scorebird.com/integrations/scheduling-tools for the full list of supported platforms.

Question 19

How is ScoreBird different from Sportzcast?

Accepted Answer

ScoreBird is built specifically for high school athletics departments, whereas Sportzcast is primarily designed for professional broadcast production companies. ScoreBird includes live website widgets, broadcast overlays, and social distribution in a single subscription with transparent, flat-rate pricing. Read a full comparison at scorebird.com/compare/sportzcast.

Question 20

Why not just enter scores manually?

Accepted Answer

Manual score entry requires a staff member to monitor every game, type results in real time, and update multiple platforms separately. That typically costs schools several hours of staff time per event, introduces human error, and creates delays. ScoreBird automates the entire process. See the detailed cost comparison at scorebird.com/compare/manual-scoring.

Question 21

Is ScoreBird worth the cost for my school?

Accepted Answer

For most schools, yes. The ScoreBird ROI calculator shows that schools typically recoup the subscription cost and save an additional $2,000 or more per year in eliminated staff time alone, before accounting for increased stream viewership and fan engagement. Calculate your school's savings at scorebird.com/tools/roi-calculator.

Question 22

How do I cancel my subscription?

Accepted Answer

You can cancel at any time with no penalty. Log in to the ScoreBird dashboard, go to Account → Subscription, and select Cancel. Your service continues until the end of your current paid period. To cancel by phone or email, contact support@scorebird.com or call 844-GOT-BIRD (844-468-2473).

Question 23

Can I get a refund?

Accepted Answer

ScoreBird subscriptions are non-refundable once the subscription period has started. If your NeST hardware has not yet shipped, contact support immediately and we can cancel the order. For billing disputes or extenuating circumstances, email support@scorebird.com.

Question 24

How do I update my payment method?

Accepted Answer

Log in to the ScoreBird Portal at scorebird.com/account. Under Billing, select Update Payment Method and enter your new card details. Changes take effect on your next billing date.

Question 25

Where can I download my invoices?

Accepted Answer

Invoices are available in the ScoreBird Portal under Billing → Invoice History. You can download PDF copies of all past invoices. If you need invoices sent to a specific email address for your school's accounting department, contact support@scorebird.com.

Question 26

Can I pay with a purchase order?

Accepted Answer

Yes. During checkout, select Invoice / Purchase Order as your payment method. ScoreBird will issue a formal invoice that your school's purchasing department can process. Net-30 payment terms are available for qualifying schools and districts.

Question 27

How do I add or remove users from my account?

Accepted Answer

Account users are managed in the ScoreBird dashboard under Account → Users. You can invite additional staff by email or remove existing users. Contact support if you need help transferring account ownership.

Question 28

What happens to my data if I cancel?

Accepted Answer

Your game history and configuration data are retained for 90 days after cancellation. If you reactivate within that window, your data will be restored. After 90 days, data may be permanently deleted. Contact support if you need a data export before cancelling.

Question 29

What is the overlay URL and where do I find it?

Accepted Answer

Your overlay URL is available in the ScoreBird dashboard under Overlays. It looks like https://overlay.scorebird.com/v/<your-id>. This URL updates in real time as your scoreboard changes — add it as a browser source in OBS, vMix, or any other software that supports browser inputs.

Question 30

Does the overlay work with OBS Studio?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Add a Browser Source in OBS, paste your overlay URL, and set the width and height to match your stream resolution (typically 1920×1080). Enable Shutdown source when not visible and Refresh browser when scene becomes active for best performance. See the full OBS setup guide.

Question 31

Can I customize the overlay colors and layout?

Accepted Answer

Basic customization (colors, font size, position) is available in the ScoreBird dashboard under Overlay Settings. Advanced CSS customization is supported — contact support for documentation on the overlay's CSS class structure.

Question 32

Do I need ScoreBird running on a separate computer?

Accepted Answer

No. The NeST device handles all scoreboard communication and data transmission independently. Your broadcast computer only needs to display the overlay URL in your streaming software — no ScoreBird software needs to run alongside OBS or vMix.

Question 33

The overlay shows stale or no data during my stream. What's wrong?

Accepted Answer

The most common cause is a browser source cache. In OBS, right-click the browser source and select Interact, then press F5 to force a reload. In vMix, close and re-add the web browser input. If the problem persists, check the NeST status LED — it should be solid green during an active game.

Question 34

What hardware do I need to use ScoreBird?

Accepted Answer

ScoreBird requires a NeST device (Network Scoreboard Transmitter) connected to your existing scoreboard controller via RS-232 or USB. The NeST connects to your venue's network via Ethernet. No additional hardware is required for virtual scoreboards or broadcast overlays.

Question 35

How long does setup take?

Accepted Answer

Most installations take under 30 minutes. The NeST device ships pre-configured — you just connect it to your scoreboard controller and network, then follow the setup guide to complete activation.

Question 36

Do I need a technician to install the NeST?

Accepted Answer

No. The NeST is designed for self-installation. If you can connect a cable and follow a checklist, you can install it. Our setup guide walks through every step, and our support team is available by phone if you get stuck.

Question 37

What sports does ScoreBird support?

Accepted Answer

ScoreBird supports any sport with a compatible scoreboard controller. Commonly supported sports include basketball, football, volleyball, baseball, softball, soccer, hockey, and wrestling. Contact support if you need help confirming compatibility with your specific scoreboard.

Question 38

Is there a free trial?

Accepted Answer

Contact our sales team at support@scorebird.com or call 844-GOT-BIRD (844-468-2473) to discuss a pilot program for your facility.

Question 39

What platforms does ScoreBird integrate with?

Accepted Answer

ScoreBird integrates with broadcast software (OBS, vMix, Boxcast, Hudl, TriCaster, Streamlabs), scheduling platforms (Rank One Sport, DragonFly), physical scoreboard brands (Daktronics, Nevco, Fair-Play, Electro-Mech, OES, Sportable), and web embed destinations. See the full list at the integrations directory.

Question 40

Does ScoreBird automatically submit final scores to Rank One Sport or DragonFly?

Accepted Answer

Yes. When a game ends, ScoreBird automatically pushes the final score to connected scheduling platforms. You need to authorize the integration once in the ScoreBird dashboard under Integrations → Scheduling. After that, final scores post without any manual action.

Question 41

My scoreboard brand isn't listed. Can ScoreBird still work with it?

Accepted Answer

Possibly. If your scoreboard controller outputs data via RS-232 serial, there is a good chance ScoreBird can support it. Contact support@scorebird.com with your scoreboard manufacturer and model number and we'll check compatibility or add it to our development roadmap.

Question 42

Can ScoreBird post scores directly to Twitter or Facebook?

Accepted Answer

Social media posting is on the ScoreBird roadmap. Currently, scores are distributed to broadcast overlays, website embeds, and scheduling platforms. For social posting, scores are available via the ScoreBird API, which can be connected to social automation tools like Zapier.

Question 43

Does ScoreBird have an API?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The ScoreBird API provides real-time score data that can be used to build custom integrations. Contact support@scorebird.com to request API documentation and access credentials.

Question 44

How do I set up the Daktronics integration?

Accepted Answer

The Daktronics integration uses the All Sport 5000 controller's serial output. Connect the NeST to the serial port on the back of the All Sport console using the adapter included with your NeST. The NeST auto-detects the Daktronics protocol for most sports. See the NeST hardware setup guide for wiring details.

Question 45

Why isn't my NeST device connecting to the network?

Accepted Answer

First, confirm the Ethernet cable is securely seated on both the NeST and your switch or router. Check that the port you're using is active. The NeST uses DHCP by default — if your network requires a static IP, see the NeST setup guide for instructions. The status LED on the NeST will be solid green when connected.

Question 46

How do I reset my NeST to factory defaults?

Accepted Answer

Hold the reset button (small pinhole on the back of the unit) for 10 seconds using a paperclip or similar tool. The status LED will flash, then the device will reboot with factory settings. You will need to re-run the activation process after a factory reset.

Question 47

My scoreboard data isn't updating. What should I check?

Accepted Answer

Check the following in order: (1) confirm the serial cable between the NeST and scoreboard controller is connected; (2) verify the correct sport and protocol are selected in the ScoreBird admin panel; (3) start a game on the scoreboard controller to trigger data output. If scores still don't update, see the NeST User Manual for protocol troubleshooting steps.

Question 48

Can I use the NeST on Wi-Fi instead of Ethernet?

Accepted Answer

The NeST is designed for wired Ethernet connections for reliability. Wi-Fi is not officially supported. For venues where running Ethernet is difficult, a powerline adapter or a dedicated Wi-Fi bridge configured as a client can be used as a workaround, but this is not covered under warranty support.

Question 49

What is ScoreBuddy Pro?

Accepted Answer

ScoreBuddy Pro is ScoreBird's mobile app for schools or venues that don't have an electronic scoreboard controller. Instead of reading data from a physical scoreboard, a scorekeeper manually enters scores on their phone or tablet during the game. ScoreBird then distributes those scores to overlays, websites, and social media in real time — the same as with a NeST device.

Question 50

What devices does ScoreBuddy Pro run on?

Accepted Answer

ScoreBuddy Pro is available for iPhone and iPad (iOS 15+) and Android phones and tablets (Android 10+). A tablet is recommended for sideline use — the larger screen makes score entry easier during fast-paced games.

Question 51

Do I need a NeST device to use ScoreBuddy Pro?

Accepted Answer

No. ScoreBuddy Pro works independently of the NeST hardware. It's designed for schools with scoreboards that aren't compatible with NeST, or for sports played at off-site venues without a fixed scoreboard.

Question 52

Can multiple people score the same game?

Accepted Answer

No — only one active scorer per game is supported to prevent conflicting score entries. If you need to hand off scoring mid-game, the first scorer must exit the active game screen before the second scorer opens it.

Question 53

What sports does ScoreBuddy Pro support?

Accepted Answer

ScoreBuddy Pro supports all sports available in the ScoreBird platform, including basketball, football, volleyball, baseball, softball, soccer, hockey, and wrestling. The scoring interface adapts automatically based on the sport selected for the game.

Question 54

The app lost my in-progress game. What happened?

Accepted Answer

ScoreBuddy Pro syncs to the cloud continuously, so in-progress data should be recoverable. Force-close and reopen the app, then look for your game under Recent Games. If the game isn't visible, contact support@scorebird.com with your school name and the game date — we can check the server logs.

Question 55

How accurate is the clock in ScoreBuddy Pro?

Accepted Answer

The in-app game clock is manually controlled by the scorekeeper — it is not automatically synced to a physical clock. For sports where clock accuracy matters (basketball, football), the scorekeeper should start and stop the clock in sync with the game. For sports without a prominent clock (baseball, volleyball), this is not a concern.

Question 56

The NeST status LED is flashing red. What does that mean?

Accepted Answer

A flashing red LED means the NeST cannot reach the network. Check that the Ethernet cable is firmly connected at both ends. Try a different port on your switch or router. If the LED stays red after reseating the cable, try a different cable. If the problem persists, the NeST may need to be factory reset — hold the reset button for 10 seconds with a paperclip.

Question 57

Scores stopped updating mid-game. What do I do?

Accepted Answer

First check the NeST status LED — it should be solid green during an active game. If it's amber, the device lost its cloud connection; scores will resume automatically once connectivity is restored. If the LED is green but scores aren't updating, verify the scoreboard controller is actively running the game (not in standby) and that the serial cable between the NeST and controller is intact.

Question 58

My overlay shows "No Signal" or a blank scoreboard.

Accepted Answer

This usually means ScoreBird hasn't received data from the NeST recently. Confirm the NeST is powered and the LED is solid green. In your streaming software, right-click the browser source and choose Refresh or Interact → F5. If the overlay still shows no signal after the NeST reconnects, try toggling the overlay off and back on in the ScoreBird dashboard.

Question 59

The wrong sport is showing on my overlay.

Accepted Answer

The active sport is determined by the scoreboard controller — ScoreBird reads whatever protocol the controller outputs. Check that the correct sport is selected on the scoreboard controller itself. If the sport is correct on the controller but wrong in ScoreBird, contact support at support@scorebird.com — your NeST configuration may need to be updated.

Question 60

Scores are reversed — the home and away teams are swapped.

Accepted Answer

Team assignment is set in the ScoreBird dashboard under Settings → Teams. You can swap home and away there without changing anything on the scoreboard. If team names are correct in the dashboard but reversed on the overlay, try refreshing the browser source.

Question 61

I can't log in to my ScoreBird account.

Accepted Answer

Use the email address you provided when your account was created. If you've forgotten your password, use the "Forgot password" link on the login page. If you don't receive a reset email within a few minutes, check your spam folder. If you still can't access your account, contact support@scorebird.com with your school name and we'll help you recover access.

Question 62

What is a virtual scoreboard?

Accepted Answer

A virtual scoreboard is a live-updating web widget that mirrors your physical scoreboard in a browser. You can embed it on your school's website, athletic portal, or streaming page so fans at home see real-time scores without any manual updates.

Question 63

How do I embed a virtual scoreboard on my website?

Accepted Answer

Copy the embed code from the ScoreBird dashboard under Virtual Scoreboards, then paste it into your website's HTML where you want the scoreboard to appear. The embed is an <iframe> — most website builders (WordPress, Squarespace, Wix) have an HTML embed block where you can paste it. See the Virtual Scoreboard Embed guide for full instructions.

Question 64

Will the scoreboard update automatically during a game?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The virtual scoreboard polls ScoreBird's servers for updates every few seconds. No page refresh is required — the score, period, and clock update live as the game progresses.

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