> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://captivatehelp.newbluelive.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://captivatehelp.newbluelive.com/reference-knowledge/connect-to-scoreboards-and-data.md). # Connecting Captivate to scoreboards and data sources Captivate shows live scores, clocks, and stats by reading a data source and binding it to your graphics with a **Data Controller**. The live data almost always starts at the venue scoreboard controller and reaches Captivate through one of the paths below. ## How scoreboard data reaches Captivate **A capture device on the scoreboard controller** — a small box (such as a Sportzcast Scorebot or a ScoreBird NeST) clips onto the existing scoreboard controller, reads its live output, and relays the score, clock, and period to Captivate over the network. No scoreboard replacement needed. See [Connect Sportzcast data to a graphic](/play-and-update-graphics/chapter-index-3/connect-sportzcast.md) and [Connect Scorebird data to a graphic](/play-and-update-graphics/chapter-index-3/connect-scorebird.md). **A direct serial connection** — Captivate reads the scoreboard controller’s data output directly over a serial port. See [Connect a hardware scoreboard via serial port](/play-and-update-graphics/chapter-index-3/connect-a-hardware-scoreboard.md). **Stat software** — statistics packages such as StatCrew provide a running stat feed. See [Connect Stat Crew statistical data to a graphic](/play-and-update-graphics/chapter-index-3/connect-statcrew.md). **A spreadsheet or file you manage** — rosters, standings, and prepared values load through Tables. See [Drive a graphic with Tables: Row](/play-and-update-graphics/chapter-index-1/drive-a-graphic-with-tables-row.md). Once the data is connected, bind it to text, colors, or a conductor-driven graphic. See [Create variables in graphics](/design-and-customize-graphics/chapter-index-4/create-variables-in-graphics.md). ## Scoreboard makers and how to capture them Most major scoreboard brands are captured by a relay device (Sportzcast or ScoreBird) or read over serial, then consumed by a Captivate Data Controller. Match your make to a capture path. | Scoreboard make or feed | How Captivate gets its data | | ---------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Daktronics | Capture with Sportzcast or ScoreBird, or read the controller’s real-time data (RTD) output over serial. See [Connect a hardware scoreboard via serial port](/play-and-update-graphics/chapter-index-3/connect-a-hardware-scoreboard.md). | | Nevco | Capture with Sportzcast or ScoreBird. (Nevco has no serial data output.) | | OES (Optical Electronic Solutions) | Capture with Sportzcast or ScoreBird, or read over serial. | | Fair-Play | Capture with Sportzcast or ScoreBird, or read over serial. | | Varsity / Sportable | Capture with ScoreBird, or read over serial. | | Spectrum | Capture with ScoreBird. | | StatCrew (stat software) | Read the StatCrew feed directly. See [Connect Stat Crew statistical data to a graphic](/play-and-update-graphics/chapter-index-3/connect-statcrew.md). | | DataLink feed | Read the DataLink feed directly. See [Connect DataLink feed data to a graphic](/play-and-update-graphics/chapter-index-3/connect-datalink.md). | | No scoreboard / manual scoring | Run the score yourself with the Scoreboard Tool, or from a phone or tablet. See [Connect Scoreboard Tool data to a graphic](/play-and-update-graphics/chapter-index-3/scoreboard-tool-overview.md). | {% hint style="info" %} Sportzcast and ScoreBird each support a broad, evolving list of scoreboard makes; when in doubt, check whether your make is supported by the capture device, then connect that device’s feed to Captivate. {% endhint %} ## Building the graphics the data drives * **Scores and clocks** — bind data to text and clock graphics. * **Standings and results** — use the Leaderboard Conductor (if your license includes it). See [Leaderboard Conductor](/design-and-customize-graphics/chapter-index-5/leaderboard-conductor.md). * **Rosters and player cards** — drive them from Tables. See [Drive a graphic with Tables: Row](/play-and-update-graphics/chapter-index-1/drive-a-graphic-with-tables-row.md). ## See also * [Data Controller catalog](/play-and-update-graphics/chapter-index-3.md) — every supported live source. * [Broadcast and live-production glossary](/reference-knowledge/broadcast-glossary.md) — RTD, roster, leaderboard, and other terms. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. 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