What live feed support covers on site
Live feed support is the part of the job where a camera feed, media player, encoder or other source is matched to the outdoor LED screen trailer or LED box without guesswork. We check the signal path, frame rate, resolution and audio handoff where required, then line it up with the screen processor so the picture stays clean enough for the crowd, even in bright daylight.
Our team also looks at the viewing distance, the venue layout and the day’s power plan. Outdoor LED screens used for live feed work often run at high brightness, commonly 5 000 nits or more, with pixel pitches selected to suit the audience distance, from tighter pitches for closer viewing to wider pitches for larger stands and open grounds.
- Signal routing from the source to the screen processor
- Format checks for resolution, aspect ratio and refresh rate
- Audio handoff where the venue uses synced sound
- Operator control during the event, including cutovers
- Support for camera feeds, laptops, media players and encoders
Screen trailer specs that matter when the feed is live
Outdoor screen trailers need more than a display panel. The trailer frame, hydraulic lift, rotation system and stabilising outriggers all affect how quickly the screen can be placed, raised and aligned. Wind limits matter too, because the screen must stay safe when the weather shifts during a long programme or evening event.
For live feed work, the screen processor and playback chain must also be set up for dependable signal handling. Depending on the site, the unit can run from generator power or a suitable mains supply. Where the event is in a municipal space, permit notes and setup conditions are often handled alongside access control, safe positioning and cable routing.
- Hydraulic lift for raising the screen to the working height
- Rotation capability for better audience sightlines on site
- Outdoor-rated cabinets for daylight viewing and weather exposure
- Wind monitoring with safe operating limits at the venue
- Generator or mains power planning, based on the site conditions
How we prepare a live feed day
We start by looking at the venue, the screen size and the source material you plan to use. A sports day may need a different signal layout from a concert feed, and a roadshow stop often needs a quicker changeover between speakers, video clips and live camera shots. That is where the content playback specialist and screen technician work together.
The process usually follows the venue access, the build sequence and the run sheet. If the site is in Germiston, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban, Bloemfontein, Polokwane or another South African venue on our route, we plan the delivery and setup so the equipment, cables and playback hardware reach the right point on time, with enough space for safe operation.
- Site check and access review
- Source testing before the audience arrives
- Screen position, lift and rotation setup
- Live feed rehearsal or line test where the programme allows it
- Playback control during the event and pack down after closing
Turnaround and working pace on live event days
Live feed shifts follow the event running order, early starts and late finishes included. Some jobs need early access for rigging, a full rehearsal and a test of the feed path before doors open. Others only need a short setup window, then close monitoring through the programme so the screen stays matched to the feed and the operator can react when the source changes.
Turnaround for the service depends on the venue, the screen size and what the organiser is bringing to the site. A clean plan, the correct media files or live source details, and a clear power arrangement all help to keep the day moving. Where weather, municipal requirements or access restrictions affect the site, we adjust the setup rather than forcing a fixed routine.
How pricing is worked out for live feed support
Pricing is based on the practical parts of the job, not a flat number copied across every event. We look at the distance from our Germiston base, the size of the screen trailer or LED box, the number of technicians needed, whether a generator is part of the plan, and how long the playback and live feed support must stay on site.
Large public events, roadshows and multi-stop campaigns usually need more coordination than a single venue setup. If content loading, live camera support, power planning and weather monitoring are all part of the brief, the quote reflects that work in separate lines so the organiser can see what is included.
- Screen size and pixel pitch selected for the audience distance
- Transport, setup and pack down requirements
- On-site technician cover for the live period
- Power, cabling and playback hardware requirements
- Travel and multi-stop planning where the route crosses cities
What happens after the feed ends
After the live segment ends, the technician checks that the feed chain is shut down correctly, the screen is cleared, and the system is ready for pack down or the next item in the programme. If a follow-on session is planned for the same venue or a second stop on the roadshow, the playback notes and source settings are kept in order so the next setup does not start from scratch.
We also leave space for practical handover notes on audio routing, content changes and any venue limits that affected the show. That record matters on touring work, especially when the same screen trailer must move between towns and the organiser needs a clean record of what was used at each stop.
- Signal and playback notes for the event file
- Safe shut-down and pack down of the screen system
- Handover notes for follow-on stops on the route
- Venue observations on access, weather and power conditions
