Daktronics


Daktronics is an American company based in Brookings, South Dakota that designs, manufactures, sells, and services video displays, scoreboards, digital billboards, dynamic message signs, sound systems, and related products. Founded in 1968 by two South Dakota State University professors, Daktronics grew from a provider of electronic voting systems for state legislatures to one of the world's largest suppliers of electronic displays. The name is a portmanteau of "Dakota" and "electronics".
, Red Line Outbound side platform with Daktronics electronic announcement sign

History

Daktronics was founded in 1968 by Aelred Kurtenbach and Duane Sander, professors of electrical engineering at South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD. The company began with the design and manufacture of electronic voting systems for state legislatures.
Daktronics currently has its headquarters in Brookings, SD, with other facilities in Sioux Falls, SD, Redwood Falls, MN, Shanghai, China, and Belgium, along with more than 50 regional offices around the world.

Services

Daktronics acquired Keyframe Inc., a video production and consulting company, in 2000. Today, Daktronics Creative Services designs digital content in HD video, 3D animation and motion graphics, specializing in media networks and large-scale LED displays.

Daktronics Sports Marketing

Daktronics Sports Marketing specializes in raising advertising and sponsorship revenue for colleges, universities, high schools, municipalities and teams from all sports to fund new technology in sporting venues.

Notable

Daktronics has been supplying scoreboards and video displays for the Olympic Games for several years, though due to official sponsorships with other timing providers such as IBM, Omega SA and Swiss Timing, the display is Daktronics-manufactured but utilizes timing and front-facing branding for the former.
Daktronics has been an influence in National Basketball Association rule changes in the 2000s. The company manufactured the first backboard light strips to comply with buzzer beater instant replay rulings, and in 2004, developed a see-through shot clock to improve spectator visibility.