Show data in a table (JSON & XML tables)
When your feed holds a whole table of values, prices, a schedule, a league table, map it straight onto the board so every row and column stays live.
Single values are great for one KPI, but often you want a whole table on the board: a price list, a departures list, a set of readings. Split-Flap TV can read a structured JSON or XML feed and lay its rows and columns out across the board, keeping every cell up to date on its own.
Each column in your feed maps to a position on the board and each row to a line, so the board mirrors your data source. Values refresh on the schedule you set, as often as every second, and the same feed can also drive colour, turning a line red or green from a HEX value in the data.
Tables build on the same #JSON# and #XML# variables used for single values (see Connect live data), extended across multiple rows and columns. For a complex feed, the team can set the mapping up for you. Live data is on the Business plan and above.
Syntax & shortcodes
Type these into a board's text and they flip in the live value. The #...# markers tell Split-Flap TV what to fetch.
JSON table, general form
#JSONTABLE#{URL}#{startposition}#{numberofrows}#{instruction}#{columnname}:{alignment}:{length}#{columnname}:{alignment}:{length}#Lay a whole JSON feed out as a table. Repeat the {columnname}:{alignment}:{length} block once per column. Parameters are in the reference below.
JSON table example
#JSONTABLE#https://example.com/data.json#1#0#1#Name:L:12#CEO:L:16#Shows every company name (12 chars, left) and its CEO (16 chars, left), from row 1 to the last row, with a space between the columns.
XML table, general form
#XMLTABLE#{URL}#{startposition}#{numberofrows}#{instruction}#{columnname}:{alignment}:{length}#{columnname}:{alignment}:{length}#The same for XML. Repeat the column block for as many columns as you need.
XML table example
#XMLTABLE#https://example.com/data.xml#1#0#1#Name:L:12#CEO:L:16#Same layout as the JSON example, reading from an XML feed instead.
Reference
JSON table parameters
| Parameter | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| {URL} | Address of the JSON file | https://backup.splitflaptv.com/FakeData.json |
| {startposition} | Fills the display starting with this row number. Typically, you start from row number 1 of your JSON data, but maybe you want to use number 11 on the second page of your board if you have many rows. | 1 |
| {numberofrows} | Number of rows to be filled, counting from the start position value. When you use 5, then 5 rows from the starting position are filled on your screen. Set to 0 so that we can fill the board till the last line. | 0 |
| {instruction} | Special formatting options. Set value to 1 to add a space between 2 columns. Set to 0 to not add this space. | 1 |
| {columnname} | Fills the display starting with this row number. Typically, you start from row number 1 of your JSON data, but maybe you want to use number 11 on the second page of your board if you have many rows. | company |
| {alignment} | How to align the value within the foreseen length of this column. Use L for left-aligned, R for right-aligned, and C for centered. | L |
| {length} | What is the number of characters that we have to use for this column? Shorter text is extended with spaces. Longer text is truncated. | 12 |
XML table parameters
| Parameter | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| {URL} | Address of the XML file | https://backup.splitflaptv.com/FakeData.xml |
| {startposition} | Fills the display starting with this row number. Typically, you start from row number 1 of your XML data, but maybe you want to use number 11 on the second page of your board if you have many rows. | 1 |
| {numberofrows} | Number of rows to be filled, counting from the start position value. When you use 5, then 5 rows from the starting position are filled on your screen. Set to 0 so that we can fill the board till the last line. | 0 |
| {instruction} | Special formatting options. Set value to 1 to add a space between 2 columns. Set to 0 to not add this space. | 1 |
| {columnname} | Fills the display starting with this row number. Typically, you start from row number 1 of your XML data, but maybe you want to use number 11 on the second page of your board if you have many rows. | company |
| {alignment} | How to align the value within the foreseen length of this column. Use L for left-aligned, R for right-aligned, and C for centered. | L |
| {length} | What is the number of characters that we have to use for this column? Shorter text is extended with spaces. Longer text is truncated. | 12 |
Step by step
-
01
Have a structured feed
Point to an open JSON or XML URL that returns rows of data, for example a price list or a schedule.
-
02
Add a data table to the board
In the board editor, add a live-data table and paste your feed URL.
-
03
Map columns and rows
Match each column and row in your feed to positions on the board grid.
-
04
Set the refresh rate
Choose how often to poll the feed, down to every second for fast-moving data.
-
05
Save
Save the board, the whole table flips into place and keeps every cell current.
- ·Keep the feed lightweight and public so the board can read it reliably.
- ·Use a HEX colour field in your data to make rows change colour on their own, red when a figure drops, green when it is on target.
Keep reading
Connect live data (JSON / XML & API)
ContentUsing variables (time, date & live data)
Live dataShow your Instagram follower count
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