Docs / Live data

Connect live data (JSON / XML & API)

For anything custom, bind a board to your own JSON or XML feed, or push updates via the API, and flip live values from any system you like.

This is the power-user feature. You can connect a board to any open JSON or XML URL and bind a value to a specific row and column, then set how often it refreshes, as fast as every second. There's also an API so you can update boards from your own scripts and automations, and the team can build a custom shortcode to pull data from another service. Live data connections are available on the Cockpit plan.

Typical uses: a live KPI or sales figure from your dashboard, a queue or booking count, sensor readings, sports scores, or a stock or crypto price.

Both JSON and XML can also drive colour: read a HEX colour code from your feed and the matching line changes colour on its own, so a metric can turn red when it drops or green when it is on target.

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.

Value from a JSON feed

#JSON#https://example.com/data.json#name#3#

Shows the 3rd value of the name column. Format #JSON#{URL}#{columnname}#{index}#. If the index is past the last row, or the column name does not exist, the value is empty.

Value from an XML feed

#XML#https://example.com/data.xml#name#3#

The same for XML: #XML#{URL}#{columnname}#{index}#. Point it at any XML feed reachable over the web.

Dynamic colour from your feed

#JSON#https://example.com/data.json#color#3#

Put a JSON or XML instruction that returns a HEX colour into a page's Attributes field, and the line's colour is read live from your data, e.g. red when a figure drops. Works with both #JSON# and #XML#.

Step by step

01

Prepare your data source

Have an open JSON or XML URL that returns the value you want to show.
02

Add a data variable to the board

In the board editor, add a live-data variable and paste your JSON/XML URL.
03

Bind it to a row and column

Point the variable at the exact field in your feed, and place it on the board grid.
04

Set the refresh rate

Choose how often to poll the source, down to every second for fast-moving data.
05

Save (or use the API)

Save the board, or push updates programmatically via the API for full automation.

§ Good to know

·Keep the feed lightweight and public (or reachable) so the board can read it reliably.
·Need to pull from a system without a simple feed? Ask the team about a custom shortcode integration.

Troubleshooting

The value shows blank or wrong

Check the URL returns valid JSON/XML, that the field path you bound to is correct, and that the source is reachable from the internet.

Keep reading

Content

Using variables (time, date & live data)

Live data

Show JSON data in a table

Content

Scheduling & dayparting

Ready to go live?

Start your free 7-day trial, no card. Live in about 5 minutes.

Start free trial See plans & buy All docs