Viewer Interface

The viewer is the display interface seen by presenters, often shown on confidence monitors or other screens. It's designed to be clear, readable from a distance, and provide essential timing information without distractions.

Viewer Components

Timer Display

The timer display is the most prominent element on the viewer screen. Depending on configuration, it shows:

• A countdown timer (time remaining)
• A count-up timer (elapsed time)
• A clock (current time)
• Or a combination of two timers/clocks

The timer digits are large and high-contrast for maximum visibility, even from a distance.

Progress Bar

Below the timer is a progress bar that provides a visual representation of the time remaining. The progress bar changes color as time runs out:

• Green/Blue: Plenty of time remaining
• Yellow: Warning zone (approaching the end)
• Red: Critical zone (almost out of time)

This visual indicator helps presenters gauge their timing at a glance without having to read the exact numbers.

Title and Speaker

The title appears at the top of the viewer screen, while the speaker name is shown at the bottom. These elements help presenters confirm they're seeing the correct timer, especially in multi-presenter events.

Both elements can be hidden if needed through customization options.

Messages

When the controller sends a message, it appears prominently on the viewer screen. Messages typically display:

• In the center of the screen
• With high contrast for readability
• Over a semi-transparent background to ensure visibility

Messages remain visible until manually hidden by the controller operator.

Viewer Behavior

Automatic Connection

The viewer automatically connects to the timer room when loaded and maintains the connection even if there are temporary network issues. If disconnected, it will continuously attempt to reconnect.

Fullscreen Mode

For optimal visibility, the viewer is designed to run in fullscreen mode. To enable fullscreen:

• Click anywhere on the viewer screen
• Press the F11 key on most browsers
• Use the fullscreen button if visible

Responsive Design

The viewer automatically adapts to different screen sizes and orientations:

• On landscape screens, the timer appears larger with the progress bar below
• On portrait screens, the layout adjusts to maximize the timer size
• On very small screens, non-critical elements may be hidden

Visual Alerts

The viewer can provide visual alerts when configured:

• Flashing when reaching warning time
• Flashing when reaching overtime
• Color changes at predetermined thresholds

These visual cues help presenters stay on track without needing to constantly check the exact time.

Using the Viewer

Setup Recommendations

For optimal results:

1. Place the confidence monitor at a comfortable viewing angle for the presenter
2. Test visibility from the presentation position
3. Enable fullscreen mode
4. Verify the network connection is stable
5. Have a backup device ready if possible

Best Practices

To make the most of the viewer:

• Familiarize presenters with the color coding system before the event
• Test that messages are clearly visible from the presentation position
• Ensure the viewer screen is not visible to the audience unless intended
• Consider using a dedicated device for the viewer to prevent other applications from interfering

Troubleshooting

If the viewer isn't displaying correctly:

1. Refresh the page
2. Check the network connection
3. Verify you're using a supported browser
4. Ensure no browser extensions are blocking the connection
5. Contact the controller operator to verify the correct link is being used