How the timer works
Timer modes, the countdown, and how it stays in sync across every screen.
For: Venue owners, directors, sound engineers
The NextSet timer is the heartbeat of your live event. One shared clock runs the show, and every screen — the director's controls, the projector on the wall, the backstage monitor — shows the same time, updating live on its own.
The timer counts down
When you start an item, the timer counts down to zero. A 15-minute set starts at 15:00 and ticks toward 0:00, so performers and staff can see exactly how much time is left. When it reaches zero it keeps showing the overage so you know how far over you are — it won't silently disappear.
Timer modes
The timer always knows what kind of moment you're in. Each mode shows differently on the projector:
| Mode | When you use it |
|---|---|
| Set / Performance | A performer or session is on |
| Changeover | The gap between performers while the stage resets |
| Intermission | A scheduled break |
| Draw | A competition draw or call |
| Idle | Nothing running yet |
| Thank you | The show is over |
Switching modes is one tap in the director controls, and the projector follows instantly.
Starting, pausing, and adjusting
From the director controls you can:
- Start the current item — sets the clock and begins the countdown.
- Pause / Resume — freezes the clock and picks up where it left off.
- Add or subtract time — give the act another two minutes, or pull time back, without restarting.
- Next — advance to the next item in your rundown, which starts a fresh timer with that item's planned length.
The length of each item comes from your event's settings and rundown, not a fixed number — so a 20-minute keynote and a 5-minute changeover each start at the right time automatically.
It stays in sync everywhere
You don't have to do anything to keep screens matched. The director's actions update the projector, backstage monitor, and any phones following along within a second or two — automatically. If a screen briefly loses its connection, it catches back up on its own when the connection returns.
Common problems
- The timer looks like it's counting up. It's almost certainly past zero and showing the overage — the act has run longer than planned. Use Next or Stop to move on, or Add time if you're extending them on purpose.
- The projector shows a slightly different time than the director. A second or two of difference during a reconnect is normal and corrects itself. If a screen is stuck far behind, reload that screen's page — it will re-sync immediately.
- The timer is frozen. Check that screen's internet connection. The display reconnects automatically, but a reload forces an immediate refresh. Confirm the director actually started the item (an idle timer won't move).
- The wrong amount of time appears when I hit Next. The length comes from that rundown item's planned duration. Open the item in your rundown or timer settings and set the duration you want.
Next, learn how to drive the show from the director controls and set up your projector displays.