EVENTODIT.
EDITABLE WORK DOCUMENT

Technical Rehearsal Backup-switch Test Log

Have the operator switch to backup when main playback fails, then check the picture and sound from the audience area. Record failures and retests so the team knows which routes are ready to use.

Setup, rehearsal and final checks
WHAT THIS TEMPLATE HELPS YOU PREPARE

Backup-switch results by cue, including routes on hold and retest evidence.

File formats
English XLSX · CSV (UTF-8)
Version
2.0
Editorial review
24 Oct 2026
Use this for
Connect the main and backup equipment to the actual show outputs once final media is ready. Retest affected routes after a file or connection changes.

When to use it

Connect the main and backup equipment to the actual show outputs once final media is ready. Retest affected routes after a file or connection changes.

Failure trials are fictional controlled rehearsals requiring approval and recovery arrangements. Do not interrupt power or safety systems without authorisation.

Start with the guide: Event Technical Rehearsal and Failure Response

Fill in the template step by step

When to use it

During technical rehearsal and after changing files or output connections.

What to have ready

  • Main and backup connection diagram
  • Final files and cue list
  • Actual screen and sound output routes
  • People authorised to call, operate or stop a switch

  1. Define the failure to test on each route and prepare a way to restore normal operation.

  2. Have the actual show caller instruct the designated operator to switch to backup.

  3. Check picture, sound and the transition to the next cue from the audience area.

  4. Keep failed routes on hold. Record retests under the same conditions and the return to main playback.

Worked example

Fictional example, not an actual event or supplier record

Eight columns · scroll horizontally to view the complete worked example.

Technical Rehearsal Backup-switch Test Log — fictional worked example
Cue ID and tested file versionExpected picture and soundFailure to simulatePerson calling and operating the switchBackup route, holds and stop announcementResult checked from the audience areaRetest result and unresolved problemsUse approved by and time
V010 / OPEN-v3A → switcher input 1 → screen/PA; 84 secondsStop playback on A during approved rehearsal test F01.Stage manager Lee calls the switch; video operator Park selects input 2.OPEN-v3 is ready on B. Use approved presenter hold script MC-HOLD-v2.2026-11-08 15:00: picture and sound from B confirmed from a rear seat.TEST-F01 passed. Normal input restored and the next cue checked.Technical director Han / path approved 15:15
V020 / AWARD-v451-second clip followed by entrance microphoneSimulate A being unavailable and call the same cue on B.Lee calls the cue; Park starts playback on B.B has v4 but audio is routed to a different device15:30: picture present but no PA sound / TEST-F02Backup use on hold. Audio operator Kim corrects B’s output routing; retest scheduled for 16:00.Approval held / technical director Han 15:35
V020-R1 / AWARD-v4B → real switcher/PA → next microphoneRepeat F02 under the same conditions.Lee calls the switch; Park operates it; Kim checks the sound.B’s routing corrected in SHOW-v6. Main and backup media and cue names match.16:05: picture, sound and the next microphone confirmed from a rear seat.TEST-F02-v2 saved. Return to A also tested.Technical director Han approves 2026-11-08 16:15

Blank template preview

This preview shows a few rows. The downloaded file contains 24 prepared rows.

Eight columns · scroll horizontally to view the complete blank worksheet.

Technical Rehearsal Backup-switch Test Log — blank worksheet
Cue ID and tested file versionExpected picture and soundFailure to simulatePerson calling and operating the switchBackup route, holds and stop announcementResult checked from the audience areaRetest result and unresolved problemsUse approved by and time
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Check your completed template

  • Both systems have been tested through the actual picture and sound outputs.
  • The switching operator and hold announcement are agreed.
  • Failed items are recorded as resolved or excluded from use.

What to pass to the next person

The technical director gives stage, video and audio operators the usable routes and the list still on hold.

Check before using this template

Automatic file backups in playback software do not provide spare hardware, output routes or power.

Sources used to develop this template

EVENTODIT created this template using the working methods described in the public sources below. It is not an official form and has not been reviewed or approved by those organisations.