Comparison
OnAirCue vs a spreadsheet timer
A spreadsheet is a fine place to plan a run of show. The problem starts when you go live: someone has to keep editing cells while the show is happening, and nobody else sees those edits in real time.
| Feature | OnAirCue | Spreadsheet |
|---|---|---|
| Planning the run of show | Segment list with durations | Rows and formulas — very flexible |
| Live countdown | Runs automatically per segment | Manual — you watch a clock and a cell |
| Team sees the same time | Yes, in real time | Only if everyone stares at the same sheet |
| Speaker display | Dedicated full-screen view via link | None — speakers can't read a spreadsheet on stage |
| Adjusting time mid-show | +/- buttons, everyone updates instantly | Re-type values and recalculate |
| Cost | Free | Free |
When to switch
If your team is manually watching formulas and adjusting clocks while hosting, OnAirCue removes that operational drag and gives everyone the same source of truth. Keep the spreadsheet for budgeting and guest logistics; move the live timing into OnAirCue.
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