Video Replay "on the cheap"

[Joe biebel]

I decided to try a very cheap and simple replay system for events at our club. Basically, just attaching a HD camcorder to an HD television. We use this for the round of 4 and the first place match only at present. We use the same rules regarding challenges as as the FIE and it works quite well and is well received.

Here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CxsIEpyRc8

is a link to one video. In the little window that youtube displays as it's default, not very impressive, but maximize it to your screen and play at 720P and it is quite useful. Now imagine this image on a 32" monitor for reviewing. Additionally, our camcorder (almost all do this) can go frame by frame and in slow motion.

This does require someone to operate the camera and start and stop before and after each touch, so that you can get to the last action instantly. Doing this without software is not difficult. Still I would like to see a really cheap version of replay software made that will work with most cameras and of course our VSM software which is already capable.

[griffindm]

Joe,

We've been using Enosoft's DV Processor (free for non-commercial use) taking input from a camera and running video out through a projector to add a real-time customizable delay. You could do it for a tournament final if you want, setting the delay to something like 10-15 secs. It runs unattended during classes and some open bouting at a 5 sec delay. The fencers use it to check their form during footwork drills and after actions in bouts. It onlys allows one replay at full speed, but that is offset by it running unattended.

Dave G.