Acquiring the system
Can
we use existing equipment?
It may be possible to use the existing hardware and video
equipment that you have already. Our consultants would be happy
to determine the suitability of your equipment for the Statsmaster
/DV Coach system. Existing PC hardware can be used permitting
it meets the required minimum specifications. The computer would
ideally need to be dedicated for use, although this is not essential.
If you plan to use domestic VHS and S-VHS video recorders, their
compatibility with the Statsmaster/DV Coach systems is dependent
on each particular models interface. Please note that domestic
video equipment is not recommended because of the extreme workloads
involved.
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What
is the entry level (starter) system ?
If you simply want to record and print statistics, you can start
with a standard data capture and reporting module. This module
has a very reasonable annual software licence. Alternatively,
If you wish to view and edit video footage the starting point
is CD-ROM (MPEG-1) and you can build up to more advanced mediums
such as Digital Video and MPEG-2 as necessary and at any stage.
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Is
it easy to upgrade the system ?
Yes, the systems provided for Statsmaster/DV Coach are
designed to be upgradeable, and as they are fitted with state
of the art components you will find no trouble sourcing compatible
peripherals. Because we recommend the latest technologies, many
new features can usually be incorporated without the need to upgrade
your hardware. If you do decide to upgrade at any stage the statistics
you have collected are 100% compatible with all Statsmaster /DV
Coach systems, so you will not lose any data.
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Can we use the system live at the match ?
Yes, all of the Statsmaster/DV Coach systems have been designed
to work most effectively in an at-game environment. The advances
in the power and reliability of Notebook computers, custom keyboards
and small printing devices have lead to an increase in the number
of fully portable systems we provide. Prowess Sports have also
implemented a portable digital video capture unit nicknamed the
"black box". This incredible unit can capture broadcast
quality footage for instant viewing and editing at the venue where
the match is being played.
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Bottom Line : How can we afford a system such as this ?
The first and most obvious option when purchasing a Statsmaster/DV
Coach system would be an outright purchase which gives you total
control and ownership of the equipment and the only recurring
cost would be the software licensing and servicing. The hardware
becomes an asset of the club. Because the system has varying levels
of sophistication, an alternative form of purchase may be to start
with a very basic version such as statistics capture and reporting
and gradually work up to the ideal solution. Because of the modularity,
there is no problems or issues in adding options and hardware
as you can afford it. An extremely attractive option that is popular
with businesses is upgradeable leasing the gives you a nice easy
payment scheme and the advantages of rent/lease agreements.
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What are the advantages of "Upgradeable Rent/Lease"
Plans ?
- Repayments can be made to suit your budget on a monthly basis
- Flexibility in the terms of the agreement (24, 36 or 48 months)
- Excellent tax advantages (rental items are a valid tax deduction)
- You have first option to purchase the equipment at "fair
market value" on conclusion of the contract
- Flexibility in upgrading if additional new equipment is required.
Simply add it and the repayment figure is · adjusted
without having to arrangement new documents
- Option to include you own equipment if desirable
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Can we put our own equipment on the rent/lease plan ?
Yes, if you wish, you could arrange to put other equipment
under the same agreement, however it would need to be qualified
based on age and market value.
If we use our own equipment, what are the minimum requirements?
Should you decide to source your own equipment, the specifications
that need to be followed are:
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Desktop PC Configuration
- Pentium 4 1.8Ghz or greater
- 256MB RAM
- 40 GB Enhanced IDE Hard Disk (or greater)
- at least one available RS-232 com Ports
- 56K modem & Internet connection to ISP (optional)
- 10/100Mbps Network card (optional)
- High resolution XVGA screen (15" or 17")
- Windows 98/NT, 2000, ME, XP
- Fast laser or ink-jet printer
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Notebook PC Configuration
- Pentium 4 1.8Ghz or greater
- 256MB RAM
- 40 GB Enhanced IDE Hard Disk (or greater)
- USB/Firewire Ports
- 56K modem & Internet connection to ISP (optional)
- 10/100Mbps Network card (optional)
- High resolution XVGA screen (15" or 17")
- Windows 98/NT, 2000, ME, XP
- Fast laser or ink-jet printer
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Video Recorders & Camcorders
- Panasonic & Sony are the preferred manufacturer
- Panasonic AG-4700 is the preferred model
- Any VCRS or Camcorders with RS-232, RS-422 or lanc control
should be suitable
- Must be minimum S-VHS quality
- Must be professional quality equipment
- Domestic recorders are not suitable for automated use
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What are the essential purchases ?
It is possible to use your own suppliers for certain hardware
and video equipment, however it is not recommended as it typically
can raise support issues when a problem occurs with regards to
responsibility. Nevertheless it can be arranged as long as the
equipment strictly adheres to the specifications provided, which
is essentially similar to the equipment that would be provided
by ProWess.
The essential purchases that cannot be varied are for the following
items:
- Statsmaster/DV Coach software licences
- Custom Keyboards
- Digital Video Capture hardware
- Installation, training and configuration
- Cabling & connections
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What do we get for our investment ?
Apart from the intangible improvements in your system operations,
the following benefits and entitlements can be received:
- High quality computer hardware - (either desktop or notebook)
as specified
- Appropriate modem and networking where necessary
- Professional quality video equipment as specified
- "Black Box" interfaces for the video equipment
- All annual software licences, support & upgrades
- Custom stats entry keyboard
- All cabling & connections
- 1 day's installation of the system at your offices
- Configuration & setup of your own keyboard and statistics
for private club usage
- 1 day's training (by appointment)
- Free technical phone support
- Reduced rates for on-site support and other consultancy services
- Invitation to attendance to any organized seminars regarding
Stats & video editing
- Full 12 month RTB warranties
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Technology is constantly changing - Should we wait ?
It is always a concern to purchase technology with the
knowledge that a new exciting innovation is just around the corner
which will make your system out of date. The general philosophy
adapted by most business is "buy for today, rather than wait
for tomorrow" as many of the new technologies are still under
development and in some cases released before they are ready.
The key will be to have a flexible arrangement so the if new innovations
are introduced, it is easy to upgrade. The Statsmaster/DV Coach
system is not only ready for use today but also will be capable
of incorporating the innovations of the future.
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Implementation & Setup
How long does it take to set up such a system ?
We allow a full day for installation but typically it
would take 3-4 hours to install the software, configure the video
recorders and test the cabling. There may be additional setup
involved for unusual circumstances.
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Can we design and record our own statistics and interpretations
?
The system provided is designed to give your coaching staff the
flexibility to create their own specific statistical profile,
codings and descriptions. Our consultants can help you design
your own private system that could be used in conjunction with
a bureau service, or as a totally separate statistics system.
As an additional service, Prowess Sports specialise in designing
custom reports so we can supply you with the specific data you
need in the format that you desire.
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How much training is required for the system ?
If your operator has basic experience in using PC/Windows
systems, we would allow one full days training for basic concepts
and usage of the system. Advanced topics can be covered down the
track as experience with the system increases. If you wish to
do your own CD production then we would recommend an additional
day of training.
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How long from time of order can we get up and running ?
Assuming there are no delays in equipment being supplied, a typical
implementation would take 2-3 weeks from time of order. Realistically,
a finished implementation takes about 4-5 weeks as some components
will take longer to arrive than others. In certain circumstances
we may opt for a staggered implementation so you can start getting
familiar with the system while you wait for the other components
to arrive. Statistics & keyboard design can occur almost immediately.
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What if we have a change of coaching philosophy or wish to adjust
our methods ?
No problem - in most cases you can add or modify the statistics
and interpretations at any stage. The only consideration to keep
in mind relate to any conflicts that may arise with your existing
data and historical records.
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Using the System
What type of personnel does the club need to operate the system
?
Any system of sophistication requires experienced operators and
the Statsmaster/DV Coach system is no different. It is easy to
use the basic features of the system, but to maximize it's usage,
someone in your club will need to take responsibility for the
system. Typically one of the assistant coaches, club administrators
or statisticians. A reasonable level of computer knowledge is
recommended but not essential, as long as they are prepared to
learn. Our technical support staff will be on call at any stage
to assist and training sessions can be arranged to suit your staff.
Many clubs are now hiring a full-time statistician / video operator
who is solely responsible for this area.
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Coaching is traditionally "gut feel"- why do we need
this type of system?
As a coach, your decision making processes are driven
by your instincts and experience and certainly these systems are
not designed to replace these aspects. Statsmaster/DV Coach will
assist greatly in reinforcing your views or feelings. Also when
discussing points with your players and coaching staff, it is
often useful to have some statistical and visual facts to back
up your statements, Statsmaster/DV Coach will provide these elements
in a fast, efficient manner. There will be certain tasks your
coaching staff would do in preparation for upcoming matches and
Statsmaster/DV Coach will cut down the time required for this
preparation.
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What about "Information Overload" ?
Introducing systems such as these will increase the amount of
statistical information at your fingertips quite significantly.
A certain school of thought suggests this "information overload"
may confuse or complicate your preparation. A balance needs to
be struck whereby you use the data selectively and that the statistical
information becomes a vital coaching aid. The video analysis is
a different case, where it will give an opportunity to quickly
focus on specific aspects of performance without having to watch
hours of unrelated footage. This feature will save valuable time
and greatly enhance your ability to get the message to your players
and staff.
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How would we use a bureau service ?
Although you have the capability to chart and record your own
matches, situations will occur where it will be more convenient
to get it done by a bureau service. There may also be a chance
that a match you are interested in has already been recorded and
marked and you simply order it via the internet. If you wish,
you can send your video of the match to the bureau and it will
be charted and promptly returned with match data, reports and
the footage burnt to CD's).
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Can we use the system for scouting opposition ?
Yes, this is one of the primary uses for this type of system and
with the added advantage of accessing the bureau service, you
can get a very quick review of your upcoming opposition's profile
both statistically and by accessing video footage
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How can we use it for marketing purposes ?
Some clubs are creating season highlight footage on CD/DVD for
their sponsors. Also video clips can be made available very quickly
for use on the internet. Using the professional editing and titling
packages available (eg. Adobe Premiere), you can provide a very
professional looking presentations incorporating your team's video
footage. Our consultants would be happy to advise you on the entire
range of software and hardware options relating to this kind of
video production.
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Can we recall and review old matches at any stage ?
Once recorded on the PC, the match data is effectively a permanent
record that can be quickly referenced at any stage. The video
footage is stored on video tape or CD-ROM which will form the
basis of a comprehensive and convenient library.
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How soon after match completion can we get our CD's or video footage
?
Depending on your requirements, you can request CD footage from
a priority service 1-2 hours after match completion. Copies of
S-VHS tapes could be made available in the same time frame if
booked ahead. Ultimately the same availability can be expected
for DVD technology.
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How do we develop our own "private" coaching system
?
If you have the in-house knowledge and expertise of the system,
you can certainly do-it-yourself, however in most cases ProWess
will appoint one of our experienced technical support personnel
to work closely with your coaching staff and develop a system
to exactly suit you coaching methodology. This includes keyboard
design, statistical profiles, specially presented reports and
video editing configurations. It should be noted that the system
will cater for 90% of your special requirements and the balance
may require custom program development, depending on the complexity.
Once the system is in place there is no reason why you cannot
be self-sufficient and maintain and add changes to the system
yourself.
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What is the main advantage of going digital ?
It has the potential to improve your efficiency and work throughput
by over 50%, giving your coaching staff more time to spend on
other aspects of your team's preparation.
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What's the main advantage of computer controlled VCR's ?
This will give you total automation of your video editing to the
point where you can commence the editing and leave it unattended
to get onto other matters. You can also use it to do interactive
playing of footage/segments and typical remote control functions
(eg. Play, pause, record). It also provides because it directly
reads the timecode from the video recorder, you can use this mode
to mark /chart the game with 100% accuracy using Electronic Scoresheet,
without the requirement of video alignment.
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Can we create our own CD/DVD Library ?
Yes, the upgrade to create your own CD/DVD library is quite simple
and cost effective by adding a CD/DVD recorder.
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When will DVD become a realistic option?
Now! DVD burners and disks have dropped significantly in price
and are now within reach of all organisations.
DVD players and recorders are available currently, however the
"standards" are still being established and full professional
creation of DVD footage has many areas you must become familiar
with.
You will need to investigated the ins and outs of DVDs (Eg. Formats
- DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD-RAM, etc...) and decide on which standard
to use. ProWess are happy to consult with you and help with your
decision.
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Can we use multiple video sources ?
Yes, the source of the video footage used is not important and
you can use commercial or broadcast footage or your own private
recordings using different camera angles, etc. The only consideration
is that the recorded footage is uninterrupted.
Yes, the source of the video footage used is not important and
you can use commercial or broadcast footage or your own private
recordings using different camera angles, etc. The only consideration
is that the recorded footage is uninterrupted.
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