SkyCoach Difference: 5 reasons we are the market leader for instant in-game video replay
Every school is different. Every stadium is unique. And every coach is subjective to what he likes and how he likes to run his football program. SkyCoach is the market leader for sideline replay because of our flexible, affordable and simple solution. Sideline replay is far too complex to describe and compare competitors with just one checklist. But with this article, we’re going to use facts and graphics to show why SkyCoach is the No. 1 sideline replay system for coaches, and officials.
Network
Anything less than a three-point network is inadequate. You can provide WiFi to an entire NFL stadium with a single antenna when it’s empty, but trying to connect an iPad to an antenna 30-yards away in a densely packed small stadium surrounded by chain linked fences can be a real challenge. Shapes of stadiums, distance between points, construction material, WiFi interference, crowd size, crowd shape, etc. can all impact an iPad’s ability to connect with an antenna. The closer the antenna is to the iPad the better chance for success.
SkyCoach provides THE most antennas to our teams to ensure success when the game is on the line. Below is our SkyCoach network. To learn more about how our network is far superior to other companies, click here.
3 point network - 6 total antennas
Press box - 3 antennas. Two of them are used to communicate with other areas of the field. One of them provides WiFi for coach box iPads so that filmers don’t have to be in same room as coaches
Antenna that points at end zone to create bridge to the end zone
Antenna that points at sideline to create bridge to the sideline
Antenna that provides WiFi to the coaches near this antenna
Sideline - 2 antennas
Antenna that creates bridge to the press box
Antenna that provides WiFi to sideline iPads
End zone - 1 antenna
Antenna that creates bridge to the press box
2. Recording Video from Cameras
Years ago we figured out that providing our customers with optimized computers was the way to go. We call them Remote Camera Kits, or RCKs. All of our packages come with RCKs except for our Bronze Package. The RCKs were a complete game changer for SkyCoach teams. It eliminated the need for a laptop or iPad to control the SkyCoach system. Coaches were happy they no longer needed to leave their laptop next to a camera in the end zone, on a hot film deck, or with student managers. It significantly reduced the number of support calls, as we no longer had to deal with school locked down computers, antivirus applications, and bloatware that impacted performance. The RCKs also ensure you never lose clips because it records locally from all angles.
Below is our full breakdown of recording video. To compare our recording capabilities to the competition, click here.
remote camera kit attaches to a camera
Connect HDMI from camera to remote camera kit
Connect remote camera kit to SkyCoach network
View camera feed and status on the remote camera kit
Control start and stop recording of all angles on one of the remote camera kits or an iPad
Remote camera kit records video locally
3. Hosting Video and Data
Unlike our competitors, SkyCoach provides a dedicated video server that is built-in to the network with all of its packages. The video server is connected directly to the router via Ethernet. The last thing you want is for your server to only be connected to the network via WiFi. It helps if the server only performs the role of the server and not be responsible for other tasks like recording. Learn more about hosting video and data here.
4. Customer Support
SkyCoach has a scalable staff of professional IT support personnel that troubleshoot technical systems for a living. They are all experienced with network, device and software support. They are experienced in supporting non-technical personnel with difficult technical issues.
SkyCoach offers in game phone support during the season to EVERY SINGLE CUSTOMER regardless of your package. We are also available via email. Meanwhile, Hudl Sideline, for example, offers varying levels of support depending on your package. Most support is unavailable after a certain time on Fridays. SkyCoach prioritizes GAME NIGHTS!
SkyCoach also provides personalize training. Let us train your entire staff to set up and recommend the best set up for your stadium!
Also worth noting, our RCKs have helped team’s end zone filmers to make sure everything is working properly. Take a look below to see just one example of we have built-in troubleshooting.
5. Reliable, Instant Feedback at Affordable Price
SkyCoach is the market leader nationwide for several reasons we’ve already listed above but it’s important to also focus on our affordable package prices, which also includes insurance coverage on equipment as part of the package. If you’re a Texas high school or college team, reach out to find out more specific prices as our packages might be priced differently for certain situations. Because SkyCoach gives customers Remote Camera Kits to control the start and stop of the system, it saves you money on needing to purchase a laptop or additional iPad to run the system. Meaning when you do the math, SkyCoach is the most reliable, affordable system on the market for any program — big or small. Quality shouldn’t break the bank!
