Brooks Creative Services Analysis Software Questions

RAQ (Recently Asked Questions)

Program buyer questions cover a multitude of subjects: the actual applications, cameras, computer hardware and others.

Many RAQ's concern today's digital video cameras and camcorders.

To find an answer for yourself, read my replies to Recently Asked Questions (below) or use this form to submit any questions you have about the programs, cameras or anything else. You'll receive my answers or advice within 24 hours.

Name:
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Questions and Comments

Thank you,
Gary Brooks
Program Developer
Background/Message

Golf Swing Analysis System
Golf Swing Analysis System Professional
Putting Analysis System
All Sports Analysis Program
digiCam Analysis
digiCam Analysis HD

RAQ (Recently Asked Questions)

G. (unknown)
I found your website online. I currently have a Canon Vixia HF200 camcorder that uses SHDC flash cards. I was wondering if this would be compatible with the video software. In particular I want to know if it would work with the instant capture/analysis, or would I have to download, convert, and then anaylze?

Gary Brooks' Reply
Your Canon Vixia HF200 HD camera is right for my new digiCam Analysis HD application. If you haven't done so, please go to www.thegolfsystem.com/digiCamHD.htm to check it out. digiCam Analysis HD does not have a direct capture function. It imports AVI, WMV and MPG files. The Canon's MPEG4 video would have to be converted to one of those first. Windows' Live Movie Maker for 7 and Vista can convert/save MPEG4 (.mp4, .mov and .m4v) as WVM files, which digiCam Analysis HD will import. There are other apps available which will also convert MPEG4 video.

If your priority is having the fastest record/play turnaround time, then a miniDV format camcorder, connected by FireWire to the computer, is needed to capture "live" or recorded video directly into Golf Swing Analysis System Professional, Putting Analysis System or All Sports Analysis Program.

M.R. (Netherlands)
Q> On your web site you mention to start in March with your digital video software.
Does your software need regular updates ?
A> No, updates are not needed. The new digiCam Analysis HD app to be released during March is designed especially for today's High Definition and High Speed digital video cameras.

Q> Could you please advice me what digital video camera you recommend me to buy.
A> That's a very broad question to answer. What will you be using it for, how much do you want to spend, what features do you want, all this makes it tough to advise you. Did you want a High Definition or High Speed camera? Let me know the make/model of cameras you're considering. Check out my Blog, http://www.analysisprogram.com/wordpress/ , for some background info regarding today's popular digital cameras.

For your information, I stay in tropical countries with sunshine.
Great! Today, here in suburban Philadelphia, U.S., we're getting our 3rd big snowstorm this month.

M.R. (Netherlands)
Gary Brooks' Reply #2
I don't think you need to spend $1500 for a camera that will be used primarily for doing computer analysis work. However, if you need a higher quality camera for other purposes, then paying more does get you a better lens and other benefits.

I have the Casio FH20 HD/High Frame Rate camera. It performs well and is priced about $300. The FH20 has been tested and works great at 210 FPS with the new digiCam Analysis HD. The FH20 records AVI video which allows you to directly import the files.

If you've visited my Blog as I suggested, you know that frame rates higher than 210 produce video of such poor quality and small size, that they're totally useless. You also know that I don't see an advantage in using these super slow motion cameras to do serious analysis work.

I also have the Kodak Zi6, 720p HD @ 60 FPS. The Zi6 works well with digiCam Analysis HD, too. The Zi6 has some limitations, but costs only $100.

Do more research and get back to me with other make/models you're considering along with more specific details about your intended uses for the camera.

M.R. (Netherlands)
Gary Brooks' Reply #3
I'm starting to understand your situation. Let me highlight the things you mentioned that I believe to be significant.

M.> I only want to see and analyze the golf swing, no other purposes.
Gary> That makes it simpler.

M. I would like to see the recorded swing on the driving range and make the analyses at home.
Gary> I prefer using a desktop PC and doing an Analysis later. Any camera/camcorder will let you play/view your recorded swing. You don't need your laptop or anything else. Although, you should use a tripod to ensure that the camera doesn't move.

M.>It is very hot... to have the laptop on the driving range.
Besides a lot to carry and to take care of.
Gary> I agree, and find it to be cumbersome using a laptop in-the-field.

M.> You have advised me:
Camera: Casio Exilim EX FH 20. or use a standard camcorder with USB. The camcorder must be connected by fire wire.
Gary> Incorrect. I did not say "use a standard camcorder with USB."
It appears you might be thinking USB and FireWire are the same thing. They're different items.

However, because you do NOT need "live" on-the-spot, or fast turn-around record/play video analysis capabilities, then you do NOT need a miniDV format camcorder. You also do NOT need a computer with a FireWire (IEEE1394) connection.

This completely opens up your choice of cameras/camcorders and program choices.

M.> At home I have a digital photo camera: Panasonic Limux DMC FX 50. ...Motion picture mode: 30 fps VGA, Picture size 640x 480 pixels
Gary> This camera teams up nicely with my digiCam Analysis program. Please go to www.thegolfsystem.com/digiCam.htm to see what digiCam Analysis offers and to read the limitations using point-and-shoot cameras present. You will need to convert the camera's Quicktime MJPEG / MOV video format to a common Windows' AVI file. Many apps can do this. (You said, you're not very computer-savy, so you might have to get some technical help from a friend or associate.)

If you can easily convert/save your Panasonic camera video as an AVI file, all you need is digiCam Analysis. You really won't know how much "quality" you'll want for your particular purpose, until you get actual, hands-on experience. digiCam Analysis is only a $54 expenditure and could be all you require. Or, if the Lumix file conversion process is a hassle, you can purchase a digital camera, for just about a hundred dollars, which already records video in the AVI format. The Nikon Coolpix L20 and other models would be good choices.

Today's cameras are great, but with the many choices available and technical considerations, it can become very complicated at times. However, I hope this information helps.

M.R. (Netherlands)
Gary Brooks' Reply #4
Good day M.,

It's a good day here when it isn't snowing. We've had all time record snow accumulation amount this winter. More snow than the totals for the previous three winters.

I agree with your reactions.

"The ZI 8 has a 2.5 inch lcd. The ZI 6 only 2 inch. I have the feeling, it will be more comfortable to play back on the driving range."

The Zi6 does have a small screen and it is difficult to view, especially outdoors and is something I find as a negative. However, the video quality produced by today's small point-and-shoot cameras, at such a small price, is amazing.

"I have laptop and pc both with Windows XP. As I am not technical to convert things, because I have no experience at all. I even do not know what is a MOV. I have the fear now that it will be more difficult for me to get there. But maybe I am pessimistic."

This might seem complicated to you, but it's not that difficult once you begin to understand. I'm sure you will be dealing with digital videos, in some form, for the rest of your life, so now is a good time to start learning about formats, codecs and other things.

MOV is, to simplify, a video format. There are many different video formats, but only a few are very popular and have widespread use. If a device, such as, a digital camera records MOV video, then only devices or software capable of playing MOV video can do it. Otherwise, the video has to converted/saved as a specific video format that the device or software can play. (You're probably too young to remember, VHS and Betamax, S-VHS and Hi8. How about NTSC and PAL? Blue-Ray and HD?)

AVI, for many years was the most widely used video format. It was THE Windows' standard and is still very popular. (AVI is the video format utilized by all my analysis apps.)

WMV, Windows Movie, is being promoted by Microsoft in hopes of becoming the new universal standard. (WMV has been added, along with AVI and MPG, to the video format files that the new digiCam Analysis HD program can import.)

MOV is most popular on the Macintosh platform, which represents about 10 percent of computer users. A number of digital cameras models record MOV video, even though it can be problematic, or at least inconvenient, for 90 percent of the people using (PC) computers.

Live Movie Maker for Windows' 7 and Vista addresses the MOV situation, by adding it and many other video formats it's able to convert and save as WMV files. This is a big plus for PC users.

There are many MOV to AVI file conversion apps available to Internet download. A Google search will show plenty of them. Most are inexpensive, some are free. (But, be careful, "free" always seems to come with strings attached.) Even very well-noted apps, like Apple's QuickTime 7 Pro, get very mixed reviews from users, so I don't have a specific one I can confidently recommend.

I would say to go ahead and buy the Zi8. If you know someone with 7 (or Vista) and Live Movie Maker, do the MOV to WMV conversions on it. Also, check locally, or on the Internet, for a MOV to AVI app to download. Test the results. At the very least, it will be a good learning experience.

If I come up with any other suggestions, I'll let you know.

T.S. (Florida)
I just found your website through a random search. HELP! I think video analysis software has always been ahead of camcorders until now. I have used 8mm, Hi8, Digital 8, Digital and now the Kodak Zi1 and Zi8. They are both HD capable and the Zi1 is 720p and the Zi8 is 1080p. Great picture, playback slow motion frame by frame forward and back, slow motion x2, x4,x8 and x16 and crystal clear. I have the Computer Coach from years ago, I have used JC Video and the V1. The new camera is too fast for the current software I have. Kodak provides the ArcSoft Media Impression Software and it formats it into a .mov picture. It is great! I can play it at regular speed and move it front to back at will. BUT I want to use my video analysis programs! Can you help? I see your system runs AVI files but I need program that runs the .MOV. I like the the new format. Very happy! Ready to completely scrap my old camcorders............but the new Zi1 and Zi8 need software to run with a golf analysis program. Please help! If you can help you have my business. Thanks!

PS......it is late and I just noticed you have something coming out in March that I think can help! Sign me up! Thanks!

Gary Brooks' Reply
Great timing, all during this long, long (one more "long" coming today here in suburban Philadelphia) winter, I've been programming digiCam Analysis HD, a swing analysis app especially for your needs.

I bought the Kodak Zi6 and other HD and High Speed cameras for testing the new program, so I'm familiar with the Kodak cameras and MOV format.

digiCam Analysis HD is designed to directly import MPG, AVI and also WMV files. The WMV format addition gives camera owners the ability to use Windows' Live Movie Maker to easily convert MOV to WMV files. Live Movie Maker, which is part of Windows' "7" and can also be downloaded to Vista PC's, imports MOV and just about every popular video format, making it a great, readily available, conversion tool. (XP computers can not install Live Movie Maker.)

During testing, I was disappointed when I discovered that Live Movie Maker is setup to save all WMV videos at the standard 30 frame-per-second rate. Of course, this defeats the purpose of cameras having 60 FPS capabilities. To overcome that Live Movie Maker deficiency, I created a "profile" that retains the 60 FPS in the saved WMV file. This will be included with the new digiCam Analysis HD.

Unlike you, I did not find ArcSoft useful for the purpose of converting MOV to AVI, WMV or MPG to use in digiCam Analysis HD. My programs, either directly capture or import AVI files. Then, depending on the program and whether the video is "interlaced" or "progressive," segments are up-converted from 30 to 60 FPS. All my apps use a proprietary method of playing and working with videos. This unique system is far more precise, versatile and reliable than those which use a standard video file and player. This is especially important for handling the great demands High Def and High Speed videos place on the computer system. digiCam Analysis HD eliminates jerky, frame-dropping, skipping, delay, slow play speed and other abnormalities which commonly occur with HD and High Frame Rate videos. digiCam Analysis HD gives you complete, frame-accurate control over every useful function. And, digiCam Analysis HD can work with 2, side-by-side, HD videos without overly stressing your computer's functionality. That being said, working with High Def material still requires a computer with 4-6 GB main memory. A desktop system will perform much better than a laptop computer, especially one running on battery power.

I hope digiCam Analysis HD has sparked your interest. More info will be forthcoming on www.TheGolfSystem.com and www.AnalysisProgram.com in the weeks ahead.

Let me know if you have any questions or comments. (You probably want to know "how much," $89 is the projected Internet-download price.)

B. (Unknown)
I am requesting any assistance that you can offer. I am trying to find someone tha can help me re-install my computer coach program. Made by Golf Coach. I am missing the key. I realize that the company has gone out of business but perhaps there is a tech out there somewhere that help me. I can be reached at the above e-mail address. Thank you.

Gary Brooks' Reply
Sorry to say, if you don't have "the key" to Golf Coach, I don't believe any technician will be able to help. You might be better off, and it could be cheaper in the long run, if you buy a new analysis app, like one of mine.

My programs are based on my 34 years experience in doing video swing analysis. Golf Swing Analysis System has been in-development for literally many years. I believe I've succeeded in getting my applications to extract as much information as possible from a live or video recorded swing.

Some of Golf Swing Analysis System's unique functions include:
Key Positions, isolate the 12 major swing positions, use them for side-by-side comparisons and more. Also see automatically-alternating backswing and downswing positions. (For example, see how the player looks at shoulder level going back and coming down.)

Rhythm Ratio, see how the timing of the backswing relates to the downswing.

Clubhead Speed tool shows MPH not only at impact, but also prior to impact and even during the backswing.

The Measuring tool gives you the ability to determine a player's ball launch angle and ball speed.

I could go on for a while and list many other features here, but please spend time at my web site, www.thegolfsystem.com to see everything Golf Swing Analysis System offers.

With the Professional version, you get built-in video capturing, can do a high-speed 60 FPS (frames-per-second) video analysis, view the swing with a special 21 speed player and more.

Professional primarily relies on its own proprietary format/players for displaying and working with swing videos. This system is far more precise, versatile and reliable than those which use a regular video file and player. You also have the ability to save the swing as a normal .AVI video file should you desire to use it outside the program.

I've received a lot of positive comments about my Putting Analysis System program and training devices. For complete info, please go to www.thegolfsystem.com/newPas.htm .

You might want to consider the Professional Suite which includes Professional, Putting Analysis System software/training devices, the fast and versatile All Sports Analysis Program, and new digiCam Analysis, a special program just for digital cameras... all the tools you need at a discounted price. And now, special Windows' 7/Vista versions of all applications are included. Being "7 ready" now guarantees the analysis program you buy will work properly for years to come. You'll also get Extras, samples and templates that show how to utilize Windows' Movie and DVD maker applications. You can order on-line with a major credit card at www.thegolfsystem.com/orderSuite.htm .

PGA and other golf organization members receive a special 10 percent discount. Please go to: www.thegolfsystem.com/orderSuiteMember.htm .

G.S. (Virginia)
Q> 1) With your program, do I have to have a computer attached to the camera when I capture the swings?
A> Your camera/camcorder does not have to be attached to your computer.
Q> Or, can I video the swings and then bring the footage in and download it onto the computer?
A> Yes. This is the way I prefer to do it. I find it cumbersome doing a video/laptop analysis on the range. I like to look at the video when I have time, point out areas of interest to the student and possibly uncover something I might not have seen during the live session. Technically, things work better on a desktop PC than a battery-powered laptop.

Q> 2) What type of video camera do you recommend?
A> Because you don't require the fastest turnaround time by capturing live or recorded video directly into the programs, you have plenty of camera/format options. Golf Swing Analysis System Professional, Putting Analysis System and All Sports Analysis Program, import standard (interlaced) AVI files and upconvert the video frame rate from 30 to 60 frames-per-second. 60 FPS is recommended for doing the highest quality analysis.
The camcorder should be set to Sports mode, or fast shutter speed in order to capture blur-free images of the clubhead.

If you just want to do a more general Analysis, then you can use one of today's point-and-shoot digital cameras along with my digiCam Analysis software. Please go to www.thegolfsystem.com/digiCam.htm for details.

What make/model camera/camcorder do you have or are considering buying? Once I know, I'll be able to offer more specific advice.

Q> 3) Is the program compatible with Windows Vista and Windows XP?
A> Yes, and they've been tested and optimized for Windows' 7 as well.

M. (unknown)
Does the mpeg4 video format on an Ipod nano work with your system.

Gary Brooks' Reply
The type of video captured by the Ipod Nano is the same as that recorded by other point-and-shoot digital cameras. This "Progressive" ("Frame", "Non-Interlaced") type video works best with my digiCam Analysis program. If you haven't done so, please go to www.thegolfsystem.com/digiCam.htm and get detailed information about this unique analysis program, designed especially for digital cameras.

digiCam Analysis, and all my Windows' applications, import AVI format video. MPEG, MOV and others need to be converted/saved as an AVI file in Movie Maker, Quicktime Pro or another application.

If you're ready, you can order on-line ( www.thegolfsystem.com/orderDigiCam.htm ) with a major credit card, download, and start using digiCam Analysis within 24 hours.

N.T. (U.K.)
Can I clarify:
- if I had the screen in dual view (eg view from behind / view from
side-on), how do I synchronize the two videos ?
- can I watch both videos play simultaneously to see the action unfold ?
- can I mark up individual frames with comments / graphics, or will these appear on all frames ?

Gary Brooks' Reply
The short answer to all your questions is Yes. All Sports Analysis Program, as well as the bonus digiCam Analysis application have that capability.

You can place ANY two Analysis videos that you've processed, on screen side by side. You have complete control over each one, individually, and as a pair. The programs do the (A-B) synchronization. You can set each Analysis to any point you'd like. There's a single A-B PLAY button that starts and stops the pair. You can also set the same slow motion for each and they'll play together that way. For finer control, there are manual Slow Motion forward and reverse buttons. Using the A-B controls keep the two Analysis in-sync with absolute frame accuracy.

To stay properly in-sync for multiple plays, each A and B Analysis video should be the same length. For consistency and best computer performance, it's recommended that your Analysis be the same, shortest possible length. When the programs process a segment from an imported AVI video, they'll extract the proper set length.

- can I mark up individual frames with comments / graphics, or will these appear on all frames ?

You can do both. If you want to isolate an individual frame, you can draw your graphics, and save the picture as a JPG file. You can also draw/save graphics that will appear over select frames or the entire Analysis video. These applications give you plenty of options and from your questions they sound right for what you want to do.

I'd still like to know the make/model/format camcorder you plan to use and any additional questions you have.

To read answers to some of the other questions asked by potential Analysis program users, click one of the following headings:

Windows' Vista computer
Demo version
Compare swing to a pro's
Ability to use the program
Swing instruction
Hardware purchasing

Using program outside the United States
Swing speed accuracy
Digital camcorder features, connection and software
Installing software on a new computer
Delivery

Windows XP
Lower price
Comparing swing videos
Time to video capture a swing
Compatible video capture cards

General hardware recommendations
Video capture cards for laptop computers
Purchasing a video capture card
Refund money
Camcorder for laptop

Which digital camcorder model
Sales representative
Credit Card / International Delivery
Special camcorder
More than one camera

Demo version

Q.
Do you have a demo or trial version of the software?
A.
Yes. There's a Play-Only Demo CD available for Golf Swing Analysis System Professional. Click here for complete information.

^ Return to Questions.

Compare swing to a pro's

Q.
Can I see how my swing compares to a professional golfer? Does your program have any pre-recorded model swings (tour players, instructors, etc.)?
A.
Yes, you can do side-by-side comparisons of any swing which you analyze. In order to respect copyright laws, the rights of golf professionals and to keep my software at a low price, my programs do not come with any pro swings. However, you can put together a collection of pro swings recorded from television, videotapes or from any source where you are legally allowed to do so.

^ Return to Questions.

Ability to use the program

Q.
Would your software be beyond my ability to use it effectively?
A.
Of course, that depends on you and how much you know about swing mechanics. The more you know the better. But, because of the relative nature of golf, I'm sure you'll become very educated about your own swing, after you've seen and analyzed it over a period of time. My applications are ideal for you to mark your progress. It is like a database for your swing and the many features will let you compare your good and not-so-good swings side by side. Once you've achieved your own "model" swing, you can use this as a reference whenever your swing gets off track.