Finish Line Video

[Mac]

Really curious to know what setup everyone uses for capturing video at the finish line.  I've used a setup as simple iPads upgrading finally to using two USB cameras with OBS.  I will say while I like OBS, I do find that sometimes my videos come out "laggy", although I suspect the length of my cords have something to do with it.  

What setup do you recommend for quickly scrubbing through videos for close calls that allows me to capture both the bib numbers and right down the finish line? Looking for something simple and cost effective.  

[Edward Schrank]

I use two security cameras (Zavio B6530) that connect to my POE switch and security software called Blue Iris. To get multicam function you have to pay for Blue Iris but it is like 30 bucks a year. We used to let the cameras run and produce YouTube video from it, but the last couple years have the motion detection turned on so they just record finish. This has been a fantastic solution as you can see both views, easily scrub through the footage and advance to a specific time of day as needed. We usually have our time clock in view which is also helpful. The cameras we use are fully outdoor compatible (unlike our IDLynx camera) so they work rain or shine. This is a great setup. The cameras are several years old now and have been bullet proof. Look for ones that have a tripod mount (this zavio does). 

The other solution is to  bite the bullet and go with an IDlynx camera. This is an absolute game changer. But $$$. 

[Raphael Leal]

Is the Blue Iris installed on the main race time computer?

[Edward Schrank]

We use a second laptop so we can review real time and not interrupt scoring. Processing video can be processor heavy and the Blue Iris website has good info on minimum requirements. There are many tips on the Blue iris website on using the program, but we found keeping it minimized until we needed it as well as only recording when there was activity kept system requirements to a minimum and didn't overtax our processor. We use it and Finishlynx on the same machine now with no issues. 

[Brandon Daniels]

I use a (discontinued) IdentiLynx+ 720p POE video camera

Here are some screenshots from the cc meet I just timed earlier this evening.

[Brandon Daniels]

I clamp the Identilynx camera to a head on the ladder so that it aims over the finish line workers.

Here's how it works in Finish Lynx: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPRKAhemyNc

Here's a review of the newer model: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oKA20gZrGI

[Edward Schrank]

I have two ancient IDlynx cameras. One is the old gray one and it is actually our favorite. Just works. The newer one (still old), has all kinds of hiccups. All of them until the most recent release were not weather proof which is unbelievable. As I said though, moving to IDlynx is a game changer for accuracy and ease of review, but it is a steep learning curve.