Camera Information
This guide is to familiarize you with the camera/camcorder requirements for the K-VEST & K-TRAINER systems.
Please note: Other products such as the K-VIDEO may have alternative requirements.
General Camera Information
The K-VEST and K-TRAINER systems feature integrated video functionality which is designed to capture a client’s movement on video. This video is sent to your computer in real time and display on the screen to the client within the K-VEST software. The video is also captured in real time during a client’s swing. This allows you to utilize K-VEST to provide instantaneous video analysis for your clients.
About FireWire Cameras
K-VEST and K-TRAINER were designed to use FireWire (sometimes referred to as IEEE 1394, DV, miniDV, or i.LINK) digital camcorders. FireWire/DV cameras were designed to natively accept and communicate a live video stream to the computer. What this means is that when you plug a FireWire camera into your computer, you computer knows that it is a camera device and that it is capable of sending live, real-time video to your computer. The K-VEST system is designed to use this live video stream to quickly and easily capture your client’s golf swing in real time. As we will see, not all cameras on the market are capable of this live video stream.
Figure 1: 6-pin (Left) and 4-pin (Right) FireWire
About USB Cameras – (external camera, non-webcam style)
Today many cameras on the market connect to your computer via a USB cable. USB provides a flexible connection which allows it to accept many different types of devices. Unfortunately this flexibility has also limited USB’s ability to focus on doing some things extremely well, such as live video recording. Almost all USB cameras on the market today lack the ability to provide a live video stream to the computer. Instead these cameras work by recording your video to the built-in SD/Memory Card/DVD, where you are then required to transfer that pre-recorded video file to your computer. This delay and extra step is incompatible with the K-VEST application.
While the K-VEST does not recognize or accept USB cameras, it is sometimes possible to use these cameras separately from the K-VEST system and import the video at a later time. K-VEST does have an import video feature which allows you to import video captured with other video analysis cameras and platforms. This does take extra steps and additional time, but for those who want to use a specific non-FireWire camera, it is a possible option.
Please note though you will not be able to use a USB camera to capture a client’s video in real time through the K-VEST software.
About Webcams
Webcams are another common video device most people are familiar with. Many laptops now include a built-in webcam. Some K-VEST users may have noticed that their system will detect and recognize their built-in webcam. The one thing to keep in mind when using these cameras is shutter speed. Webcams lack the ability to provide an adjustable shutter speed, and the native shutter speed will not capture the high-speed, ballistic movement of a golf swing very well. When using a webcam you will most likely notice the club/shaft will be very blurry throughout the swing, especially at impact. Therefore it is recommended that you use an external camera with an improved shutter speed to get the best video quality.
K-TRAINER customers may find a webcam acceptable because you are not capturing and saving quick ballistic movement during most training exercises.
Conclusion
Overall, to achieve the best results the K-VEST and K-TRAINER systems should be used with a FireWire camera. Individual needs may vary depending on how you use your K-VEST and K-TRAINER systems. If you have any further questions about video, cameras, FireWire vs. USB or any other aspect of your K-VEST or K-TRAINER system please contact our technical support department at [email protected] or by calling 603.472.3519 ext. 4015.
