Video analysis hardware
2004-2009
Backcast was founded by Jan Findlater in 2008 to create user-friendly and affordable video analysis tools for sports applications.
Goal
My goal for my company was to democratise sports video analysis. I believed that a larger market for analysis products could exist if: a). The software was more user friendly b). Appropriate hardware could aid the speed and ease of recordings c). The packages could be more affordable/accessible.
Backcast offerings
The Tactool was a tactical tool for sport. This one-button interface enabled coaches to tag moments live in a match, the software compiled a playlist that the couch could use for feedback to an individual or team.
The video umpiring system helped hockey umpires review their performance during European events.
Video equipment was developed, taking the sports event context in mind. Working with coaches we developed packages that were easy to set up and reliable.
Rendering of a stopwatch which houses a video event trigger which notes important events during a live video recording
Early prototypes were based on a wireless doorbell, then a keyfob with a wireless receiver relay soldered to a keyboard letter (hotkey) that Siliconcoach TimeWarp software could read.
Live portable wireless video transmitter system for action replays at sports events
I worked towards a rugged design using ‘off the shelf’ components enclosed aluminium casings. The video output format was a live video feed through Firewire ieee1394 port which could be processed by video analysis platforms in real-time.
Live portable wireless video transmitter system for action replays at sports events
I worked towards a rugged design using ‘off the shelf’ components enclosed aluminium casings. The video output format was a live video feed through Firewire ieee1394 port which could be processed by video analysis platforms in real-time.
Flight-case design housing video analysis equipment for sports events
This flight-case design housing camera and laptop dock and a wireless video receiver. It is a capable and compact design enabling quick set-up times and flexible across many use cases in elite sport.
Collaboration with CCC in Leipzig to make sport specific templates to improve the usability of their video content management system.
I developed a process that required minimal setup and delivered compelling, interactive online match statistics.
Recommendation
Jan-Willem has proven to be creative while developing a plug-in for the software we sell. He is persistent, the good way, and oversees very complex and undiscovered areas during the solving process. He can be stubborn from time to time but, given a little time, will turn around and bring up even better ideas. Jan-Willem gets the job done, maybe unconventional but always thorough. We have enjoyed his great work.