Comparison: EDGE Replay vs SkyCoach
If you’ve been following the Sport Scope and EDGE Replay blog, you’ll probably have noticed that we’ve been focusing on comparisons between the EDGE and other sideline replay systems such as the Hudl Sideline and the Echo1612. Today we’ll be comparing the EDGE with the SkyCoach. Here are the major differences between the two systems.
Computer Needed per Angle
With the SkyCoach you will need a laptop computer for each view. This is what performs the computing processes so that your antenna can send out the recorded clips to your iPad. These computers, whatever kind you may use, are not provided by SkyCoach. So you’ll be required to either use your own laptops or purchase new ones.
Moreover, you’ll also have to be careful that the computer you decide to use or purchase is compatible with the SkyCoach system. SkyCoach recommends a 64 bit Operating System with an i7 processor, 8GB of RAM, a Solid State Drive with 5GB of available storage per game, and a USB 3.0 port. Basically what all this means is you better have a good computer on hand, per camera angle. The cheapest option with these specifications will run you around $700.
The EDGE Replay, on the other hand, provides you with a custom-made capturing device that handles all the encoding and processing of video clips per angle. EDGE provides you with these devices as part of the system package. No need to worry about buying new computers or compatibility. No need to worry about getting your laptop wet in the rain. The handy EDGE box was designed from the ground up to record your plays and send to your iPad.
Unnecessary Convoluted Setup
With SkyCoach the system is required to use a total of 6 antennas between the Endzone and the Pressbox for a 2-Camera angle system. You will be required to set up a tripod on the sideline with a 2 antenna bridge in order to obtain effective communication.
Contrast this with 2-Camera angle system for the EDGE Replay. EDGE only requires two antennas total. One in the Pressbox and one on the Endzone. Our network is powerful enough to communicate between the two stations and send to the sideline for your iPad.
And if you do need to work within a massive stadium with long distances of communication, then EDGE will happily provide a bridge antenna tripod at a low cost for those who need it.
Outlet Power Required in Endzone, Pressbox, and at Access Point on Sideline
For the SkyCoach, you will need to provide power to your laptops and the antennas per station. In the Pressbox this is usually not a problem. But for the antenna tripod on the sideline and the station in the Endzone, running an extension cord to get power is not always easy. SkyCoach does not provide you with an independent power source.
EDGE Replay has considered this difficulty. With EDGE, you’ll get a heavy duty battery capable of powering your router and the EDGE box, the only items that will need it. No outlet strip and extension cord necessary like what is required with SkyCoach.
Furthermore, the EDGE box provides you with a HDMI pass-through so you can connect to your Endzone System’s monitor. With SkyCoach, if you want to use the monitor on your Endzone Camera, you’ll have to purchase a HDMI Splitter to accomplish this task. Another item that will most likely require power to operate.
Limited App Features
Lastly, SkyCoach has very little features in terms of game tagging. There is no virtual football field to track exact down and distance. There is also no in-game stats engine or predictive opponent tendencies.
EDGE leverages your live tagging to provide you with crucial data that can inform you on how to best run the next play.
If you currently own SkyCoach or another replay system and have decided it’s time for a change, check out our Replay Exchange Program now! Under this program, you can send us your replay system and pay us your annual subscription fee and we'll give you the EDGE Replay in exchange. Call (888) 335-7875 for more details or click HERE.
Posted on March 24, 2017 at 11:30 AM