SwimWatch Start Analyzer
Function
The new package for start analysis in swimming, very detailed and very efficient
The SwimWatch Start Analyzer can be used to analyse a start and it works in a similar way as the Race Analyzer. That means you can analyse a start in high detail and in a very short time. One start can result in 70 values and can be analysed within 10 minutes!
Automatic start analysis using video recognition
Between 2004 and 2006 a camera system has been installed in the swimming pool De Tongelreep in Eindhoven by the Dutch firm Philips and the Swiss firm Dartfish. From 2007 on different software systems were added to make the InnoSportLab De Tongelreep one of the best swimming performance centers in the world.
Several organisations and companies are combining their expertise to create a unique and innovative start analysis system. In 2007, SwimWatch created a fully automated analysis system together with TNO. Because this analysis is available after approx. 30 seconds.
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This system used version 1 of the SwimWatch Start Analyzer. This software uses automatic video tracking to analyse 70 parameters of a single start. This system has been used prior to the Olympics of Beijing in 2008 by Jacco Verhaeren, the coach of Pieter van den Hoogenband, Marleen Veldhuis and Inge Dekker. 
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Click here for more information on the fully automated version
Method of analysis
After the fully automated system was created, SwimWatch has been working on a semi-automated system. Let's be honest: not that many clubs are able to incorporate a professional camera system in the walls of the pool. The Start Analyzer version 2 was intended to be used by smaller clubs, so everybody would be able to do start analysis in their own pool.
After capturing the movement can be analysed by using the mouse (or in case of a touch screen a pen or finger) to point the positions of several body parts. The amount of time that takes, depends on the number of body parts and the number of points that are set for each body part. With every next start of the same athlete, the system will get faster because it 'learns' by analysing the previous movement.
After completing the process, the analysis file and the video file(s) are available for the coaches. To make distribution of files easier, a Distribute mode has been added. In this mode you can copy or move analysis and video files to and from an external disk.
Parameters and values
Just like the analysis made by the SwimWatch Race Analyzer are very detailed, so are the analysis of the Start Analyzer. The amount of parameters that can be measured depends on the variation. The Lite variation offers 20 parameters, the Standard variation currently offers 47 parameters and the Pro variation currently offers 82 parameters!
The list of parameters of the SwimWatch Start Analyzer is too extensive to list on this page. Click here for a list of parameters. If you have requests for additional parameters, SwimWatch is able to create a Custom version that includes all the parameters you are interested in!
Demo
Before you register the software, you can test the software free of charge. However, the software is restricted in it's use. In case of the SwimWatch Start Analyzer it is not possible to save video clips and analysis. However, you can experience the entire process of analysing a start using samples (video anad analysis). These files can be downloaded from within the software.
Different variations
Experience has shown that this software is used by different types of users: from amateur to professional. For that reason this software has three user levels: Lite, Standard and Pro. Lite is intended for small clubs, Standard for bigger clubs and Pro for professional users or National teams. These variations are combined into a single program. After startup a form is shown in which the desired variation can be chosen.
| Lite | Standard | Pro | |
| Capturing video clips |  | | |
| Maximum amount of cameras while capturing | 1 | 2 | 2 *) |
| Saving compressed video | | | |
| Categorize video clips | | | |
| Amount of paths for saving video and analysis | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Lists with year of birth and classification |  | | |
| Lists with physical parameters (length, weight) | | | |
| Playback of video clips | | | |
| Maximum amount of fixed cameras while analysing | 1 | 2 | 5 |
| De-interlacing function to show 25 fps video as 50 fps | | | |
| Zooming in and out to focus on parts of the video image | | | |
| Amount of body parts that can be measured | 4 | 6 | 9 |
| Automatic detection of start flash | | | |
| Amount of parameters | 20 | 47 | 82 |
| Validation of measurements during analysis | | | |
| Validation of measurements in the archive (after analysis) | | | |
| Distribute video and analysis to coaches and athletes | | | |
*) During analysis more than 2 video clips can be used, for a better view and more accuracte analysis
Additional features may be added, feedback is highly appreciated!
Download
At the moment there is no version of the SwimWatch Start Analyzer available for download. The 'old' version has been taken offline, but no newer version is available yet (not even a beta version). Visit this page again in a few weeks to see if a beta version is available!
Prices
This software will be available in three variations. Below the price indications for this software.
SwimWatch Start Analyzer Lite:
- SwimWatch Start Analyzer software for version 4.0 Lite
- SwimWatch Start Analyzer manual for version 4.0
- Free upgrades to future versions 4.x Lite
Price
139 incl. 21% VAT, one-off (not annual)
SwimWatch Start Analyzer Standard:
- SwimWatch Start Analyzer software for version 4.0 Standard
- SwimWatch Start Analyzer manual for version 4.0
- Free upgrades to future versions 4.x Standard
Price 269 incl. 21% VAT, one-off (not annual)
SwimWatch Start Analyzer Pro:
- SwimWatch Start Analyzer software for version 4.0 Pro
- SwimWatch Start Analyzer manual for version 4.0
- Free upgrades to future versions 4.x Pro
Price 399 incl. 21% VAT, one-off (not annual)
If you have requests for additional parameters, SwimWatch is able to create a Custom version that includes all the parameters you are interested in, from 1500 euro incl. 21% VAT. Price indication on request.
For this software, we advise you to subscribe to a training session.
- SwimWatch Start Analyzer training for version 4.0
Duration: 6 hours
Group size: min. 2 and max. 8
Via: Skype or Zoom
Price 198 incl. 21% VAT, per person
Buy
It is not possible to buy a software license for this product right now. But it will be available soon.
System requirements
The system requirements for SwimWatch software for PC can be found on this page.