All-Star Feedback On Video At Competions

[The Sixth]

I'm glad you created a new thread, because I have plenty of things to add :)

You had mentioned you try to produce videos on the spot, and I think that's great! I'd much rather live without all the menu fluff to be able to get it that day/weekend as opposed to 4-6 weeks later after I've seen a bunch of Youtube videos already.

Generally speaking, I also prefer DVDs that contain whole divisions as opposed to single teams. I think it's a good way to add value without it actually costing the video companies more money. Or at least they should be priced accordingly. I've seen some companies offer your team a DVD for $25, but others who offer an entire division for $50.

You said buying USB keys was a bit cost prohibitive, but I have to believe that a bulk lot of 4 or even 8GB keys can't be that much due to how prices have fallen. I can see where some customers may still be using DVD players and not prefer BluRay, but I still think HD is a must. At least have it as an additional paid option. I saw a Jamfest Indy order form and they had it on there, although not in line with what I believe it was worth.

I'm not sold on an Internet download model. Besides the bandwidth issue, I think the cost of commercial storage isn't going to help cut costs either. I don't know where the video buying demographic lies, but the fact that some people prefer DVD to BR isn't a good sign they are willing to download content either.

 

[SEVideo]

One option that I would like to see, is video of all of my gym, rather than a cd of CP's routine and their competition. I also would like the option to buy a viedo after the event. That way I would have more available $$$ (since comp weekends suck the cash right out of me) and (sorry to say this) I can see if my own video came out ;)

side rant...I just quickly read over UCA's new photography rules....I am speechless. Nothing longer than a 70? What? and they are making it one team photographer per team, so that means that we have to choice between photos or videos. That seems like it will protect you, if you decide to continue doing large events, but it does not protect the families who want to take their own shots. (disclaimer, I just bought a 70-300 so I am not happy!) There needs to be a way to protect the families and loyal vendors and not put all of the money in UCA's pocket.

We have gym packages that include every routine from every team... and I can esxplain more about it off-thread if you are interested, but it sounds like exactly what you are looking for. We also have DVDs available (and we are looking into online delivery) of all out events so you can buy it any time after the event. (we see a bunch of ordering happen aroundf tax refuind time! ) :)

As a photo and video enthusiast I can understand your rant... however, in light of the recent issue, (see the thread at Cheer - Sex Offender Arrested At Cheer Comp | Fierce Board - The Voice Of Cheer ) I think that limiting telephoto lenses is 100% the right thing to do, and that has nothing to do with protecting business.

 

[SEVideo]

I'm glad you created a new thread, because I have plenty of things to add :)

You had mentioned you try to produce videos on the spot, and I think that's great! I'd much rather live without all the menu fluff to be able to get it that day/weekend as opposed to 4-6 weeks later after I've seen a bunch of Youtube videos already.

Generally speaking, I also prefer DVDs that contain whole divisions as opposed to single teams. I think it's a good way to add value without it actually costing the video companies more money. Or at least they should be priced accordingly. I've seen some companies offer your team a DVD for $25, but others who offer an entire division for $50.

You said buying USB keys was a bit cost prohibitive, but I have to believe that a bulk lot of 4 or even 8GB keys can't be that much due to how prices have fallen. I can see where some customers may still be using DVD players and not prefer BluRay, but I still think HD is a must. At least have it as an additional paid option. I saw a Jamfest Indy order form and they had it on there, although not in line with what I believe it was worth.

I'm not sold on an Internet download model. Besides the bandwidth issue, I think the cost of commercial storage isn't going to help cut costs either. I don't know where the video buying demographic lies, but the fact that some people prefer DVD to BR isn't a good sign they are willing to download content either.

Argh.... Excellent points and suggestions... and I want to respond but I need to get in a van and Drive 12 hours to NC for a Cheersport event.... :eek: real quick... bulk USB drives are about 10 times the cost of bulk DVDs (and there's no guarantee of quality, but they are getting better) We do offer blu-ray options at every event.. few takers, We film everything in HD and convert to SD for the DVDs, online content delivery (Netflix, etc..) seems to be the death knoll for the DVD.

Thanks! :)

 

[notimeforthat]

whil

Argh.... Excellent points and suggestions... and I want to respond but I need to get in a van and Drive 12 hours to NC for a Cheersport event.... :eek: real quick... bulk USB drives are about 10 times the cost of bulk DVDs (and there's no guarantee of quality, but they are getting better) We do offer blu-ray options at every event.. few takers, We film everything in HD and convert to SD for the DVDs, online content delivery (Netflix, etc..) seems to be the death knoll for the DVD.

Thanks! :)[/quote

I purchased photos from a Ecco tourist park in Mexico called (Xplor) in the Maya Riviera area. The quality was impeccable and the USB was a keychain branded with the logo of the park. We had bracelets on that the various cameras recognized and at the exit we went through the gallery of all the images related to our family only. Needless to say they were amazing and we bought the package on the USB and it was fairly reasonable. Not sure why they chose USB over a disc but we were quite happy!

 

[The Sixth]

side rant...I just quickly read over UCA's new photography rules....I am speechless. Nothing longer than a 70? What? and they are making it one team photographer per team, so that means that we have to choice between photos or videos. That seems like it will protect you, if you decide to continue doing large events, but it does not protect the families who want to take their own shots. (disclaimer, I just bought a 70-300 so I am not happy!) There needs to be a way to protect the families and loyal vendors and not put all of the money in UCA's pocket.

That reminds me of a funny story. I just had a 55-200 kit lens at UCA one year, and one of the staff told me I couldn't use it because of the no zoom lens. Now when I think of zoom I think of 300-400. I said to here it's only a 200mm lens. Her reply was, I don't know what that means, but you can't use it!

Here is my rant too. I always felt the photo/video rules were not meant for "protection" at all, but just a way for the video/photog folks to not lose business. I can agree with this to a point. My counter is that these are professionals. If people choose to go invest in a quality camera and shoot their own amateur photos let them have at it. If they have happen to have a great eye more power to them. And if they are happy with their own mediocre photos for free, also more power to them. Because regardless, I've seen some pretty shoddy photos from said professionals. So why should I be forced to purchase those as my only option? Or why should I pay for a team CD only option, if my kid is in 3 pics out of 100???

If pro shooters are worth their salt, then they should always have a leg up on Joe Dad in the stands because they have the best seat and the best equipment. And people who care, will pay for it.

 

[kobegirl]

I feel EPs can eliminate non-buyers by adding ~$15 to entry fee and include a photo CD and a DVD of the performance. you will get 100% compliance and maybe eliminate a percentage of ipads. Extra fee if you want the whole division DVD.

 

[MyGirlCheers]

I never buy DVDs at competitions. I just don't want/can't spend the money on comp. weekends and I don't want to have to store a stack of (some day obsolete) DVDs. Plus, the DVDs don't usually contain the exact/only content I want.

For me, ideally, I would like to be able to purchase an a la cart digital download. That way I can choose just what I want. Sometimes I'd like to have just CP's performance. Other times I might like to have all the performances from my gym. Or maybe I'd like CP's team's whole division or just the top few in her division. I might want awards. ETC. I would be much more likely to purchase if I could do it that way.

 

[catlady]

Well..., the person you refer to was not a vendor following the guidelines of the EP(s)... and I don't want to go into business ethics here.
But..., $49 and 4 weeks must be for an edited DVD with menu titles and graphics. It takes time to put that together. I agree.. that seems a bit pricey. Our DVDs are priced between $15 and $30, we give discounts to parents with crossovers and multiple kids, and we deliver them on the spot at the event so you can take it home with you that day. (there are events we do custom edits for and it takes at least 4 weeks to put them together, and we always offer the unedited disc "on the spot" to buy and take with you.

My point was meant to be, I only had one choice, $49, 4-6 weeks wait, choice of one day. SEVideo was not there and parents had one option, take it or leave it. With that being said, my cp doesn't really want a video of a comp she didn't win, so often times we wait for awards, run to the video kiosk, they ask what day we want when we really have no idea which view was better from your angle so we guess, and then we have to wait another hour or two while it is being processed. Repeat at the photo kiosk. An option where we are able to look online and download/burn the day of our preference, whether pics or video, would be incredible. For safety, it could be put on the gyms websites for viewing by members only.

 

[5-6-7-8]

I normally buy videos at a few competitions a year. Here is what puts me off: paying more than $20, having to round up a whole team to get a discount, having to pay for additional days, having to buy additional DVDs for my CPs two teams without any break, and waiting 4-6 weeks to get a DVD.

Things I have seen and loved...

Pre-ordering online, at smaller comps paying $20-30 but getting the entire competition so I can watch other teams I may have missed, on-site pickup.

What would be awesome, preordering and an almost instant digital download. Perhaps even a kiosk where people could pick and choose teams / routines and transfer straight to a USB drive either the customer provides or buys on site from the video company.

I usually video with my phone so I can share with family and friends soon after the event.




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[TheVipersMom]

I like CheerPower


We get a free DVD of our team every performance. (3 of our 10 comps are CheerPower)
Plus whoever does CheerPower zooms in and you can see it with great quality. Plus we had the DVD before we left the comp for every member on the team:)

I paid $50 afterwards for the video of ACA for the youth 2 division and it was a decent video but nothing out of this world.


I paid 30$ for a video that included teams that went before and after my kids team but it wasn't the whole division .. It was a few youth 2s and junior 1s mixed together.

This was from 8 count video and they barely zoomed in and the kids looked like far away ants and wasn't the best quality! I did get it right away however .. But nothing compares to a CheerPower video


They were the best quality out of all and the were free!!!!!:)


I like and will pay for a video of just my kids team for 25$ that is perfectly fine with me but anything more is crazy.


At WSA they wanted I believe $100 for just 1 day of my kids performance or $150 for both days..this was innovative images llc??

Ugh no thanks!!!!

 

[The Sixth]

Argh.... Excellent points and suggestions... and I want to respond but I need to get in a van and Drive 12 hours to NC for a Cheersport event.... :eek: real quick... bulk USB drives are about 10 times the cost of bulk DVDs (and there's no guarantee of quality, but they are getting better) We do offer blu-ray options at every event.. few takers, We film everything in HD and convert to SD for the DVDs, online content delivery (Netflix, etc..) seems to be the death knoll for the DVD.

Thanks! :)

No problem, I certainly get USB keys would be more than discs. I mostly mention it as it being an option vs not being able to offer HD at all. It's great you DO offer BluRay. I have yet to see any other producer that does. I'm also trying to comment addressing the industry in general, as opposed to what you do specifically.

 

[The Sixth]

Perhaps even a kiosk where people could pick and choose teams / routines and transfer straight to a USB drive either the customer provides or buys on site from the video company.

What a great idea! A full blown kiosk that dispenses a USB key is probably too much to ask for. But I could easily see the Windows driven kiosks that are already in use by the photo folks, that would process the order while a guy in the back just copies files to USB keys for on site pickup later. 5 videos the customer chooses for $xx.xx or 10 videos for a discounted $xx.xx.

 

[UpsideDownGirlsMom]

I never buy DVDs at competitions. I just don't want/can't spend the money on comp. weekends and I don't want to have to store a stack of (some day obsolete) DVDs. Plus, the DVDs don't usually contain the exact/only content I want.

For me, ideally, I would like to be able to purchase an a la cart digital download. That way I can choose just what I want. Sometimes I'd like to have just CP's performance. Other times I might like to have all the performances from my gym. Or maybe I'd like CP's team's whole division or just the top few in her division. I might want awards. ETC. I would be much more likely to purchase if I could do it that way.

Took the words right out of my mouth. Exactly!!

 

[dawgshow]

We have gym packages that include every routine from every team... and I can esxplain more about it off-thread if you are interested, but it sounds like exactly what you are looking for. We also have DVDs available (and we are looking into online delivery) of all out events so you can buy it any time after the event. (we see a bunch of ordering happen aroundf tax refuind time! ) :)

.

This is a type of DVD that'd I'd be interested in purchasing. I know my CP's team's routine inside and out by the end of the season but rarely get to see some of the other teams. It's a great memento of the entire season and I don't think that I've seen it offered at the comps we attend. Honestly, I could have missed it, though, because on comp days my focus is on getting from point A to point ZZ on time while getting everyone fed in the time we have and rarely have time to just browse.

 

[cheermommaRN]

What a great idea! A full blown kiosk that dispenses a USB key is probably too much to ask for. But I could easily see the Windows driven kiosks that are already in use by the photo folks, that would process the order while a guy in the back just copies files to USB keys for on site pickup later. 5 videos the customer chooses for $xx.xx or 10 videos for a discounted $xx.xx.

Could you imagine being able to buy a dvd with just the super six performances at Worlds? That would be awesome...I like this idea!