GameStrat: Sideline Tablet Technology FAQ

 

In the fast-paced world of college football, making quick, informed decisions can be the difference between winning and losing. This year marks a significant change as the NCAA now allows the use of sideline tablet technology, a tool that will revolutionize the way in-game adjustments are made. 

 

As college football teams begin to adopt this new technology, we understand there might be many questions about its implementation and how everything works. We've compiled a list of our most frequently asked questions about the wireless GameStrat system to get you up to speed and ready to leverage the full potential of sideline tablet technology.

 

More questions about sideline tablet technology? Click here to book a demo

 

 

General Requirements: What do I need?

• 1 Designated game day operator.
• Access to camera/video feeds via HDMI or SDI
• 1 computer (Windows or Mac)
• iPads for Viewing (supported iPads)

 

 

What is the range on the antennas? Will the system work in our big stadium?

The range on the antennas has been tested up to a mile away, and will work in any stadium regardless of size or attendance. We have had teams operate the GameStrat system in both NFL & NCAA stadiums flawlessly. For more info on this, click here.

 

 

How do we connect to the cameras?

To connect to the cameras, all you need is all you need is an output feed from your cameras. GameStrat can connect through HMDI, SDI, or the ethernet ports in the back of any "tactical camera" like Hudl Focus for example. If your camera feed is needed elsewhere, you can split the feed without affecting any of your camera operations.

 

Do the cameras control the recording?

The recordings are done through the GameStrat app on the operating laptop in the press box. The GameStrat system simply taps into your existing video feed via HDMI and broadcasts that footage down to your viewing devices in real time. This means that your camera operator does not have to change their workflow at all, they can continue to record as usual on the cameras and that will be separate from the GameStrat system.

 

 

What kind of tablets can we use?

GameStrat supports a wide range of iPads as viewing devices. Below is a table highlighting the iPads we support, you can also click here for more info.

 

 

How many tablets can we use?

With GameStrat, you can have an unlimited number of viewing device iPads, however NCAA rules allow for a maximum of 18 iPads.

 

 

What cases do you recommend for the tablets?

The exact iPad case will depend on the specific iPad model you end up purchasing. In terms of the case brand that we recommend, we've seen the OtterBox ones work really well as they are sturdy and somewhat water resistant. You can check them out here.

 

 

Is the system weatherproof? Does anything change from a setup standpoint?

Yes, GameStrat's networking hardware is weatherproof and is resistant to rain/snow. However, there are some parts of the system that should stay sheltered: any connections to power in the press box, end zone, or sideline, the video streaming device in the end zone, and the laptop & router in the press box should all be protected from the elements. Luckily, all of this equipment can be conveniently tucked away into the GameStrat hard cases that we provide. 

 

 

How many people do we need to run the system?

Only ONE person is required to setup and run the system on game day. We do recommend having a second person available in the case of any troubleshooting or any any assistance needed.

 

 

How far can the camera and laptop be from each other?

The laptop does not have a set distance it can be from the camera. The length of your cord connecting the camera to the laptop is the distance you can have between the two. GameStrat will provide teams with a 15 foot HDMI cord to connect their camera to the laptop, if a longer cord is needed, teams will have to purchase this on their own.