What is the preferred format to submit video to colleges? Is is better to go with VHS, because everyone has these units. Or do coaches prefer the DVD because of the ability to navigate and the quality is better?
TIA
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IMO, VHS
If the coach can view DVD that is the better format. The DVD will contain several viewable files that the coach can view without having to look at the whole tape. You can also scan news clips and pictures onto the DVD to be viewed on computer.
The DVD is smaller and cheaper to send if you are sending out several.
Use a cover letter descrbing each file to let him know what it is about. Coaches have limited attention span and are very busy. Let them choose what the want to see. One clip I used titled "whatch that lefty move". I cut that clip and showed my son pick the kid off just after the coach warned him. Very effective, short and to the point.
The DVD is smaller and cheaper to send if you are sending out several.
Use a cover letter descrbing each file to let him know what it is about. Coaches have limited attention span and are very busy. Let them choose what the want to see. One clip I used titled "whatch that lefty move". I cut that clip and showed my son pick the kid off just after the coach warned him. Very effective, short and to the point.
As I mentioned in a previous post, the college coaches that my friend knew said to never send an unsolicted video.
So with that in mind, when you send your initial letter introducing yourself and asking if the coach would like to see a video of your skills, in that letter also ask what format they would like to see the video in. Probable a good idea to keep your video in both formats so that you can accomodate the coach's preference.
So with that in mind, when you send your initial letter introducing yourself and asking if the coach would like to see a video of your skills, in that letter also ask what format they would like to see the video in. Probable a good idea to keep your video in both formats so that you can accomodate the coach's preference.
This is true. I did find coaches who did not have a computer that could look at DVD. I converted them to CD and also I have a program that converts DVD to play on a DVD player and of on VHS.
I sent DVD after sending e-mails and there were only a couple that did not respond. Miami and Florida International did not respond. Miami-Dade, Pensacola and Broward did. Dade and Pensacola invited us for workouts and the tapes were sent unsolicited with phone calls following up.
One very nice coach said he didn't have DVD capability and took it to the computer guys who let him view it.
I sent DVD after sending e-mails and there were only a couple that did not respond. Miami and Florida International did not respond. Miami-Dade, Pensacola and Broward did. Dade and Pensacola invited us for workouts and the tapes were sent unsolicited with phone calls following up.
One very nice coach said he didn't have DVD capability and took it to the computer guys who let him view it.
The one thing we always say is that VHS has been around for a long time and we know ALL coaches have VCRs.
When it comes to DVD compatability, you will have a variety of different variables... machines, software, and viewers (coaches that could be computer literate or maybe not?).
Our standard practice is to give all of our clients a VHS version of their final edited video, PLUS an online version with an updateable resume webpage to accompany. If a coach sees a video that is a few months old, its nice for them to 'read' updated information about the player on the webpage next to the video. That way they can see if the player had any physical growth, academic updates, schedule changes, etc. since the filming date.
Many coaches have stated they prefer recieving a link (email) or phone call directly from the athletes so they know the athlete is serious about their program. If a coach cannot view the online video, for whatever reason, we give tech support or we suggest getting that coach your VHS copy asap. (We do offer DVDs too, but that is optional to our customers.)
I hope some of our research and experience in the 'recruiting video' niche can be helpful.
Skillshow
When it comes to DVD compatability, you will have a variety of different variables... machines, software, and viewers (coaches that could be computer literate or maybe not?).
Our standard practice is to give all of our clients a VHS version of their final edited video, PLUS an online version with an updateable resume webpage to accompany. If a coach sees a video that is a few months old, its nice for them to 'read' updated information about the player on the webpage next to the video. That way they can see if the player had any physical growth, academic updates, schedule changes, etc. since the filming date.
Many coaches have stated they prefer recieving a link (email) or phone call directly from the athletes so they know the athlete is serious about their program. If a coach cannot view the online video, for whatever reason, we give tech support or we suggest getting that coach your VHS copy asap. (We do offer DVDs too, but that is optional to our customers.)
I hope some of our research and experience in the 'recruiting video' niche can be helpful.
Skillshow
What do you think of link to a video that can be sent by e-mail. It's easy, quick for coaches, and the recruit. Just wondering...
Isnt that what Skillshow does with their ACT system
Actually, sending video files by email can lead to trouble if the 'file size' of the video is too large. It will clog up the coaches email server or maybe never arrive if the school's email system denies large attachments.
We try to steer clear of 'attachments' in emails. Our process is to 'stream' the video so the coaches do NOT have to download or recieve any large files on their computers or through their email system. The videos are housed on our servers and just play through the website (To answer TRHit, that website is our ACT System or "Athletic Career Tracking System").
We try to steer clear of 'attachments' in emails. Our process is to 'stream' the video so the coaches do NOT have to download or recieve any large files on their computers or through their email system. The videos are housed on our servers and just play through the website (To answer TRHit, that website is our ACT System or "Athletic Career Tracking System").
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Skillshow1:
Actually, sending video files by email can lead to trouble if the 'file size' of the video is too large. It will clog up the coaches email server or maybe never arrive if the school's email system denies large attachments.QUOTE]
Skillshow, you are absolutely right about not sending attachments. Of course you addressed my original question in your post right before mine (I must be blind as a bat).
Thanks
Actually, sending video files by email can lead to trouble if the 'file size' of the video is too large. It will clog up the coaches email server or maybe never arrive if the school's email system denies large attachments.QUOTE]
Skillshow, you are absolutely right about not sending attachments. Of course you addressed my original question in your post right before mine (I must be blind as a bat).
Thanks