How Multi-Angle Video Replay Changed the Game at West Chester University
When West Chester University’s athletic department explored new technology for volleyball officiating, their goal was simple: make the game fairer, faster, and more accurate. What they didn’t expect was how quickly the new multi-camera instant replay system—powered by PTZOptics cameras and SkyCoach software—would prove its value.
During a recent volleyball match, the system was used in real time to overturn a critical call, marking a milestone moment for both the referees and the university’s athletic program.
From Live Streaming to Official Review
Until recently, West Chester relied on their live stream feeds for replay—a setup that offered only a single angle and limited playback control. With NCAA and conference-level expectations rising for video review, the school needed a professional-grade system that could keep up with today’s fast-paced matches.
The new setup combined multiple PTZOptics cameras, including a fixed Studio SE camera dedicated as a “net cam,” with the SkyCoach instant replay system. Together, they created a multi-angle video review system capable of recording at 60 frames per second, allowing for clear, frame-by-frame playback even during the fastest spikes and deflections.
The Game-Changing Moment
In the middle of the match, a close play at the net sparked confusion. Officials paused the game and turned to their new wireless SkyCoach iPad interface. Using touch controls, they quickly scrubbed through the footage—frame by frame—until the exact moment of contact became clear. The net cam footage revealed the ball had been tipped, confirming the opposing team’s point. The call was overturned.
This moment underscored exactly why video replay technology is becoming a requirement in collegiate sports: it provides transparency, accuracy, and confidence in every call.
Inside the System
The West Chester installation featured:
- (1) PTZOptics Studio SE Fixed Camera – Used as the net cam for detailed close-ups of ball contact
- (2) PTZOptics Move SE PTZ Cameras – Providing wide and dynamic coverage of the court
- PTZOptics SuperJoy Controller – Allowing operators to quickly adjust and save camera positions for different sports
- SkyCoach Replay Software – Offering instant wireless video playback, clipping, and slow-motion review
Because the same gymnasium hosts volleyball, basketball, and wrestling, the ability to reframe and reposition PTZ cameras remotely was essential. With a few button presses, operators can adjust camera angles for entirely different sporting events.
Benefits Beyond Officiating
The advantages of this system extend far beyond the referee’s table. Coaches can clip and review plays immediately after a match, condensing a two-hour game into 45 minutes of key moments. The footage is also valuable for training, scouting, and post-game analysis, helping teams refine their performance with precise, visual feedback.
Setting a New Standard for College Sports
West Chester University’s adoption of this technology reflects a broader trend in collegiate athletics: integrating multi-angle, high-frame-rate replay systems for fairness and development. As one of the first institutions in the region to implement this kind of setup, West Chester is setting a precedent for how mid-sized athletic programs can embrace video technology without breaking their budgets.
With PTZOptics cameras providing flexibility and SkyCoach enabling intuitive replay control, the future of sports officiating and coaching is clear—and it’s all captured in 60 frames per second.
📸 Featured Technology:
- PTZOptics Studio SE (Net Cam)
- PTZOptics Move SE PTZ Cameras
- PTZOptics SuperJoy Controller
- SkyCoach Instant Replay System
