There are a few different ways to get video delay into your training or teaching. Here's a practical look at the three main approaches — what works, what's annoying, and which one makes the most sense for most people.
1. Mobile Apps
There are several video delay apps available for phones and tablets. You open the app, point the camera, set a delay, and the screen shows delayed playback.
What's good: They're portable and work on devices you already have. Some have useful features like slow motion.
What's not great: Phone screens are small — fine for one-on-one coaching, but hard for a group to see. Battery life can be an issue during long sessions. And some apps are iOS-only or Android-only, which can be limiting in schools where device types vary.
Best for: Individual athletes or small-group coaching where screen size isn't an issue.
2. Dedicated Hardware
Professional video delay hardware units exist — standalone devices that connect to cameras and displays. They're used in some high-performance sports centres and broadcast environments.
What's good: Reliable, high quality, and purpose-built.
What's not great: Expensive (often hundreds or thousands of dollars), bulky, and not practical for most schools or clubs. Setup and maintenance require technical know-how.
Best for: Professional sports organisations with dedicated analysis budgets.
3. Browser-Based Tools
This is the newest approach — video delay that runs entirely in a web browser. No app to download, no special hardware. You open a website, give it camera access, set your delay, and you're running.
What's good: Works on any device with a browser and camera. Easy to connect to a big screen via HDMI. Multiple delay screens supported. No installation or updates to manage.
What's not great: Requires a reasonable internet connection (though most of the processing happens locally).
Best for: Schools, clubs, and coaches who want something simple, flexible, and affordable.
Which Should You Choose?
For most PE teachers and coaches, browser-based is the way to go. It works on whatever devices you have, it's easy to share with a group via a larger screen, and there's nothing to install or maintain.
Replay It is a browser-based video delay tool built specifically for this. It's free to try — just open it and go. Start your free trial here.