Hudl Focus Indoor & Outdoor FAQ
We have the answers for all your questions about our permanently mounted Focus Indoor and Outdoor cameras. For questions about our portable camera, visit our Focus Flex FAQs.
How Hudl Focus Works
The camera can capture anything on your field or in your gym—but it has a dedicated algorithm for player tracking in specific sports. These sports include American football, global football (soccer), lacrosse, basketball, volleyball and wrestling.
The Focus camera is linked to the schedule in your Hudl account. It starts recording 15 minutes before each home game and has default recording times based on your sport. For global football (soccer), basketball, volleyball and lacrosse, Focus records for two and a half hours, unless it’s stopped or extended via the Focus app. For all other sports, Focus will record for three hours by default.
No problem! You can easily start a recording anytime in the Hudl Focus mobile app.
Yes. In fact, it’s the only camera that uploads automatically to Hudl. Other smart camera systems require you to download the video before uploading it to Hudl yourself.
Because Focus is the only camera that’s fully integrated with Hudl, your video uploads live as you’re recording, so it’s ready to view in your library immediately once the game is over.
If you’d like to take advantage of the Focus Exchange Network, both teams must have a Hudl Focus subscription. They will each get a copy of the game film in their Hudl library—no sharing or exchanging necessary. Learn more about Focus Exchange Network.
Hudl Focus automates the recording and uploading process so you don’t have to lift a finger. Your team’s schedule in Hudl determines when the camera records and which opponent the game video is shared with. But if you ever want to start and stop recordings on the fly, you can use the Focus app.
By default, new uploads are available to the coaches and athletes on your Hudl roster. Game footage will be shared, but only if you and your opponent have an active Focus subscription and both teams select the correct opponent from the available drop-down list in their Hudl schedules. Learn more about Focus Exchange Network.
Nope! We know keeping your practices private is important to you. Hudl won’t share your practice video or on-the-fly recordings with another team.
No, both teams must submit their game video to Hudl Assist independently to get the postgame stats for their team.
As long as both you and your opponent have a Focus subscription, enter the game on your Hudl schedules, and select each other from the opponent drop-down list, the Focus game footage will be automatically uploaded to your Hudl library.
Hudl Focus Installation
Hudl Focus camera comes with its own intuitive installation app so you can get it mounted on your gym wall quickly and easily. Of course, every facility is different, so we answered all the questions below so you can assess your situation.
Yes, there are a few parameters your facility needs to meet. The indoor requirements are different from the outdoor requirements, so make sure to use the correct guide for your camera. If your current setup isn’t compatible, don’t sweat it—we can help you come up with alternate install solutions.
Yes, Focus is a DIY project if you or someone else within your organization is handy. On average, it should take about 60–90 minutes.
You may need to hire a contractor or rent a scissor lift depending on your facility’s current infrastructure and layout.
You’ll need a standard Cat5e/Cat6 cable. And be sure to double-check your network meets these technical requirements.
Yes, our permanently mounted indoor and outdoor Focus camera require a hardwired connection and cannot run on Wi-Fi.
Getting your facility Focus-ready could cost $0 if you already have power and ethernet sources installed. If not, you’ll need to hire and pay a contractor to install both of those. Every location is different so each organization’s cost will be different.
No, Hudl won’t charge you anything for installation. You can choose to do it yourself or hire and pay a contractor directly.
No, we don’t provide wiring services.
Livestreaming and Broadcasting
With Hudl Focus, you’re in the driver’s seat. You’re in control of if you choose to stream or not, where you stream, who you partner with, and how you charge viewers (or don’t!). It’s your video—you should be able to stream it however you want.
Hudl Focus gives you two main ways to stream video. One option is to stream directly to Hudl TV for a simple, hands-free solution. Or, you can send your stream to our Production Truck software to enhance your broadcast with elements like audio commentary, custom graphics and more. With both options, it’s your choice whether to monetize your stream.
You can choose. Hudl Focus will livestream directly to Hudl TV, or send the video to any broadcast software that accepts IP feeds as an RTMP video source. Learn more about livestreaming and broadcasting using Hudl Focus.
Hudl Focus will automatically record any games listed on your Hudl schedule. With one tap in the Focus app, you can stream directly to Hudl TV. If you want to send the stream to Production Truck, just make sure that the computer running that software is wired into the same network as your Focus camera. You’ll then be able to choose Focus as the source of your broadcast. Learn more about using Focus with Production Truck.
Yes, using Focus as a video source in a broadcast software allows you to make your broadcast more dynamic by adding advertisements, custom graphics, scoreboard overlays, audio commentary and additional angles.
We firmly believe that you should be able to make money off of your video in the way that you see fit. We have no imposed restrictions or limitations on how you advertise through your streams. That will all depend on the broadcast production software and livestream platform you choose, so be sure to go with a partner who gives you the flexibility you need.
You’ll need to pay for a Hudl and a Hudl Focus subscription.There may be additional costs associated with the broadcast software or livestream platform you choose, but you can always stream to YouTube for free.
It depends on the streaming partner you choose. Hudl does not impose any contracts or requirements related to any streaming software you partner with.
That depends on the broadcast software that you choose, but we’ve made sure Hudl Focus is compatible with broadcast software that allows you to start getting money from your livestreams immediately, not years into the future. And we have a few other ideas on how to earn money from your livestream.
Some broadcast vendors share video streamed on their platform with media partners, allowing them to reproduce and distribute it. Always ask about privacy when deciding who you want to work with. Hudl does not claim any ownership over video that is livestreamed. Once video is in your Hudl account, however, we have dual ownership that allows us to create and publish highlights.
Hudl Focus automatically uploads raw game and practice video to your Hudl account, which you can review, analyze, and share however you like.
Total Cost
Our team is available to provide visibility into the total cost of your Hudl products and services, including everything to do with your camera and livestreaming options.
Our team can answer any questions you have about pricing and how Hudl Focus can benefit your coaching team.
Hudl Focus is a yearly subscription.
Yes, unless your organization is tax exempt. If that’s the case, send us your form and we’ll get it taken off your invoice.
For our permanently mounted indoor and outdoor Focus cameras, you’ll need a drill, level, ladder or scissor lift and the necessary hardware to attach the camera mount to the wall or press box.
Hudl Focus is the only camera that uploads video directly to Hudl, and Hudl itself is the only software you need to operate the camera.
We have subscription levels to suit every organization—contact your sales rep to learn more.
The Hudl Focus software is constantly being improved. Those updates are sent automatically to the camera at no extra cost to ensure you’re getting the best video possible.
Focus is reliable inside and out—the camera has literally been dropped on concrete to test its durability. But yes, we still offer a warranty period. And even if it fails outside the warranty, we’ll review it. Of course if there’s a hardware-related problem, the replacement is on us.
Nope—you’ll be able to swap in your new camera without any additional cost or required fees.
Contracts and Agreements
We’re all guilty of clicking the “I Agree” box after only skimming the terms and conditions page—but it’s important to read the fine print. Let us fill you in on all the details so you can sign on the dotted line with complete confidence.
You’ll own your Hudl Focus camera, but you’ll need an active Hudl subscription to use it. This allows us to provide replacements or new devices as the technology advances.
Flexibility is the name of the game here. Work with your Hudl account executive to find a solution that works for you.
There are no extra fees if you cancel your subscription. We might ask you to send the camera back, but that’s it.
Have more questions about Focus? Let's talk.