Matt Romanowski

I think this is where Peter and I really diverge on how we approach things. Not exactly my method, but I think James Colburn does a great job in this video showing how you can look at many laps, very quickly, to see what your trends are and find areas for improvement.
For almost all drivers, getting better is really about doing the basics PERFECT all the time (haven't we all heard that before!). With that, looking a few laps, you can quickly see the quality of braking (application and release), throttle pickup, steering inputs, etc. I find this much faster in the data than looking at multiple laps of video. In my opinion, it's also easy to see the variance as it's the difference in two graph lines and less subjective. IMHO, video is great when someone is way off the line and then again at the very, very pointy end of driving. That is when the very slight differences in car placement become more and more important. For that level of comparison, I look data first and then jump to Joris' Compare My Laps. That tool is simply AMAZING for video review.

But, more important in exactly which method you follow, is to do it! Data and video without immediate review and goal setting from it doesn't help anyone. I always have a track map with the review so we can highlight the 3 (or less) items to work on the next session. I also like to highlight was what was done well. Mix some positive in there too!

Thundermoose

You have definitely had more issues than me on the system. I just don't want to scare someone away based on your experiences. Most of my buddies have the DL and several with smartycam and they have been bullet proof for us. Additionally, we frequently share data and have had no issues with using GPS lap insert to synch data. My set up has been pretty much set it and forget it. 100% reliable so far tap on wood.

ProCoach

And I think most would agree with your and your friend's experience. I heard the same thing alot walking up and down the paddock at Sebring this week. "It just works."

Many of the issues boil down to configuration errors, firmware mismatches and other things easily addressed.

I'm sorry to hear of zzyzx's problems, his dealer should be able to resolve them on his behalf, down to training, too. Not his fault, not anyones, just a bad confluence of events.

ProCoach

Agreed with the bold, completely!

I think James' video on lap comparison is good, but without synced video for the laps, you can't always explain the variations. AiM (and even Joris' tool) can't do that... AiM is the last one not to be able to...

Matt Lane

I wanted to thank you all for chiming in here - lots to think about. This is the time to do it, over a long cold winter!

I will continue to read as much as I can, and be back with any follow-up questions as required.

Cheers

Matt

ProCoach