Let's dive into this handy device that allows you to record your rides, sales videos, social media content, and more!
I have been using a PIVO nearly since their first release around four years ago.
Here are some handy tips and tricks I have learned along the way:
- Video quality depends on your phone camera settings. Older phones will have poorer video quality. You can change the video settings on your phone (on an iphone this can be found under settings- camera)
- Make sure you have plenty of memory free as long videos, especially high quality ones, take up a lot of space
- For video recording only (not virtual lessons), you DO NOT need phone/internet service. I have actually made my retired iPhone my "Pivo" phone, it does not have a sim card, and I use it for recording my rides. If I need to transfer videos I can still connect it to the internet in my house and airdrop to my current phone. You only need bluetooth to connect to the PIVO.
PIVO Settings (for general recording)
- I use "fast" recording speed and predictive follow OFF. If you are doing faster work such as jumping etc I would recommend frenzy, for in hand work or walk you may need to set at lower.
- Make sure to put your phone in airplane mode as calls/notifications/other memory use can affect recording
- PIVO works best in an outdoor setting under natural light. It is more likely to lose you if there are a lot of shadows or poor light
- I find it best to place the PIVO in the centre of the riding area that way you have maximum distance (about 20m) in all directions
- The PIVO may lose you if it cannot distinguish the horse/rider shape. This can happen if you are too CLOSE to the Pivo, as well as too far away or in dark lighting.
- PIVO will track the horse nearest to the device. It can become confused if there are multiple horses in the arena or in close background.
- Generally, if the PIVO does lose you, you can ride in front of it again and it should pick you back up.
- In indoor arenas, it may take a bit of experimentation to find the best positioning/lighting for the PIVO to steadily record
- If you are in an area of poor lighting, it can help to use brighter colour saddle pad/polos/riding top to distinguish your shape
- There is a way to limit the amount of rotation the pivo has to limit it to a certain area
- Landscape mode is generally better as there is a larger window to view the horse, but portrait mode is now also available.
The pod you want for tracking is the "Silver" pod. The Max Pod is also an option and can hold more weight for tablets or cameras.
There are a few things that have changed with PIVO since the beginning, including needing to pay a monthly fee for enhanced virtual lessons. The basic horse tracking and recording (not lessons) is still completely free with the PIVO Play/Track apps.
Accessories:
The PIVO can be used on its own with your phone directly on the unit, and you can set the PIVO on something like a barrel or post. I do not usually recommend the PIVO brand tripod as it is still fairly narrow at the base. The Vivitar tripod that can be purchased through us or from Officeworks and similar I find is much better.
The PIVO Smart Mount can be put directly onto the PIVO pod and is good for phones that have thick cases and don't easily fit onto the standard PIVO top.
A remote is included with the PIVO pod silver.
Overall, I use the PIVO nearly every time I ride and have had very few issues. Considering the price, I find it an extremely good buy and very useful. If you take some time to find the best positioning for the PIVO and do a little experimenting, it then becomes quite reliable. For me it has made a huge impact on my riding being able to watch myself back. Living in a rural area without easy access to local coaches it has really made a big difference to my progress. Also having a stud with sales horses, I use the PIVO all the time to help make sales videos on my own.
If you would like to see an example video taken with a PIVO, Here are some
Have any more questions? Feel free to contact us via messenger or email shop@horsefashionaustralia.com.au