Billiard University (BU) playing-ability-exam scores and ratings

I tried my spare iPhone before. It was too much of a hassle. I mounted it to the wall overhead and ran a wire up to it so it wouldn't run out of juice.

The files are HUGE. 10 minutes is probably 1GB or more. Then, it's real hard to get the files off the phone. I wasn't even able to share to YouTube from the phone it said they were too big. I have iMovie on my iPhone but don't remember if I fooled around with it.

Bottom line was I decided I needed a dedicated camera just for the pool table, for what I personally want to do (record a LOT of my practice). If you are only going to record once or twice a year, then the phone might work if you have movie editing software. But it won't work well for regular recording for sure.
 
iusedtoberich said:
I tried my spare iPhone before. It was too much of a hassle. I mounted it to the wall overhead and ran a wire up to it so it wouldn't run out of juice.

The files are HUGE. 10 minutes is probably 1GB or more. Then, it's real hard to get the files off the phone. I wasn't even able to share to YouTube from the phone it said they were too big. I have iMovie on my iPhone but don't remember if I fooled around with it.

Bottom line was I decided I needed a dedicated camera just for the pool table, for what I personally want to do (record a LOT of my practice). If you are only going to record once or twice a year, then the phone might work if you have movie editing software. But it won't work well for regular recording for sure.
Click to expand...
Thanks for posting the info. I also feel the smart-phone approach is a little limiting, but I'm still interested to see if there are any success stories and advice out there for how to make the process work without too much trouble.

Do you still plan to work on the BU Exams some more and post some new videos with improved scores? If so, good luck! I look forward to seeing how much you and others can improve with more practice with the exams.

Regards,
Dave
 
iusedtoberich said:
I tried my spare iPhone before.
The files are HUGE. 10 minutes is probably 1GB or more. I wasn't even able to share to YouTube from the phone it said they were too big.
Click to expand...

Yeah fair call - I have only uploaded short clips (couple of minutes) to you tube so far - not sure exactly how big the file size was though.

If 10 mins = 1GB & you tube wont accept it - then yeah I agree - forget it. Not to mention the data usage on ur mobile plan uploading files of that size. (I only have a 1GB per month data allowance)

BTW iusedtoberich - I noticed ur draw shot drill in the BU exams - you were drawing it 2 diamonds further than required ! Whats ur secret to getting this much draw so easily ? red circle cueball or just a good power draw cue action ?

Cheers.
 
dr_dave said:
Thanks for posting the info. I also feel the smart-phone approach is a little limiting, but I'm still interested to see if there are any success stories and advice out there for how to make the process work without too much trouble.

Do you still plan to work on the BU Exams some more and post some new videos with improved scores? If so, good luck! I look forward to seeing how much you and others can improve with more practice with the exams.

Regards,
Dave
Click to expand...

Yes. I just got home from lengthy travel. I have some good information regarding 7' vs 9' tables. It will be in the straight pool forum in a week or so after I have time to organize the information. Perhaps you can use it for table difficulty factor parameters. I've always been of the opinion there is not a linear relationship between table size, and table difficulty, as you have in your formula. I will link to it when I post it.
 
mamics said:
....snip...
BTW iusedtoberich - I noticed ur draw shot drill in the BU exams - you were drawing it 2 diamonds further than required ! Whats ur secret to getting this much draw so easily ? red circle cueball or just a good power draw cue action ?

Cheers.
Click to expand...

Ha. Dumb luck perhaps, lol. The balls are a matched set. I bet its because I eat very well;)
 
mamics said:
1min 40 sec clip = 43.1 MB

10 mins = 258 MB ? (quite hefty) - not sure what the you tube upload limit per file is... ?

Cheers.
Click to expand...

Did you use the front or rear camera? On the iPhone the front camera is a much lower resolution. I don't know how the android phones are.
 
iusedtoberich said:
Did you use the front or rear camera? On the iPhone the front camera is a much lower resolution.
Click to expand...

The 1min 40sec clip (43.1MB) was done via the front camera.

I just did a 5 minute clip via the rear camera - 376MB - the higher res. explains why it wasnt 128 MB as per my simple calculations (had me wondering).

You tube let me upload the 5 minute clip (376 MB source) - but only let me upload a SD version of it - 27MB apparently !! ?? sweet !

edit: tried to upload a 20 minute clip recorded on the front camera - no go - you tube said video was too big. Seems the you tube limit is somewhere between 5 minutes & 20 minutes for i-phone video clips...
 
Last edited:
mamics said:
The 1min 40sec clip (43.1MB) was done via the front camera.

I just did a 5 minute clip via the rear camera - 376MB - the higher res. explains why it wasnt 128 MB as per my simple calculations (had me wondering).

You tube let me upload the 5 minute clip (376 MB source) - but only let me upload a SD version of it - 27MB apparently !! ?? sweet !

edit: tried to upload a 20 minute clip recorded on the front camera - no go - you tube said video was too big. Seems the you tube limit is somewhere between 5 minutes & 20 minutes for i-phone video clips...
Click to expand...

I just tried a similar thing. I had 3 movies on my iPhone (forgot whether front or rear camera, but "think" it was front". 6 minute movie said it would upload (I did not go through with upload though). 17 min movie said file is too big to upload. 28 min movie said movie is too big to upload.
 
iusedtoberich said:
dr_dave said:
Do you still plan to work on the BU Exams some more and post some new videos with improved scores? If so, good luck! I look forward to seeing how much you and others can improve with more practice with the exams.
Click to expand...
Yes. I just got home from lengthy travel.
Click to expand...
Sounds good. I look forward to seeing a much higher score from you after all of that straight pool practice.

iusedtoberich said:
I have some good information regarding 7' vs 9' tables. It will be in the straight pool forum in a week or so after I have time to organize the information.
Click to expand...
Please post a link here when this is available. I'd like to see it, but I usually don't visit any of the other forums.

iusedtoberich said:
Perhaps you can use it for table difficulty factor parameters. I've always been of the opinion there is not a linear relationship between table size, and table difficulty, as you have in your formula. I will link to it when I post it.
Click to expand...
I agree that the table-size factor can be very nonlinear depending on conditions, pocket tightness, the player, and the game. I look forward to seeing what you suggest.

Regards,
Dave
 
Below is the latest updated data for everybody who has participated so far. If there are question marks in your row, please provide the missing data when you get a chance. And if you haven't tried the exams or posted scores yet, please consider doing so.

Thanks,
Dave

AZB'ers who have taken the BU playing-ability exams:

BU score - User - BU Rating, 10-ball ghost rating - table size, corner pocket mouth, throat, shelf - Video/post links:

168 - Gerry Williams - semi pro (A++/AAA), 73 (Pro) - 9', 4 1/2", 4", 1 7/8" - Table, Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
164 - theUBC - semi pro (A++/AAA), ??? - 9', 4 1/2", 4 1/8", 1 3/4" - Exam I, Exam II
161 - Gerry Williams - semi pro (A++/AAA), 73 (Pro) - 9', 4 1/2", 4", 1 7/8" - Table, Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
160 - dr_dave - semi pro (A++/AAA), 68 (A++) - 8', 4 3/4", 4 1/8", 1 3/8" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
160 - scottjen26 - semi pro (A++/AAA), 64 (A+) - 9', 4 1/2", 3 7/8", 1 1/2" - Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
159 - Gerry Williams - adv-3 (A+/A), 73 (Pro) - 9', 4 1/2", 4", 1 7/8" - Table, Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
157 - dr_dave - adv-3 (A+/A), 62 (A+) - 8', 4 3/4", 4 1/8", 1 3/8" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
157 - scottjen26 - adv-3 (A+/A), 64 (A+) - 9', 4 1/2", 3 7/8", 1 1/2" - Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (AZB post)
156 - dr_dave - adv-3 (A+/A), 62 (A+) - 8', 4 3/4", 4 1/8", 1 3/8" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
156 - Gerry Williams - adv-3 (A+/A), 73 (Pro) - 9', 4 1/2", 4", 1 7/8" - Table, Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II
152 - Neil - adv-3 (A+/A); 60 (A) - 7', 4 1/8", 2 7/8", 1 3/8" - Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2)
149 - scottjen26 - adv-3 (A+/A), 64 (A+) - 9', 4 1/2", 3 7/8", 1 1/2" - Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II
148 - Neil - adv-3 (A+/A); 60 (A) - 7', 4 1/8", 2 7/8", 1 3/8" - Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2)
146 - dr_dave - adv-3 (A+/A), 58 (A) - 7', 4 1/2", 4 1/2", 3/4" - AZB post
142 - dr_dave - adv-3 (A+/A), 58 (A) - 8', 4 3/4", 4 1/8", 1 3/8" - Exam I, Exam II
141 - 12squared - adv-3 (A+/A); 78 (Pro) - 9', 4 7/8", 4 1/8", 1 1/2" - AZB post
141 - Neil - adv-3 (A+/A); 60 (A) - 7', 4 1/8", 3 1/2", 1 3/8" - Exam I (part 1, part 2), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
135 - Mooneye - adv-2 (A-/B+), 49 (B) - 7', 4 7/8", 4 1/8", 1 5/8" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
135 - dr_dave - adv-2 (A-/B+), 54 (B+) - 8', 4 3/4", 4 1/8", 1 3/8" - Exam I, Exam II
133 - Mooneye - adv-2 (A-/B+), 49 (B) - 7', 4 7/8", 4 1/8", 1 5/8" - Exam I, Exam II
132 - Gerry Williams - adv-2 (A-/B+), 73 (Pro) - 9', 4 1/2", 4", 1 7/8" - Table, Exam I, Exam II (part 1, part 2)
132 - BRussell - adv-2 (A-/B+), 51 (B+) - 8', 5", 4 1/4", 1 1/2" - Exam I, Exam II
129 - Spimp13 - adv-2 (A-/B+), ??? - ??? - AZB post
127 - Okie - adv-2 (A-/B+), 61 (A+) - 9', 4 3/4", 4", 1 1/2" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
127 - Mooneye - adv-2 (A-/B+), 49 (B) - 7', 4 7/8", 4 1/8", 1 5/8" - Exam I, AZB post
124 - StraightPoolIU - adv-1 (B/B-), 50 (B) - 9', 4 7/8", 4 1/8, 1 1/4" - AZB post
124 - JC - adv-1 (B/B-), 57 (A) - 9', 4 7/16", 3 7/8", 1 3/8" - Table, Exam 1, Exam 2
121 - TheOneGnat - adv-1 (B/B-), 51 (B+) - 8', 4 1/2", 4", 1 5/8" - AZB post and update
119 - Mooneye - adv-1 (B/B-), 49 (B) - 7', 4 7/8", 4 1/8", 1 5/8" - Exam I, Exam II
117 - RobMan - adv-1 (B/B-), 46 (B) - 9', 5", 4 1/4", 1 1/5" - AZB post
113 - Eagleshot - adv-1 (B/B-), 48 (B) - 9', 4 1/2, 4", 1 1/4" - PM
112 - gregcantrall adv-1 (B/B-), ??? - 8', 4 3/8", 4 1/8", 1" - AZB post
112 - Okie - adv-1 (B/B-), 61 (A+) - 9', 4 3/4", 4", 1 1/2" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
112 - RobMan - adv-1 (B/B-), 46 (B) - 9', 5", 4 1/4", 1 1/5" - AZB post
108 - row21097 - int-3 (B-/C+), 57 (A) - 9', 4 1/2”, 4”, 1 1/2” - Table, Exam I (part 1, part 2, part 3), Exam II (part 1, part 2, part 3)
106 - StraightPoolIU - int-3 (B-/C+), 50 (B) - 9', 4 7/8", 4 1/8, 1 1/4" - AZB post
102 - Okie - int-3 (B-/C+), 52 (B+) - 9', 4 3/4", 4", 1 1/2" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
101 - 67tbird - int-3 (B-/C+), 46 (B) - 8', 4 1/4", 4", 1 1/2" - AZB post
98 - Eagleshot - int-3 (B-/C+), 48 (B) - 9', 4 1/2, 4", 1 1/4" - PM
92 - 67tbird - int-2 (C+/C), 34 (D+) - 8', 4 1/4", 4", 1 1/2" - AZB post
90 - EagleEye - int-2 (C+/C), ??? - 9', 5", 3 7/8", 1 3/8" - 2013 BU Summer School Boot Camp
89 - mamics - int-2 (C+/C), 31 (D+) - 9', 4 5/8", 3 13/16", 1 1/4" - AZB post
88 - DrGonzo - int-2 (C+/C), 47 (B) - 9', 4.5", 4", 1.5" - AZB post
87 - iusedtoberich - int-2 (C+/C), 38 (C) - 9', 5 1/8", 4 1/8", 1 1/2" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
82 - krupa - int-2 (C+/C), 24 (D) - 9', 4 3/4", 3 5/8", 1 1/4" - AZB post
79 - krupa - int-2 (C+/C), 24 (D) - 9', 4 3/4", 3 5/8", 1 1/4" - AZB post
78 - iusedtoberich - int-2 (C+/C), 38 (C) - 9', 5 1/8", 4 1/8", 1 1/2" - Table, Exam I, Exam II
77 - mamics - int-2 (C+/C), 31 (D+) - 9', 4 5/8", 3 13/16", 1 1/4" - AZB post
77 - SeanChamp - int-2 (C+/C), 29 (D) - 8', 4 1/2", ???, 1" - AZB post
72 - justadub - int-2 (C+/C), ??? - 9', 4 3/4", 4 1/8", 1 3/4" - AZB post
68 - krupa - int-1 (C), 24 (D) - 9', 4 3/4", 3 5/8", 1 1/4" - AZB post
68 - pleforowicz - int-1 (C), 24 (D) - 9', 11.7cm, 9.2cm, 3.8cm - AZB Post
62 - mamics - int-1 (C), 20 (D) - 9', 4 5/8", 3 13/16", 1 1/4" - AZB post
55 - mamics - int-1 (C), 20 (D) - 9', 4 5/8", 3 13/16", 1 1/4" - AZB post
 
Ran through the masters test yesterday. Was doing pretty good until my focused shifted to my furnace. In the background, you can hear it constantly trying to kick in, then just shutting off right away. Tried my best to block it out once I decided to finish the test before I worked on it. But, eventually I lost focus thinking about how much that was likely to cost me. So, in the safeties, I really blew it. Got to have good focus for speed control. Picked my focus back up, and did fine again until the break shots kicked my butt royally. Ended up tying my high score on it. Later, thank God, I was able to fix the furnace, it was the thermostat messing up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpqL1Cn8dLM&feature=youtu.be part one

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2oexR1-32U&feature=youtu.be part two
 
Neil said:
Ran through the masters test yesterday. Was doing pretty good until my focused shifted to my furnace. In the background, you can hear it constantly trying to kick in, then just shutting off right away. Tried my best to block it out once I decided to finish the test before I worked on it. But, eventually I lost focus thinking about how much that was likely to cost me. So, in the safeties, I really blew it. Got to have good focus for speed control. Picked my focus back up, and did fine again until the break shots kicked my butt royally. Ended up tying my high score on it. Later, thank God, I was able to fix the furnace, it was the thermostat messing up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpqL1Cn8dLM&feature=youtu.be part one

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2oexR1-32U&feature=youtu.be part two
Click to expand...
Neil,

You apparently have the videos set to "Private" so nobody else (other than yourself) can view them. You can easily change this in Youtube by going to the "Video Manager," click on "Edit," and change the "Privacy Setting" to "Public."

FYI, I won't add a new line for you (with new video links) until you improve on your previous best scores to date. I'm sure you can easily get a higher Exam II score. I look forward to seeing videos for a new PR.

Catch you later,
Dave

PS: Good luck with the furnace. That's a bummer.
 
mamics said:
The 1min 40sec clip (43.1MB) was done via the front camera.

I just did a 5 minute clip via the rear camera - 376MB - the higher res. explains why it wasnt 128 MB as per my simple calculations (had me wondering).

You tube let me upload the 5 minute clip (376 MB source) - but only let me upload a SD version of it - 27MB apparently !! ?? sweet !

edit: tried to upload a 20 minute clip recorded on the front camera - no go - you tube said video was too big. Seems the you tube limit is somewhere between 5 minutes & 20 minutes for i-phone video clips...
Click to expand...

Download a program called Allok video converter. I'm able to convert 100mb files to under 10mb without a huge loss in quality.
 
dr_dave said:
Neil,

You apparently have the videos set to "Private" so nobody else (other than yourself) can view them. You can easily change this in Youtube by going to the "Video Manager," click on "Edit," and change the "Privacy Setting" to "Public."

FYI, I won't add a new line for you (with new video links) until you improve on your previous best scores to date. I'm sure you can easily get a higher Exam II score. I look forward to seeing videos for a new PR.

Catch you later,
Dave

PS: Good luck with the furnace. That's a bummer.
Click to expand...

Fixed it. Don't know why the were private, it had shown public when I uploaded them.??
 
My question is why do you need to lock in two visuals to aim for center CB,
I know that two lines gives the correct vision and perspective which allows you to sweep to CCB. However I've been lining up the edge of the object ball with either ABC
Then I see a line coming straight from the CCB towards myself from my side of the cue ball facing me then I ROTATE either left or right on that line of the CCB with a sweep and the balls drop.
I know this is not exactly the way it's taught but I've found this much easier.
I would like some feed back as to why this is not the way it should be done.
The video always states I can see two lines 100% of the time throughout.
In the Pro One instruction Stan quotes that as you rotate the lines are going to change which is 100% correct however I've also always found that the edges of the CB also changes when you rotate.
Thanks for reading.
:wink:
 

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gazman100 said:
My question is why do you need to lock in two visuals to aim for center CB,
I know that two lines gives the correct vision and perspective which allows you to sweep to CCB. However I've been lining up the edge of the object ball with either ABE
Then I see a line coming straight from the CCB towards myself from my side of the cue ball facing my then I ROTATE either left or right on that line of the CCB with a sweep and the balls drop.
I know this is not exactly the way it's taught but I've found this much easier.
I would like some feed back as to why this is not the way it should be done.
The video always states I can see two lines 100% of the time throughout.
In the Pro One instruction Stan quotes that as you rotate the lines are going to change which is 100% correct however I've also always found that the edges of the CB also changes when you rotate.
Thanks for reading.
:wink:
Click to expand...

You should put this post in the aiming section so as not to derail this thread.
 
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