Episodit
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Wade has a uniquely broad career. From consulting engineer, to Deputy Sheriff, to Adjunct Faculty at IPTM, to NAPARS Administrator, he’s an integral member of the reconstruction community.
Wade has a bachelor’s and master’s in mechanical engineering, a professional engineering license, and is also ACTAR accredited. He’s authored or co-authored nearly 50 technical publications, and has presented at conferences all over the world.
We sat down for nearly 3 hours and covered a wide variety of topics, including:
- How Wade accidentally became an engineer
- Going from failure analysis to accident reconstruction
- Handling expert testimony
- Overcoming the fear of public speaking
- Becoming a police officer
- Giving back to the community
- Monte Carlo analyses
- Critical Speed
- Drag Sled wars
- Advice for the next generation
- And more
You can watch the podcast and find links from the show here.
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Connect with Wade
Read Wade's Papers
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Timeline of Topics
00:00:00 - Career Overview and the Importance of Meticulous Field Work
00:06:21 - Researching Motorcyclist Perception and Response with Eye Tracking
00:09:07 - Academic Challenges and Learning to be an Engineering Student
00:20:12 - Transitioning from Failure Analysis to Accident Reconstruction
00:32:24 - Self-Teaching HVE and the Vital Role of Forensic Photography
00:39:05 - Handling First Depositions and Navigating Cross-Examination
00:53:46 - Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking through Teaching and Mentorship
01:09:05 - Growth of NAPARS and Modernizing Information Sharing
01:35:02 - Becoming a Police Officer and Bridging the Civil-Criminal Data Gap
01:56:10 - Applying Monte Carlo Statistical Analysis in Excel
02:14:42 - The Science of Critical Speed Yaw and the Drag Sled Research Wars
02:40:35 - Advice for the Next Generation: Constant Learning and Multi-Disciplinary Knowledge
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Swaroop is a Managing Scientist at the famous Driver Research Institute, where he wears many hats including research, education, software development, and analysis of motor vehicle collisions.
He holds a bachelor’s in industrial engineering from Die Anon Saggar College of Engineering in India and a Master’s degree in industrial engineering from Texas A&M University, where he focused on human factors.
Swaroop has published over 20 papers in the field of human factors and is a member of several driver safety related committees and technical groups.
We covered a wide variety of human factors topics, including:
The science of evaluating a driver’s responsePedestrian detection and safetyFatality trends and insightsThe SHRP2 data gold mine (Strategic Highway Research Program)Naturalistic braking dataDocumenting nighttime scenesAnd more...Two clarifications from the show:
Biomotion is referred to as “biometric” on a few occasions.Fatal pedestrian crashes with intoxicated crash stats: Drivers >0.08 is ~18% and Peds >0.08 is ~30%. Overall ~43% where either one was >0.08.You can watch the podcast and find links from the show here.
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Connect with Swaroop
Driver Research Institute
Response / IDRR
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Timeline of Topics
00:00:00 - Team Growth and Research Methodology Challenges
00:04:01 - Unbiased Human Factors Analysis and Study Compilation
00:13:22 - Perception-Response Time Variables, Adjustments, and IDRR Development
00:20:38 - Journey into Human Factors Engineering
00:23:33 - Rising Fatality Trends and Emergency Vehicle Distractions
00:31:57 - Haptic Feedback, ADAS Warnings, and System Limitations
00:37:02 - Roles at Driver Research Institute and Response Software Overview
00:48:23 - Detailed Fatality Trends and ADAS Effectiveness
00:50:26 - Pedestrian Safety: Nighttime Visibility and Contributing Factors
00:58:20 - Overestimation of Visibility and Retroreflective Clothing Studies
01:10:53 - Tennis Ball Visibility Study and Bicyclist/Pedestrian Enhancements
01:28:13 - Pedestrian Walking Speeds, Adjustments, and Response Integration
01:33:43 - Case Handling: Site Inspections, Tools, and Analysis Process
01:45:01 - SHRP2 Naturalistic Data Introduction and Braking Insights
02:19:26 - Key Takeaways from SHRP2 Research on Crash Types and Responses
02:35:57 - ADAS Challenges: Distractions, Takeover, and Human-Machine Interaction
02:46:06 - Looming Effects, Lead Vehicle Detection, and Specific Influences
03:05:52 - Expert Testimony Advice and Demonstratives
03:09:29 - Turning Crash Analysis into Broader Safety Improvements
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Puuttuva jakso?
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Lou sits down with motorcycle data guru, Ed Fatzinger. Ed is the director of accident reconstruction at YA Engineering. He holds a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from West Virginia University and a master’s in aerospace engineering from Embry Riddle University. He’s also a professional engineer, ACTAR-accredited reconstructionist, and a member of the SAE accident reconstruction committee.
He’s published several papers on the topic of motorcycle crash data. In this episode, you’ll learn about:
• Kawasaki data and how Ed started down that path
• Ducati’s Data Monitoring system
• Bombardier’s BUDS data
• Airbags vests
• Apps
• Diagnostic tools
• And more…
You can watch the podcast and find links from the show here.
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Connect with Ed
EdFatzinger.com
YA Engineering
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Timeline of Topics
00:00:00 – Bikes in the shop and Ducati’s modern tech
00:04:03 – Discovering Kawasaki’s hidden EDR system
00:07:18 – Breaking barriers: early roadblocks and first contact with Kawasaki
00:12:03 – Data mysteries and how manufacturers respond
00:15:43 – How motorcycle EDRs actually trigger (and how Ed tested it)
00:20:43 – Cracking the code: reverse-engineering and publishing the first papers
00:25:03 – Education, persistence, and field testing across the country
00:32:48 – Tip-over sensors, power loss, and missing crash data
00:37:38 – Inside the data: speed, traction, throttle, clutch, and gears
00:47:17 – Validating accuracy and correcting speed data
00:52:16 – Power loss anomalies and how to preserve motorcycle EDR evidence
01:04:17 – Off-road vehicles, BRP systems, and what “last instant data” really means
01:12:21 – Diagnostic tools, Ducati EDRs, and the future of rider data
01:34:49 – Airbag vest systems and data availability
01:41:23 – Ducati Data Analyzer and practical applications
01:56:54 – Smartphone-based data
01:59:24 – Lessons learned and how to connect with Ed
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Lou sits down with Matt DiSogra of Delta |v| and Jeff Hirsch of Drive Forensics to discuss their recent SAE paper, Examination of the Data Structures of the Bendix® Data Recorder.
The podcast is available to watch here.
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Connect with Matt
Connect with Jeff
Read their paper (DiSogra, M., Hirsch, J., and Yeakley, A., "Examination of the Data Structures of the Bendix® Data Recorder," SAE Technical Paper 2025-01-8712, 2025)
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Timeline of Topics
00:00 - Introduction and BDR Basics
03:59 - BDR Modules, Data, and Triggers
09:27 - Data Retrieval and SAE Paper Overview
12:50 - Translation Process and Validation
23:15 - Practitioner Implications and Options
29:20 - Future Plans and Insights
34:55 - Industry Trends
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Links from the show can be found here.
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Lou sits down with Jarrod Carter of Origin Forensics to discuss presenting at trial, mentoring young recons, managing a firm, and finding balance.
The podcast is available to watch here.
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Connect with Jarrod
Origin Forensics
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Timeline of Topics
00:00:00 - Introduction and the "Rub Some Dirt on It" philosophy
07:28:00 - Managing caseload and scope of work
12:18:00 - Building and running a recon team
27:16:00 – Presenting to the court
36:42:00 - Education and mentors
41:47:00 - Energy methods and restitution
46:53:00 - Teaching juries
01:02:49 - Public speaking and testimony skills
01:09:24 - Continuous learning and new tools
01:13:29 - Demonstratives and exhibits
01:25:07 - Hiring and nurturing a team, prioritizing family, and avoiding burnout
02:17:17 - AI in recon
02:49:44 - Future of AI (AGI, Reasoning)
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Links from the show can be found here.
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Lou sits down with Randy Bauder and Taylor Walker to discus the ACTAR exam – why they sought accreditation, how they prepared, and their advice for others taking the test.
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Connect with Randy
Learn more about ACTAR
Read about the accreditation process
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Timeline of Topics
Randy Bauder
00:00:00 – Introduction to the show and Randy’s background
00:04:33 – Randy’s decision to pursue accreditation
00:08:13 – The application process and requirements to sit for the exam
00:10:46 – Distinction between ACTAR and PE
00:12:30 – Preparation for the exam
00:20:30 – Reference materials used during the exam
00:25:50 – The morning session
00:31:37 – The afternoon session
00:34:35 – Finding out the results
00:36:41 – Advice for others seeking accreditation
Taylor Walker
00:39:40 – Introduction to Taylor’s background
00:45:03 – Taylor’s decision to pursue accreditation
00:52:20 – Training prior to the exam
00:55:09 – Preparation for the exam
01:02:44 – Advice for others seeking accreditation
01:04:48 – Tools used during the afternoon session
01:12:12 – The morning session
01:17:01 – The afternoon session
01:25:58 – Finding out the results
01:26:42 – Would you do anything differently a second time around?
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Resources Discussed
Andy Rich’s Prep Course CA Association of Accident Reconstruction Specialists (CA2RS) California Peace Officer Standards and Training IPTM Courses – Crash Investigation and ACTAR Prep Northwestern University Center for Public Safety Rusty Haight | Collision Safety InstituteYouTube Test Prep -
Lou sits down with Jeff Suway of JS Forensics to discuss how he got into recon, the current state of his firm, Jeff's real love: retroreflective tape, quantifying luminance with a camera, video analysis, and much more.
The podcast is available to watch here.
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Connect with Jeff
JS Forensics
Nitere
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Timeline of Topics
00:00:00 – Jeff’s background and introduction to forensics
00:20:16 – JS Forensics: Jeff’s vision for the company and his current team
00:31:45 - Jeff’s fascination with retroreflective tape
00:44:35 – Quantifying luminance with a consumer grade camera
00:59:00 – Presenting in the courtroom
01:02:26 – How to take contrast measurements
01:19:53 – Nitere applications
01:28:11 – Necessities for a recon trying to do nighttime analysis
01:39:57 – Methods and tools Jeff’s experimenting with
01:43:06 – How Jeff stays in touch with the latest tech in the industry
01:47:11 – Rapid fire: What Jeff uses point clouds for, best investment under 5k, and most used papers
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Papers Discussed (in order of appearance)Suway, J., Suway, S., “A Method for digital Video Camera Calibration for Luminance Estimation” Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) World Congress and Exhibition, 2017, SAE Paper No. 2017-01-1368Suway, J., Suway, S., "A More Robust Method for Digital Video Camera Calibration for Luminance Estimation" SAE Technical Paper 2022-01-0802, 2022Muttart, J., "Factors that Influence Drivers' Response Choice Decisions in Video Recorded Crashes," SAE Technical Paper 2005-01-0426, 2005, https://doi.org/10.4271/2005-01-0426.Cipriani, A., Bayan, F., Woodhouse, M., Cornetto, A. et al., "Low Speed Collinear Impact Severity: A Comparison Between Full Scale Testing and Analytical Prediction Tools with Restitution Analysis," SAE Technical Paper 2002-01-0540, 2002, https://doi.org/10.4271/2002-01-0540.Suway, J., Welcher, J., “A Quantitative Method for Accurately Depicting still photographs or video of a night-time scene Utilizing Equivalent Contrast” Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) World Congress and Exhibition, 2016, SAE Paper No. 2016-01-1463. -
Lou sits down with Jeff Muttart to discuss driver response, autonomous vehicles, training novices, and the evolution of recon.
The podcast is available to watch with video here.
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Connect with Jeff
Driver Research Institute
Response
Education
Drivers’ Response in Emergency Situations Book
Published Papers
Swaroop Dinakar
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Timeline of Topics
00:01:22 The origin of a data junkie
00:13:02 The 16-year-old driver
00:23:52 Moving from the police department to academia
00:31:36 Jeff’s first success
00:40:07 The PRT of automated vehicles
00:52:14 Why are ped fatalities on the rise even with the increase in ADAS-equipped vehicles?
01:04:42 Analyzing the SHRP-2 data
01:17:53 Where are humans most vulnerable?
01:29:27 Access to video
01:39:39 Age as a factor
01:54:30 Jeff’s current toolkit
02:12:55 Autonomous vehicles
02:28:33 Predictions for the future
02:36:27 Motorcyclist PRT research
02:44:58 Applying the literature
02:53:22 What tool will be gone in 5-10 years?
02:57:02 Driver Research Institute and the future
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Studies, Literature, and Tools Discussed
100 Motorcyclists Study
Development and Evaluation of Driver Response Time Predictors Based upon Meta Analysis
Human Performance Lab at UMass Amherst (HPL)
Konica Minolta Luminance Meter
Part 563
Risk and Perception Training (RAPT)
Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP)
SHRP-2
Sony Alpha 7S II
SWOV
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Lou sits down with Tim Cheek and Matt DiSogra to discuss heavy vehicle data and its proliferation, the modern HVEDR toolkit, and the future of the field.
The podcast is available to watch with video here.
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DELTA |v| Forensic Engineering
Tim Cheek
Matt DiSogra
SAE Course - Accessing and Interpreting Heavy Vehicle Event Data Recorders
HVEDR.com
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Timeline of Topics
00:01:23 Tim and Matt’s backgrounds
00:05:45 Definition of HVEDR
00:12:42 What sources of data are available on a heavy vehicle and how do you access them?
00:30:21 Preparing for a heavy vehicle inspection and triaging once you’re there
00:39:55 How do you keep up with it all?
00:43:44 Last stop data
00:49:45 Fault code setting event and the associated data
00:57:43 Autonomy in heavy trucking
01:06:59 What tools are needed to access Bendix data?
01:13:05 Sharing knowledge in a changing environment
01:16:58 WABCO Systems
01:19:57 Increase in data sources
01:24:53 Accessing trailer data
01:27:25 Modern toolkit for a heavy truck inspection
01:40:08 Will event data recorders ever replace recons?
01:48:31 How to drink out of the fire hose without getting your face blown off
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Systems, Tools, and Companies Discussed
Bendix
Bosch CDR
Cummins
Dearborn Group
Detroit Assurance
Mack Volvo
Mecanica Scientific
NEXIQ
Omnitracs
Part 563
Safety Direct
WABCO
Waymo
Wingman Fusion System
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Lou sits down with Anthony Cornetto to discuss the state of computer simulation, acquiring HVE, building a Blender-based super tool, and the integration of AI.
The podcast is available to watch with video here.
A rough transcript of the podcast can be found here.
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Connect with Tony
Momenta
HVE
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Timeline of Topics
00:01:23 Tony’s background
00:09:14 The purchase and expansion of HVE
00:34:48 Blender and its application in collision reconstruction
00:54:01 Creating 3D models
00:58:41 The future of Blender and HVE - from simulation to beautiful visualization
01:04:21 What’s in Tony’s current toolkit?
01:13:15 Best tool under $5,000
01:17:02 360 cameras
01:23:24 Resources for continued education
01:27:23 What does the future of HVE look like?
01:37:229 Low-Poly modeling
01:43:04 All-in-one super tool?
01:55:57 How will AI integrate into recon?
02:09:19 Most used tool in Tony’s current arsenal
02:10:58 What’s inside the future toolkit of a reconstructionist, and what isn’t?
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Software / Tools Discussed
3DF Zephyr
3ds Max
Blender
CarSim
CloudCompare
Cycles Render
DyMESH
EDCRASH
EDSMAC4
Garmin VIRB Ultra 360
Leica BLK360
Lightpoint Low-Poly Meshes
OpenDroneMap
SIMON
Unreal Engine
A full list can be found here.
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Lou sits down with Alan Moore to discuss autonomous vehicles, ADAS, the battle between safety and distraction, getting to level 4, and advice on learning.
The podcast is available to watch with video here.
A rough transcript of the podcast can be found here.
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AB Moore Consulting
Alan’s SAE Course
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Timeline of Topics
00:01:23 Alan’s background
00:03:26 What is ADAS and how much should reconstructionists know about it right now?
00:12:25 The omnipresence of electronic data00:12:26 Levels of autonomy
00:18:06 Do we need LiDAR for Level 3?00:28:29 Facilitating autonomous driving with V2X communication
00:38:00 Fleet corroboration
00:41:14 Autonomous systems and distracted humans
00:50:06 Diving down the “ADAS knowledge” rabbit hole
00:55:32 ADAS intervention and the event data recorder
01:02:19 Testing ADAS for research, classes, and cases
01:21:07 Will autonomous vehicles kill recon?
01:29:32 How to keep up with changes and developments in our field
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Systems / Companies Discussed
Axon
Bendix
Bosch CDR
Comma.ai
Detroit Assurance
DRSC
GM Super Cruise
Mercedes Drive Pilot
Part 563
Tesla Autopilot
WABCO
Waymo
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Lou sits down with Rick Ruth of Ruth Consulting to discuss the evolution and future of EDRs, the industry’s global shift, and the Wild West of ADAS.
The podcast is available to watch with video here.
A rough transcript of the podcast can be found here.
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Connect with Rick
Ruth Consulting
Rick's SAE Course
IPTM Level 1 Course
IPTM Level 2 Course
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Timeline of Topics00:01:55 Rick’s background and the early adoption of EDRs
00:06:52 What does today’s reconstructionist need to know about EDRs?
00:12:48 The evolution of EDRs
00:19:32 Bosch updates and troubleshooting
00:26:06 Secondary systems you need access to
00:29:28 Proposed changes to government requirements for EDRs
00:36:48 A huge evolution in EDRs and ADAS performance data
00:46:36 Forward-facing cameras
00:59:27 Hacked autonomous vehicles, safety guards, and the EDR report
01:05:11 Global changes to EDR requirements
01:18:57 Predictions for the future
01:25:53 Will the reconstructionist be replaced?
01:33:11 Will EDRs ever become standardized?
01:21:23 How do we stay educated, keep our finger on the pulse, and adapt?
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Equipment / Tools Discussed
Bosch CDR Kits
Crash Investigation Sampling System
GIT Hyundai Kia Download Kit
Part 563
Subaru EyeSight System
Toyota Techstream
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Lou sits down with Eugene Liscio of ai2-3D to discuss the current state and future of 3D scanning and photogrammetry in the field of collision investigation.
A rough transcript of the podcast can be found here.
You can find the audio only version of this podcast on your favorite platform.
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Connect with Eugene
ai2-3D
Recon-3D
Eugene's Youtube Channel
Zero to Hero Course
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Timeline of Topics
00:18:34 - Eugene's current tool kit
00:25:15 - DSLR vs. mirrorless cameras
00:30:58 - Laser scanners - past and future
00:49:23 - Recon-3D
01:07:27 - The future of photogrammetry
01:19:17 - Best investment under $5,000
01:21:11 - Predictions for the future
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Software / Products Discussed
3D Whale Scanner
3DF Zephyr
Artec Leo
CamRanger 2
CloudCompare
COLMAP
DotProduct
Everypoint
Leica BLK3D
Meshroom
Metashape
Nikon Z9
Olympus T6
PhotoModelerPremium
Pix4D
RealityCapture
Space Spider
VeOptics Structured Light Scanner
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Lou sits down with Mark Crouch, Head of Collision Investigations at FCIR, to discuss his background, differences in the field of collision reconstruction between the US and the UK, and primarily the current state and future of video analysis.
Prefer to watch the filmed interview? It can be found on Youtube.
Links from the show:
Connect with MarkBe notified about Mark’s Video Analysis coursePurchase Video Analysis in Collision ReconstructionJoin the Institute of Traffic Accident Investigators (ITAI)Software / Tools DiscussedAmped FIVEAnalyzerProAxon (iNPUT-ACE)FFmpegPC-CrashPhotoModeler PremiumRecon-3DRIEGLVirtual CRASHTimeline of Topics:00:02:47 - Similarities and differences in collision reconstruction between the US and the UK 00:23:41 - Mark's background 00:28:24 - ITAI Membership 00:40:16 - Mark's introduction to video analysis & the development of his book 00:51:58 - Evolution of video analysis: frequency, diversity of sources, and autonomous vehicles 01:03:16 - Frame health 01:25:14 - Mark's video analysis toolkit 01:30:03 - Frame timing and position 01:41:05 - Recommendation for macroblock analysis 01:47:46 - Codecs 02:01:27 - Video of video 02:08:43 - Changes in video analysis over the last 15 years 02:09:50 - Current developments in the field of video analysis 02:14:54 - The future of video analysis
