Many automotive sites among visitors organized a survey of the usefulness of DVRs in the car. The results show that most drivers lean towards these devices and try to install them in their car. Perhaps that is why many automakers, in particular the Japanese and German, plan to include this device in the basic package soon. Currently, regular DVRs have already been developed for many BMW and Audi models. They are installed above the rearview mirror and fit perfectly into the overall style of the cabin. But owners of other cars still have to be content with universal devices.
To date, motorists presented more than 270 models, which differ in size and shape of the layout. The names of many brands will say nothing to the overwhelming majority of drivers, and the technical characteristics and functionality at first glance are almost the same. But the price range is very wide. Devices are characterized by more than 20 parameters, but only part of them is essential, and half is marketing in nature. How to choose the optimal product and not overpay extra money? We will understand at an affordable level with the main characteristics so that even an unprepared motorist can make the right choice.
Picture clarity
The main task of such a device is to fix the image with sufficient clarity, where you can have a good look at road signs and car numbers, as well as other small details, otherwise the instrument's utility will be reduced to zero. The quality of the video depends on the processor. The higher its performance, the more video stream will be processed. Despite the large number of models of DVRs of different brands, they are all built on typical platforms.
The most budget are the processors Syntek, Zoran, iCATCH, and also SQ Technology. They are distinguished by simplicity, reliability and the maximum that they can do - to pass a video stream with HD resolution without the ability to process additional signals from other sensors. Novatek processors, which are represented by the NT96220 models (low cost), NT96632 and NT96650 (middle and highest price category), are considered the best in terms of price and quality. Ambarella fifth and seventh series - the best processors, providing good clarity of recording up to Full HD.
With VGA video resolution (640x480), the picture will be fuzzy and blurred, especially in low light. With a high-speed processor resolution of HD (1280x720) and Full HD (1920x1080) is enough for a clear image, especially if there are several modes: sunny day, cloudy weather, night shooting, sports and others. It makes little sense to overpay for Full HD. It should be remembered that a low-speed budget processor will not provide a clear picture, even if the manufacturer indicates high resolution in the characteristics. Often used marketing ploy - interpolated Full HD. In reality, this is the usual HD resolution, only programmatically increased to Full HD. At the same time the video is of the same quality, but it takes much more memory.
Photo: videoregs.ru
Viewing angle
The quality and how the picture will be presented depends also on the lens. Lenses made of plastic do not provide adequate transparency, and they are covered with a scratch mesh after a short time. Optics should be made of tempered glass, which is characterized by high transparency and scratch resistance, so the video will have the minimum amount of distortion.
An important characteristic of the lens is the angle of view diagonally. In different models it can be in the range of 90 ° - 178 °. Lenses with an angle of 90 ° - 100 ° optically reduce the actual distance, and optics 100 ° - 120 ° transfer the picture with minimal distortion, as the human eye sees. Further, as the viewing width increases, the situation will be distorted in the direction of increasing distance. By 180 °, the real distance will be almost distorted by 2 times, especially at the edges.
How dangerous is strong distortion? When viewing such a video from a wide-angle lens, the inspector or judge may mistakenly perceive the situation and make the wrong decision. In addition, a lens with a wide viewing angle sees more than the driver from his seat, which can also play against him in the course of the examination of a specific traffic situation.
We conclude that for normal use of the DVR in the absence of special tasks, it is optimal to use a lens with a viewing angle of 110 ° - 120 °, which will provide a fairly wide capture with minimal video distortion.
GPS function
Almost all models of devices record the date and time on video, but not everyone can display the real coordinates and the actual speed of the car. And this indicator in many situations fulfills the key meaning. Display the data in the form of a stamp on the display can function GPS. In addition to the screen, all data is recorded in a special file and later with the help of special software, you can easily link a car’s route with speed indicators at each section to a map.
Using this function, it is easy to prove where the car was at a certain time and how fast it was moving. True benefit from it will be if the driver did not exceed the allowable speed. Another positive aspect of GPS is the automatic synchronization with the satellite by date and time. When the power of the DVR is turned off, there is no need to manually enter these values.
Record Activations
Considering the fact that a person is prone to forgetfulness and reduced attention in certain situations, it is necessary that the DVR has an auto-on / off function when the vehicle is switched on and off. Otherwise, the device will be unprepared for work at the right time. The shock and movement sensors are useful and essential for activating the recording.
The fact is that the video stream is actually recorded in small separate videos, the duration of which is set via the menu. In this case, the higher the processor speed, the shorter the pauses between the rollers and, accordingly, less information lost. Modern models provide "crushing" to individual files with virtually no pauses. This is very important, because at high speeds, even in a fraction of seconds, the traffic situation may change, and the most important point will be unfixed. The recording is performed cyclically: when the memory is full, the first video is erased and a new one is written in its place, and so on.
But, there are often times when you need to save a certain movie. For this, an SOS button is provided. When you click on it, the file receives a special label and with a circular recording, it is not erased. The shock sensor is the same button, but only automatic. In case of an accident, sudden braking or acceleration, a steep maneuver, falling into a pit and in other cases when the car gets hit, the video that is being recorded at the moment will not be erased during all subsequent cycles.
The motion sensor is useful to those car owners who are interested in shooting conditions even in the parking lot. The DVR is in sleep mode, and when the movement is fixed in the lens, recording starts. In the absence of movement, the device stops working, thereby saving space on the memory card.
Photo: videoregistratori.ru
Internal memory
The video stream is recorded on a removable memory card. 32 GB is enough to record several hours of video and audio of excellent quality.In any traffic accident, the events of which remain recorded on the DVR, the inspector will require a memory card to attach it to the protocol. In this case, the owner is left with nothing. Therefore, it is desirable that the device has a built-in memory. It will allow you to copy the necessary videos for yourself or to another card for transfer to police officers.
Another useful feature
Infrared illumination plays a role only when shooting at night, although modern technological matrix and without it provide an acceptable quality. It is necessary to have a built-in screen in the model, otherwise in order to view the image it is necessary to search for a playback device, which is not always possible. On the display, ranging from 2 inches diagonally, you can already see all the details of the road situation.
The number of cameras each chooses at its discretion. Ideally, the more of them the better, because the situation will be fixed not only in front, but also in the back, as well as in the car. But, this luxury immediately entails additional costs. And if you even hang two cameras on a budget processor, the video quality is much worse. In most cases, it is enough to shoot at the front, and during a dialogue with the inspector, rotate the lens or the entire device in its direction. To do this, mount the DVR should provide this opportunity, as well as securely hold it on the windshield.
Most of the presented models are made in the form of separate devices that are mounted on the windshield using a suction cup. Tested on personal experience that silicone should be moderately elastic, but not very hard, because soft suckers fall off in the heat, and hard suckers, on the contrary, dune in minus temperatures. Many manufacturers also offer models made in the form of a salon mirror. In terms of cost, devices in such a form factor are more expensive, but they do not close the driver’s view. The most compact are DVRs with remote camera, which occupies a minimum of space above the mirror. Due to the sufficient length of the cord, the unit itself can be placed under the torpedo.
Price categories
All cost models can be divided into:
- Budget (up to $ 70);
- Medium category (up to $ 150);
- Top (over $ 150).
Budget devices have a resolution of maximum HD or interpolated Full HD, as well as the minimum set of functions: automatic start / stop recording, shock sensor and SOS button. The most distinguished in quality and reliability in the lower price segment of the model Gazer H511, Gazer H515 and Falcon HD34-LCD on a Zoran processor. Products provide good video with sufficient lighting. At night, the clarity of shooting deteriorates.
Devices of the middle category can already provide true Full HD and are characterized by a wider range of functions, including GPS. Leaders in this segment: Prestigio Roadrunner 515, Pago m2, Globex GU-DVF007 on the Novatek NT96650 processor, Falcon HD36-LCD-GPS on Ambarella. Models perfectly balanced in image quality, appearance and attachment mechanisms. Some devices even allow you to enter the number of your car in the stamp.
Top models provide high resolution Full HD, are equipped with light-sensitive sensors, matrices of increased size, improved lenses and are distinguished by wide functionality, including for the control of traffic safety. The picture is of excellent quality even at night. Representatives of this segment: Falcon HD41-LCD, PAPAGO! P3. In a non-standard form factor (in the form of a salon mirror) is presented Mio MiVue R25, several cameras are equipped Globex GU-DVF004 and Falcon HD32-LCD-DUO.
