DVRs: the main differences between modern devices

It is unlikely that any of the modern drivers can be surprised by DVRs, they have long become a familiar phenomenon and are used everywhere. It is hard to deny their usefulness. However, now in stores they offer to buy a variety of registrars, and an inexperienced driver can not immediately decide which functions are important and which are not significant. Therefore, we want to consider in more detail the most relevant points and characteristics that should be considered when choosing a modern car registrar.

100 Years of DVR History

It is noteworthy that the first record of the situation in front of the vehicle was made back in 1906. Naturally, the recording was conducted on film. Then the tram driver was able to capture what was happening on the road to San Francisco. And 20 years later, in the United States, New York firefighters recorded their departure for a call. A massive phenomenon like recording a traffic situation became not so long ago-about 10 years ago. Around the second half of the 2000s, a variety of car DVRs began to appear on store shelves. And now, such a video capture device is in almost every modern car.

The most important dashcam settings

Naturally, one of the most important performance indicators of such devices is the quality of shooting. It is very important that the picture is balanced, contrasting, with realistic color rendition and low level of extraneous video noise. An equally important feature is the recording mode. Car recorders record video in small fragments, the duration of which is usually from 1 to 5 minutes. Older devices used to take time to save the video, and they could not simultaneously record the next video. Sometimes the gap could be up to 5 seconds. This led to the risk that the emergency situation might not be recorded, if at that moment the device just started saving the previous file. Now, most models have a function of seamless, cyclic recording, which ensures that under any conditions an emergency situation gets into the frame and will be saved in the recorder’s memory.

The quality of the recording is greatly influenced by the processor used in the device. And if about 5 years ago, one of the leaders in this direction was the American-made Ambarella chipset, which was very much appreciated for its high performance. Which ensured him quite a lot of popularity. However, over time, competitors were able to offer no less worthy alternatives, and even better options. In particular, Korean and Chinese companies were most successful. For example, many Taiwanese brands Novatek, AIT, MStar and others are already familiar. They already do not lose Ambarella in anything and allow to create good productive video recorders on their basis.

To make the picture clear and natural without distortion, it is very important to use a high-quality matrix. Some of the best now are the OmniVision and Sony EXMOR models. They guarantee a clear image day and night, in motion and in static. The essence of the matrix is that it automatically adjusts the camera and adjusts to the shooting conditions.

The lens in high-quality registrars must be glass. Previously, plastic optics were used in large quantities, which was influenced by a large number of negative factors that reduced the clarity of the image: direct sunlight, reflection of the windshield, etc. Yes, and the service life of the plastic is small. Now, most models are equipped with glass lenses, not only in the premium category, but also in the middle and even low price range. This significantly affected the quality of the shooting.

Useful DVR Features

WDR technology

This is a unique technology that improves the quality of the picture and makes it more contrast. Its essence is that KameRA simultaneously shoots with different exposures. Then the processor superimposes “light” and “dark” frames on top of each other, processes the image and produces a perfectly balanced picture. Thanks to this, areas with sharp changes in illumination are removed. That is, a recorder with WDR allows you to achieve an almost perfect image regardless of weather conditions or the level of illumination.

Parking mode

This is a very useful feature. When the car is in the parking lot, the recorder is in sleep mode most of the time. It activates recording by the signal of the built-in shock or motion sensor, which is triggered if someone appears near the car. However, the gadget left under the windshield by itself becomes a bait for thieves, so if you want to use a device with this mode, be sure to choose a model with the possibility of secretive installation. For example, in a compact case or made in the form of a rear-view mirror, such recorders are almost invisible from the outside.

Built-in battery

As a rule, almost all modern car recorders have a built-in battery, but its capacity is usually small. So, for example, a 420 mAh battery is enough for several device starts in parking mode, if the sensors detect movement. In winter, such a capacity will already be small, and there is a chance that the recorder will not respond to an alarm, since it does not have enough power. If the recorder uses a more durable and reliable battery, then it can in any weather ensure the efficient operation of the device even without constant power supply from the on-board network, as well as emergency shutdown and safety of the last video clip. This is important, because at the time of the accident, the main thing is to save all the necessary video evidence.

GPS module

The presence of the built-in GPS eliminates the need for the driver to constantly check if the date and time settings are lost due to a dead battery. This module allows you to monitor the movement of the machine, and data is synchronized automatically, immediately after turning on, the satellites find and determine the coordinates of the device. Many manufacturers offer special mobile applications that allow you to monitor the route of movement and control the trajectory of movement. If the recorder is also equipped with an additional GPS informer, it will report in real time about the approach to the locations of stationary police radars.

Wi-Fi

This is a very useful feature as it allows you to access the Internet. This is necessary for updating software, for example, for downloading databases and firmware of a GPS informer. Also, using Wi-Fi, you can easily transfer data, for example, send video or connect a mobile phone to control the registrar's work remotely, through special applications.

What you should definitely look at when choosing

Resolution

The minimum resolution recommended for modern devices that allows you to get a high-quality image is Full HD 1920x1080. However, a similar inscription on the box alone does not guarantee you anything. Here the result directly depends on the quality of the main engineering components of the device, on how well all the components are balanced and tuned together. To understand how the DVR actually shoots, you need to look at the real records on the Internet, so you can definitely appreciate how the model you like works.

Design and type of mount

The size and shape of the case, as well as the type of mount at the registrars can be very different. Here it is necessary to take into account several features. For example, the suction cup is quite large and does not look very stylish in the cabin, however, it can be removed and attached to the glass many times. And 3M adhesive tape is easily attached, it is not visible, but it will be difficult to remove the registrar in this case, since double adhesive tape will not work for re-gluing. One of the most convenient modern types of fastening is a magnet. If your model is equipped with a magnetic mount, then you can remove and return the device to its place in a matter of seconds. Now such fasteners are used in large quantities, because they are polular and convenient. Many low-cost models get exactly this type of fixation on the windshield.

If you’re not going to constantly remove the registrar, you can choose the registrar-mirror, which is now being offered a lot, or a computer option, some devices, even with the bracket, easily hide behind a regular rearview mirror.

Having a second camera

Many modern recorders have a second additional camera. This is a very useful feature, a second camera can be installed at the rear of the car so that it can record what is happening behind. It can also be used as an assistant during parking. The picture can be transmitted to the head unit and when performing maneuvers in reverse, all potential obstacles will be clearly visible. This greatly facilitates the parking process.

When choosing a two-channel recorder, it is better to give preference to those models for which the resolution of the rear camera is not lower than HD, it is better if it is Full HD. A lens with a VGA resolution produces a low-quality image, especially at night, it is unlikely that this camera will be of great benefit.

If you want to buy a DVR in Kiev, Odessa or Kharkov, then you can always do this in our online store 130.com.ua. In our catalog you will find the best models from leading manufacturers in different price segments.

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Looking for a quality and the best DVRs? This rating of DVRs is made on the basis of such parameters as: high demand with positive feedback from our customers, high-quality manufacturing — absence of factory defects and service calls, and official warranty and post warranty support in Ukraine.