How to choose a car DVR?

A video recorder is a device that records the situation around a vehicle while it is moving or parked. The main function of this device is audio and video recording of everything that happens. Thus, a car owner can always get a recording of a specific incident (an accident, a conflict with a traffic police officer) and, if necessary, attach it to the case materials. Neither the court nor the traffic police representative has the right to refuse to use a video recording to confirm the innocence of the car owner. It happens even more often that even just the presence of a video recorder in the car and the absence of errors in the owner’s behavior help resolve the conflict peacefully.

To decide which DVR to choose, you need to know its structure. It is quite simple – it is a small device equipped with one or more cameras that record video of what is happening. They can be built-in or remote.

Also the main elements of the video recorder are:

• • Frame.
  • Processor (also called electronic control unit).
  • A screen that displays the situation around the car. It can also play back recordings.
  • Storage device (memory card). Data can be transferred from it to any other electronic device. The car owner decides which flash drive to choose for the DVR based on his needs.
  • Fastenings.

• Connectors.
• Battery, cable for connection to the vehicle’s network.

Every year new models with other additional elements appear on the market.

Based on design features, it is customary to distinguish the following types of video recorders:

• • Regular . They are installed on the windshield near the rearview mirror in place of the rain sensor. Ideal for expensive cars, since when installed correctly, they are not conspicuous and do not spoil the appearance of the interior. Can be installed only if there is no rain sensor.
  • Standard, mounted on a special bracket . They can be placed in a convenient part of the cabin. Such devices are usually maximally equipped, it is possible to use them as an autonomous gadget outside the car (for example, to record the scene of an accident). Such video recorders can be easily moved from one car to another – they are not too tied to the car’s electronics.
  • Devices built into the rearview mirror . The video recorder mirror has its pros and cons, but it is an ideal solution for those who are bothered by additional elements in the cabin. It is impossible to use such a device outside the car, and if it is present, the dimensions of the rearview mirror will be significantly increased.

• Stationary video recorders are electronic units that allow you to connect 2 or more cameras. They are usually used in commercial transport. They allow you to fully record what is happening on the road, in the cabin or / and in the body of the vehicle. Such devices are highly functional, but require a certain place for installation.

The choice of a video recorder should be approached with full responsibility, taking into account the features of its future use. In addition, it is necessary to take into account the following points:

• • Recording resolution (measured in pixels, the more pixels, the higher the image quality). Optimal resolution – HD, VGA, FullHD.
  • Scanning (progressive or interlaced). The first option produces higher quality frames.
  • Recording speed, measured in frames per second. The higher this value (25-30), the smoother the video sequence.
  • Data compression format (maximum compression will be provided by a device that supports the H.264 format).
  • Light sensitivity – the lower it is, the better the recording quality.
  • Viewing angle (the higher its value, the more complete the picture of what is happening will be recorded).
  • Availability of automatic on/off device.
  • Availability of a battery.
  • Cyclic recording (when the memory card is full, new files are written over old ones).
  • Availability of a built-in navigator and display.

• Data storage type (flash card or hard drive).

The main advantages of using video recorders are as follows:

1

the purchase of this device costs a relatively small amount;

2

the ability to record absolutely any incident and present video footage in any controversial situations;

3

the ability to track the actions of other people who may be driving a car (friends, family members);

4

Due to the small dimensions of the device, it can be mounted in such a way that it does not block the driver’s view or interfere with the driver.

The relative disadvantages of using a DVR are as follows:

1

the need to purchase an additional splitter so that you can also use other gadgets in the car;

2

attractiveness of the video recorder for potential robbers. To avoid damage to the vehicle (for example, broken glass) and theft of the gadget, you need to install a reliable security system on the car or take the video recorder with you when leaving the car.

Here are some tips on which DVR to choose for your car and what to consider when doing so.

• Tip number one . Pay attention to how much the device costs. It is important to understand that the cheapest gadget will perform a minimum number of functions, which may not be enough to prove your innocence in an accident. That is why you should not save on such a purchase.
• Tip two . Choosing a DVR mount is a very important point. Choosing a device that is mounted on a suction cup is correct if you plan to take it with you every time you leave the car (for example, if you often leave your car in the yard of your house). If your car is stored in a safe place (in a garage, in a guarded parking lot), there is no such need, so you can choose a DVR on an adhesive tape. Any mount should be reliable, providing good fixation of the device. It is better to choose a device with a minimum length of the fastening part, since the longer the mount, the more the picture will shake.
• Tip three . Pay attention to the class of the video recorder (budget, universal, professional). Practice shows that it is better for an ordinary car enthusiast to buy a multifunctional device with several useful functions.
• Tip number four . It is necessary to choose a device with such technical characteristics (camera viewing angle, video resolution, recording speed, number of cameras, memory card type, etc.) that will be sufficient for high-quality performance of its main functions.
• Tip number five . It is better to buy a gadget that has an external screen, a motion detector, USB connection, a GPS module and a G-sensor. Such a device will be able to recreate the picture of any incident as accurately as possible.
• Tip number six . Be sure to purchase a device that has a quality certificate and a serial number on the case. In this case, you will be sure that the recordings obtained with its help will be of sufficient quality and can be presented as evidence.