How does a DVR work?

Why is it so important to set up the DVR correctly?

Installation of a driving recorder is not difficult, but the more problems are the correct positioning of the camera. How to set up the car radio to record the route correctly? Each camera has different parameters and functions, so it is important to take the time to read the instructions for the device. 

First, you need to configure the device to perform its functions. Setting the correct time and date and choosing the language are among the main options. The next step is to calibrate the image and set up loop recordings and select the recording duration. Properly configuring your car camera ensures you can record at the best resolution and play back the recorded video. 

In the event of a collision or other accidental events on the road, such a recording can be presented as evidence. Installing the dash cam in the right place in the car affects the safety while driving, as well as the quality of the recording. 

Unfortunately, some drivers install the device in the wrong place, resulting in a record, for example, of the dashboard. Placing the camera in the center of the windshield is in the driver's field of view and obscures his view. Placing the DVR in this location makes it difficult to change the configuration as the driver has to lean towards the camera. 

In turn, mounting the recorder on the dashboard is not the best choice, since it will not record the road directly, and part of the image will be occupied by the dashboard and the sky. The operation of the camera mounted on the dashboard also forces the driver to lean towards it. 

Another place where drivers incorrectly install the DVR is the left corner of the windshield. Intuitively, drivers choose this location because they think the camera will pick up an image similar to their eye. Most car cameras have an image recording range of up to 170 degrees. Placing it in the corner of the glass limits its functionality. 

Improper camera placement poses a risk as the driver may unknowingly focus on the camera screen instead of the road and may also limit their visibility. It is known that driving safety is the most important thing, so do not install car cameras in the places mentioned above. 

A well-calibrated DVR will record your route in the best possible resolution. Recorded video in good resolution will allow you to read the registration numbers of another vehicle, which, for example, caused an accident and fled the scene. Such devices, focused on the highest quality image, are, for example, in the offer of the company Nextbase.

Where to mount the DVR?

The location of the recorder depends mainly on its type. There are three types: a car camera mounted on the windshield, built into the rearview mirror or framed in the license plate. 

The camera built into the rearview mirror is usually installed permanently. Installation is very complicated, but the device is very inconspicuous and does not take up much space. It does not block the driver's field of vision and is almost invisible from the outside. 

A DVR built into the license plate frame is most often used as a rear view camera if the vehicle can be equipped with an LCD screen. The camera in the license plate frame transmits the image to the LCD screen. 

Reverse parking is a problem for some drivers. The reversing camera makes parking easier and avoids a collision in a crowded parking lot or running over a child, since the DVR in the license plate frame has a larger field of view than the driver in the mirrors. Such a camera turns on as soon as you turn on the reverse gear.

As with the rearview mirror camera, a windshield-mounted camera next to the rearview mirror does not obstruct the driver's view or pose a danger on the road. The device installed in this location has the best conditions for using its parameters. 

The camera will not record the dashboard or side pillars in the car, but will record the road directly in front of the car. Keep in mind that the best camera position is 60% ground and 40% sky. The camera should include a so-called consignment beacon. 

The DVR power cables must be routed so that they do not block the driver's view and do not pass near the installed airbags. The cameras have a very long power cable that can be routed under the upholstery to a socket. The most common socket is the cigarette lighter socket. 

To properly attach the camera, rinse the glass and suction cup with alcohol-based liquid for about 10 seconds. For a better fixing effect, you can use a hair dryer. 

What should a webcam cover with its lens?

As mentioned earlier, the best setting for a DVR is 30-40% sky and 60-70% ground. This arrangement of the device optimizes detail and exposure, minimizing problems with automatic correction of a bright image distorted by the sun's rays. 

It is also worth remembering that a camera mounted on the windshield or in the rear-view mirror also turns on the upper traffic lights. Installing the camera in this way will give us a sense of security in the event of a collision at the intersection, because the recording will show a traffic light. 

Such a recording can be used by the driver as evidence that he started on a green light. The camera should also cover the license plates of cars. However, in this case, the reading of such numbers will never be 100% visible, so it is necessary to set the exposure value so that the number can be read. 

Many external factors affect license plate reading, such as lighting angle, cloud cover, clear windshield and camera lens, rain. Even the best camera may not be able to capture complete license plate information if the conditions are unfavorable.

The wider the angle of view of the car camera lens, the more coverage the frame will cover. Good car cameras should have a 140 degree lens. 

The rear view cameras have a 120 degree wide angle lens and should have high light sensitivity after dark. The rear view camera covers what the driver cannot see or correctly assess at a distance from this object, for example, a parked car, a high curb. 

Car camera settings

In addition to the basic functions in the car camera, such as selecting the date and time, language, or looping the recording, it is worth paying attention to more advanced features. One of the most important parameters that a DVR should have is the G-sensor. 

This is a shock sensor that will save the recording in the event of an accident or a more serious collision and automatically block the file from being deleted. This is important especially if loop recording is installed. The GPS function of the dash cam records and shows the route, and controls the speed. This is one of the most popular DVR features. 

The loop recording mentioned earlier makes the camera easier to use as the driver doesn't have to remember to delete recordings as this feature overwrites the oldest files with newer recordings when the memory is full. 

The device should start charging as soon as the power is connected. This function is performed by autorun. The driver does not need to remember whether to turn the device on or off. 

An important parameter in a car camera is the memory cards it supports. Most cameras have a built-in microSD card reader. The larger the memory capacity of the card, the more quality recordings you can store. 

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth allow you to watch live images on a smartphone, transfer recordings and photos to a computer. The camera should have an infrared sensor that allows you to shoot at night, and at the same time, it will be resistant to the lights of other vehicles and lampposts. Some cameras have a sound recording feature. 

Motion Detection is a feature that only starts video recording when motion is detected in the image captured by the camera, such as a passing car, moving leaves on a tree. Cameras with this function automatically have the so-called. parking mode. The mode is divided into three types. 

The first is the motion detection function (motion sensor) described above. The second type of parking mode is the passive mode with impact detection. It is based on the principle of shock detection, after which the webcam will automatically turn on and start recording. This mode can be activated on its own when it starts responding to the G-Sensor after turning off the camera.  

The last type is the active mode with automatic rest state detection. In this mode, the camera automatically recognizes that the car is parked. The system switches flawlessly when motion is detected while the vehicle is moving or stopped. In this mode, the camera must be connected to a power source at all times because it is constantly recording an image.

Summation

Car cameras have many uses. First, they allow you to record dangerous and unusual events on the road. Recording from the camera allows you to quickly determine the culprit of an accident in a parking lot. 

Car cameras deter potential thieves because the camera image can be viewed in real time on a smartphone. This article describes how to properly install and set up the camera, as well as advanced features that make it easier to use the DVR. You should choose a car camera according to your expectations and the functions it should perform.