BlackVue DR400G-HD is a DVR from South Korea, which is very popular among motorists. The recorder comes in a chic black box with a velvet texture, which looks very presentable and expensive.
Package
Includes the following:
- DVR BlackVue DR400G-HD II;
- adapter for connecting to the car's on-board network;
- SD adapter and 16GB memory card;
- additional sticker for fixing the registrar;
- 4 Velcro fasteners for attaching wiring;
- AV cable for connecting third-party devices;
- USB card reader;
- instruction manual.
Package Features
The BlackVue DR400G II recorder cannot be called original, but it contains everything you need to work, including a memory card. 32 GB of memory is enough for 10 hours of video recording in FullHD resolution.
The BlackVue DR400G-HD DVR itself is compact, but at the same time it is equipped with a long wire, which is enough for laying through the entire interior of the car. With Velcro suppliedincluded, the wire can be neatly fixed.
Design
The video recorder is made in the original cylindrical shape, but it is not equipped with a screen. Such a solution is very unusual for a DVR, since most motorists are accustomed to the fact that the recorded video can be immediately viewed on the display. In the case of the BlackVue DR400G, you will have to watch recordings on a tablet or iPad.
Infrared optics of the camera is located on the body of the recorder. You can also see speaker holes, LED indicators and a microphone there. One of the LEDs indicates the presence of a GPS signal, the second - the status of the recording.
On the left side there is a key with the inscription BlackVue, surrounded by a luminous indicator ring. On the right side of the system there are three connectors: AV output, memory card slot and external power input.
Mounting the registrar in the cabin
The BlackVue DR400G-HD II video recorder is inserted into the bracket attached to the windshield. To disconnect the recorder, just hold down the Lock key and pull it towards you. Despite the fact that the gadget is removed easily, it is securely held in the bracket.
The bracket itself is attached to the windshield with double-sided tape that comes with the kit. It is extremely difficult to remove, so it is advisable to choose the attachment point in advance.
The BlackVue DR400G-HD II dash cam rotates 360 degrees but cannot be rotated horizontally.
The gadget is compact and convenient,differs from analogues in its original design and high build quality. The case does not creak or crunch when deformed.
Settings
BlackVue DVR settings can only be configured through a personal computer. Not all users are happy. In reviews of the BlackVue DR400G, some motorists note that this method is not the most convenient and successful, but not everything is as bad as it seems at first glance.
The memory card is connected to USB via an adapter. It contains an instruction manual and software that allows you to set up the recorder and work with ready-made records.
Easy installer allows you to update BlackVue DR400G-HD II firmware. It is better to do this immediately after connecting the recorder to the computer. The corresponding application icon appears on the desktop, the launch of which opens all the functionality of the gadget.
Program interface
Viewing recorded files is carried out in the upper left part of the program window. Directly below the player are the control buttons and the playback speed control. Image can be rotated.
In the lower left part there is a calendar with marked dates on which entries were made. Slightly to the right is the timeline.
The last function is very useful and allows you to find the necessary entry in the device's memory in seconds, just remember the date and approximate time of the trip.
All video files are stored in a separate folder in AVI or MP4 format,however, it is more convenient to work with them through the program.
G-sensor graphs and GPS data - coordinates and movement speed are displayed on the left side of the program window.
DVR Settings
There are not many settings in the DVR menu, however, they differ significantly from the standard settings in similar gadgets.
Separately worth noting the settings for saving data. When you select the "time" item, the recorder's memory will be cleared of the oldest records as it fills up. If you select "type", then new files will be written in place of deleted old ones of the same type.
G-sensor settings
The BlackVue DR400G has an integrated motion detector and a G-sensor, the sensitivity of which is configured separately for each of the selected modes of the recorder. Switching the gadget to the parking mode is carried out on the condition that the G-sensor does not record any movements for 10 minutes. In this mode, video is recorded only if the car is exposed to external influences or the gadget records movement. Any movement must be recorded for at least 30 seconds, after which the parking mode will be disabled. The key located on the end of the recorder is designed to quickly switch to the parking mode.
According to users, it is difficult to set the sensitivity parameters at random, so it is advisable to resort to the so-called advanced mode - it automatically adjusts the parameters based on anyfragment from the video.
Third-party settings and iOS and Android compatibility
Additional settings related to notifications, both voice and sound, are placed in a separate tab of the application. In this window, you can select the color of the indicator.
The only negative in the settings is the lack of an overlay function on the video of the car number.
The registrar manufacturer distributes a free application for Android, the program is only being developed for iOS.
Access to videos from a smartphone opens after installing the appropriate application and inserting a memory card. All recordings are easily played by any smartphone in the player built into the application. GPS tags can be applied to GoogleMaps maps. All recordings made can be immediately uploaded to third-party resources, for example, on YouTube: the application has a corresponding function.
For iOS, the application is not currently developed, however, you can connect the DVR using the Camera Connection Kit and view videos. The only problem that may arise is the inability of the BlackVue DR400G-HD firmware and tablet or iPhone to synchronize and open files, since they are saved in a separate BlackVue / Record folder, which is not recognized by all devices.
Ideally, it would be convenient and useful to add a database of stationary radars of the Strelka type to the recorder's memory, given that all files and settings are stored on a memory card and there is a GPS module.
Startup and operation
The DVR turns on automatically immediately after the power supply from the car on-board network appears. Simply put, to start the BlackVue DR400G, just plug in the plug and wait for the status LED to turn on. Filming will start in a few minutes. Switching on and subsequent work are accompanied by voice commands in Russian.
Recording stops and the gadget turns off when the power is turned off. Even if the wire is pulled out sharply, the recorder will smoothly and accurately complete the recording, respectively, it still has a small battery.
In addition to the DVR, you can purchase Power Magic - a special battery charge controller. Such equipment allows BlackVue to work even if the car engine is turned off. The presence of accessories compatible with the DVR can be attributed to its advantages.
The only drawback at the stage of inclusion is the delay in the start of recording - the recorder starts working a minute after starting. The indicator of the GPS-module is activated even later - after two or three minutes.
After the DVR turns on, you can leave it alone. He calmly records and reminds of his work only with a sound notification when recording a new fragment starts and a luminous indicator.
Image quality
The quality of the recorded video is very good - FullHD. BlackVue DR400G-HD II specifications allowrecord a dynamic and vivid picture with large viewing angles. Despite the fact that the edges of the image are somewhat blurred, the actual proportions of the objects remain unchanged. The numbers of cars going in the stream in front are perfectly readable, but the oncoming traffic is recorded only at a low speed. However, not a single modern DVR is able to capture the numbers of all moving vehicles, so BlackVue is not inferior to its counterparts in this regard.
Video recording features
- A sharp change in the image when changing the degree of illumination. Often this negatively affects the quality of the picture, but in most cases it allows you to see those details that would be spoiled on similar models of recorders.
- The device perfectly distinguishes texts placed at great distances, including on various signs.
- Bad sound quality. It is likely that the integrated microphone is not of the best quality and performance.
When viewing the video recorded by the registrar, one can note the almost complete absence of sound or strong interference, but at the same time the image quality is high: the license plates of passing cars and texts on road signs are perfectly read. The gadget independently divides the recording into separate fragments depending on what exactly happens on them: traffic, parking or idle car.
We should also note the night shooting mode: the reflective plates show not the reflections of the headlights, but numbers and letters, no blurry spots and noises onrecords. The image becomes even clearer if the car is equipped with bi-xenon headlights.
The DVR does not heat up during operation, remaining pleasantly warm. The operating temperature range is from -20 to +70 degrees Celsius, which is quite enough for harsh Russian winters. During the operation, BlackVue does not freeze or fail, which only confirms its effectiveness.
Benefits
Pros of the device:
- good equipment;
- long power cord;
- small dimensions of the registrar;
- high build quality of the body and pleasant to the touch material;
- voice alerts and detailed instruction manual;
- Russified menu and voice prompts;
- integrated G-sensor and built-in GPS sensor;
- high quality video both day and night;
- simple recorder firmware;
- multifunctional software, intuitive operation and setup;
- availability of additional accessories and compatibility of the DVR with third-party equipment.
BlackVue DR400G Disadvantages
Not all users are happy with their purchase. Some point to the shortcomings of this gadget. Let's point out the main ones. So:
- Recording starts a minute after turning on the gadget.
- The battery pack is only for smooth and accurate completion of shooting.
- Small flaws and software bugssecurity.
- No DVR remote control.
- Poor audio quality.
- Cannot take photos - only video is recorded.
- High cost for a DVR of this class.
However, despite the fact that the gadget has a lot of shortcomings, during operation, as drivers say, you can get used to them, and they become almost invisible.
The cost of the DVR on the official website of the manufacturer is 12990 rubles, and this is a rather high price for a gadget of this class and with the described functionality. However, the specific decision is made by the motorist. The only thing to consider is the presence of a large number of fakes on the market, so you need to choose a registrar very carefully.
Results
At first glance, it seems that the BlackVue DR400G recorder will not be able to surprise the user with anything, but in fact it turns out to be wrong: the gadget boasts perfect video recording quality, which is not found on similar devices from other brands.
During the operation, the DVR shows its best side, while the gadget also has untapped potential. With proper support from the manufacturer, BlackVue can become one of the best DVRs in the automotive market. To do this, it is enough to make it autonomous and equip it with a remote control.
