Comparison iBOX iCON LaserVision WiFi Signature Dual vs iBOX iCON LaserVision WiFi Signature S

The sensor is a key element of any digital camera; it is from it and from signal processing technologies that the quality of the resulting image primarily depends. In this case, the type refers rather to the brand or brand of the matrix; it is usually indicated if the recorder is equipped with a high-quality sensor that is noticeably superior to most solutions on the market.

One of the most popular such options is Sony. The specific characteristics of the matrices ( IMX179, IMX222, IMX291, IMX307, IMX317, IMX322, IMX323, IMX326, IMX335, IMX415) may vary, but anyway, such a sensor is a sign of a high-end DVR.

In addition, there are models equipped with matrices from other manufacturers — Aptina, OmniVision, Samsung(GalaxyCore), Sandvik. Such solutions are generally considered to be simpler and more democratic than Sony — both in terms of price and functionality. Nevertheless, Samsung has a lot of developments in the field of electronics, and even such r...elatively “simple” sensors are usually more advanced and of higher quality than “know-names”.

Another manufacturer that produces fairly high-quality matrices is Panasonic. Such sensors are not as widespread as those described above, but they are still found in video recorders, including pretty advanced.

Model of the processor used in the dashcam

The term "video chip" is used mainly for devices with classic capabilities, "processor" — for advanced models with an abundance of non-standard functions. However, anyway, we are talking about the same component — the main computing unit, the characteristics of which directly affect the capabilities of the recorder as a whole. Knowing the model of the processor, you can find detailed data on it and evaluate how satisfied you are with a device based on such electronics. Of the most advanced modern chips, one can name, in particular, Ambarella A7L, Ambarella A12, Novatek NTK96655, Novatek NTK96660 and HiSilicon Hi3516.

The maximum resolution and frame rate of video taken by the recorder in the Super HD standard.

Super HD is a rather specific standard that exceeds Full HD in resolution, but falls short of Quad HD. The traditional frame size for this format is 2304x1296, but there are models with a lower horizontal resolution — 1728x1296. Anyway, Super HD is quite popular among DVRs: it provides good detail and does not require particularly powerful hardware.

As for the frame rate, the higher it is, the smoother and less blurry the video will be, the better the details on moving objects will be visible, and also the more space the footage will take up. However, in Super HD models this figure usually ranges from 25 to 30 fps, and this difference is hardly fundamental.

— Radar detector. A sensor that reacts to the emission of a police radar and warns the driver that the speed may be recorded by the device. Dash cams with this function are classified into a separate category — combo devices (see "Type"). Let's recall that radar detectors are also available as separate devices, however, a combo device takes up less space when installed. On the other hand, the "anti-radar" functionality in combined dash cams is generally somewhat less extensive than in standalone radar detectors. And combo devices are quite expensive (although often cheaper than a pair of a separate dash cam and a radar detector with similar capabilities). It should be emphasized that having this function does not relieve the obligation to adhere to the speed limits prescribed by traffic rules.

— Signature detection. A function of the radar detector described above that improves recognition accuracy and reduces the likelihood of false alarms. To achieve this, samples (signatures) of the emissions of the most popular radar models are stored in the device's memory, and when a signal is detected, the device compares it with the data in memory. In this way, you can quite accurately determine whether the received signal is radar emission (and which one) or merely an outside interference. The drawbacks of detectors with signature recognition include relatively high cost, slightly increased triggering time,...and inability to "recognize" radars not stored in memory (however, some models allow signature database updates).

— Parking mode. A special mode that allows recording extraordinary events on video while the vehicle is parked; it uses a G-sensor for operation (see "Shooting functions"). In parking mode, the dash cam is in "sleep" mode, and if the G-sensor detects an impact, full recording is activated. Videos from the buffer are "attached" to the start of the recording, allowing not only the moment of the incident to be recorded but also a few seconds before it.

— Motion sensor. A dash cam function based on detecting movement in the camera lens. Thus, if the dash cam "understands" that there is movement in the frame, automatic recording takes place. This allows the dash cam to be set to automatically turn on when movement starts, as well as to record possible incidents, thefts, car hijackings in parking areas that come into the device's field of view.

— Voice control. The ability to control the dash cam through voice commands. The specific list of such commands (and supported languages) can vary depending on the model. However, in any case, this function contributes to driving safety: it allows you to keep your hands on the wheel and not get distracted from the road while controlling the dash cam.

— Gesture control. The ability to control the device using gestures. Note that the capabilities of such control in dash cams are significantly limited: typically, a sensor is used that responds to hand movement in front of the device and is capable of performing only one specific action. Nevertheless, even this possibility provides additional convenience and safety (compared to pressing buttons and especially navigating menus): a hand movement takes fractions of a second, and the driver is hardly distracted from the road. As for specific functions implemented through gesture control, they may include protecting the recorded clip from being overwritten, saving a snapshot, turning off the radar detector sound (see above), etc. In some models, such a function is rigidly set in the settings and cannot be reconfigured, while in others, you can choose from several options.

— Wi-Fi module. The Wi-Fi technology is mainly known as a method of wireless Internet access, but it can also be used for direct connection with another device. The ways of using this technology in dash cams can vary, depending on the functionality. For instance, some models can update map markers for a GPS navigator and GPS informer database through such a connection (see above); others allow uploading recorded videos directly to the Internet (for example, to YouTube); and the most advanced devices with this feature have touch screens and can even be used as full-fledged tablets when removed from the mount, with the ability to browse web pages and install various applications. There are also quite specific features — for example, streaming recorded or captured video to a smartphone or tablet, sharing mobile Internet with other devices (if a 3G/4G module is available), and so on. It is worth noting that the number of public Wi-Fi access points is constantly increasing, they are available at most major gas stations, and are often provided in certain areas of large cities (parks, historical and business districts, etc.). Therefore, accessing the World Wide Web from a dash cam without removing it from the car can be much easier than it seems at first glance.

— 3G/4G modem. A 3G or 4G mobile communication module. Primarily intended for data transmission — in simpler terms, for mobile Internet use; voice calls for dash cams are considered redundant and, as a rule, are not supported. The speed of connection in modern mobile networks is often comparable to that through Wi-Fi; thus, the applications of 3G/4G connectivity can be quite diverse, depending on the specific model. However, three functions are most frequently encountered: downloading information about traffic jams and other relevant data (updates for GPS informers, weather forecasts, etc.); functioning as a GPS tracker (if this feature is available — see above); and as a Wi-Fi hotspot, sharing mobile Internet with other devices (with a built-in Wi-Fi module, of course). Comparing 3G/4G and Wi-Fi, mobile communication is available almost everywhere; however, it comes with costs.

— Bluetooth. Having a built-in Bluetooth module in the dash cam. This technology is used for direct wireless connections with other devices; its application can vary, depending on the functionality of a particular dash cam. One of the most popular applications is streaming audio to a Bluetooth-compatible car stereo or the driver's headset: this can include various notifications from the navigator, radar detector, etc., signals from the "Anti-Sleep" system (see above), and in some models — even music from the built-in player. Another popular use form is file exchange with a smartphone, laptop, or other similar device (primarily for copying recorded materials). Besides this, other more specific usage modes for Bluetooth might be envisioned. It is worth noting that most dash cams with this function operate on Android (see the corresponding point), so the range of options is quite extensive — essentially limited by the range of compatible apps.

— Speaker. A built-in speaker installed in the dash cam housing. This speaker can be used to play, for example, audio during recorded video playback, voice prompts from the GPS navigator/informer, radar detector signals (see above), etc. However, keep in mind that the speaker’s volume might be relatively low, and listening via the speaker in a noisy environment might be challenging.

This technology provides high-quality colour reproduction, high brightness and wide viewing angles, and thanks to the improvement and reduction in price, the price of IPS screens is constantly decreasing. At the same time, the meaning of the IPS screen may arise in the case of using a Dashcam at the scene of an accident in order to clarify the situation and review the footage. And the availability of an IPS screen indicates a device of a higher class.

AV connector for connecting an additional remote camera to the DVR, which can be used to provide a view of the rear hemisphere or filming what is happening inside the vehicle.