Mouse DVR

The Mouse DVR is a Chinese dash cam that records 1080p at 30fps.  The video quality during the day is very good but night quality is  below average.  This camera is based on the popular Ambarella A2S60 processor.

When this camera was released, it became popular due to the very good video quality particularly during the day.  It utilizes a high bit rate, typically 14Mbps.  This is much higher than the 8Mbps in comparable A2S60 cameras such as the F500LHD and F900LHD.  Note that the manufacturer recommends using a class 6 SD card for this camera since class 10 cards often have problems.

The Mouse DVR does not have GPS or a G-sensor.  This dash cam is relatively large in size as can be seen in this comparison picture with other dash cams.

Top row left to right (GS600, DS103, F900LHD), bottom row left to right (F500LHD, Mouse DVR).

Unfortunately, this camera has been plagued with problems making it a poor choice for a dash cam.

Mouse DVR Models

While this camera has been nicknamed the “Mouse DVR” due to its resemblance to a computer mouse, it is sold under a variety of names.  Note that the primary distributor (perhaps manufacturer) appears to be Givoe Technology.

1. 244/2022
2. A2
3. ProCam ZX5

Known problems

Lines on the video

Numerous users complain that their videos have horizontal lines running through them.  These lines are typically red or blue as seen in the pictures below.

Givoe has provided instructions on how to correct this problem.  You will need to solder the red wire to fix it.

Blurry Picture Quality

Some users complain that the camera has blurry or wavy picture quality.  The picture below shows an example of the blurry picture quality on the left side.

In some instances the video is wavy like this example.

To fix this problem, the lens must be replaced.  Givoe has provided instructions on how to replace the lens.

Poor Build Quality

Many of these cameras have poor overall build quality.  Loose screws, poor battery contact and rattling parts have been noted.  Some cameras appear to be fine while others suffer these problems indicating a quality control issue.

Camera Hangs

Some users complain that the camera freezes or hangs occasionally usually when it is starting up.  Not all cameras are afflicted with this problem so this is likely a quality control issue.

Mounting the camera

Disassembling the dash cam

Sample Videos

Night Video

Should I Purchase?

Even though this camera has very good picture quality during the day, the large size and the number of reliability problems with this camera, makes it unattractive.  We do not recommend purchasing it.

Firmware

WARNING!  MAKING CHANGES TO YOUR FIRMWARE ARE PERFORMED AT YOUR OWN RISK.  WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE TO YOUR DASH CAM AS A RESULT OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

There are numerous known firmware versions that have been sold:

• A04E13P0110111
• A04E13RO110111
• A04E13R0110915
• A04E13P0111230
• A04E13P0120105

Versions of the A04E13R0110915 are available:

Latest version:

•  05_2012-01-05-firmware-HDVAD02

Older versions:

• 04_244-2022-2011-09-15-firmware-HDVAD02
• 03_firmware-HDVAD02
• 02_firmware-HDVAD02
• 01_firmware-HDVAD02

Givoe has also released 2 firmware versions for this camera (one for the cameras with a built in memory card and one for the cameras without a built in memory card).

• DVR-Firmware-244-2022-Built-in-Memory-Card-AD01-2C.zip
• DVR-Firmware-244-2022-Not-Built-in-Memory-Card-AD01.zip

Instructions to update firmware can be found below:

User Manual

 Ratings

Mouse DVR

The Mouse DVR should be avoided due to the large size and number of reliability problems.

Product SKU: Mouse DVR

Product Brand: Generic

Product Currency: USD

Product Price: 110

Price Valid Until: 2023-01-01

Product In-Stock: SoldOut

Editor's Rating:
4.3