The Pittasoft BlackVue DR500GW-HD WiFi is a new dash cam released for the start of 2013. This DVR is manufactured the Korean company Pittasoft. Like most Korean built dash cams and there are not many clones / fakes available.
While many owners have been disappointed with the BlackVue DR400G-HD and BlackVue DR400G-HD II due to reliability issues (particularly overheating), there is optimism that DR500GW-HD will not suffer from the same issues. Note that the DR500GW-HD does not replace the DR400G-HD II (even though Pittasoft should be well aware of the problems with that cam).
The DR500GW-HD has a few new features. The camera is covered with over 50 cooling holes.
Note that some owners of the DR400G-HD II have drilled holes into the case but have not seen any reduction in the overheating issue. Hopefully Pittasoft has done more than just adding cooling holes to address the overheating issue.
The camera is also larger than the DR400G-HD at 118.5 x 36mm (vs 102 x 32mm). Perhaps the larger size allows for a better layout of internal components or some heat dissipation devices
The DR500GW-HD comes with WI-FI capability. This allows the user to view videos (live and recorded) on a WI-FI capable device like a Smartphone. There are apps available for Android and iPhone. Another improvement is that the camera is black in color making it less noticeable from outside the vehicle.
From a video quality perspective, this version is quite similar to the DR400G-HD models. It can record HD video (1080p at 30FPS) and the picture quality is excellent in the day. Night video appears to be good as well. However many users complain of pixelation / macroblocking when recording scenes with a lot of moving items (trees and leaves are a big problem). This is due to the 7.5Mbps maximum bit rate of the camera. NOTE: Bitrate has been increased 10Mbps with firmware v1.008 which gives improved video quality but does not eliminate the problem. Hacked versions of the firmware allow for the bit rate to be increased and this dramatically reduces / eliminates this problem.
The camera still uses a 2MP sensor but he haven’t been able to confirm if it uses the Texas Instruments TMS320DM368 Digital Media System-on-Chip.
The DR500GW-HD does not come with an LCD screen given its small size but once it is set up and installed, there is no need to move it around. You can also use the Wi-Fi capability to set the angle correctly. The built-in GPS records the vehicle speed and status information, which can be synchronized with Google Map to display the driving path.
This dash camera also has a G-sensor and parking mode. If you are using parking mode, you may want to consider a Battery Discharge Prevention Device.
Comparison with DR400G-HD II
Here are some pictures comparing the size of the DR400G-HD II (on the left) with the DR500GW-HD (on the right).
Known problems
While the original DR400G-HD and the DR400G-HD II were plagued with reliability problems, the DR500GW-HD is a new design. This camera has been released for a while now and there have been a few problems identified by users.
Macroblocking / Pixelation
The main problem is macroblocking or pixelation. This is due to the 10Mbps maximum bit rate of the camera. Hacked versions of the firmware allow for the bit rate to be increased and this dramatically reduces / eliminates this problem. The custom firmware can be obtained from one of our members Mio. See this thread for more details.
Virus
Some owners have complained that the SD card came with a virus. Typically the Conficker.B Worm or Win32.TrojanDownloader.Fraudload. There is a belief that the computer in Korea that tests the cameras and writes the firmware is infected. It would be wise to scan the SD card with an antivirus program before using.
Video Quality
There have been occasional complaints of poor video quality, beyond the pixealation problem. Replacement cameras appear to solve the problem. Might just be an occasional quality control issue but we will keep a lookout to see if this problem is more pronounced.
Some owners complain that the angle of the lens is too wide resulting in poorer video quality.
Mounting the Camera
Standard Mount
Disassembling the dash cam
Sample Videos
Day Video
Night Video
Comparison Video at Night compared to FineVu CR-500HD and FineVu Pro
BlackVue PC and Mac Players
The latest BlackVue player for the PC is v2.032
The latest BlackVue player for the Mac is v1.002.
The following file contains all of the SD Card Contents including the BlackVue player.
Should I Purchase?
The design, video quality and features for the BlackVue DR500GW-HD are very good. The BlackVue cameras are very popular due to these reasons. The only real outstanding question is reliability. Reliability appears better than the previous versions. The biggest problem is the macroblocking / pixelation. This could be fixed with a hacked firmware but this will likely void the warranty. Going back to the original firmware may not be possible or may brick the device. Overall, video quality could be better for the price.
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.
Firmware Update Instructions
- You must use an SD-Card reader to perform this operation. Do not attempt to do this directly on the dash cam.
- Insert the micro SD card into your PC.
- Download the desired firmware from the section below.
- Double click the firmware upgrade file. Follow the onscreen instructions.
- Insert the microSD card with the newly downloaded firmware into your BlackVue. Please make sure it is turned off.
- Turn on the Blackvue. The firmware will automatically update. Please ensure there is a constant power supply during the upgrade.
- Use your dash cam with the latest firmware.
Latest Firmware
The latest English firmware can be downloaded from the BlackVue site.
Previous Firmware
DR500GW-HD_v1.005E(2013_0315)_Setup.zip
User Manual
You can download the manual here.
Specifications
Detailed Specifications
| Read Review |  |
| Camera Type | Single Channel |
| Form Factor | Cylindrical |
| Country | China |
| Processor | Texas Instruments TMS320DM368 |
| CMOS Front | Unknown |
| CMOS Rear | N/A |
| Channels | 1 |
| Screen | No |
| GPS | Yes |
| G-Sensor | Yes |
| Wi-Fi | Yes |
| Parking Mode | Buffered |
| Lock Files | Auto |
| Max Resolution Front | 1920×1080p |
| Front Frames Per Second | 30 |
| Max Bitrate Front (Mbps) | 10 |
| Max Resolution Rear | N/A |
| Rear Frames Per Second | N/A |
| Max Bitrate Rear (Mbps) | N/A |
| Video Format | MP4 |
| Compression | H.264 |
| Diagonal Viewing Angle Front | 156° |
| Diagonal Viewing Angle Rear | N/A |
| SD Card Type | MicroSD |
| Max Size (Spec) | 32GB |
| Max Size (User) | 64GB |
| Size Front (mm) | 119 x 36 |
| Size Rear (mm) | N/A |
| Mount | Adhesive |
| Power Supply | 12V |
| Operating Temp | -20°C to 70°C |
| Battery | Capacitor |
| Error Notification | Audio |
| Apps | PC, OSX, Android, iOS |
| Cloud Connectivity | No |
| Release Date | Nov 2012 |
| Unique Features | Buffers video in parking mode (saves 5 seconds before impact / motion detection and 55 seconds after) |
| Advantages | Good form factor" Decent reliability" Buffers in parking mode |
| Disadvantages | Pixelation problem when lots of moving objects Expensive |
| Final Word | WiFi is great but bitrate causes pixelation in some settings. |
Published: January 4, 2013
Last Updated: August 29, 2013
BlackVue DR500GW-HD - DashCamTalk
The BlackVue DR500GW-HD has WiFi which is great but the low bitrate causes pixelation in some settings.
Product SKU: BlackVue DR500GW-HD
Product Brand: BlackVue
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 300
Price Valid Until: 2023-01-01
Product In-Stock: SoldOut
5.8