HDR question for the VIOFO A329

[Chuck McCoy]

Do you have a remote control button?

Yes.

VIOFO Upgraded Version BTR200 Wireless Bluetooth Remote Control

【Easy to Use】Just simply press on the remote, important videos can be saved and locked, which lets you drive more safely. You can stick it to a suitable location on your dashboard, and the small body would keep the original appearance inside your car. 【Simple Pairing】Power on the camera and...

www.viofo.com

let me know if you have any questions with my tests

OK, please copy & paste, and post in my thread.
I’ll do these tests when I get back from SEMA.
-Chuck

 

[Rollingrock]

Yes.

VIOFO Upgraded Version BTR200 Wireless Bluetooth Remote Control

【Easy to Use】Just simply press on the remote, important videos can be saved and locked, which lets you drive more safely. You can stick it to a suitable location on your dashboard, and the small body would keep the original appearance inside your car. 【Simple Pairing】Power on the camera and...

www.viofo.com

OK, please copy & paste, and post in my thread.
I’ll do these tests when I get back from SEMA.
-Chuck

Just pasted it to your previous thread. Enjoy your trip to SEMA. Thanks!
-Art

 

[87driver]

Got it. Do you have a remote control button? If so, I'd like to see if what the remote does to HDR under these same situations, at least for the manual mode. I'd like to add to your testing list the following:
Manual HDR-Set the recording to 4K @ 60fps and then turn the HDR on, it should default to 4K @ 30fps; then turn HDR off and see what the recording returns to. Same for the remote control button programmed to turn the HDR on and off.
Auto HDR (this has three parts) -
1) Set the time for HDR Auto turn on and off, then set the recording to 4K @ 60fps and see what the recording returns to once Auto HDR is off.
2) Like rgc530 said Does the Auto HDR keep track of time when it is off or do you need to constantly reset the time and date stamp for it to not only record the correct time and date but to make the HDR work as well? IF it does keep the correct time and date then how as it has a capacitor versus a battery? What does the recording return to under this scenario? 60 or 30fps?
3) Again like rgc530 said, if the HDR was off or on when the A329 was powered down, now the A329 is powered up during the time HDR should be automatically turned on or off due to the auto time set before. Does the HDR actually turn on or off and if so, does the A329 revert to recording at 60fps or 30fps? This can be the reverse as well, HDR on when A329 powered off and then HDR should be off when repowered. What is the recording situation then?
You've found the pitfalls to asking a retired engineer about what ifs! 😀
I know patience grasshopper! lol
Thanks for all your input and responses and let me know if you have any questions with my tests!
-Art

@Rollingrock

my findings with Auto HDR on a329 with firmware from factory.
Hardwired to auto dimming mirror via dongle as of now, no HK4 installed yet. CPL on both front and back. 512GB card

-Auto HDR does not function as it is designed to on my a329. It does not switch on or off at the set times like my a229 pro.
- i have the remote control, i then set both side buttons on the remote to turn HDR on or off
- the rear cam does not follow the button command of HDR on or off, only the front cam is affected, therefore i set
rear cam to HDR on full time
- when not in HDR i have resolution at 4K60F+2K30R
-when selecting HDR on via side button on remote resolution changes to 4K30F+2K30R and when selecting off..the front cam returns to 4K60
- rear cam exp value set to +0.6, front at 0

I have yet to determine if i will keep 4K60 or stick with 4K30

 

[blinkenjim]

I just joined this group and am thoroughly impressed with all the knowledge and reviews that led me to pick the A329. Especially helpful, in alphabetical order, was Panzer Platform, RGC530 and Vortex Radar's posts and info presented for the A329 along with a few others. Kudos and thanks for your efforts. I am a newbie regarding dashcams and have a question regarding the HDR on the A329. I know that you can't get HDR with 4K 60fps and also know that you can turn HDR on/off as well as set it to auto and input the start and end times. My understanding is that the A329 will not auto turn on HDR based on the surrounding light. I wish it did as there is about 3-4 hours of difference from summer to winter for the sunrise and sunset in SW Colorado! I apologize if my questions were answered before but I didn't see them as I've read many threads and comments. My questions are if I set the HDR on auto and then set the recording to 4K and 60fps, when the time to turn on the HDR on auto, will it simply revert to 4K at 30fps and then go back to 4K at 60fps when it auto shuts down HDR? Also I understand that you can turn the HDR on/off via the Bluetooth remote. Likewise if I have the recording set at 4K and 60fps and remotely turn HDR on, will it default to 4K at 30fps and again if I turn it off, will it go back to 4K 60fps? If not, what does the recording default to for both the A329 and the remote? Thanks!

It is indeed a great forum with many knowledgeable folks! They helped me get straight to the issue when my A329 seemed to be shutting down randomly (it wasn’t). This is now my go-to stop for seeking help as well as for maybe helping out someone else if I can.

 

[Karagandinez]

My A329 currently runs in single channel mode
and HDR in AUTO mode works without problems.

 

[Karagandinez]

I agree but, not at the expense of an optional $20 accessory, and have to worry about a dead battery inside it.

What's wrong with the battery?
My old remote has been working for over 3 years and I haven't changed the battery yet. 😉

 

[Chuck McCoy]

What's wrong with the battery?

Remote control batteries require periodic replacement.

My old remote has been working for over 3 years and I haven't changed the battery yet.

Until one day it's not with no warning.

 

[Nigel]

What's wrong with the battery?
My old remote has been working for over 3 years and I haven't changed the battery yet. 😉

Probably has a 10 year life, unless you use it many times per day!

 

[LateralNW]

Remote control batteries require periodic replacement.

I don't mean to sound like a smart A but if it's periodic then it gets changed before it goes flat just like smoke detector batteries. (Every year)

We are talking about a Bluetooth button though aren't we? Not really a critical device if it goes flat, as there other methods to capture footage.

 

[Karagandinez]

Having to spend more money on an optional accessory to use the camera's features is like double billing the customer in my opinion.

Everyone decides for themselves whether they need this additional accessory or not.
No one is forcing anyone.

Vantrue includes their Bluetooth lock button with the $120 E1.

First: The Vantrue remote control does not have the functions that the BTR200 has.
Second: The E1 is the only model that has a remote control included. Perhaps Vantrue realized their mistake and sells the remote control separately. 😉

Remote control batteries require periodic replacement.

Just like everywhere else they are installed.
But this is not very common.

Until one day it's not with no warning.

Do you have a car key with a battery inside?
Does it often warn you that it's time to change the battery?
The remote control is not as important as the car key.

Probably has a 10 year life, unless you use it many times per day!

Are there really people who press the remote control 24 hours a day and change the battery every week...😱

 

[Nigel]

Are there really people who press the remote control 24 hours a day and change the battery every week...😱

I have heard of some remote control batteries needing replacement, so apparently yes!

I suspect there was a faulty batch of batteries though, I haven't heard of flat Viofo remote control batteries for ages.
Maybe if people are pressing the HDR button every time they enter a tunnel then we will hear of some from Switzerland soon?

 

[viofo]

@Rollingrock

my findings with Auto HDR on a329 with firmware from factory.
Hardwired to auto dimming mirror via dongle as of now, no HK4 installed yet. CPL on both front and back. 512GB card

-Auto HDR does not function as it is designed to on my a329. It does not switch on or off at the set times like my a229 pro.
- i have the remote control, i then set both side buttons on the remote to turn HDR on or off
- the rear cam does not follow the button command of HDR on or off, only the front cam is affected, therefore i set
rear cam to HDR on full time
- when not in HDR i have resolution at 4K60F+2K30R
-when selecting HDR on via side button on remote resolution changes to 4K30F+2K30R and when selecting off..the front cam returns to 4K60
- rear cam exp value set to +0.6, front at 0

I have yet to determine if i will keep 4K60 or stick with 4K30

There is a new firmware that fixed this AUTO HDR issue, we are still checking if we need to update the IQ, and we will release a new firmware soon.
If you don't mind, I can send current firmware to you.

 

[87driver]

There is a new firmware that fixed this AUTO HDR issue, we are still checking if we need to update the IQ, and we will release a new firmware soon.
If you don't mind, I can send current firmware to you.

@viofo

"If you don't mind, I can send current firmware to you."

Sure that would be fine. Contact me via DM

Thank You

 

[Bladex]

Assuming the Resolution setting for the front camera is 4K 60fps, the Auto HDR feature "should" transition the FPS from 60 to 30 when enabling HDR and transition the FPS from 30 to 60 FPS when disabling HDR. This was an issue for the A119 Mini 2 when operating in 60 FPS mode and then Auto HDR needed to maintain the HDR state. I believe that was resolved for the A119 Mini 2 long ago. When I stated the resolution setting for the A329 front camera was set to 4K 60fps, I mean it was actually recording at that resolution setting. Just selecting that resolution in the settings menu and then enabling the Auto HDR feature may not get the Auto HDR transition to work [set the correct FPS value with HDR off]. If HDR is enabled when you enter the Resolution settings screen, you won't even see the 4K 60fps selection available for the front camera.

I've had a problem with the last couple of A329 firmware versions not transitioning the FPS value correctly and not enabling/disabling the HDR feature due to the manner in which I use the A329. I use the power button to power down the A329 when I park my car inside of my garage. I also turn off the ACC and Constant power to the HK4 powering the A329 to preserve as much of the battery pack charge level while the vehicle is parked. My use case was causing an issue when the A329 was powered up again. The HDR state needed to be switched to either on or off based on the time of day it was powered up at. For example, HDR was off when powered down, but HDR should be turned on due to the time I powered up the A329 again (or the reverse situation on => off). The HDR state was not being set correctly for my use case nor was the FPS being set to 60 FPS when HDR was to have been turned off by the Auto HDR feature. I reported that problem to VIOFO a couple of weeks ago.

Yesterday, VIOFO provided an updated firmware for the A329. I'm going to see if the Auto HDR feature will properly restore the Resolution to 4K 60fps for daytime recording as it should do and properly toggle HDR feature on/off for my use case.

I think I have the same problem with automatic HDR and FPS.

My installation is with an HK4 module and a powerbank.
When I stop using the vehicle, I deactivate the powerbank and also the dashcam to save maximum energy.

Yes, when I do this it is night time and HDR is activated and 30fps, the next day when I turn on the dashcam in daytime the HDR is correctly off but the FPS is still at 30.

The curious thing is also that if I check the settings from the App, I don't get the 4k 60fps option, only the 30fps options even with HDR turned off.
In this case, the only way to put 4K 60fps back is in the menu settings of the camera itself.

I've had the rear camera installed for 2 days and I don't remember if it happened to me before with just the front camera or not, I didn't pay attention.

I wouldn't mind trying the Beta firm that @viofo has to see if that problem is solved while they publish the final one.

 

[rcg530]

I think I have the same problem with automatic HDR and FPS.

My installation is with an HK4 module and a powerbank.
When I stop using the vehicle, I deactivate the powerbank and also the dashcam to save maximum energy.

Yes, when I do this it is night time and HDR is activated and 30fps, the next day when I turn on the dashcam in daytime the HDR is correctly off but the FPS is still at 30.

The curious thing is also that if I check the settings from the App, I don't get the 4k 60fps option, only the 30fps options even with HDR turned off.
In this case, the only way to put 4K 60fps back is in the menu settings of the camera itself.

I've had the rear camera installed for 2 days and I don't remember if it happened to me before with just the front camera or not, I didn't pay attention.

I wouldn't mind trying the Beta firm that @viofo has to see if that problem is solved while they publish the final one.

I tested a beta firmware v1.0_241029 and the HDR/FPS restoration problem was fixed. I'm testing newer beta firmware for some additional issues to see if they're resolved as well. I will be testing the later beta firmware tomorrow during my weekly grocery shopping trip drive.

With regard to the A329 or the app not showing 60fps resolution option, turning off HDR in the camera's settings menu or in the app is not enough to make available the 60 fps resolution options. I've found that you must turn off HDR and then allow the dash camera to start recording again. After the camera starts recording with HDR turned off, the resolution menu and the app's list of available resolutions will be updated to include the 60 fps options.

 

[simplepinoi177]

I tested a beta firmware v1.0_241029 and the HDR/FPS restoration problem was fixed.

Please forgive my noobness if there is an obvious response (I've only ever had an Aukey DR02; and just jumped into A329 today), but where could I find/download the beta firmware?

If HDR is enabled when you enter the Resolution settings screen, you won't even see the 4K 60fps selection available for the front camera.

I can confirm this is what happens. Just checked right now as I just remembered, when setting up, I accidentally left HDR On instead of the other 2 options...

 

[Bladex]

Please forgive my noobness if there is an obvious response (I've only ever had an Aukey DR02; and just jumped into A329 today), but where could I find/download the beta firmware?


I can confirm this is what happens. Just checked right now as I just remembered, when setting up, I accidentally left HDR On instead of the other 2 options...

They are only providing the beta firmware to test users of the model.

I am also another of those affected by the erratic functioning of the automatic HDR mode.

I have sent a ticket to Viofo customer service explaining the problem and requesting test firmware.

They have limited themselves to explaining to me how to activate the HDR mode as if I did not know or was configuring this mode correctly.

They haven't answered me anything about the beta firmware.

My first impression of how they are managing the way of providing test firmwares to normal users is very poor.

 

[Chuck McCoy]

where could I find/download the beta firmware?

Welcome to the club.
You can request it here;

Submit a ticket

support.viofo.com

I'm not saying you will get it, but you don't get what you don't ask for. lol
-Chuck

 

[simplepinoi177]

They are only providing the beta firmware to test users of the model.

I am also another of those affected by the erratic functioning of the automatic HDR mode.

I have sent a ticket to Viofo customer service explaining the problem and requesting test firmware.

They have limited themselves to explaining to me how to activate the HDR mode as if I did not know or was configuring this mode correctly.

They haven't answered me anything about the beta firmware.

My first impression of how they are managing the way of providing test firmwares to normal users is very poor.

Thank you for the answers!

On that note, I wanted to add that I just looked into & tested it right now, and on my firmware V1.0_241009, the Auto HDR did not have the issue. I set it up, and it was saying 4K P30 while the HDR was on (set at the Auto HDR). I manually changed the time to when I had the Auto HDR to turn off, and saw that it had temporarily stopped recording and restarted with now 4K P60.
But that's not to say that what you said in THIS POST may not still be an issue -- maybe the switchover is only triggered when the unit is on and the time hits the change & it triggers the protocol to change it back to 4K P60. So if the unit is off, and finds after turning on and connecting to GPS or whatever to go directly to the time and not go over & hit that "trigger", I can see it remaining at 30FPS due to that oversight.

Also, users have to be careful because, in my own personal experience, I had set up Auto HDR right off the bat, so the highest it allowed was the 4K P30, and even when I turned off HDR, it was still set to P30. I had to directly go to the Resolution setting and select it to the P60 setting to be sure to have it enabled -- it does not set it to the max resolution by default. It made me pretty hesitant about it that after putting HDR back on (Auto HDR) , I made sure to check, just in case...

 

[Chuck McCoy]

They are only providing the beta firmware to test users of the model.

Incorrect.
Viofo provides "unofficial" firmware to all users on a case by case basis.

My first impression of how they are managing the way of providing test firmwares to normal users is very poor.

As a paying customer you have a valid complaint.
The firmware should be finished / functional / acceptable before the hardware reaches the customer's hands.