A129 Plus Duo - anyone here use HVEC .265 but then switch back to .264 video?

[weedkill3]

Anyone here prefer the .264 codec video over the space saving HVEC codec?

 

[Nigel]

H264 tends to be better when you need a lot of bitrate such as at high speed under trees, if you are only driving around the city then you might as well save some storage and use the HVEC.

There is not a big difference though, and what difference there is tends not to be detrimental to the evidence content. If you are making movies then I would stick to the H264 unless it is a long journey and you need more space.

 

[mentadent]

H265 should be be better video with the same bitrate, but in real life on a dashcam I do not know if it is better.

I use it.

 

[Panzer Platform]

H264 tends to be better when you need a lot of bitrate

H265 should be be better video with the same bitrate,

We have got to find a way to definitively end this forever debate.
Based on my testing with Viofo dash cams the "secret" unapproved, unofficial, unlicensed, patent infringing HEVC H.265 Codec saves 15% more recorded video footage to the SD Card.
I have never seen an improvement in image quality whatsoever.
But, that might be due to my lack of a true high quality 4K HDR monitor / screen for viewing analysis.

 

[Nigel]

Based on my testing with Viofo dash cams the "secret" unapproved, unofficial, unlicensed, patent infringing HEVC H.265 Codec saves 15% more recorded video footage to the SD Card.

But not running "Maximum" quality/bitrate will save you even more!

Note that this is about the A129 some years ago, it is possible that the H265 codec has improved in the recent cameras, maybe time for a careful reanalysis.

I still say that the extra bitrate saving optimisations that H265 gives us are of very little use for moving dashcam footage.
However they are of some use for Low Bitrate Parking Mode, so if you use parking mode a lot then H265 may be the better choice.
Otherwise, just choose whichever you prefer for your viewing/editing facilities, remembering that the H264 mode often has the advantage of a higher Maximum bitrate and thus likely has higher Maximum quality.

 

[Panzer Platform]

Note that this is about the A129 some years ago, it is possible that the H265 codec has improved in the recent cameras, maybe time for a careful reanalysis.

My claim of the 15% improvement was with the WM1 & A139 Pro.
I dully accept your challenge sir. lol
I currently have the following Viofo cameras to test this on;
2019 A129 Pro
2020 A129 Plus
2022 A119 Mini
2022 A229
2022 A139 Pro
2023 WM1
2023 A119 Mini 2

This will make for an interesting post to see the differences of H.264 vs. H.265 Codecs across these models.
Oh wait, Viofo already replied to posts folks asking about H.265.
Viofo said;
(please forgive me I’m paraphrasing)
“H.265 Codec is not officially supported on any Viofo dash cam due to licensing requirements, and may be removed from any, or all models at any time with a future firmware update”

I’m having second thoughts about committing hours of testing to have the results washed away by Viofo “deleting” H.265 in certain, or all models with a future firmware update.

 

[mentadent]

Keep H265 quiet, I don't want it getting removed haha

 

[Panzer Platform]

Keep H265 quiet, I don't want it getting removed haha

I will keep it down to a loud whisper. lol
However, I wish H.265 be removed from all models so we can end this "forever" debate.
And move onto more important things like including a Hardwire Kit & SD Card with every Viofo Dash Cam inside the box, and raise the price accordingly ($20-$30)
-Chuck

 

[Dashmellow]

I currently have the following Viofo cameras to test this on;
2019 A129 Pro
2020 A129 Plus
2022 A119 Mini
2022 A229
2022 A139 Pro
2023 WM1
2023 A119 Mini 2

How many of these cameras did you purchase yourself and how many were provided to you by Viofo?

I'd be curious to know, considering your repeated claims that you don't monetized what you do, especially considering all the other brands and vendors who provide you with expensive free merchandise in exchange for promotion of their products.

 

[Nigel]

I’m having second thoughts about committing hours of testing to have the results washed away by Viofo “deleting” H.265 in certain, or all models with a future firmware update.

I suggest you limit your testing to the A229 Pro, the answer is going to be very similar for all the recent cameras, so it is not worth the effort of testing all of them, the older cameras may be using an inferior codec so may have some differences.

It is very difficult to do a proper test, since you should compare the codecs at the same bitrate to understand what is happening, but when you switch to H265, all the cameras reduce the bitrate, for various reasons, but mainly because that is what people want to see. Then the second issue is that at maximum bitrate, you can only see the differences at high speed under trees with lots of detail to record, and then you really need to have side by side recording with the same camera but different codecs in use.

Easier just to say that H265 does not give noticeable improvements for moving dashcam footage when used at the same bitrate, and if your aim is to reduce the bitrate and thus save space/increase recording time, just change the quality/bitrate setting instead, not the codec setting.

 

[Panzer Platform]

Easier just to say that H265 does not give noticeable improvements for moving dashcam footage when used at the same bitrate, and if your aim is to reduce the bitrate and thus save space/increase recording time, just change the quality/bitrate setting instead, not the codec setting.

The last time I research the benefits of H.265 my takeaway was the two groups the benefit the most from using it was;
1.) Las Vegas Casinos, and such because they need to store a lot of footage.
2.) Kids that live stream themselves playing online video games.

 

[Dex_]

It is very difficult to do a proper test, since you should compare the codecs at the same bitrate to understand what is happening, but when you switch to H265, all the cameras reduce the bitrate

On my FW mod for A229 Duo for H265 codec bitrate is same as for H264 codec.

 

[mentadent]

Blackvue I'd love to test your Blackvue Cloud camera.