We all know what my amateur opinions are worth, and where I can stick ‘em. lol
-Chuck
1.) Discontinue 3-CH Configuration
If it sells then they will continue with it, and it does appear to be selling, but even if you don't want an interior camera, you do want a telephoto, so maybe your argument should be over the need for 4 channel configurations...
2.) Revert 2-CH Rear 4K + 4K (IMX678 & IMX678) 60Mbps + 60Mbps Bitrate
4K front+rear sounds good, but most people still seem happy with FHD rear, so I can't see a 4K rear selling...
As for the 60fps + 60fps, for movie making, yes, I want one, but it is not needed for accident camera use...
3.) Revert 2-CH IR 4K + 2K (IMX678 & IMX675) 60Mbps + 30Mbps Bitrate
I think you are asking for a normal 2ch, but with 60fps 4K front? Not the "IR 4K" you have written?
I can see an argument for a 4K interior camera with IR, but I don't think it is a very good one.
4.) 60fps Option Both Channels (upgraded processors required)
60fps front must be on the way, we have had 4K 60fps in action cameras and phones for ages. I don't know about 60fps for remote cameras, I suspect that might take longer, especially since 60fps is not necessary for accident cameras.
5.) Revert Coax Cable For Rear & IR Cameras
I think we are driven by technology and cost, Viofo try to bring us performance and great value, so if you want coax you may need to turn to those premium brands that cost more and don't have HDR!
6.) Revert External Microphone Jack
Yes, and maybe move the microphone (and jack) to the interior camera so that it can be positioned better for recording the occupants and people at the window?
7.) “Narrow” Lens From A119 Mini (2022) 93° Horizontal FOV (current FOV is 112°)
It would be interesting to have a choice of narrow or wide lens A229 Plus/Pro, let people choose... which would they choose?
8.) 225° Front Camera Adjustment (ability to show passenger compartment)
I can't see many people using that, if they want to record the passenger compartment they will use a cabin camera, then you don't miss important events in front of the car while you have the front camera pointing the wrong way!
9.) 180° IR Camera Swivel Mount (ability to show driver or passenger window)
Yes, as an optional accessory for the standard cabin camera?
10.) Revert 6 IR LED Emitters FOV 84° to 98° (reposition light sensor)
I'm not sure that it is the reduction in emitter numbers that is the main issue?
As far as I know the 6 emitters all point in the same direction, so maybe we just need to swap to the wide angle emitters used on the A139 to get the wider FoV? There is a separate question as to if we have enough brightness with only 4 wide angle ones, maybe the HDR has sorted that, or maybe 4 more powerful emitters would be needed. We don't want them too powerful though, or parking mode will not run for as long!
11.) LCD Display Horizon Alignment Line (50% Road / 50% Sky)
I don't want a line there, but I would be happy with a little white arrow or dot printed each side, next to the LCD, at 50% height, so that I can always accurately judge where 50% is.
12.) Front Camera Text Overlay Too Small (increase character size like rear camera)
I would have it smaller than the rear camera, but bigger than it currently is.
13.) Optional CPL Filter Rear Camera (clip on / press on)
Yes, or stick on.
14.) Support 1TB SD Card
I wouldn't turn it down, but how am I going to use my new 2024 $500 micro SD card?
Realistically, at that price, I think I might prefer an external drive connector, since I could then have many TBs for the same price...
15.) “OK Viofo” Guard Phrase (for voice commands)
No, I like it like it is.
If there is a command that is causing problems without the guard phrase then change the command wording to make it more reliable...
16.) Voice Command “Turn On HDR” & “Turn Off HDR”
Sounds good, but I doubt many people will use it; this should be done automatically if needed, and it shouldn't be needed for accident recording.
The only time I might use that is if I want to switch from accident recording mode to road movie mode, but that is not just about HDR, so it is the wrong command.
17.) Voice Notification “GPS Signal Connected” & “GPS Signal Disconnected”
How many people want that, I imagine most people hearing it for the first, or hundredth time, will request that it be removed again!
Yes, I know there are one or two people who do want it, but I think it is a very small number and most people would prefer piece.
18.) Optional 1 Meter Cable For Rear Camera
Yes, although I think you can buy a standard USB 3 Type-C cable for this camera?
19.) Included 50cm Type-C to Type-C Data Transfer Cable
USB 2.0 presumably?
I think most people use the wifi these days, so I don't think increasing the price of the camera by including this cable is worth while. Many people already have a USB-C data cable, and for easy access to the camera, I might want a 1.5 meter cable, so this would be a cost increase, which is of zero value to probably most people.
20.) Included Viofo Brand SD Card (64GB)
No, it is only required by some people, and they can purchase it with the camera as a separate item, choosing the size/cost they want.
Improved reliability of writing to other SD cars would be good, but I hope there are better ways to improve the situation than including specifically a
64GB Viofo card.
21.) Included HK4 Hardwire Kit
People upgrading do not need it, maybe!
People with hire cars do not want it.
22.) Box Version (BlackVue DR970X-2CH Box Plus)
How many people would buy this over the standard version?
My estimate is quite low, even though there are good arguments for it being a better design...
23.)
No Cloud, - Need some cloud features in the app, even if no 4G.
Radar, - Yes.
ADAS, - Mostly useless or worse than useless, but I'll have the few nice features.
Geo-Fence - Yes, although it is less necessary if we have the previous radar,
Smart AI, - What is that?
H.265, - No, but I will have AV1 ASAP.
Speed & Red Light Camera Alerts, - No, better done by the phone, especially if there is no 4G installed in the dashcam.
Proprietary Software Viewer, - We have the Viofo app. which views the video and displays the GPS map. Would be nice if it ran on computer too, but that is not necessary.
