Complete Review of Urive Albatross II MD-7500P 1080p + 720p

niko

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Review of 2 channel Dash Camera system Urive Albatross II MD-7500P with GPS

Urive website ( English ): HERE


I have received it about 3 weeks ago from Astrobile.
Delivery was lightning fast, only 3 days via FedEx. Very pleased with delivery and communication.

After 3 weeks of testing, driving, getting to know product etc., now I can share my thoughts and present this review.

My understanding of reviewing any product ( in this case dashcamera ): "Never judge book by its cover!"

- It is wrong to fully judge product only by looking what is written in the specifications
- it is not always a correct to make a final conclusions by looking on a YouTube uploaded videos
- short review does not give understanding of a product full potentials
- it is impossible to fully get to know product within only 1-2 days test
- fair criticism is essential in order to deliver true info to the customer and help developer to improve their product.

Having in mind those criteria's I wast thinking not to rush with posting my initial review and decided to wait and fully test this device, to bring out every possible hidden extra it has, which often can not be seen from quick review. Besides, this device is not from cheapest ones, so it is even worth more to test and review it thoroughly, so people know on what investing their hard earned money.

I was driving with Albatross II every day and at the end of each day I'v spent couple of hours on making notes, video analysis , putting info together, etc. I think in total to finish this review it took me all together about 50-60 hours with all driving, writing, editing, some DIY projects, uploading etc.

Hope you will find it interesting.


Introduction

Some facts about Urive brand:

- Urive is one of the best selling Dash camera brands in Korea.
- Urive is the second biggest market share(20.1%), and first market share among High-end Dashcam brand in Korea.
- Around 3200 dealerships of Urive in Korea

Units sold:
- in 2012, average 25,000 units are sold monthly
- in 2013, average 20,000 units are sold monthly
- 60% of total sales is Albatross II, 20% of total sales is Albatross, 20% is rest.
- nearly around 100,000 units of Albatross II sold from day it was released.
In accordance with official company report, their sales are around US$ 42,300,000 in 2012. US$24,600,000 in the first half 2013.
- Urive Albatross II was released in Korea to public sale in March 2013

Albatross II Korean TV Ad ( May 2013 )



Review Content:
I split my review into 10 posts due to max 10 pictures allowed per one post.


Part 1

- Introduction
- Main features
- Specifications
- Unboxing and physical view
- Close view

Part 2

- Original bracket
- Alternative bracket solutions
- Mounted in Car
- Functions, settings and GUI ( Graphical User Interface ) overview

Part 3

- PC Viewer
- Dash camera configuration settings on PC Viewer

Part 4

Day / Night screen shots
- 1 channel 1080p / 30 Fps

Part 5

- 2 channel Day screen shots
Front camera 1080p / 20 Fps, Rear camera 720p / 20 Fps

Part 6

- 2 channel Night screen shots
Front camera 1080p / 20 Fps, Rear camera 720p / 20 Fps

Part 7

- Urive Albatross II vs Panorama II Powerucc ( video )

Part 8

- YouTube Videos

Post 9

- RAW video files Collection

Part 10

- Suggestions / Recommendations on what can be improved
- Strong point
- Conclusion


REVIEW

Part 1

NB! Now Urive ALbatross adapted to work with 64Gb MicroSDXC Cards as well ( read HERE )

Features 1.jpg

Features 2.jpg


Specifications


Specifications.jpg

About video recording data:

- 1 channel ( front camera only ):
Resolution: 1080p, Frame rate: 29fps, Bit-rate: 12Mbps

- 2 channel parking mode ( front + rear camera )
In parking mode 2 channel it records 1080p / 29fps front and 720p / 29fps rear camera at 13Mbps bit-rate

- 2 channel driving mode ( front + rear camera )
Front camera: 1080p / 19fps / 8Mbps, Rear camera: 720p / 19fps / 4Mbps

When used 2 channel video recording, bit-rate of 8Mbps front camera and 4Mbps rear camera is fairly high rate of data speed for 2 channel dash camera systems which are based on System-on-a-Chip solution. For example, another popular 2 channel dash camera system BlackVue DR550GW, bit-rate is around 6Mbps front and 2Mbps rear camera, though at 30fps per channel. Urive Albatross II implemented Cortex A8 800MHZ CPU with 5Mpx and 2Mpx CMOS sensors.


Unboxing and physical view



Packaging is made of high quality transparent plastic. Well presented, nice and stylish design. This kind of packaging for sure will attract a potential buyer, especially in retail store. But of course have to remember saying: "Never judge book by its cover!"


Lets look inside the box, what you get as a standard set:

- Main unit ( front dash camera with 3.5" LCD ).
- Rear camera.
- 6 meters Micro-Usb Video-power cable to connect rear camera to the main unit.
- 3 meters power cable for hard-wiring to ACC / Battery / Ground.
- Front camera bracket / mount, ( rear camera bracket is already attached ).
- Spare set of double-sided pre-cut adhesive, 1 for front- 1 for rear camera bracket.
- 16Gb MicroSDHC, Class 10 memory card, ( can use up to 32Gb MicroSD memory card )
- Hex key to adjust and tighten front camera bracket .
- Windshield clips to run video and power cables
- MicroSD USB card reader
- User Manual booklet ( Korean ).

English User Manual ( Pdf )can be downloaded from HERE
Latest English Fimware can be downloaded from HERE

The MOST Complete and detailed English User manual I ever saw with any dash camera. Total 65 pages easy to read and understand with tons of diagrams and pictures. Great job by Urive !

Optional accessories*

- GPS antenna
- LCD screen protector
- Car cigarette lighter power cable.


Urive Albatross II Unboxing (1).jpg

Urive Albatross II Unboxing (2).jpg

Urive Albatross II Unboxing (3).jpg

Urive Albatross II Unboxing (4).jpg

Urive Albatross II Unboxing (5).jpg

Urive Albatross II Unboxing (6).jpg



Close view of main unit and rear camera




Holding in hand main unit, rear camera or accessories, - I can feel high quality built which gives confidence in this product.

When first time I saw Albatross II about half year ago on some Korean forums, - I was sceptical about its design. It looked bulky on photos. Now, after seeing it in real, - I have changed my mind and I think they did good job on this type of dash camera design, compare to many other similar category dash cameras which has an LCD screen.

First of all what I like about main unit design is that front facing surface is smooth, oval-shaped if look from up and sides. Lens part sticking out minimally compare to many other dash cameras where lens surrounding is bulky. Albatross II main unit design provides more discrete installation behind rear-view mirror. No sharp corners, no bulky lens surrounding sticking out if looking from outside. Albatross II fits almost discretely behind my car rear-view mirror ( blends in with rear-view mirror ) the way that almost no sticking out dash camera parts can be seen ( maybe 5-10% of main unit sticks out from behind of my rear-view mirror ) .

Main unit has a lot of vents for heat dissipation to prevent overheating. At the front ( near lens ) there is a blue LED light, which I have covered with black electrical tape to make it more discrete and avoid unwanted attention from outside.

Main unit and rear camera has black glossy finish, which for some people might be not perfect choice, because it leaves fingerprints and can reflect light which makes unit not that discrete compare to if coating would be flat black / matt. If this is a case for some people, then simple home DIY solution is to use black matt Plasti Dip spray paint. But of course coating type is not the most important part of any dash camera ( glossy or matt black ), more important is that it is black colour, not silver, white etc. I think first of all people who buying dash cameras look into functionality and reliability. Finishing ( glossy or not glossy ) comes to the end ( I guess ). So I am personally can live with that glossy finish. For me other factors are more important than coating.
 
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Part 2

Original bracket

Dashcamera mount / bracket is made of transparent plastic. It feels strong and well made.

What catch my attention is that you can adjust angle of mount joint not only up and down, but also side to side ( left / right ) about 5-10%. This is the first dash camera with fixed mount solution ( except ball-joint type ) that I'v seen having this option to move ( check video in previous post).

Part of mount that attaches to the windshield has transparent adhesive. Dashcamera locks to the bracket from the sides, however I am not sure how long this type of "clip-on" bracket mount will last. It's probably not meant for frequent mount-dismount. Clips of the bracket mount that locks into dash camera are about 1mm deep and I am afraid after some time of frequent mount-dismount they can be worn out That's why I had few ideas how to make Albatross II dash camera mount-dismount much easier.


Alternative bracket solutions

Sliding Bracket


Sliding bracket.jpg

For full Sliding bracket DIY project with tons of step by step pictures click HERE


Magnetic bracket mount



Magnetic Bracket.jpg

For full Magnetic bracket DIY project with tons of step by step pictures, click HERE


Albatross II Mounted in Car

InCar Mounted (1).jpg

InCar Mounted (2).jpg

InCar Mounted (3).jpg


As you can see from pictures, Albatross II can be mounted ( hidden ) almost discretely behind car rear-view mirror so it blends in with mirror and it hardly noticeable from outside. In my car I would say 90-95% is hidden behind mirror.
In addition about rear camera, - it can be turned easily inside car to record in-car "action". Good feature for taxi-drivers for example.


Functions, settings and GUI ( Graphic User Interface ) overview


GUI 1.jpg

GUI 2.jpg
 
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Part 3

PC Viewer / Configuration settings

Urive Albatross II PC Viewer can be downloaded from HERE

Also you can view recorded video files using VLC Media Player and RegistratorViewer

Urive Albatross II PC viewer overview



PC Viewer.jpg

As I have pointed out in the video, if you want to rename original video file, PLEASE ADD EXTENSION " _i2 or _2" to the end of your new renamed video file. Otherwise "screen swap" function will not work.

Renaiming Files.jpg

Below are some Screen Shots of PC Viewer playing different video files.

NB! As you may see from some photos ( below ), on the bottom right of PC viewer, in the column where are video date / time info, in some screenshots there is date / time, but on some you see random letter. This is not a PC Viewer error reading, - it because I have renamed files. How to "fix" or avoid that happening, - please watch my video above.

Albatross II PC Viewer (1).jpg

Albatross II PC Viewer (2).jpg

Albatross II PC Viewer (3).jpg

Albatross II PC Viewer (4).jpg

Albatross II PC Viewer (5).jpg

Albatross II PC Viewer (6).jpg

Albatross II PC Viewer (7).jpg

Albatross II PC Viewer (8).jpg
 
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Part 4

1ch Day / Night video screenshots
Video data: 1080p / 30Fps / 12Mbps bit-rate

1ch 1080p 30fps 12Mbps (1).jpg


1ch 1080p 30fps 12Mbps (2).jpg

1ch 1080p 30fps 12Mbps (3).jpg

1ch 1080p 30fps 12Mbps (4).jpg

1ch 1080p 30fps 12Mbps (5).jpg

1ch 1080p 30fps 12Mbps (6).jpg

1ch 1080p 30fps 12Mbps (7).jpg

1ch 1080p 30fps 12Mbps (8).jpg

1ch 1080p 30fps 12Mbps (9).jpg
 
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Part 5

2ch Day video screenshots
Front camera 1080p / 20 Fps, Rear camera 720p / 20 Fps

2ch 1080p 720p Day (1).jpg



2ch 1080p 720p Day (2).jpg



2ch 1080p 720p Day (3).jpg



2ch 1080p 720p Day (4).jpg



2ch 1080p 720p Day (5).jpg



2ch 1080p 720p Day (6).jpg



2ch 1080p 720p Day (7).jpg



2ch 1080p 720p Day (8).jpg



2ch 1080p 720p Day (9).jpg
 
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Part 6

2ch Night video screenshots
Front camera 1080p / 20 Fps, Rear camera 720p / 20 Fps

2ch 1080p 720p Night (1).jpg


2ch 1080p 720p Night (2).jpg


2ch 1080p 720p Night (3).jpg


2ch 1080p 720p Night (4).jpg


2ch 1080p 720p Night (5).jpg


2ch 1080p 720p Night (6).jpg


2ch 1080p 720p Night (7).jpg


2ch 1080p 720p Night (8).jpg
 
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Part 7

Urive Albatross II vs Panorama II Powerucc

Top is Panorama2, Bottom is Urive Albatross II


P.S. ( about video ).
Because Albatross II has 0.2 sec overlap per each 1 min. video clip, and I forgot to cut those 0.2 overlaps, - result is that at the end of the 12min clip, synchronization of videos has small delay. Sorry for small mistake.

Panorama II vs Albatross II (1).jpg



Panorama II vs Albatross II (2).jpg



Panorama II vs Albatross II (3).jpg



Panorama II vs Albatross II (4).jpg




Panorama II vs Albatross II (5).jpg



Panorama II vs Albatross II (6).jpg



Panorama II vs Albatross II (7).jpg



Panorama II vs Albatross II (8).jpg



Panorama II vs Albatross II (9).jpg



Panorama II vs Albatross II (10).jpg
 
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Part 8

YouTube Videos

Not in all cases you can read vital data like car numberplates, - it's all depends on light conditions, car speed and other factors. This rule is not only for particular device, but for ALL other dash cameras as well.

Big factor at night regarding reading car nubmerplates is what type headlights bulbs are used.
I wrote about that here: Reading License Plates at Night. HID / Xenon, standard bulbs

YouTube Videos

Please select 1080p from YouTube options at the bottom right corner.
P.S. - YouTube compresses files / data, so it does not show real video result.
Please download RAW video files to watch real footage.

Please turn down volume when watching / listening videos, - I like driving and listening loud music ( volume was about at 30% from max ). I must say, - Albatross II microphone has high quality recording. Despite listening loud music, you can still hear clicks of me changing turn on/off turn-signal.




Above video at 6 min 44 sec clip jumps a little bit further, - there was a G-sesnor even triggered and separate file was recorded, which I forgot to add.









Last video is the same as from comparison of Panorama2 vs Albatross II ( post. Part 7 )

 
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Post 9

RAW Video files collection

1 channel


1ch Urive Albatross II NIGHT Highway (2).avi (87.3 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!7YYDwDKJ!Gn9GzyV_Dvo8RWxdw24txlAnc6RIgeU4O4dystFPQgM

1ch Urive Albatross II NIGHT Highway (1).avi (88.4 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!uI5kCAYA!GTHKHzpor-Wg6PlBd84m-0dmitICYCwtjizAKCISI3M

1ch Urive Albatross II NIGHT 2 (9).avi (88.0 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!OYpzBCoY!Ja4juFuIgSNXQl_KHVAUL3OB4MpaiHTkWnpIEGmnWBY

1ch Urive Albatross II NIGHT 2 (8).avi (88.8 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!vFAmQLJB!fK-g5nZMSRrW6hOS1e3AhH8FbhhvQpJS7GSY9u0lHuk

1ch Urive Albatross II NIGHT 2 (7).avi (87.3 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!XcpkwK6b!Q8ZExxuCHeTvmu-Vws-v1WJCqWQ3rtVfoxzz4rs-5kM

1ch Urive Albatross II NIGHT 2 (6).avi (89.1 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!qZg2kCKJ!YBmNvk-ejwMUf1thqEHRQmdh-xNtomSgdyUlpNf5txI

1ch Urive Albatross II NIGHT 2 (5).avi (88.2 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!bEhkCQJB!IXtx4UnZXBy8592zr8q-iy9YJCo-asS7vF7-B9vc-P8

1ch Urive Albatross II NIGHT 2 (4).avi (88.4 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!uVhimKRT!ZDLBxDvxtXKcXhVelEDJB0S53KESxgGOsYzj-6QEdK8

1ch Urive Albatross II NIGHT 2 (3).avi (89.0 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!TRw2BKRK!TTWv8zK79oWA2TwXxNIzs2hefPI09RpThCbsirjISi4

1ch Urive Albatross II NIGHT 2 (2).avi (86.7 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!bcYzxBqA!cLGoW2ZJiwJZiiBUicSkUz_OjNUD0p84JRS4q7kR17k

1ch Urive Albatross II NIGHT 2 (12).avi (87.9 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!rMpCSIoZ!IAsxaF1iUx2pp2IQbyJfZnZkezNIJcTC6QpyjSztwck

1ch Urive Albatross II NIGHT 2 (11).avi (88.5 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!7Q4xQZpC!a7v8FVeKWbfzG8AF5SR1EDHTvQ9ayvnJ5b5r7sJ1wG8

1ch Urive Albatross II NIGHT 2 (10).avi (87.3 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!fJZTjSgB!fhc5FXAY-5ejcZc7M-ATVVQK4gZYTxSCg6jlDmunjcc

1ch Urive Albatross II NIGHT 2 (1).avi (87.9 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!jVIBVTYB!J96D00YhzkEQZsmDO5SHz3ggHiUUtXWPODEJEjM2Klo

1ch Urive Albatross II NIGHT Shopping Centre (4).avi (87.9 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!XNJDgALA!XTLxPFCV6LR-NUw_FICWfSVlB5YdSNYOKgbiCXBwdko

1ch Urive Albatross II NIGHT Shopping Centre (3).avi (88.5 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!SVAwnJbD!Silq_CDWIbzbaXlrIvnw1BlPmDRha1LzyXudPwkgMTI

1ch Urive Albatross II NIGHT Shopping Centre (2).avi (87.3 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!aJRXCTQL!Im56fWhTUbL2tJYs2zUNyV8usVxmRb3Ay_Hc6tZn9j8

1ch Urive Albatross II NIGHT Shopping Centre (1).avi (88.0 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!2NhEzRZT!SsYu-XDxhq4uICLr-oUIGTdHkrBIn5tIQAYb0aIrGZI

1ch Urive Albatross II Day Highway (1).avi (88.7 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!LNJn3DIY!amwnixaG8HPkzdy3j3KJHAuzcDBD6t_Q91Yc--r5diM

1ch Urive Albatross II Day City Street (2).avi (87.3 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!aFQSGCJb!e3w1FG3LbKKGHZsEkYF7Z2LuuasXEGBX6PRxTMrU2UI

1ch Urive Albatross II Day City Street (1).avi (86.5 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!mcx3QSDR!E-_MUjhw3DYdvcwCvtCqyENffp07w0bXaVKQIvK5zn8

1ch Urive Albatross II City ( Shopping Centre ) (9).avi (87.6 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!SEZQRKoT!I7WW9hgSArqfsA5Xx58ymlXlGeM2f-MUqwTBRM8EJrk

1ch Urive Albatross II City ( Shopping Centre ) (8).avi (67.6 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!TEAwjYaA!dphCBCcfhOPFQFm1PvTe4jU8vAV6ocXntu1Dxm_nf-w

1ch Urive Albatross II City ( Shopping Centre ) (7).avi (62.5 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!KRIkQa4A!UnjlpxRKyD0O9BS4F-JMiwWZMGsgc7vjUAw0WwQM-5A

1ch Urive Albatross II City ( Shopping Centre ) (6).avi (86.6 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!LBpU0TpB!enDHg0tA5A5q8dryaLDS03m-ocw_f1vpAYDoPHt3fzQ

1ch Urive Albatross II City ( Shopping Centre ) (5).avi (88.8 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!CQ511K7a!TAcftTFQ649PrWEff3uxLEnsYnssAnzuF4xOsUDNhlY

1ch Urive Albatross II City ( Shopping Centre ) (4).avi (87.5 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!KdQ1lBhQ!E64iWwarP9fuPnC29TYnDSxIDPtePQwchuCGmcun3dU

1ch Urive Albatross II City ( Shopping Centre ) (3).avi (86.5 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!2UYCmD5J!Jf-s1hpULYkA6dPmbSzaJRZmn-9CvNhoBiL1G0vXc4Q

1ch Urive Albatross II City ( Shopping Centre ) (2).avi (87.1 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!OBJSgCzC!SbCjZDY7Xdf72xhWeP23lyrqIkxz67PxzzAefg9pb-Y

1ch Urive Albatross II City ( Shopping Centre ) (1).avi (86.8 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!fBQlkALS!T8kqelXemy0uZja8uZ6kU3sKw5F9oFaVOeP_ns-cHO8





2 channel


2ch Urive Albatross2 Cloudy Day Shoppinc Centre Traffic ( Mic ON ) (4).avi (92.1 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!DBRC1arQ!IZFDSWhi1Cn7xM1n2_j4MnVqbG9MYAwkoui0xNsOizs

2ch Urive Albatross2 Cloudy Day Shoppinc Centre Traffic ( Mic ON ) (3).avi (93.5 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!GJxTwaBI!fM5ZKQnBLpQysYHAcEYzJ3ryNzwePSAhDE9hyw6R9EQ

2ch Urive Albatross2 Cloudy Day Shoppinc Centre Traffic ( Mic ON ) (2).avi (92.2 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!zJo1BKDS!dKeJPT0ib0L6-LMrSBAdERdbpowAFY52lRb1ZCKBu6o

2ch Urive Albatross2 Cloudy Day Shoppinc Centre Traffic ( Mic ON ) (1).avi (91.1 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!ac40xaja!XCwrTmmlYcZYiLPc--TABRnPFTx1xE3JDLIEg-aH-bY

2ch Urive Albatross2 Cloudy Day Shoppinc Centre Car Park ( Mic ON ) (2).avi (89.4 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!TcJEQIiC!FuGpdHq2msw0_ZaxndKzWGL-KccQYK8USutfvcOp-GA

2ch Urive Albatross2 Cloudy Day Shoppinc Centre Car Park ( Mic OFF ) (5).avi (95.0 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!bQh1hTiZ!bKt6wGtoFUAUcPEIO0c2Fnvtxn8qoh0SPsFPMzYdB6g

2ch Urive Albatross2 Cloudy Day Shoppinc Centre Car Park ( Mic OFF ) (4).avi (91.5 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!nIw0kZqL!BZCmT1nD9GFPPqq-HaXtgjghP8pqzfseHWfX_Evelf4

2ch Urive Albatross2 Cloudy Day Shoppinc Centre Car Park ( Mic OFF ) (3).avi (72.4 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!zcZlyADA!K5ORl3AWKn-AnP_MaZPoAHuRdjo-bJ5F8A9peHWWqEo

2ch Urive Albatross II NIGHT 3 (9).avi (91.3 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!DQQhBbSK!XBQgEjdvC1-qtsm82gqlHCW4hiFfOXYM1TzBTIJTKEA

2ch Urive Albatross II NIGHT 3 (8).avi (91.7 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!HFR0jSCR!dJILXyU_eThVC5QupMM_KxhRQA8oY8upOjKWFJo_A-4

2ch Urive Albatross II NIGHT 3 (7).avi (91.8 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!7QwhVRwL!TykBvThWK-uKi2HMB4iWck7045Zr3-r66YVuxSKDOhs

2ch Urive Albatross II NIGHT 3 (6).avi (92.1 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!bVwgAQRJ!J8neXiSQNUw4ic-PHgrBTUjtTG5mrSHUBE_leXiWSEA

2ch Urive Albatross II NIGHT 3 (5).avi (92.8 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!PNIVCLIR!Xy2cwDX9zxWVRGfFS0JdyEMuSj4RbRv6ytOviTurPaA

2ch Urive Albatross II NIGHT 3 (4).avi (91.9 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!6R5XQRpD!S7ddmXIYXgc8sVw9CxBeTBA57fs3Uk2QC-t39BxyD7s

2ch Urive Albatross II NIGHT 3 (3).avi (91.5 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!HRREiIwK!cEhgCmcGW5WOPhegmYAjLmTCFWVqQQij0Nrdg-K1YkY

2ch Urive Albatross II NIGHT 3 (2).avi (92.0 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!3Fw0RBxT!H2DfDAJ6t52vx7tuE4tBQzP4Ns4pLugq1iQbeEGN_18

2ch Urive Albatross II NIGHT 3 (11).avi (93.4 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!7JwRmIDa!KOdXxWxY32z70cBbR5hqGyUlfltezsRJ7IUg1EkHb5E

2ch Urive Albatross II NIGHT 3 (10).avi (94.3 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!HUQHmDIC!eknrD1Iy9r76cPx0rFGfWEisEAQN5nMms1AWa__Y6Zk

2ch Urive Albatross II NIGHT 3 (1).avi (92.3 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!XdQVGIjS!O9FhGTNiUbXA7_VzW78jIUsFtX4OKlL_z6AOpgLg0_I

2ch Urive Albatross II Highway Rain ( Mic Off ) (2).avi (92.8 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!XIZUkASB!R8v9yBgs946I4s8mrU62dmxYRNciYmAtrjhxE6lNvuQ

2ch Urive Albatross II Highway Rain ( Mic Off ) (1).avi (92.8 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!nAxhATTJ!D10msBNgJwzS7XALZQehKTimjz0Mk71C_9-ybTaD11g

2ch Urive Albatross II Cloudy Day Village.avi (89.8 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!mdJwlagZ!JJiJWwv-XhKAzyUP5c0H6mCEXHQ1NusE168yEtS-x9E

2ch Urive Albatross II Cloudy Day Flea Market.avi (90.9 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!ncZCHBLA!K6aQlXTtJzrC8B2LNa1MOSS2sHcTjpTY9a_M0nOwdvU

2ch Urive Albatross II Cloudy Day City Back Roads.avi (90.4 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!qIwyGSJI!VnUW6zf6h7JS5r-yBMOzz1fDtcR8hErNMZorh329kBQ

2ch Urive Albatross II Highway ( Mic OFF ) (2).avi (74.2 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!rZIGlRLA!ZRgug0V4uhy4E_noOtfhyhZK7JVcJBKp-mTyHRUiGlM

2ch Urive Albatross II Highway ( Mic OFF ) (1).avi (92.3 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!fAZ2gBrC!QPRWBkNRNs6cLH_iUADNc1GE4ypNhXMxuSRM3G6ubRc

2ch Urive Albatross2 NIGHT Pitch Darks.avi (95.0 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!vM5BRTYL!fXBZng3cSqyHIfDIos9xYUQ8pvUm3Q4av2HD-K1cgAg

2ch Urive Albatross2 NIGHT Highway (4).avi (91.9 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!jEpEiBjQ!McuSgiFDHyGTw4Nm5crm6kdH2ecYDDL6m63udZHiYi4

2ch Urive Albatross2 NIGHT Highway (3).avi (91.3 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!ed4WTRTI!TsNyvk7bw-SfYVwUNzejakf2ngE8DSkalstkcBdRLSo

2ch Urive Albatross2 NIGHT Highway (2).avi (92.7 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!iMQjlY4C!NCX_oD42qHUTr_CUIoRhgXVoAO41cdsgQmpv5jMa_TU

2ch Urive Albatross2 NIGHT Highway (1).avi (93.1 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!WUIlFDBS!aX2EMQ3ZXQKsBnSc6NGUty6ZwR4WNQ0KxEGv6rezl0A

2ch Urive Albatross2 NIGHT City Streets (2).avi (67.5 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!nY4GxJSD!byRcuC8EXog26k_3opdJm2_2b_I54_7sGsvH_btQKso

2ch Urive Albatross2 NIGHT City Streets (1).avi (92.1 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!vRYjkKZa!ZI68GG4S00Ayn4OiK95u8w9rCelatK7JD3J0M2POP5s

2ch Urive Albatross2 NIGHT ( City ) (2).avi (91.6 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!7RIQyQSb!DCk6STPtn5_eYx57CusGOAGBK_J5nXHWwz8gXRsT174

2ch Urive Albatross2 NIGHT ( City ) (1).avi (92.6 MB)
https://mega.co.nz/#!TZJxSYwK!QqoQWxgm21yR9JFgv_Vqwya_QLd8w-J1vrOqkIAKMlU
 
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Part 10

Suggestions / Recommendations on what can be improved

- Glossy finish may leave fingerprints and attract unwanted attention if looking from outside.
Solution: relatively simple home DIY using Plasti Dip matt-black rubber spray paint.
Recommendation to developer: to coat in matt-black finishing for more discrete installation.

- Blue blinking "security" led on the front and rear cameras.
Solution: use black electrical tape to cover both led-s
Recommendation to developer: add into menu settings option to turn on / off led-s

- PC viewer main screen shows miles / per hour, but if you chose "Trace of Driving Record", - it shows words km/h, but still speed ( numbers displayed there ) are showing Mph.
Solution: just get used to miss-spelled words in the PC viewer and remember that all distance and speed data is in Miles not Km.
Recommendation to developer: this should be easy fix to correct PC viewer Mph , Km/h or best is to make an option for user to chose different metric systems from menu settings.

KMPH vs MPH table.jpg


- At 1080p recording 1 channel in manual it says 30Fps, but in reality it is 29Fps.
Same is for 2 channel recording, it says 20fps, but in reality it is 19fps.
To developer: to correct data via firmware. Rising 1Fps to what lsited in specification should be relatively easy firmware fix.

- Can not switch off rear camera via settings. To switch off rear camera need to pull out rear camera video / power cable from the unit when main unit.
To developer: add rear camera on / off option into main menu screen.

- Max 32Gg MicroSD usage.
To developer: would be great to have an option of using 64Gb MicroSD cards for longer journeys.

- Almost permanent mount bracket. Why I mentioned "almost", - because actually you can remove main unit from the permanently fixed to the wind-shield bracket, but this is not a practical solution to use on daily bases.
Solution: make relatively easy DIY magnetic or Slide-in/out bracket as I did ( read Part 2 )
To developer: to develop a bracket for more quick, easy and convenient way to attach / detach main unit in the car.


Strong points

- High quality built product and packaging well presented for retail shop

- One of The best English User Manuals I ever seen from any dash camera manufacturer. Total 65 pages easy to read and understand step by step guidance. Very happy with this !

- Dual system Automatic parking mode for G-Sensor and Motion detection

- After you switch off an engine, dashcaemra goes automatically into parking mode where it will be in dual standby mode for G-sensor and Motion detection activity to record.

- Advanced PC Viewer / Player with a lot of useful features like "Numberplate Calibration" and "Trace of Driving record"

- Battery discharge ( cut-off ) built in. No need to spend money on buying separate external device( up to 50 usd ). Battery discharge option can be set by voltage or timer cut-off.

- Rear camera can be quickly manually flipped ( turned ) to record inside car. This option is good for example taxi or any other public transportation drivers.

- User-friendly and easy operational GUI (Graphic User Interface ) with loads of functions, including zoom-in in playback mode.



Conclusion

Urive Albatross II is considered as a High-End Class product from well known reputable manufacturer.

This 2 channel dash camera system provides wide range of useful practical functions and records fairly good videos day and night.

Of course we could ask for more, like both cameras ( front + rear ) could record at 1080p at 30fps, but I guess hardware / firmware used in this device has its own limitations and at this time there are no 2 channel dash camera systems out there yet that would provide 1080p + 1080p with high Fps and bit-rate, so Albatross II has it's strong niche in its class at the moment.

If analysing main specifications ( Front camera: 1080p / 19fps / 8Mbps, Rear camera: 720p / 19fps / 4Mbps ), bit-rate of 8Mbps front camera and 4Mbps rear camera is fairly high rate of data speed for 2 channel dash camera systems at the moment which are based on System-on-a-Chip solution. For example, other popular Korean 2 channel dash camera system BlackVue DR550GW has bit-rate around 6Mbps front and 2Mbps rear camera, though at 30fps per channel. But Urive Albatross II implemented Cortex A8 800MHZ CPU with 5Mpx and 2Mpx CMOS sensors.

Despite recording videos in 2 channel mode for front camera at 1080p / 19fps / 8Mbps , -it still can deliver nice, clear and soft image, especially at night, where in most cases video looks even better than some higher specs 1 channel dash camera ( no background noise ). If only front camera used for video recording, then it delivers 1080p / 29 Fps / 12Mbps, which is considered a high standard these days.

Of course there are bits and pieces that could be done differently ( as I pointed out in Part 7 under Suggestions / Recommendations ), but there is NEVER going to be one-for-all perfect dash camera, because of different people - different needs.

If taking into consideration Albatross II as a whole package ( video quality, features, specifications, built quality, tech-support, strong brand name behind it), I can say with no doubt - it's high quality built, reliable and high performance product that I can recommend to people who find it specifications and features meets their needs.

Thanks you for reading my review.

Any comments are welcome.


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Some additional info about Urive

Urive is launched by Midong electronics and Dooco Ltd., in 2010.

Their goal is developing ADAS:Advanced Driver Assistance System for smart car, better driving.

Urive has Eagle, Single, Green, Albatross, Shotgun product lines, and recently added i-Quad 4Channel product.

Some history as below, you can just refer to it.

- 2011, 2012,Selected as one of CUSTOMER SATISFACTION BRAND by etnews

- 2012
Sponsor for KLPGA S-OIL CHAMPIONS INVITATIONAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
Sponsor for KLPGA KDB CLASSIC GOLF TOURNAMENT
December,Urive “Albatross” was awarded as GOOD DESIGN by KIDP & MOTIE

- 2013

February, Launch of Car black box “Albatross II”
April, URIVE was selected as one of GLOBAL BRAND (BLUE) by KOTRA
May, URIVE was selected as one of KOREA TOP BRANDS by Donga Newspaper
September, Launch of Car black box “i-Quad” “Albatross mini” “i-Shotgun”

Firstly developing technology of parking video recording in Korea 2011
Firstly Q(Qualiy) mark acquired in Korea 2012 among Dashcams.

Supplying products to Hyundai Motors.

Urive is sold to Japan, United States, Russia, and some South east Asian countries, negotiating to some South America countries these days.

The company will be KOSDAQ market listed in November 2013; IPO [Initial Public Offering]

In accordance with official company report, their sales is around US$ 42,300,000 in 2012. US$24,600,000 in the first half 2013.
 
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This post here I will reserve for additional info that may accrue during further tests.

Added 25/11/2013:
Note to manufacturer to look into this:

"Impact mode is VERY sensitive, and I set it on the "Insensitive" and still many false events. like I was driving after stopping at the light and then another false impact event"

http://dashcamtalk.com/forum/thread...ii-md-7500p-1080p-720p.3030/page-3#post-36780

Added 10 Feb 2014:
G-Sensor sensitivity issue has not been resolved yet.
More buyers reporting having this issue with present firmware.
 
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nice review, considering the frame rate and bitrate it does quite well compared to a lot of others I've seen, maybe I missed it but what was the price?
 
Wow, that's comprehensive! Not sure if it's possible where you are, but you might consider taking some more daytime shots with the sun at a higher angle. The low angle shots initially made me think it was under exposing the image too much. Unless there was something wrong with the Pano, the night time shots definitely shows where the Albatross' sensor is ahead. Black is black, not light purple, and both contrast and sensitivity look much better on the Albatross. Too bad the FOV is much smaller than the Pano, but everything else looks quite good. Maybe it was just Youtube, but the frame rate looked a little lower than the Pano. I seemed to see more jittering on the Albatross when large objects like signs and shrubs passed on the sides than the Pano, but that could be an illusion due to the larger size because of the FOV.

KuoH
 
nice review, considering the frame rate and bitrate it does quite well compared to a lot of others I've seen, maybe I missed it but what was the price?

Good point. I linked Astrobile website I got it from, 429usd listed at the moment

http://astrobile.com/car-vehicle-ac...-full-hd-car-recorder-black-box-2ch-16gb.html

I forgot to link direct product, now its 3.20Am, need to go to sleep :)

But as I can see they have tempting advertisement which can read as " make us an offer " , - open market rule which is good for buyer. You write them, make offer, if they like it - accept, have a deal. That reminds me Mid-East countries markets where you HAVE to negotiate the price, - otherwise seller will feel to be insulted if you buy for full price :)

Price.jpg
 
not cheap, looks to be doing a better job than the Blackvue equivalent though which I think I've seen even dearer than this
 
Wow, that's comprehensive! Not sure if it's possible where you are, but you might consider taking some more daytime shots with the sun at a higher angle. The low angle shots initially made me think it was under exposing the image too much. Unless there was something wrong with the Pano, the night time shots definitely shows where the Albatross' sensor is ahead. Black is black, not light purple, and both contrast and sensitivity look much better on the Albatross. Too bad the FOV is much smaller than the Pano, but everything else looks quite good. Maybe it was just Youtube, but the frame rate looked a little lower than the Pano. I seemed to see more jittering on the Albatross when large objects like signs and shrubs passed on the sides than the Pano, but that could be an illusion due to the larger size because of the FOV.

KuoH

YouTube compression plays big role. Take time, download 10-15 raw video files and you see the difference.
Within past 3 weekends it was very hard to catch nice sunny weather in Ireland. Whether here is as predictable as women ( they say ):) I keep my Albatross for a while, like it now, so I try to catch sunny moments ( can do it on weekends only, when I have more free time ).
About FOV actually I was first confused, then impressed comparing to Panorama2 154 degree diagonal vs Albatross II 120 daigonal listed, that there is not that significant difference if you look closer all still or video comparison footage from figures listed ( 154 vs 120 ). I remember testing Dod LS300W listed 140 degree diagonal, - it had much narrower FOV then listed ( maybe DOD over-reacted ).
 
While I've never been to the mideast, I've also never come across a seller who would feel insulted that a buyer paid full or above retail price. They might be surprised or become even more friendly, hoping for future sales, but not insulted.

KuoH

That reminds me Mid-East countries markets where you HAVE to negotiate the price, - otherwise seller will feel to be insulted if you buy for full price :)
 
not cheap, looks to be doing a better job than the Blackvue equivalent though which I think I've seen even dearer than this

agree. Price is steep, thats why I did deep review so potential buyer know every "corner" ot this product which deserves attention. Of course at first glance if looking only at the price , - this might scares off most people, but if start looking int oevery small detail, - only then can see true picture / potentials and realising that money will be well spent. Besides, this is not just a brand, - it holds Top positions in Korea, so as far as quality and realibility buyer can be confident. Of course there are some options that good for local Korean market and not for western user ( blinking led, bracket, glossy finishing etc. ), but what you can do ? , - there's never going to be one-for-all product and as with ANY other dash camera, - there are pros and cons. Each buyer decides whats better suits him.
 
While I've never been to the mideast, I've also never come across a seller who would feel insulted that a buyer paid full or above retail price. They might be surprised or become even more friendly, hoping for future sales, but not insulted.

KuoH

I should put insulted as "insulted", - I mean they like communication, discussion, some action, etc., - not just you walk in and pay full price. Of course they ( we all ) like money, but mid-east flea-market culture is different. For them in many cases is very important that you negotiating, even maybe a little bit, but still there is an action going on. If you will not negotiate, then they can not feel WIN over you. I dont know if I can explain you correctly, maybe somebody esle can do, - my English is not that great, but it is thrill for me to buy any product if visiting mid-east. Different experience from western markets.
 
Well maybe I'm just more conscious of the difference. Looking at the still night shot at the stop lights behind the red car, the car on the right was very evident on the Pano, but only the shadow was visible on the Albatross. Also the building on the left was mostly cut off on the Albatross. It's good for what it does see, but I guess I'm just used to having more of the scene recorded.

KuoH

About FOV actually I was first confused, then impressed comparing to Panorama2 154 degree diagonal vs Albatross II 120 daigonal listed, that there is not that significant difference if you look closer all still or video comparison footage from figures listed ( 154 vs 120 ).
 
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