Grainy video. Censor damaged?

[aldusj99]

Hi, I haven't reviewed the video in a while and I witnessed a minor accident and I downloaded the video to my Macbook pro, and the video is grainy. Is the dashcam sensor damaged, or something else? I should be recording at 4K 2160P / 1600P 30fps

Here's the video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VMOA4JBOHTU9YO0soVkSDr7KbVy0u0EE/view?usp=sharing

I've played the video both from videolan and quicktime player and the video quality is the same, grainy.

I've had this dashcam for like 4 years, and I am wondering if it's damaged from the summer heat.

 

[aldusj99]

 

[Chuck McCoy]

video is grainy

That looks really weird.
I would SUBMIT A TICKET directly to VIOFO to see if there’s anything they could do, even if you’re out of warranty.

It’s possible the SD Card is worn out.
You may want to try;
1.) New Genuine VIOFO Brand SD Card
2.) Factory Reset / Default Settings.
3.) Re-Update to the newest FIRMWARE V1.2_240710 (even if you already have the latest firmware in the camera, sometimes that works).

Worst case scenario it might be time for a new camera.
If you upgrade to the newest flagship A329S you can reuse both remote camera cables, (IR Interior & Rear Camera) with aftermarket MMCX to MCX adapters found on Amazon.

 

[aldusj99]

What do people do with the dashcams if you have to park the car outside during hot summer days?

Are newer dash cams more resistant to direct sunlight and high heat?

Do you remove it from the windshield every time you park? Seems like a pain to do that every time you have to street park.

 

[Finnegan]

What do people do with the dashcams if you have to park the car outside during hot summer days?

Are newer dash cams more resistant to direct sunlight and high heat?

Do you remove it from the windshield every time you park? Seems like a pain to do that every time you have to street park.

.
I use a flexible, fold-up windshield sun screen, the kind the go inside the windshield. I also slide as much
as I can between the glass and main cam, but I can only get so much. This only works in my driveway.
When out and about I don't do anything, but admittedly I don't park for very long. I'm retired.

There is a certain amount of heat the cam creates as it processes images more still from the SD card.
The harder these devices work the more heat is created. Some cams seem to be better at dealing
with both internal and external heat. I *think* my Viofo A329s 3CH system is supposed to be good
up to 140F-145F. I bought a little battery thermometer to hang up in the truck to see how hot it
really gets, and it gets pretty close, but I haven't had an issue yet. I always park outside.

It appears you are north of me, but with this heat wave lately it is hot everywhere.

 

[Chuck McCoy]

What do people do with the dashcams if you have to park the car outside during hot summer days?

Set it, and forget it.

Do you remove it from the windshield every time you park? Seems like a pain to do that every time you have to street park.

Set it, and forget it.

Are newer dash cams more resistant to direct sunlight and high heat?

I want to say yes, but I have zero evidence to back it up.
I also want to say A139 Pro may not have had enough heat dissipation designed into the camera case.
Original A139 (non-pro) was 2K with IMX335 image sensor.
A139 Pro upgraded to 4K with IMX678.
This increased power consumption, heat generation.
So much so VIOFO was having power starvation malfunctions with “old” hardwire cables, and they released "new" more powerful hardwire cables with thicker internal power wires.
SEE POST #267

I think VIOFO realized this because the next 4K upgraded release when original A229 Duo 2K (IMX335) was upgraded to A229 Pro 4K (IMX678) it got a huge 1oz. heat sink to dissipate extra heat with other thermal goodies.
SEE POST #3

When you purchased your A139 Pro, VIOFO warranty was;
12 Months Standard
18 Months with Registration

As of January 1, 2025 VIOFO increased warranty coverage;
18 Months Standard
24 Months with Registration
SEE POST #1

https://www.viofo.com/pages/warranty-policy

I use a flexible, fold-up windshield sun screen

What ever you do, don't let @Mtz know you're using a sunshade 🤣

 

[aldusj99]

Thanks for the info. I've submitted a ticket with Viofo. It's out of warranty at this point, but maybe they've seen this issue before and have a quick fix. Or maybe a discount to purchase A239 2 CH. 🙏

 

[Chuck McCoy]

Thanks for the info. I've submitted a ticket with Viofo. It's out of warranty at this point, but maybe they've seen this issue before and have a quick fix. Or maybe a discount to purchase A239 2 CH. 🙏

If I remember correctly a few months ago an A139 Pro customer submitted an out of warranty claim 2 years after the warranty expired.
I think VIOFO offered a replacement for a "small fee" around $60.
I think that's a fantastic deal considering any other company might not offer anything at all.
If you get a similar offer I would take it.
However, I would only use the camera in 1CH configuration.
Not connecting the Rear & IR Interior cameras should significantly reduce heat generation, and the camera should last a lot longer.
Also I hate how connecting remote cameras cut the front camera Bitrate in half.
And then start saving up for a replacement.

Or better yet use the new A139 Pro as a 1CH camera on the rear window.
And buy the A329TC for the front windshield, (front, telephoto, interior).
That would be a top notch 4CH system.
But of course I don't know your budget.