Viofo A229 Pro (unboxing & first impressions) (Novatek NT96529, Sony IMX678/IMX675/IMX307, HDR³, GPS⁴, 5Ghz WiFi, 4k front + 2k rear + 1080p cabin)

[Karagandinez]

likely will reduce the file size on SD

The file size does not change.

 

[TheSpanishInq]

Which makes sense as the bitrate doesn't change? And therefor the increase in image quality increases.

Complicated beast to understand, a (dash) cam

 

[Nigel]

I get your point, the compression algorithm doesn't have to waste bits on dash reflection or irrelevant (for road evidence) cloud movement.
Bit odd then that Viofo advertises it as an 'option suitable for users with specific preferences or needs.' and not just mention that it improves the image quality?!

Sounds like the person writing that did not understand why anyone would want it, and thought that if anyone did want it, then they would know why they wanted it!

Just wondered, how do you know the content is cropped before compression? Do you have a tool for that?
(I only have a basic understanding of how digital image processing works...)

It would be very difficult to crop after compression with H264, impossible with H265 because H265 block size would span the edges of the cut, so it would need to be decompressed and recompressed a second time, which just wouldn't make sense.

Maybe the more interesting question is if the auto-exposure works before or after the crop, if there is something very bright, such as the sun, off the top of the cropped image, but on the full image, does that affect the exposure of the cropped image?

Which makes sense as the bitrate doesn't change? And therefor the increase in image quality increases.

Complicated beast to understand, a (dash) cam

Correct

 

[TheSpanishInq]

Sounds like the person writing that did not understand why anyone would want it, and thought that if anyone did want it, then they would know why they wanted it!

Maybe the more interesting question is if the auto-exposure works before or after the crop, if there is something very bright, such as the sun, off the top of the cropped image, but on the full image, does that affect the exposure of the cropped image?

Good question, can't help you there I'm afraid. Don't have my cam in the car yet.

 

[GPak]

The file size does not change.

This is encouraging, let's see if testers confirm the image improvement

 

[Agie]

Thanks @viofo and @VIOFO-Support for the long-awaited v1.3 update which adds a ton of features to this already great dashcam

VIOFO A229 Pro Dash Cam Support

viofo.com

Viofo A229 Pro Firmware Update (front)

• Release date: 2024-06-12
• Version: V1.3_240612
• Filename: FWA229P.bin
• File size: 63.13M

Changelog:

• Optimised: Footage file name
• Added: 1. Bluetooth Button function settings 2. Rear Camera HDR settings 3. 21:9 resolution 4. Parking HDR settings 5. Daylight Savings settings
• Fixed: some bugs

Viofo A229 Pro Firmware Update (rear)

• Release date: 2024-06-05
• Version: V1.3_240605
• Filename: EthamTxFw.bin
• File size: 4.44M

Changelog:

• Added: HDR settings
• Fixed: other bugs

 

[Agie]

Quick sample of the new 4K 21:9 recording resolution option now available with the Viofo A229 Pro, in the latest v1.3 firmware. Bitrate of the video while recording in 3-CH mode remains the same at 36MBps, but of course the resolution drops down from 3840x2160 to 3840x1600. Still a nice-looking option in case one does not require extra video information at the top and bottom of the frame.

@viofo @VIOFO-Support