These Dashcam Tips apply to all VIOFO DVR models and reveals the new Firmware version 4.03 for A119S. Owners finally have the long overdue Bitrate (normal/high), Sharpness (strong/normal/soft) and Video Format (TS/MP4) Menu options. Bitrate set high = 25Mbps @60fps / 20Mbps @30fps (High should be 24Mbps for both! Fix it VIOFO!!), set normal = 20Mbps @60fps / 15Mbps @30fps. When using High Bit Rates always set Loop Recording = 2mins or less to reduce video file sizes. Video Format = TS is designed to record the last moment when power is disconnected, useful during crash or if SuperCapacitors have failed, files sizes and quality are the same as MP4. If you want more options visit BCHobbyist & DCTeam Modified Firmware Archive at links below. How to Install Modified Firmware: viofo-dash-cam-modified-firmware.blogspot.com Download A129 Duo Modified Firmware > viofo-dash-cam-modified-firmware.blogspot.com/p/download-a129-mod-file.html Download A119S Modified Firmware > viofo-dash-cam-modified-firmware.blogspot.com/p/download-a119s-mod-file.html Download A119 Pro Modified Firmware > viofo-dash-cam-modified-firmware.blogspot.com/p/download-a119-pro-mod-file.html Download A119 Modified Firmware > viofo-dash-cam-modified-firmware.blogspot.com/p/download-a119-mod-file.html
One thing I’ve done to help when removing the cam from the car is to mark the lens housing and body with a silver ‘Sharpie’ so that I can set the lens to the correct angle when fitting back in the car.
Thanks for your excellent site! You earned a subscriber. I have a question: I heard that dashcams should only use a "high endurance" micro sd card. Apparently they are better suited for dashcams as they can handle the constant re-writing
I've been using the same 64GB cheaper non-high-endurance cards for 2 years and none have failed. Recorded 1000's hours of footage with zero corrupt files. For the price of one "high endurance" you can buy 2-64GB Samsung EVO Plus cards with 90MBs write speed. If you want the BEST quality MicroSD card buy the Transcend 64 GB MicroSDXC Class10 UHS-I/U3 Memory Card, nothing even comes close to its specs and it uses MLC chips which extend rewrite lifespan.
My MODs reduce the over-sharpening caused by official firmware, I've also included a few improved icons, color adjustment, enhanced edge outline and improved night clarity. VIOFO is finally listening to customers and adjusting image quality to what owners want. Main issue for owners is the Lens focus, if soft and slight blur must use high/strong sharpness firmware, if Lens focus is very good require soft or normal sharpness. Record stock footage then load my newest Stable modified firmware and drive the same route and compare.
The problem I have with the CPL is that the lens fits in the mount so tightly it is difficult to remove it to make adjustments. In fact I had one that was so tight it actually chipped the edge of the lens when I had to force it out of the mount.
There has been 3 different VIOFO CPL Filter production batches, each has slightly modified plastic frame and one has larger glass filter with beveled plastic rim for the wide angle A129 Lens. I've taken mine out so many times in the videos that it almost falls out in hot weather if I shake it. Tighter fit is much more desirable. Trick is to use finger nail and push glass away from narrow slot so it can be turned between fingers as shown in my other CPL video. Later on will post DIY CPL using adjustable metal ring CPL.
Ohio, USA = EST Eastern Standard Time -5 GMT , must change it twice a year for Daylight Saving Time, next change to -4 in Spring. www.timeanddate.com/time/map/
The A119 Pro has very good image quality using official VIOFO v1.32 firmware, no need to change unless you don't like the sharpness or want to see what higher bit rate does to quality. My current A119Pro modified firmware is 7Th = 27Mbs or 5Th = 25Mbs, suggest MOD-5Th
These Dashcam Tips apply to all VIOFO DVR models and reveals the new Firmware version 4.03 for A119S. Owners finally have the long overdue Bitrate (normal/high), Sharpness (strong/normal/soft) and Video Format (TS/MP4) Menu options. Bitrate set high = 25Mbps @60fps / 20Mbps @30fps (High should be 24Mbps for both! Fix it VIOFO!!), set normal = 20Mbps @60fps / 15Mbps @30fps. When using High Bit Rates always set Loop Recording = 2mins or less to reduce video file sizes. Video Format = TS is designed to record the last moment when power is disconnected, useful during crash or if SuperCapacitors have failed, files sizes and quality are the same as MP4. If you want more options visit BCHobbyist & DCTeam Modified Firmware Archive at links below.
How to Install Modified Firmware: viofo-dash-cam-modified-firmware.blogspot.com
Download A129 Duo Modified Firmware > viofo-dash-cam-modified-firmware.blogspot.com/p/download-a129-mod-file.html
Download A119S Modified Firmware > viofo-dash-cam-modified-firmware.blogspot.com/p/download-a119s-mod-file.html
Download A119 Pro Modified Firmware > viofo-dash-cam-modified-firmware.blogspot.com/p/download-a119-pro-mod-file.html
Download A119 Modified Firmware > viofo-dash-cam-modified-firmware.blogspot.com/p/download-a119-mod-file.html
One thing I’ve done to help when removing the cam from the car is to mark the lens housing and body with a silver ‘Sharpie’ so that I can set the lens to the correct angle when fitting back in the car.
Thanks for your excellent site! You earned a subscriber. I have a question:
I heard that dashcams should only use a "high endurance" micro sd card. Apparently they are better suited for dashcams as they can handle the constant re-writing
I've been using the same 64GB cheaper non-high-endurance cards for 2 years and none have failed. Recorded 1000's hours of footage with zero corrupt files. For the price of one "high endurance" you can buy 2-64GB Samsung EVO Plus cards with 90MBs write speed. If you want the BEST quality MicroSD card buy the Transcend 64 GB MicroSDXC Class10 UHS-I/U3 Memory Card, nothing even comes close to its specs and it uses MLC chips which extend rewrite lifespan.
Thanks, helpful! What is the main diference between your firmware and the 4.0 I just downloaded and installed from viofo?
My MODs reduce the over-sharpening caused by official firmware, I've also included a few improved icons, color adjustment, enhanced edge outline and improved night clarity. VIOFO is finally listening to customers and adjusting image quality to what owners want. Main issue for owners is the Lens focus, if soft and slight blur must use high/strong sharpness firmware, if Lens focus is very good require soft or normal sharpness. Record stock footage then load my newest Stable modified firmware and drive the same route and compare.
The problem I have with the CPL is that the lens fits in the mount so tightly it is difficult to remove it to make adjustments. In fact I had one that was so tight it actually chipped the edge of the lens when I had to force it out of the mount.
There has been 3 different VIOFO CPL Filter production batches, each has slightly modified plastic frame and one has larger glass filter with beveled plastic rim for the wide angle A129 Lens. I've taken mine out so many times in the videos that it almost falls out in hot weather if I shake it. Tighter fit is much more desirable. Trick is to use finger nail and push glass away from narrow slot so it can be turned between fingers as shown in my other CPL video. Later on will post DIY CPL using adjustable metal ring CPL.
I have a question I have the a119 trying to figure out what time zone I should be in I'm in Ohio? Thanks.
Ohio, USA = EST Eastern Standard Time -5 GMT , must change it twice a year for Daylight Saving Time, next change to -4 in Spring.
www.timeanddate.com/time/map/
do you recommend custom firmware for a119 pro? would that improve the image quality? what version should i use? thanks
The A119 Pro has very good image quality using official VIOFO v1.32 firmware, no need to change unless you don't like the sharpness or want to see what higher bit rate does to quality. My current A119Pro modified firmware is 7Th = 27Mbs or 5Th = 25Mbs, suggest MOD-5Th