First of all, I saw "The Habit Burger" across the street in the beginning of your video and as a certified cheeseburger junkie, I am now craving a Habit Burger but their nearest location to me is roughly 1400 miles away. Thanks, Chuck! Second, your ability to make the music start at the VERY INSTANT you turned on your turn signal (at 3:35) is amazing.... or, you're REALLY good at editing? Either way, nicely done Sir! On a serious note.... The video is actually filled with excellent information. Your average person would buy the first "4K camera" that popped up and would never realize they got screwed. Your explanation of a real 4K camera is easy to understand and you even explain how the average person can easily verify if they're buying/getting the real thing. I searched Amazon for this new model but it does not appear to be available on that site yet. However, it does appear that it can be purchased on Viofo's website for $270 bucks. Does that sound right to you? Once again, nice job with the video, Chuck! 🙂
You crack me up Brian. LMAO All music played during dash cam footage I actually played through my stereo inside the car at that moment. That's because I don't have editing software to add music later on in post. Lol The song that started playing when I engaged the turn signal is pure coincidence. Lol I've been told the cameras won't be available on Amazon US until February. They are available is 4 different configuration with different rear and interior IR cameras. The 1-Channel is only $230. Thanks for stopping by. -Chuck
@@PanzerPlatform Hey, us old guys got really good at editing audio back in the 80's without editing software. We got very good at hitting the "pause" and "record" buttons at JUST the right time when recording songs from the FM radio. We could make audio tapes with our favorite songs that sounded like they were made in a factory..... Well, maybe not exactly "made in a factory" but they were pretty damn good anyway. Okay, they actually sucked but we didn't know any better. lol. Either way, our "record" and "pause" reaction times were pretty damn quick.... or at least we though they were quick. lolol. 😀
@@SlipFitGarage Oh the memories. I remember doing that too. Lol We must have burned through a ton of "D" size batteries trying to keep the boombox going. Lol
Very nice, Really glad more dashcams have voice notifications I say that cause if you have another device that alerts you in case something hits your car but is not strong enough to alert you the camera's voice notifications can tell you depending on the sensitivity levels tho
Great video! Just curious, you mentioned that you moved the CPL filter when you recorded the night videos. Is it recommended to take off the filter at night?
Yo RJ, Thanks for stopping in, and the kind words. As a general rule of thumb using a CPL Filter on a dash cam in low light, and night time conditions is like wearing sunglasses at night. It reduces available light to the camera. The reason I remove the CPL Filter for my test footage is because I test so many dash cams it maintains continuity for comparisons between different dash cams. Also most dash cams do not include a CPL Filter with the camera and it must be purchased separately. Also some vehicles have specialized OEM factory windshield that do not work well with camera CPL Filters. Weather you chose to permanently decide to leave a CPL Filter on your dash cam is something eash user should test & evaluate with their own specific application by reviewing test footage. -Chuck
Hi Chuck. I always enjoy your videos. I keep a older Panasonic camcorder with me in the freight hauler with a suction cup mount just in case I need it. It is not a VHS-C either. It has a mega SD card. The picture quality is really good to me plus the nice zoom really helps if I am sitting still. I might try recording the Gestapo checkpoint I go through north of Laredo. How about doing a video on fuel filters as to when to change them? I drive about 3500 miles a year average on my CVPI's. Steve Kentucky AC9IM
Yo Steve, Thanks for stopping in, and the kind words. Any camera is better than no camera. lol I’ll keep that fuel filter video in mind. In the meantime the manufacturer’s recommendation listed in the owner’s manual is to replace it every 2 Years / 30K Miles. -Chuck
Hi Chuck, thanks for the indepth video. I'm currently stuck in a choice between Viofo a139 Pro and Viofo a220 Duo, however, I can not seem to find many review videos comparing the two. Do you know why this is the case? Could you also clarify which is the most future-proof option?
Yo Double A, Thanks for stopping in. If it was my money I would wait for the A229 Pro Duo. There is no official release date yet, but I think it's a few months out. As far as the A139 Pro, I only recommend the 1-Channel version. The reason for no A139 Pro vs. A229 Duo comparisons is because the A139 Pro was just released. And even when some time passes it will be a lop sided comparison. The A139 Pro is a 3-channel vs. 2-channel. The A139 Pro does not have an LCD screen. Are you currently using a dash cam right now, if so which one? -Chuck
@@PanzerPlatform Hey again Chuck, Thank you so much for responding and so quickly. I was actually considering purchasing the A139 Pro 2ch for both front and rear recording but after learning that an A229 pro version may be on the way, I'll take your suggestion and wait for it. I'm currently not utilizing anything and this will be my first purchase since, prior to a recent hit-and-run incident, I was one of the skeptics who saw little use in having a dashcam. However, given how carelessly insurance companies handle such instances, I will make sure to have a dash cam running as long as I own a car. Again great content you are putting out, it really put an end to all my questions, even though I watched a lot of other review videos yet your videos were the most technical yet concise and useful ones. Keep up the good work!
Hey Chuck. Thank you for the review. I also have the A139 Pro and it looks stunning. But the CPL filter won’t work as it has to. I nearly see no difference when using it (I‘m checking with the live video in the app). Why is that? Before I had a A119 V3 with a filter and it worked perfectly… Could you may help me?
Yo MJ, Thanks for stopping in. Can you upload two sample clips to your RUclips channel so I can see what you're talking about. One clip with CPL Filter, and one without. Let me know if you do so I can check it out. -Chuck
Hey Chuck, good video no pun intended with the 4K camera LOL. The problem of misrepresentation of video quality has been going on for years in the security camera venue. I've dissected failed security cameras only to find it did not have the cmos image sensor that it supposedly had in it. You could have two different cameras with the same image sensor and one would be grainy at night while the other would be a sharp black and white image its buyer beware with all this Chinese crap floating around. I tend to find the Japanese made cameras are made of higher quality components but tend to cost more wonder why LOL.
Yo Mr. E, Long time no see. Lol Thanks for stopping in. Average consumer intelligence is at an all time low, and it seems like cheap fly by night manufacturers base their entire business plans banking on the fact consumers will not perform due diligence to confirm & verify claimed specifications. And when a certain threshold of junk cameras get retuned, or warranty claims submitted they shutdown the company, and start a new company under a different name. A prime example of this is Crosstour & Apeman dash cams. Viofo is a Chinese company but I’ve been following their actions for the past 4 years, and they seem to be an exception. They are dedicated to making dash cams with the highest quality components, and they have the best customer service, and tech support too. I’m at a point with my RUclips channel where I can choose only the best dash cams sent by manufacturer for test & review. Generally Viofo, BlackVue, and Thinkware are the highest quality dash cams. -Chuck
Hello Chuck. 1.) Wifi offs itself around 10min.? That's highly annoying. Is there any way around this? 2.) Is there any way to extend the Wifi-range? I opened up the camera and the antenna, wich is taped to the detachable housing-plate, is connected to the electronics-block by a tiny U.FL-connector. So it should be possible to hook an external antenna to the camera? 2.1.) Any idea if the camera can work with wifirepeaters? 2.2.) Have you tried the AV-out cable-connection to view the live stream on a standard (tv-) screen? How is the quality? Is there a copmosite video-signal coming out of the AV-socket (i think so, because a HDMI-signal would use a different and more complex connector). If it is composite then this signal could be transmitted longer range with standard video-transmitter and wifi wouldn't be required for that. 3.) Is contacting VIOFO via email a hit or a miss, means: would i be writing messages into a black-hole?
Yo VN, Thanks for stopping in. The Wi-Fi on all Viofo dash cams is designed to change settings, and download video clips. It is not designed to operate at all times. Prolonged use of Wi-Fi will cause the camera to overheat, and malfunction. If you are trying to broadcast live view footage you will be better served with a cloud dash cam like BlackVue & Thinkware instead of trying to use a Viofo for something it is not designed for. The AV output is for playback of recorded footage on an external monitor, it does not provide live view. The cable used is a 3.5mm male to 3 RCA AUX; viofo.com/download/manual/A139%20PRO/A139%20PRO%20English%20Manual.pdf If you have a question, or need tech support submit a ticket, and it will keep track of all your communications with Viofo; support.viofo.com/support/tickets/new -Chuck
Hi there I'm not used to running multiple dashcam units at once but is it possible to power 2 x Viofo A139 Pro front units to get both 4k front and rear off the cigarette lighter adapter or it'd require separate hardwire installation? Maybe it's overkill but I think it'd be cool to have 4k both and not sacrifice especially as last time I didn't have any rear camera at all and my car was rear ended. 2 channel kit also out of stock here atm. I have an old a119 v2 that I could maybe put back into service though or use in another family car or may just buy some other units for those or the rear if there's a better suggestion you have
Yo Stallzy, Thanks for stopping in. Your idea of running two separate A139 Pro’s in 1-Channel configuration (front+rear) has been a very popular option since 2020 with the A129 Pro for folks who want the absolute best image quality with no compromise. Based on my power consumption testing you will be able run both A139 Pro’s off the included Viofo Dual Port USB Charger / Power Adapter. However you will need a longer USB Type-C cable for the rear. Most likely you will need around a 16ft cable. The Viofo include cable is around 12ft. Make sure you test everything before you install in the car to make sure you don’t have any power starvation issues. Keep in mind if you add the IR Interior or Rear cameras all bets are off, and you may run into power starvation malfunctions. Also, you’ll need to maintain two SD Cards, and you may need the Bluetooth Remote Lock Button for the rear camera since you can’t reach it while driving. -Chuck
Right on HL, Thanks for stopping in, and the good feedback. Yes, max size 256GB SD Card seems on the small side compared to other dash cams on the market. I recently tested a Vantrue dash cam that was capable of using a 512GB SD Card. I've read on the DashCamTalk Forum some users have reported using 512GB SD Cards in Viofo Dash Cams. I'm not sure why Viofo claims 256GB is the max size for all their Dash Cams. -Chuck
Yo Zarbo, Thanks for stopping, and the great question. When the A139 Pro operates in 1, and 2-Channel configuration it records at 30fps. When the A139 Pro operates in 3-Channel configuration it automatically drops to 24fps to reduce heat generation. I only recommend the A139 Pro as a 1-Channel dash cam. If you want a 2-Channel dash cam with the new STARVIS 2 IMX678 image sensor, you may want to wait for the A229 Pro Duo. -Chuck
@@PanzerPlatform Hello Chuck, I am from Germany. I work as Sales Manager and drive ~5000km a month. I have enough of parking accidents with seniors or other category of society. I had like 3-4 parking accidents.My clients are super markets so I park on their parking spots. Luckily some I catched them at present or they just admited the fault by themself. But sometimes I think once I will get a person who will blame me...Which Dashcam would you recommend me? I like the viofo T130 3CHbut now where I saw the Pro Version of A139...I am curious wether there will be a T130 pro 3CH?
@@zarbon18 A 2-channel dash cam may not give you full 360 degree coverage of what will happen when your car is parked in a grocery store parking lot. You may find the sides of your car will be a “blind spot”. For this application, I recommend a 4-Channel dash cam like this; ruclips.net/video/oYVEPVxGZc0/видео.html This is accomplished using two separate 2-channel dash cams. I don’t know of any plans for a T130 Pro. There is no official release date for the A229 Pro Duo. Have a look at all the different camera angles in this video. This might give you some ideas for your specific application; ruclips.net/video/Mg6RNqSZQis/видео.html
Thank you for taking the time to educated us
Yo LL,
Thanks for stopping in.
-Chuck
Thanks for the shoutout and the history of STARVIS.
Yo Ben,
Glad you made it back.
Looking forward to more of your A139 Pro content.
-Chuck
Nice job! Thanks for the shoutout in the video description section.
Yo Robert,
Thanks for all your help.
-Chuck
First of all, I saw "The Habit Burger" across the street in the beginning of your video and as a certified cheeseburger junkie, I am now craving a Habit Burger but their nearest location to me is roughly 1400 miles away. Thanks, Chuck! Second, your ability to make the music start at the VERY INSTANT you turned on your turn signal (at 3:35) is amazing.... or, you're REALLY good at editing? Either way, nicely done Sir! On a serious note.... The video is actually filled with excellent information. Your average person would buy the first "4K camera" that popped up and would never realize they got screwed. Your explanation of a real 4K camera is easy to understand and you even explain how the average person can easily verify if they're buying/getting the real thing. I searched Amazon for this new model but it does not appear to be available on that site yet. However, it does appear that it can be purchased on Viofo's website for $270 bucks. Does that sound right to you? Once again, nice job with the video, Chuck! 🙂
You crack me up Brian. LMAO
All music played during dash cam footage I actually played through my stereo inside the car at that moment.
That's because I don't have editing software to add music later on in post. Lol
The song that started playing when I engaged the turn signal is pure coincidence. Lol
I've been told the cameras won't be available on Amazon US until February. They are available is 4 different configuration with different rear and interior IR cameras.
The 1-Channel is only $230.
Thanks for stopping by.
-Chuck
@@PanzerPlatform Hey, us old guys got really good at editing audio back in the 80's without editing software. We got very good at hitting the "pause" and "record" buttons at JUST the right time when recording songs from the FM radio. We could make audio tapes with our favorite songs that sounded like they were made in a factory..... Well, maybe not exactly "made in a factory" but they were pretty damn good anyway. Okay, they actually sucked but we didn't know any better. lol. Either way, our "record" and "pause" reaction times were pretty damn quick.... or at least we though they were quick. lolol. 😀
@@SlipFitGarage
Oh the memories. I remember doing that too. Lol
We must have burned through a ton of "D" size batteries trying to keep the boombox going. Lol
Great info as always Chuck... Now if I can get my Wife to let me spend some of my money I should be getting a Viofo this Spring!
Yo DMQ,
There's a new movie out that might help with that;
ruclips.net/video/r63x-aq17us/видео.html
-Chuck
Thanks Chuck for the indepth review. Mine just came with the P8 battery! I'll take it to installer in the area.
Yo AM,
Thanks for stopping in.
-Chuck
wow video quality that even my old eyes can distinguish!!
Much obliged Mr. Magoo. lol
Very nice, Really glad more dashcams have voice notifications I say that cause if you have another device that alerts you in case something hits your car but is not strong enough to alert you the camera's voice notifications can tell you depending on the sensitivity levels tho
Right on Capn'
Thanks for stopping in.
-Chuck
Great video! Just curious, you mentioned that you moved the CPL filter when you recorded the night videos. Is it recommended to take off the filter at night?
Yo RJ,
Thanks for stopping in, and the kind words.
As a general rule of thumb using a CPL Filter on a dash cam in low light, and night time conditions is like wearing sunglasses at night. It reduces available light to the camera.
The reason I remove the CPL Filter for my test footage is because I test so many dash cams it maintains continuity for comparisons between different dash cams. Also most dash cams do not include a CPL Filter with the camera and it must be purchased separately.
Also some vehicles have specialized OEM factory windshield that do not work well with camera CPL Filters.
Weather you chose to permanently decide to leave a CPL Filter on your dash cam is something eash user should test & evaluate with their own specific application by reviewing test footage.
-Chuck
Great stuff Chuck m8.
Yo Paul,
Always a pleasure to have you stop by. Lol
-Chuck
Outstanding review and general incite for someone looking to enter this space. Thank you.
Yo Bocack,
Thanks for stopping in, and the kind words.
-Chuck
Hi Chuck. I always enjoy your videos. I keep a older Panasonic camcorder with me in the freight hauler with a suction cup mount just in case I need it. It is not a VHS-C either. It has a mega SD card. The picture quality is really good to me plus the nice zoom really helps if I am sitting still. I might try recording the Gestapo checkpoint I go through north of Laredo. How about doing a video on fuel filters as to when to change them? I drive about 3500 miles a year average on my CVPI's. Steve Kentucky AC9IM
Yo Steve,
Thanks for stopping in, and the kind words.
Any camera is better than no camera. lol
I’ll keep that fuel filter video in mind. In the meantime the manufacturer’s recommendation listed in the owner’s manual is to replace it every 2 Years / 30K Miles.
-Chuck
Hi Chuck, thanks for the indepth video. I'm currently stuck in a choice between Viofo a139 Pro and Viofo a220 Duo, however, I can not seem to find many review videos comparing the two. Do you know why this is the case? Could you also clarify which is the most future-proof option?
Yo Double A,
Thanks for stopping in.
If it was my money I would wait for the A229 Pro Duo.
There is no official release date yet, but I think it's a few months out.
As far as the A139 Pro, I only recommend the 1-Channel version.
The reason for no A139 Pro vs. A229 Duo comparisons is because the A139 Pro was just released.
And even when some time passes it will be a lop sided comparison. The A139 Pro is a 3-channel vs. 2-channel. The A139 Pro does not have an LCD screen.
Are you currently using a dash cam right now, if so which one?
-Chuck
@@PanzerPlatform Hey again Chuck,
Thank you so much for responding and so quickly. I was actually considering purchasing the A139 Pro 2ch for both front and rear recording but after learning that an A229 pro version may be on the way, I'll take your suggestion and wait for it.
I'm currently not utilizing anything and this will be my first purchase since, prior to a recent hit-and-run incident, I was one of the skeptics who saw little use in having a dashcam. However, given how carelessly insurance companies handle such instances, I will make sure to have a dash cam running as long as I own a car.
Again great content you are putting out, it really put an end to all my questions, even though I watched a lot of other review videos yet your videos were the most technical yet concise and useful ones. Keep up the good work!
what are you using @ 0:21? no cpl + hdr on? or another method
Yes for this example.
Hey Chuck. Thank you for the review. I also have the A139 Pro and it looks stunning.
But the CPL filter won’t work as it has to. I nearly see no difference when using it (I‘m checking with the live video in the app). Why is that? Before I had a A119 V3 with a filter and it worked perfectly…
Could you may help me?
Yo MJ,
Thanks for stopping in.
Can you upload two sample clips to your RUclips channel so I can see what you're talking about.
One clip with CPL Filter, and one without. Let me know if you do so I can check it out.
-Chuck
Hey Chuck, good video no pun intended with the 4K camera LOL. The problem of misrepresentation of video quality has been going on for years in the security camera venue. I've dissected failed security cameras only to find it did not have the cmos image sensor that it supposedly had in it. You could have two different cameras with the same image sensor and one would be grainy at night while the other would be a sharp black and white image its buyer beware with all this Chinese crap floating around. I tend to find the Japanese made cameras are made of higher quality components but tend to cost more wonder why LOL.
Yo Mr. E,
Long time no see. Lol
Thanks for stopping in.
Average consumer intelligence is at an all time low, and it seems like cheap fly by night manufacturers base their entire business plans banking on the fact consumers will not perform due diligence to confirm & verify claimed specifications. And when a certain threshold of junk cameras get retuned, or warranty claims submitted they shutdown the company, and start a new company under a different name. A prime example of this is Crosstour & Apeman dash cams.
Viofo is a Chinese company but I’ve been following their actions for the past 4 years, and they seem to be an exception. They are dedicated to making dash cams with the highest quality components, and they have the best customer service, and tech support too.
I’m at a point with my RUclips channel where I can choose only the best dash cams sent by manufacturer for test & review. Generally Viofo, BlackVue, and Thinkware are the highest quality dash cams.
-Chuck
Fake 4K cams?Prices should be first red flag.This movie should have a lot of views.
Yo Bart,
Thanks for stopping in.
That used to be true, but now some fake 4K dash cams cost more than real, genuine 4K ones. Lol
-Chuck
Hello Chuck.
1.) Wifi offs itself around 10min.? That's highly annoying. Is there any way around this?
2.) Is there any way to extend the Wifi-range? I opened up the camera and the antenna, wich is taped to the detachable housing-plate, is connected to the electronics-block by a tiny U.FL-connector. So it should be possible to hook an external antenna to the camera?
2.1.) Any idea if the camera can work with wifirepeaters?
2.2.) Have you tried the AV-out cable-connection to view the live stream on a standard (tv-) screen? How is the quality? Is there a copmosite video-signal coming out of the AV-socket (i think so, because a HDMI-signal would use a different and more complex connector). If it is composite then this signal could be transmitted longer range with standard video-transmitter and wifi wouldn't be required for that.
3.) Is contacting VIOFO via email a hit or a miss, means: would i be writing messages into a black-hole?
Yo VN,
Thanks for stopping in.
The Wi-Fi on all Viofo dash cams is designed to change settings, and download video clips. It is not designed to operate at all times. Prolonged use of Wi-Fi will cause the camera to overheat, and malfunction. If you are trying to broadcast live view footage you will be better served with a cloud dash cam like BlackVue & Thinkware instead of trying to use a Viofo for something it is not designed for.
The AV output is for playback of recorded footage on an external monitor, it does not provide live view. The cable used is a 3.5mm male to 3 RCA AUX;
viofo.com/download/manual/A139%20PRO/A139%20PRO%20English%20Manual.pdf
If you have a question, or need tech support submit a ticket, and it will keep track of all your communications with Viofo; support.viofo.com/support/tickets/new
-Chuck
Hi there I'm not used to running multiple dashcam units at once but is it possible to power 2 x Viofo A139 Pro front units to get both 4k front and rear off the cigarette lighter adapter or it'd require separate hardwire installation? Maybe it's overkill but I think it'd be cool to have 4k both and not sacrifice especially as last time I didn't have any rear camera at all and my car was rear ended. 2 channel kit also out of stock here atm. I have an old a119 v2 that I could maybe put back into service though or use in another family car or may just buy some other units for those or the rear if there's a better suggestion you have
Yo Stallzy,
Thanks for stopping in.
Your idea of running two separate A139 Pro’s in 1-Channel configuration (front+rear) has been a very popular option since 2020 with the A129 Pro for folks who want the absolute best image quality with no compromise.
Based on my power consumption testing you will be able run both A139 Pro’s off the included Viofo Dual Port USB Charger / Power Adapter. However you will need a longer USB Type-C cable for the rear. Most likely you will need around a 16ft cable. The Viofo include cable is around 12ft. Make sure you test everything before you install in the car to make sure you don’t have any power starvation issues.
Keep in mind if you add the IR Interior or Rear cameras all bets are off, and you may run into power starvation malfunctions.
Also, you’ll need to maintain two SD Cards, and you may need the Bluetooth Remote Lock Button for the rear camera since you can’t reach it while driving.
-Chuck
and max 256GB SD-Card. 🤦♂🤦♂🤦♂
Right on HL,
Thanks for stopping in, and the good feedback.
Yes, max size 256GB SD Card seems on the small side compared to other dash cams on the market.
I recently tested a Vantrue dash cam that was capable of using a 512GB SD Card.
I've read on the DashCamTalk Forum some users have reported using 512GB SD Cards in Viofo Dash Cams.
I'm not sure why Viofo claims 256GB is the max size for all their Dash Cams.
-Chuck
The VIOFO A139 Pro has 24 fps. So its fake 4K or whua?
Yo Zarbo,
Thanks for stopping, and the great question.
When the A139 Pro operates in 1, and 2-Channel configuration it records at 30fps.
When the A139 Pro operates in 3-Channel configuration it automatically drops to 24fps to reduce heat generation.
I only recommend the A139 Pro as a 1-Channel dash cam. If you want a 2-Channel dash cam with the new STARVIS 2 IMX678 image sensor, you may want to wait for the A229 Pro Duo.
-Chuck
@@PanzerPlatform Hello Chuck, I am from Germany. I work as Sales Manager and drive ~5000km a month. I have enough of parking accidents with seniors or other category of society. I had like 3-4 parking accidents.My clients are super markets so I park on their parking spots. Luckily some I catched them at present or they just admited the fault by themself. But sometimes I think once I will get a person who will blame me...Which Dashcam would you recommend me? I like the viofo T130 3CHbut now where I saw the Pro Version of A139...I am curious wether there will be a T130 pro 3CH?
@@PanzerPlatform When will arrive the A229 Duo Pro? Do you have some hints about the release date?
@@zarbon18
A 2-channel dash cam may not give you full 360 degree coverage of what will happen when your car is parked in a grocery store parking lot. You may find the sides of your car will be a “blind spot”. For this application, I recommend a 4-Channel dash cam like this;
ruclips.net/video/oYVEPVxGZc0/видео.html
This is accomplished using two separate 2-channel dash cams.
I don’t know of any plans for a T130 Pro.
There is no official release date for the A229 Pro Duo.
Have a look at all the different camera angles in this video. This might give you some ideas for your specific application;
ruclips.net/video/Mg6RNqSZQis/видео.html