INTRODUCTION
Unlike several countries all over the world where we're located car dash cameras are by far the most underappreciated automobile related safety accessory/gadget and although we've all done our fair share to raise awareness not only through our reviews but also by installing dash cameras to all our cars things are still far from what they should. The reason for this actually eludes us because leaving out all the accidents and insurance scams that happen here every single day one just needs to check the countless clips on YouTube that show just how irreplaceable a dash camera can really be. Pittasoft has led the car dash camera market with their BlackVue line of models almost since their introduction in 2007 and today after reviewing several of their award winning Full HD (1080p) dual-channel models today in our hands we have their very first 4k (2160p) dual-channel model the BlackVue DR900S-2CH.
Pittasoft has set the standard in the car dashcam industry since it was established in 2007. Taking car dashboard camera technology to the next level with its groundbreaking Full-HD 1-channel and 2-channel cameras, Pittasoft has enabled global customers to maximize usability by connecting car dashcams to smart devices via Wi-Fi and BlackVue Cloud services. Anytime, anywhere, BlackVue Over the Cloud provides instant access to playback, remote Live View and video sharing as well as peace of mind with emergency alarm notifications, location tracking and backup of important footage.
Resolution is not the only thing that makes a 4k lens, clarity, colors and fps are equally if not more important and so Pittasoft had to wait until the proper CMOS sensor was available and so late last year they finally went with a Ultra high definition 8MP CMOS image sensor for the front camera (unfortunately we don't know the exact model although according to its specs it could be the OmniVision OS08A10) which can record in 4K resolution (3840x2160p) at 30fps and/or 1080p (1920x1080p) at 60fps (diagonal viewing angle is set at 162 degrees). The small rear camera on the other hand utilizes the STARVIS 2.1MP CMOS sensor by SONY which can record in Full HD resolution (1920x1080p) at 30fps (diagonal viewing angle as with previous BlackVue models is considerably less than the front camera at 139 degrees). As expected 4k recording would result in larger file sizes but thanks to the H.265 HEVC compression codec used in both the BlackVue DR900S (single camera) and DR900S-2CH (dual-camera) models (for compatibility purposes Pittasoft has made it possible to switch between H.264 and H.265) storage requirements haven't increased in comparison with previous BlackVue models (check the bottom of the next page for more information on file sizes and bitrates). Other built-in features include a 3-axis acceleration sensor (for impact and motion detection), super capacitor (prevents possible recording data corruption if power is suddenly cut off), microphone and speaker (allow you to communicate with the person driving via the smartphone app), WiFi (802.11b/g/n/ac - Dual Band 2.4GHz/5GHz), GPS, audio recording proximity sensor and a microSD slot compatible with cards up to 128GB in capacity. Also just like its predecessors the DR900S-2CH features a live feed function via Cloud (up to 10 minutes per day - Pittasoft offers special events with unlimited view / requires registration) and in the case you’re using a Power Magic Pro or Power Magic Battery pack and there’s a valid WiFi connection where your car is located the Cloud feature will notify you of any impacts to your vehicle (via the BlackVue app).