Blackvue DR970X Plus Review: Starvis 2 Finally!

Summary

The video reviews the BlackVue DR 970X Plus series dash cams, focusing on their enhanced video quality, multi-camera capabilities, and robust cloud features. It highlights the new buffered parking recording, real-time alerts, and over-the-air firmware updates. While the improved Starvis 2 sensor boosts image clarity, the speaker notes some features were removed and video quality still lags behind competitors. Overall, the DR 970X Plus is recommended for users seeking advanced cloud functionalities, despite some lingering concerns regarding video performance.

Takeaways

• 😀 The BlackVue DR970X Plus series will eventually support connecting multiple standalone dash cams for more comprehensive coverage.
• 📹 Buffered parking recording captures footage before and after impacts, enhancing security while parked.
• ☁️ Cloud features allow users to track their vehicle in real-time and receive notifications about incidents.
• 🔄 Firmware updates can be applied over-the-air, improving convenience for users.
• 🔊 Some audio control features have been simplified or removed, limiting customization options.
• 🚗 Multiple models are available, including front-only, front and rear, and interior options for ride-share drivers.
• 📶 The LTE version provides a dedicated internet connection for cloud functionalities but increases installation complexity.
• 🛠️ Many accessories from previous BlackVue models remain compatible, but some new mounts may be necessary.
• 📈 Video quality has improved with a new image sensor and lens, but it still falls short compared to some competitors.
• 🔍 Overall, the DR970X Plus series represents significant improvements over previous models, but there are still areas for enhancement.

Q & A

What are the main improvements in the BlackVue DR970X Plus series compared to the previous models?

The DR970X Plus series features a Starvis 2 sensor for better video quality, improved image tuning to reduce motion blur, higher bit rates for more detail, and enhanced cloud functionality.

What unique functionality is expected to be added for connecting multiple cameras?

BlackVue plans to release a firmware update that will allow users to connect one standalone dash cam to another, facilitating multiple camera angles in vehicles.

How does buffered parking recording work in the BlackVue dash cams?

Buffered parking recording captures video footage before and after an impact when the car is parked, providing evidence of incidents even if they occur suddenly.

What cloud features does the BlackVue DR970X Plus offer?

Users can track their car's location on a map, live stream video footage to their phone, receive notifications of impacts, and back up video evidence to the cloud.

What limitations are there with the new dash cams in terms of Wi-Fi connectivity?

The new models can only connect to one Wi-Fi hotspot at a time, limiting the ability to switch between multiple hotspots that was available in earlier models.

What audio control features have been removed in the new dash cam series?

The DR970X Plus series lacks the granular audio controls from earlier models, providing only a general on/off switch for audio notifications instead of specific alerts.

What are the different model configurations available for the DR970X Plus series?

There are several configurations: a front-only model, a front and rear model, and a version with an interior camera for ride-share drivers, as well as LTE and non-LTE options.

What are some compatibility considerations when upgrading to the DR970X series?

Many accessories from previous BlackVue models, such as power cables and mounts, remain compatible, although new mounts may be required due to size changes in the cameras.

How does the DR970X Plus series compare to competitors in terms of video quality?

While the DR970X Plus shows improvements in video quality, it still trails behind some competitors like the VFO 8229 Pro, which offers better clarity and HDR capabilities.

What does the reviewer think about the overall value of the DR970X Plus series?

The reviewer views the DR970X Plus as a welcome improvement over previous models, particularly for users needing strong cloud functionality, but notes there is still room for enhancement in video quality.