A119 V2 1440p Review

The A119 was introduced in Aug 2016 and undergone many firmware changes causing much frustration for early owners struggling with the extra step of updating the Boot Loader correctly before main Firmware update file. As of Feb 2019 it still uses the V2 GPS Mount and backplate contacts with EVA pad to improve stability and reliability. The 160 degree Field of View Lens remains the same with horizontal left and right adjustment which is pointless once CPL Filter is attached. The 2560x1440P resolution is excellent. Viofo has recently added new Sharpness Menu setting which was long overdue and welcomed with more useful options pending.

If you want a budget priced 1440P (2K) Parking Mode capable Dash Cam the A119 remains the most popular choice. The wide angle Lens is best suited for large windshields else side distortions appear.

PROs		CONs
- Price - excellent 1440P resolution - 160 degree wide angle F1.8 Lens - numerous menu options - available CPL Filter - supports 128GB cards - GPS mount option - standard MP4 format - works from 5 volt power bank - easy to disassemble		- internal air vents blocked - A119 Firmware Boot Loader failure issues - unstable single clip mounting bracket - mount stabilizing EVA foam pad wears out - worst color saturation - weak RTC rechargeable battery (7-21 days)

A119 Specifications

VIOFO A119 Dashcam Specifications
- 1440P @30fps & 1080P @60fps + 30fps Resolution
- Novatek NT96660 chipset
- OmniVision OV4689 Image Sensor
- 6G Lens F1.8 Aperture
- 160 degree Field of View
- 2 inch LCD display
- G-sensor, Motion Detection, Parking Mode
- SuperCapacitor powered
- quick release mount
- MP4 video format
- GPS logger (optional)
- CPL Circular Polarizing Lens filter (optional)

A119 Setup Tips

The A119 has the widest angle of view at 160 degrees. To reduce image distortion at bottom corners suggest mounting behind rear view mirror nearest center of windshield. For perfectly smooth adhesive application see GPS Install video. When using single clip GPS mount remember to apply EVA foam pad to back plate of Dashcam for improved stability. This foam pad will require replacement every year or two.

Always select 2560x1440P resolution for maximum detail and clarity. The wide angle Lens does cause some fisheye effect, most noticeable when viewed at smaller 1920x1080. These 2K video clips will playback on computers but may not on 1080P SmartTVs.

Before attaching optional CPL Filter verify Lens is centered and not shifted to one side creating scratches on CPL coating. At the same time notice if Lens is very loose causing shaky footage. The horizontal Lens adjustment feature is useless with CPL Filter and can introduce unwanted vibrations on rough roads.

As part of regular Maintenance owners should :
- format microSD card every 2 months.
- reset Default Settings after each Firmware Update.
- when powered from GPS module clean contact plate every 6 months.
- always insert & remove microSD card while Dashcam is Off.

Best YouTube video play back Setting :
Viewing 2K or 4K high resolution videos on YouTube can overwhelm browsers and video processors with stutter or not supported depending on Operating System and device. Change YouTube's play back Quality Setting to highest 1080p or 1440p or 2160p when available for best viewing experience.

YouTube's highest Bitrate quality uses VP9 video codec, verify codec with right-click on video, select "Stats for nerds".

Google Chrome: VP9 video codec is enabled on all OS.
Linux: VP9 is enabled in Firefox,
Mac: VP9 is disabled in Firefox, thus only H.264 with 1080p will get played.
Windows: VP9 with 2K or 4K depends on the machine

Enable VP9 in Firefox by setting media.mediasource.webm.enabled to true in about:config

Video Tutorials and Test Footage

A129 with MOD-7Uj verses A119 with MOD-7Rg compared 1080P vs 1440P image clarity, color saturation, low light sensitivity and brightness. The A129 did very well against the higher resolution A119, the differences are most obvious at night with A129 producing brighter image using the Sony 2MP IMX291 Exmor R Starvis Image Sensor. The A119 Dash Cam has better image clarity and focus. Both VIOFO Dash Cams were using 27 Mb/s Bit Rate modified firmware.

Winner for Design = A129 Winner for Features = A129 Winner for Value = A129 Winner for Price = A119 Winner for Firmware = Modified

Winner for Sharpness = A119 Winner for Color = A129 Winner for Brightness = A129 Winner for Clarity = A119 Winner for Resolution = A119

My YouTube Videos open in new Tabs
Power Consumption Test
Day + Night 27Mbps Footage
How to Configure Menu Setting FW2.00
Unboxing the A119

Dashcam Setup Tips #2
Dashcam Setup Tips #1 
Dashcam Power Consumption
How to use Parking Mode with Power Bank
How to install GPS Mount to windshield
How to align original CPL Filter
How to Format 64/128GB Memory Cards
How to Disassemble Viofo Dashcams
How to Update Official Viofo Firmware
How to Apply EVA Stabilizing Pad
How to Clean GPS Mount Contacts
Should I enable WDR Comparison

Suggested A119 Menu Settings

    Resolution = 2560x1440P 30fps <== always use 1440p for best image quality
    Bitrate = High <== select High for best detail
    Loop Recording = 2 min <== select 2 min Loop for reduced MP4 file size
    Video Format = MP4 <== select TS for crash surviveability or if supercapacitors failed
    Exposure = 0
    WDR = Off <== enable for brighter grainy night video
    Sharpness = Soft/Norm/Sharp <== decide what looks best with your Lens
    Parking Mode = Off <== if wanted select 5fps Time Lapse
    Time-Lapse Recording = Off <== never use when Parking Mode is enabled
    Motion Detection = Off <== never use when Parking Mode is enabled or driving
    GPS = On
    Speed Unit = KMH
    G-Sensor = Low
    LDWS = Off <== never use this useless feature it forces 1080p resolution
    FCWS = Off <== never use this useless feature it forces 1080p resolution
    Date Stamp = On
    GPS Info Stamp = none
    Camera Model Stamp = On
    Record Audio = On
    Boot Delay = 5 sec <== set 10 sec for diesel or electric vehicles
    LED = On
    Date/Time = mm/dd/yy
    Time Zone = -4 or (-3/w dst) <== match your region
    Language = English
    Beep Sound = On
    Frequency = 60 Hz <== match your region 50 Hz for Europe
    Image Rotation = Off
    Format <== always Format new memory cards twice then every 2 months
    Format Warning = Off
    Default Setting <== always Reset to Default after updates
    Car Number = blank
    Custom Text Stamp = blank
    Firmware Version

A119 Feedback

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