A correctly selected camera kit with a rear view will provide the opportunity for safe movement in the most difficult conditions. The driver gets full visibility in the "blind" areas, using video broadcasting from the installed camera. Such systems are not cheap, but the support they provide, according to many users, justifies the investment. Rearview cameras for cars with a monitor installed separately are especially valued. This configuration provides the most comfortable observation without losing the basic control of the car.
System Overview
A typical kit includes directly a video camera, a monitor, a controller and a set of cables for bundling individual system components. This is the minimum content, but there are also extended configurations, which may include a navigation module, distance sensors and other auxiliary components. The standard rear-view cameras for cars with the monitor are connected via the mentioned wires. During installation, the user must organize a power supply line from the cigarette lighter or battery pack, connect the control unit and the video camera, and connect a monitor to the infrastructure created. But there are also models with a wireless connection principle. Such devices communicate via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. This option is convenient in that it does not require complex measures regarding the laying of cable lines.
Main characteristics
The monitor and camcorder are evaluated according to different parameters. The main characteristic of the screen is size. Today, 4 to 7 inch formats are common. That is, on average, it is 12-13 cm in diagonal. But far from always beneficial rear-view cameras for cars, monitors which have a large format. Typically, the display is located on the central panel along with other electronic devices, so the massive design can be a serious distraction. By standard transmission signal standards, most monitors support NTSC and PAL analog systems. And the type of matrix in modern models is represented by TFT-LCD devices.
As for the camera, it is characterized primarily by the viewing angle and resolution. The first parameter is usually around 170 °. If this value is less, then the coverage of hazardous areas will be reduced. But the increase in visibility has its drawbacks, among which a decrease in picture quality. In terms of resolution, it is also worth sticking to the optimal balance. The middle segment mainly represents rear-view cameras for cars with a monitor that support 720x576 format. For video equipment from other areas, this value has long been obsolete, but it is important not to forget the limitations of the monitor itself, which will not allow to fully reveal the possibilities of high-quality HD-format.
Types of devices
Again, the separation can take place on two components - the monitor and the camera. In the case of the monitor, separate full-size models and miniature displays are highlighted, which are integrated into the rear-view mirror. The second option is gaining popularity today, since it practically does not take up space on the central panel, but at the same time gives the driver the opportunity to conveniently monitor what is happening from the back. The cameras themselves are divided by the installation method. For example, the most convenient in terms of installation are standard devices. Such kits are either initially integrated into the design of the car, or are subsequently installed in the intended place. Another variation is embedded models. They are universal in terms of installation, but during installation they require a serious alteration of the installation site. License plate and bumper are the main elements in which automobile rear view cameras are fixed. A review of the kits below will allow you to draw conclusions about specific market offers.
ParkCity Product Reviews
One of the leaders in the automotive electronics market, which offers miniature cameras and monitors separately. In particular, many users respond well to the budget combination of the PC-2203 camcorder and the small PC-GT3001 display. The 3.5-inch monitor provides a modest resolution of 320x240, but this is enough for high-quality reflection of the transmitted information. There are other positive properties that ParkCity's rear-view cameras and monitors have. For example, the format of the camera is focused on mounting in small mortise holes. This means that the device can be installed by type of parking sensors in the bumper of any car.
Reviews about the AVIS model
Another major manufacturer of monitors and camcorders for cars. In this case, a more technological solution is considered - the AVS0415BM kit. The main advantage of this kit is the monitor. Owners, for example, point to a proprietary option to automatically darken the screen. The equipment adjusts the reflection coefficient and brightness in such a way that there is no risk of blinding behind the rear of the car. Enhanced features for high-quality pairing of the monitor and camera are also noted. To do this, you can use the CVBS input, which also connects GPS, TV and DVD devices. Also, under the brand name AVIS, special rear-view cameras for cars with a monitor of different brands are produced. The main characteristics of the components remain standard, but the external structural parameters are adjusted according to the requirements for installation in a particular car.
Pleervox PLV-PC-03 Reviews
Inexpensive, but very attractive offer for an ordinary motorist. The basic characteristics of the model are average - NTSC transmission format, resolution 656x492, viewing angle - 170 °, etc. The interest in this set is due to the protective qualities of the equipment. The camera is marked with a protection category of IP67. In practice, this means a confident counteraction to water, mechanical stress, clogging, etc. Indicate the owners at another time. Typically, a car rearview camera monitor is equipped with brackets that allow you to change the viewing angle. But in this case, the mounting hardware of the camcorder gives such an opportunity. In addition, the device contains elements of infrared illumination, which eliminates the problems of operating the camera in conditions of problematic lighting.
What to consider when choosing?
In general, there are few complaints about the direct functions of such cameras. Even budget Chinese kits adequately cope with the tasks of broadcasting pictures on the screen in the cabin. Ergonomics and equipment reliability are of much greater importance. Experienced drivers, in particular, recommend paying attention to the configuration with durable fasteners and materials for the manufacture of the camera body. The maximum presence of metal parts is desirable - especially in parts adjacent to the fixing infrastructure. It is worth initially assessing the quality of the wiring, which will be connected to the monitor and the rear view camera for the car within the on-board network. Preference should be given to kits, including wiring gaskets, extension cords, insulating pipes and other accessories aimed at improving the reliability of the equipment.
Conclusion
In assessing a particular kit, it will not be superfluous to take into account personal requirements. The fact is that it’s not the novices who resort to assistants of this kind, but experienced motorists who quickly navigate the information provided through the monitor, not forgetting what is happening ahead. Therefore, the choice of a rear view camera with a monitor on the car should be made with the expectation of the prevailing control style. The main thing in this regard is to determine the location of the monitor. Usually the driver gets used to pay attention to one direction. It is desirable that in this case it coincides with the rearview mirror, since this is the most familiar and comfortable area for tracking by the driver.