Recently, quite often you can meetcar recorders combining detector and radar. Such hybrids can save not only finances, but also free space on the dashboard or windshield.
Одна из новеньких моделей радар-детекторов PlayMe P400 Tetra has an impressive set of functions and, according to the manufacturer, can monitor the situation on the track, record important points and notify about all changes in a pleasant voice. At the same time, the cost of a hybrid gadget is very pleasant and affordable.
Below is an overview and test of PlayMe P400 Tetra, its advantages and disadvantages, as well as feedback from owners and expert opinions.
Recorder equipment
The gadget comes in a standard carton box in white and blue. On the sides of the package there is information about the characteristics of the DVR and the manufacturer.
Package includes:
- Video Recorder PlayMe P400 Tetra.
- Adapter for cigarette lighter, allowing you to charge the device.
- Bracket to install the gadget on the windshield.
- User instructions to PlayMe P400 Tetra.
- USB cable - miniUSB.
- A set of fuses.
- Adapter for memory cards.
- Cloth to clean the optical eye.
Judging by the reviews of the owners of PlayMe P400 Tetra,the equipment of the gadget is quite good - very extensive and includes everything you need. The mini-USB cable allows you to connect the recorder to a personal computer.
Design
The case of PlayMe P400 Tetra is made ofhigh quality plastic with a matte finish, which is an advantage of the gadget. Fingerprints and other marks remain except on the front panel where the lens is located. During active use, especially in summer, there is a high dust content of the case.
Distinctive features of design
The dimensions of the gadget can hardly be called compact,despite the fact that the manufacturer tried to reduce them. The screen, lens and detector are located on the same skeleton branch, so that the module with the display is located on the same side. Despite this design, the size of the recorder is still not small.
Installing a gadget is easy and simple, without occupyingtoo much space on the windshield and without impairing the view. Competently executed bracket allows you to quickly remove the device from the mount and hide it in the glove compartment if necessary.
Gadget interface
The DVR is equipped with a normal screen, soAll control is carried out through the keys located on the body. On the left side there are buttons for switching modes, turning on the gadget, turning off the mute mode and other functions, above the display is the menu control and basic settings.
At the top of the case is a tray formounting bracket in the bottom - the microphone jack to record what is happening in the car. On the right panel are the main entrances and exits of the PlayMe P400 Tetra. Despite the rather unusual arrangement of controls and other connectors, you get used to them quickly, as confirmed by the owners of this gadget.
Recorder Performance
Прошивка PlayMe P400 Tetra выполнена на основе platform Ambarella A7, which produces powerful processors for automotive vehicles and gadgets. Characteristics of a set of chipsets allow you to easily play videos and perform several functions at the same time, while having an affordable price.
The matrix in the recorder four megapixelOmniVision based on WDR technology. Despite the fact that the broadcast image is clear and of good quality, it is difficult to call it ideal. However, like all sin gadgets of the same price segment. The disadvantages of the camera include poor recognition of the numbers of cars in front and the appearance of glare when shooting in the dark.
Management and shooting
The possibilities of the matrix is enough for the ordinaryfilming. Video recording is carried out at a frequency of 30 FPS with high resolution in MP4 format. In PlayMe P400 Tetra settings, the storyboard can be upgraded to 60 FPS, however, it will negatively affect the video quality: it will drop to standard HD. Recording in FullHD resolution with a duration of five minutes takes about 500 MB on an external medium or hard disk of the recorder itself. On average, a record for one hour will take about 6 GB, which is not such a big indicator for gadgets of this type.
Registrar Functions
PlayMe P400 is a hybrid gadgetcombining the functionality of the DVR and radar detector. The capabilities of the car device allow you to fix the radar complexes on time and record video.
The main module is the receiver,receiving and recognizing signals from radar. The driver is notified of the presence on the highway of radar complexes and similar devices in advance by means of an audible, voice or visual signal. The functionality of the detector allows you to record not only the usual radar, but also guns, and laser-type cameras that can be found on the tracks of our country. After updating the PlayMe p400 base, Tetra is able to recognize even modern Strela-type systems.
Features of the radar
Despite the fact that not all tracingdevices can be recognized by receiving the signal coming from them, the PlayMe radar detector is capable of detecting even such complexes as Avtodoria. The principle of operation of this system is not based on the emission of the signal, but on comparing the vehicle data — numbers, designs, colors — at two points: the camera in the first paragraph captures the necessary information, and then compares it with similar information recorded by the camera in the second paragraph. The average vehicle speed is calculated based on the distance between two points and the time it took for the vehicle to overcome it. If the permissible value is exceeded, a fine is issued to the owner of the car.
However, the Avtodoria complex has its ownweak point: by linking each camera to the installed GPS beacons, which are easily readable by the PlayMe radar detector. The gadget determines the location of the units of the complex on databases and warns the driver about their location. To work correctly, this function requires a constant update of the PlayMe P400 Tetra, since the deployment of radar complexes is often changed by the traffic police.
GPS module functionality
The capabilities of the PlayMe GPS module are notthey are limited to fixation of radar complexes and other tracking devices located on the tracks: it performs all the standard functions associated with GPS tracking. Evaluate the functionality of the device is best after installing on a personal computer supplied by the software manufacturer. The software allows you to view the recordings and photos made by the DVR, track route points and build new ones, evaluate the vehicle speed and some other parameters.
The wide functionality of the DVR is useful whenhit in an accident, when you need to provide DPS employees with accurate information about the route of the vehicle. The information recorded by PlayMe will allow you to defend your innocence and resolve issues with the insurance company.
Platform and operating system
Control of the DVR is simple andintuitive. The menu and settings are not complex and specific sections, so to understand the device is quite easy, especially for those owners who have already dealt with this technique. Incomprehensible nuances are detailed in the Russian-language operating instructions.
While the gadget is running, its display showsNot only the image from the camera, but also a list of the most recently recorded tracking devices. When identifying a specific radar, a corresponding message is displayed on the screen with information about the distance to the device, vehicle speed and signal level. If desired, you can activate the voice alert, which will warn the driver about the need to reduce speed.
In reviews, PlayMe owners positively respond to the broad functionality of the hybrid gadget, separately highlighting the voice assistant, the simplicity and convenience of settings and controls.
As a result,
Despite the large number of merits,video recorder PlayMe P400 Tetra has its drawbacks, one of which is the low quality video. At the same time, the data recorded by the gadget are quite suitable for presentation to DPS employees and insurance companies in the event of an accident. The radar detector has good performance and copes with its duties perfectly, fixing all the complexes on the way and promptly warning the driver.
Controversy is the sizeDVR: in comparison with analogues, it looks very large and takes up a lot of space on the windshield. However, the size - the main problem of almost all hybrid devices.
Hybrid DVR PlayMe P400 Tetrafully justifies its own price and pays for it in just a few trips. The wide functionality allows the driver not to be afraid of collisions with tracking devices and radars, and a camera with good resolution captures everything that happens on the track on the gadget's memory card, recording good photos and videos.
