Portable DVR Camera: PROTECT 701 (HD, H.264, SDHC/MMC, adjustable LCD screen)

PROTECT 701 with its LCD screen folded down

Tilt screen allows the user to quickly set the camera to a desired position

Menu control via function buttons

Due to small size, the device can be installed virtually anywhere, in a discreet way

The rechargeable battery allows autonomous operation for many hours

View of the camera hanging on the included bracket

View of the packaging

PROTECT 701 is a mobile device (for indoor applications) combining high resolution camera and DVR capable of recording high-definition video (720p, H.264 compression) and audio.The kit includes a suction cup with a handle (to be mounted on flat surfaces, such as glass, polished or enameled metal), 12-24 VDC / 5 VDC power supply with plug for cigarette lighter outlet, and a USB cable to connect the device to a PC.

Installation of the unit is quick and simple. The positioning of the camera does not cause any problems due to 2.5" LCD monitor providing live view, which can be rotated within the range of 270 degrees. The buttons on the unit allow the user to perform definite functions and navigate the menu.

Parameters of the device make it very versatile tool for monitoring of sales outlets, interiors of vehicles, environments around vehicles (recording of various events through the front or rear window), and for many other purposes that require mobile equipment. Its fixed lens with very little distortion ensures very wide, 120-degree viewing angle. For comparison, the perception of the human eye is limited to an angle of 90 degrees. So, when installing the camera by the rear-view mirror, it sees the road and shoulder. The camera can also be mounted in a vehicle so as to monitor its interior (cabs, buses etc.), which is facilitated by rotatable monitor for previewing the recorded video. In addition, IR LEDs allow to observe the scene even in complete darkness. High-sensitivity HD CMOS (1280x720) image sensor ensures clear video even in low-light conditions.

The IR LEDs can be switched on permanently or automatically, when the light drops below a certain level. When driving at night in a city, the user should select permanent IR lighting. Otherwise, the frequent changes of light intensity caused by street lamps and repeated automatic switching on/off the LEDs would greatly reduce the quality of the footage.

The video recording can be carried out in two modes: continuous or triggered by motion detection. In the latter case, the DVR records the video until manual stop or for a predefined period of one clip (2, 5, 15 minutes). The recording is possible at any moment, or only when the DVR is connected to an external power source (for example, it can be activated only after the vehicle's engine has been started). The device can be switched on directly by the external voltage, or at the request of the operator. The status of recording is displayed as an icon on the LCD screen or, when it is closed, indicated by a discreet LED. The included rechargeable 800 mAh Li-Ion battery lasts for about 3-4 hours of recording, depending on configuration.

The video is saved on an SD/SDHC/MMC card. The maximum supported capacity is 32 GB. The recorded material can be archived by connecting the DVR via a USB cable to a PC - the unit becomes a flash card reader then. The files are easy to find - during recording they are organized into a directory structure based on dates (year, month, day), and numbered consecutively in the order in which they appear during a day. The videos recorded by the device can also be viewed locally, or on an external monitor connected via HDMI cable.

Additionally, the DVR can record sound. Still camera mode offers pictures with resolution of 1280x960 pixels.

The device can only record material from the built-in camera and microphone, there is no possibility of connecting external signal sources.

Below there is a table with estimated file sizes of video recordings with definite resolution and recording speed (including audio) and the needed capacity of memory cards.

* The results have been based on tests carried out under different conditions (lighting, dynamics of events, various environments). The values given in the table are average results, provided for general orientation.

A memory card is not included.