Reviewed: Roadhawk HD Digital Driver Protection System

Darren

We last reviewed a Roadhawk product, their DC-1 Drive Recorder, in September 2011. In-car black box video camera systems have become increasingly popular in recent years, the increasing cost of motor insurance, crash for cash scams etc, make them a unique solution that can tip the balance back in favour of the motorist.

Now Roadhawk have improved the design with the Roadhawk HD, which now uses the same lens and 1080p sensor technology as the GoProHD action cameras and an improved GPS receiver with faster signal acquisition.

For anyone still unfamiliar with what a drive recorder (or in-car black box camera) is, the concept is simple. A windscreen mounted digital video camera continuously records whilst the ignition is on. Coupled with a GPS receiver in the unit, the data is recorded to an SD card in a continuous loop of one minute long 'events'. When the memory card fills up, the oldest data is overwritten. This gives you a record of all your journeys and, the larger the capacity of the memory card, the longer your drive history.

Read our review here.

_________________
Darren Griffin

Sean16v · Occasional Visitor Joined: May 15, 2006 Posts: 47

Video showing yourself speeding and hogging the over taking lane, not the best advert to use Rolling Eyes

Darren · Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 8:43 am Post subject:

Just to be clear, that's not 'my' video. But it does demonstrate the clarity of the video from the Roadhawk HD.
_________________
Darren Griffin

mjax10 · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jan 15, 2007 Posts: 16

These are great bits of kit. I have the BLACKVUE 380 which is similar to this and find it really useful. Forever getting cut up at islands (and no its not me that's in the wrong before anyone asks!!) luckily managed to avoid any contact to date but i now know my BLACKVUE is there if needed.

Darren · Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 9:28 am Post subject:

It's a pity that none of the UK insurance companies will offer a discount on your policy for installing one, or even a discount on the purchase price.

I know they don't offer 360º coverage but they can be a huge help should you be involved in an accident.
_________________
Darren Griffin

Panet · Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 10:18 am Post subject:

I am tempted by this but two things occur to me. It would be great if it had a 'park mode' and an rear facing lens so that while the car was parked it gave and all round view. I've had my car vandalised while parked in less salubrious areas and and hit by another anonymous vehicle while parked.
I spoke to Roadhawk about this and they said it was a good idea but had nothing in development.
Also is the unit not a target itself for theft? And if one had to keep removing it there is the temptation not to bother - and you bet that's when something happens!
_________________
Panet
Co. Durham, UK

Darren · Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 10:23 am Post subject:

xiiipaul · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jan 08, 2010 Posts: 17

I have the HD Roadhawk wired in using the kit from the company so it records 24/7. The wiring kit switches off the unit when it measures the voltage drop to a pre defined level, thus preventing a flat battery.
In normal use the camera would last three weeks before draining the battery as it power requirement is so low.

Darren · Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 11:04 am Post subject:

Good spot, that'll be this, seems like it would fit the bill.

_________________
Darren Griffin

xiiipaul · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jan 08, 2010 Posts: 17

Indeed that's the very article!
If you buy thie HD unit (and it is as good as it gets) be aware to record in 720 not 1080p as the higher definition reduces the recording angle and sucks all your memory. The 720 recordings are very crisp and clear and smooth in playback.

Darren · Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 11:41 am Post subject:

Ah yes, I ought to have mentioned that, the same issue affects GoProHD which uses the same sensor. 720p is plenty good enough for daily use.
_________________
Darren Griffin

Kremmen · Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 11:52 am Post subject: Re: Parked Mode

xiiipaul · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jan 08, 2010 Posts: 17

I'm afraid not, as it has no internal battery but the wiring hides easily behind trim. In my 307 only the 3 inch wire shows from trim to unit and that's neat as it comes with sticky back cable tidy pads. So no hanging cables at all!

Darren · Posted: Fri Jan 25, 2013 1:14 pm Post subject: Re: Parked Mode

SpikeUK · Regular Visitor Joined: Nov 29, 2005 Posts: 140

I use a T-eye, and the thing I like about that is that it gives the driver a continuous GPS reading of speed in mph with an LCD display. I find that to be extremely useful, and I tend to rely on it more than the car's speedometer. I'm just waiting for them to produce an HD version, so that car number plates can be identified.
_________________
Tomtom 930 - excellent
Tomtom 700 - retired

	PocketGPS
	Web