Thinkware’s model F750 2-channel car black box adopts a Sony Exmor CMOS sensor. It supports GPS, Wi-Fi, red light camera warning and advanced driver assistance systems.

On the drawing board are value enhancements such as driver assistance systems, and data and device security.

South Korea car black box manufacturers are leveraging increasing product awareness to step up initiatives for more advanced and multifunction models on top of the core objective for better reliability. They continue to target the high end to steer clear of competition in price-sensitive markets.

MIR Technology Inc. emphasizes the integration of driver assistance systems, including lane departure, and fog detection and warning. This complements the supplier’s efforts toward improved picture quality and video data management. Its selection consists of 1 to 4 and multichannel models.

SD System Co. Ltd and Thinkware Systems Corp. plan to introduce versions with LDWS in coming months. This is in addition to speed- and brake-checking functions the former will implement in its next-generation units. SD has released detachable types and those with rotating lenses as security enhancements for the vehicle and the device itself. “We have feedback from overseas demanding countermeasures amid cases of stolen black boxes,” said SD assistant manager Gyu-Suk Jo.

Thinkware will launch more models with Wi-Fi capability for real-time video monitoring through smartphones. “In the US, for example, black boxes are not just for recording car accidents but for scenery as well,” said Jae Um, manager of the company’s SD business division in its global business department. The feature eliminates the need for a built-in display, which is prohibited in some countries.

The supplier will also boost the release of units with speed camera and red light detection, but assures no price adjustment as the improvements will be executed in the software. It is considering combining GPS and black box functions for fleet management application. Enabling online firmware update and supporting data upload to cloud servers are also on the maker’s future agenda.

In terms of reliability, products boast enhanced data security, besides adaptability to high temperature and vibration. Thinkware’s models save recorded events automatically to the built-in and external memory.

Spurring development in this line is the gradually expanding export market. “With relevant insurance systems introduced in 2007, the Asia market for black boxes has been established with its annual sales volume reaching about 4 million units,” said Joey Won, division general manager in Thinkware’s global business department.

The next promising market is the US, followed by Canada, England and Australia. “We have entered the second through Walmart Canada and Future Shop,” Won added.

For the majority of South Korea suppliers, however, business overseas is still limited due to rivalry with lower-priced China products. To compete, some makers participate in international exhibitions to gain recognition.

The current local selection ranges from VGA to full-HD units, with HD and the latter representing the mainstream types. Quotes are from $70 for entry-level kinds to as much as $350 for high-end versions. Midrange releases are $120 at Thinkware and about $150 at SD. Enhancements can increase rates by 3 to 5 percent.

South Korea’s manufacturing pool surpasses 200 companies, most of which are small and midsize operations. Major players make up less than 10 percent.

Product gallery

MIR Technology Inc.
(South Korea)

Model: M3 Gold/MHB-43
MOQ: 100 units
Delivery: 28 days
Description: 4-channel; D1; CMOS sensor; 1280x720-pixel recording resolution, 24fps front, 10fps rear, side cameras; 132-degree recording angle; H.264 VBR recording, CVBS output; G-sensor, acceleration sensor, optional GPS; SD/SDHC card, 2 to 64GB; 7 to 28VDC operating voltage; -10 to 70 C operating temperature

MIR Technology Inc.
(South Korea)

Model: Moduview/MV-100
MOQ: 100 units
Delivery: 28 days
Description: 1-channel; CMOS sensor; 1280x720-pixel recording resolution, 30fps; 130-degree recording angle; H.264 VBR recording, CVBS output; G-sensor, acceleration sensor, optional GPS; SD/SDHC card, 2 to 64GB; 7 to 28VDC operating voltage; -10 to 70 C operating temperature

SD System Co. Ltd
(South Korea)

Model: RV-500F
MOQ: 1,000 units
Delivery: 56 days
Description: 1-channel; 1/2.7in CMOS sensor; 1920x1080-pixel resolution, maximum 30fps front camera; 140-degree viewing angle; H.264 video, AAC audio; 5VDC; -20 to 60 C operating temperature; PC/ABS housing; 117x31x31mm; 90g; CE, E-Mark, FCC

SD System Co. Ltd
(South Korea)

Model: V-350D
MOQ: 1,000 units
Delivery: 70 days
Description: 1/2.7in front, 1/3in rear CMOS sensors; 1280x720-pixel resolution, maximum 25fps front, 720x480, maximum 10fps rear; 120-degree viewing angle; 3.5in IPS LCD, 320x480-pixel touchscreen; H.264 video, AAC audio; 5VDC; -20 to 60 C operating temperature; PC/ABS housing; 107x70x37mm; 124g

Thinkware Systems Corp.
(South Korea)

Model: F750
MOQ: 100 units
Delivery: 56 days
Description: 2-channel; Sony Exmor CMOS sensor; 1080p, 15 to 30fps; 140-degree viewing angle; 512MB internal memory, 16GB UHS-1 microSD card included, slot up to 64GB supported; GPS, Wi-Fi, red light camera warning and advanced driver assistance systems; 12/24VDC, maximum 36V; built-in supercapacitor; -20 to 65 C operating temperature

Thinkware Systems Corp.
(South Korea)

Model: X500
MOQ: 100 units
Delivery: 56 days
Description: 2-channel; Sony Exmor CMOS sensor; 1080p, 15 to 30fps; 140-degree viewing angle; 512MB internal memory, 16GB UHS-1 microSD card included, slot up to 64GB supported; 2.7in LCD; GPS, red light camera warning and advanced driver assistance systems; 12/24VDC, maximum 36V; built-in supercapacitor; -20 to 65 C operating temperature