V.I.O. POV.1 Point-of-View Video System

by V.I.O

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 7 x 3.5 x 8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B001A08J9S
• Item model number: POV1
• Batteries: 4 AA batteries required. (included)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #12,609 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 25, 2008

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

From the Manufacturer

The POV.1 from V.I.O. is built for one purpose: capturing hands-free video from the most thrilling point of view ... yours. The entire system is built to withstand exposure to the dust, shock, and water that make action sports fun. Plus, it’s push-button easy to use. The lens can be mounted to best capture the action, for example on a helmet, handlebar, or car fender. The recorder can be mounted nearby or stowed in a hydration pack. The wireless remote can be mounted anywhere within reach.

V.I.O. POV1 Highlights

An integrated system. All from V.I.O
V.I.O. is the innovation leader in POV video technology. With the POV.1, we have designed and built the most advanced, integrated POV system by combining lens, recorder, software and mounting accessories. From capturing video to cut-and-splice editing to online distribution, the process is simple and seamless.

No-brainer Simple
If you can push a button, you can master the POV.1. The video is hands free. The cut-and-splice editing is intuitive. Distributing video involves a simple mouse-click to upload your clip to the V.I.O. server for secure access. Other capabilities you’ll want to take advantage of include real-time tagging to mark key moments for easy retrieval, and loop recording, which saves video being captured only if the tag button is pressed. Since tags can save material before the tag, you can actually record back in time.

Comes with Windows-compatible software for editing and uploading clips

Software included
V.I.O. comes with its own Windows-compatible software that allows you to upload video clips to a computer via the USB cable or removable SD card, cut and splice to create multiple clips from a single clip or join multiple clips into a single clip. Then you can upload clips to the V.I.O. server so friends can view and download them online.

Video
You can adjust functions you want to control, such as frame rate, resolution and format. Exposure and white balance are automatic. You can play back videos on the POV.1 directly to a TV via the included RCA cables, or upload to a computer via USB cable or the removable SD card.

• Frame rates: 30fps, 25fps, 24fps, and 15fps
• Resolutions: 720x480, 720x400, 640x480, 360x240
• Formats: MPEG4 AVI (DivX Codec) digital, NTSC/PAL analog
• Exposure control: Automatic exposure control and white balance

Image hardware
The CMOS sensor and global shutter capture sharp, vivid detail without eating battery power. The high dynamic range conquers difficult lighting, like when shooting from darkness toward light. And it all works in freezing cold or roasting heat.

• Sensor: Advanced CMOS sensor with electronic global shutter
• Dynamic range: 75dB to 110dB
• Sensitivity: 5 lux color sensor (Sub 0.1 lux monochrome sensor)
• Processor: 32 Bit MIPS processor, 12 Bit image
• Operating Temp: 0C to +70C Recommended

Optics
You get a lot of light through the lens and the right focal length to capture all the action.

• Sensitivity: F/#2.0, Relative Illumination@Full Field 90%
• Effective Focal Length: 2.97mm
• Field of View: 110 degrees

Audio
Sound is an integral part of the action. The POV.1 captures it accurately and plays it back clearly.

• Mic type: Monaural Omni directional cable-mounted, -40dB sensitivity at 1kHz
• Resolution: 16-bit half duplex
• Sampling rate: 32kHz
• SNR: 80dB
• Codec: Zoran
• Speaker: Monaural 8ohm Mylar, 0.7W Max

Data handling
When the going gets tough, flash memory nails it. No moving parts. Lightweight. And several cards fit in a pocket. Expect up to 1.5 hours of high-quality video or 10 hours using lowest setting per 2GB card.

• Recording capacity: 2GB Maximum SD Flash Memory Card (1GB card included)
• File Functions: Record, Playback, Delete
• I/O Ports: SD card slot, USB 2.0 high speed (Mini -B), Mic-In, NTSC/PAL Analog TV/Audio Out

User interface
A few intuitive buttons are all you need. The interface is designed for speed and ease-of-use to help you create and distribute, within minutes, videos filled with key action and free of non critical material.

• Navigation Controls: All on recording unit, including Quick Mode select keys for Recording, Playback, and Set Up mode
• Auxiliary Controls: Unidirectional RF remote control with Record, Tag and Stop controls
• Functionality: Record, Tagging, File Navigation including Select, Playback and Delete. Recording configurable for either Standard Clip capture or Loop Mode. User configurable camera settings via Settings Menu screens

Size and mass
It's lightweight and compact. And it runs on 4 double-A's.

• Recording Unit: 40mm x 60mm x 167 mm, 304 grams (with 4 AA batteries)
• Imaging Head: 58 grams
• Remote Control: 24 grams (with A27 battery)
• Tether Cable: Approximately 1 meter length

Product Description

Capture the kind of intense video footage you've always wanted, and all from unique points of view, with the VIO POV1 digital video system that can be attached to your helmet, hat, or handlebars Your fun doesn't end with shooting to you'll have all the components you need to edit (both on-site and off) and share via the Internet using POV Manager's video sharing capabilities so that all of your friends and fans can see your mountain biking, snowboarding, or rock climbing adventures Features: Film incredible point-of-view 720 x 480-resolution imagery by attaching the camera to your hat, helmet, or handlebars to or anywhere else that you can think of Broaden your horizons with a 110-degree field of view in the wide-angle camera head Never miss a stunt with the TAG feature to in LOOP mode, it lets you capture the previous segment of film, discarding the extra time between shots you want to keep CLIP mode records in standard Start to Stop record fashion Get audio with the Monaural Omni directional cable-mounted mic with a 16-bit half duplex resolution and 32kHz sampling, and when voice is required, use the Monaural 8ohm mylar 07W Max speaker Capture your footage in a range of resolutions, view it on the LCD display, and store all of your video on the 1 GB SD card as an MPEG4 AVI Handling and maintenance are easy thanks to the ergonomic, single-handed design of the waterproof, dustproof, and shock-resistant cam that comes with a wireless remote control If you're editing on your Mac, view your video through Quicktime and edit in iMovie If you're a PC user, install VIO's POV Manager to download, edit, and share footage

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars POV rocks for skiing and Kayaking, September 17, 2008

By 

C. Moon - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: V.I.O. POV.1 Point-of-View Video System (Electronics)

I've had one of these units for almost a year now and I love it. It took me a couple tries to get the aim right on my ski helmet but when I did it captured sick powder and took my tip eating falls in stride.

This spring I started using it for kayaking and I was super impressed with the image, no fog lens and waterproof nature of the whole unit. I took several gnarly swims and the camera captured everything.

Some hints for success:

1) Trust the double sticky Velcro that comes with the unit. It really does work
2) Spend time with it, get used to it and know how to aim it before trying to capture the "must have footage". I think it took 2 or 3 tries per helmet to get the aim perfect.
3) When using the remote, set the audio "beep" as high as it will go so you can hear it.
4) Keep the unit in your jacket pocket not in your backpack for warmth.
5) Zip ties - Use them and love them. One of the best features of the POV is that you can mount base plates on all your sporting helmets and leave them there while the camera c-clamp slides on to whatever you're doing that day. Once you have your aim dialed in, zip tie the hell out of the plate and you'll never have to mess with it.
6) Purchase a set of AA rechargeable batteries - They are great for 90% of your usage; It saves money and the earth. On long trips without recharge options I use the Lithium batteries and take lots of sets; 5 sets for a Grand Canyon trip and 5 2G cards.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Combat Conditions with the POV.1, December 10, 2008

By 

Christopher Feder "Chris" (Philadelphia, PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: V.I.O. POV.1 Point-of-View Video System (Electronics)

Well I can't say enough about the POV.1. I purchased three of the units in August and until then I have never heard of VIO, Inc. I purchased them under the assumption that they will work for me. It was not until I got back to Afghanistan after being home on R&R Leave that I realized just how good these units are. The video is DVD Movie quantity and I used the system in my HUMVEE to record our missions. I attached the unit to my helmet and my weapon and yet again got great video. I put the units through some really hot days and they stood the test and captured the video. When I recently came home I decided to use these cameras in my civilian career as both a Firefighter and Instructor and an avid rock climber. There is no better system out there then this. For the price of the system and the new recording times (up to 8hrs) NO one can go wrong with the POV.1.

A lot of companies make accessories for their product that are cool and not really practical; VIO has introduced Accessories that are not only very practical, but cost worthy. You can't go wrong.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars very nice, October 15, 2008

By 

D. Provenzano (South Carolina) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: V.I.O. POV.1 Point-of-View Video System (Electronics)

After several attempts to piece together a workable helmet cam for paintball, I broke down and bought the V.I.O. POV1 Point-of-View Video System. It's a very nice compact setup that works very well for my needs. The video quality is great at the 640x480x30fps setting; you can see paintballs in flight. Higher resolutions up to 720x480 are also available but record time drops a bit as file size increases. The heart of the system is the recorder; it's a seemingly rugged completely digital device with very handy LCD screen and audio built in for in the field playback. The size of the recorder fits a paint pod and carry is easy in a pod pack. (Besides the cost) the biggest down side had been the wireless remote control. The intent is you can start and stop the recorder without having to unpack it from a pack. It's simple but has let me down a couple times resulting in some great missed footage. Unless you can monitor the recorder to make sure it starts, you're better off turning the recorder on and off directly. Over all we are very pleased with the camera and it's quality.