In a recent recreational review I touched on a technology item for tracking purposes. Such devices offer a limited level of feedback - and that's all they're supposed to do. When we start using technology for greater input, however, then design, use and maintenance become more intricate. This week's review is of the VIO Sport POV-1 Cam: a relatively small, relatively simple video capture and share device. For unit commanders, under certain circumstances, this may be ideal for "being there" without being there. Actually, while it would be great for after action reviews, if the unit commanders want to really feel the action then they'll have to do what other commanders before them have done: get up out of the chair and carry a gun. That said...
I thought it was cool when the Space marines in the movie "Alien 2" went into the environmental processing structure hunting for human survivors. The Lieutenant - whom I had little respect for because of how they portrayed the character - stayed behind in a nice armored and environmentally sealed TANK. He was able to see what each Marine was seeing because of the video cams each of them was wearing on their helmet. Additionally, the basic vital signs for each Marine was monitored and sent back as well. We're not quite there yet, but we're working on it.
The VIO POV (Or Point Of View) 1 video cam is a compact and fairly easy to use video capture device specifically designed to capture video during high energy activities. If you do a web search for "VIO POV-1" you'll find a number of X-Games type forum boards where the users are discussing how such a cam is used to capture video during extreme mountain biking, moto-cross racing, snow-boarding and more. If the device can be used during such activities, it can certainly be used to capture video for high risk entries, search and rescue missions, etc.
When we look at electronics for use "in the field" one of the biggest concerns is how robust the system is. VIO designed the POV-1 to take what might be dished out. The CMOS camera has a lens cover (as simple as that sounds it's not always standard on such items) and the DVR unit is rated for water exposure but is not water PROOF. An examination of the case construction shows a well designed gasket system to help seal both compartments of the DVR unit along with the snug fit of the parts.
As for recorded material appearance, I found that the VIO POV-1 system did a good job of capturing clear video but did better in brightly lit conditions than in lower light. The video I captured in my back yard after sunset looked awfully dark while video make inside a dark building "aimed" where we used our flashlights to look did just fine.
The POV-1 records video through its Digital Video Recording (DVR) system to a 1GB memory card - or to a 2GB card if you choose that upgrade. To download images from that card you have two choices:
- Use a USB cable to plug the DVR system into your computer, or (easier)
- Take the memory card out and put it in the serial card reader slot of your computer.
My testing of this unit only stretched as far as exercising with it on... hiking, bicycling and running were included. I took it to the range to record some shooting sessions from the shooter's point of view, but made a mistake when attempting to download the video and erased it instead. I can't blame the camera or recording system for human error (darn it!).
Everything you need to get started comes in the box, and it's really not hard to use. The wireless controller can be velcroed on wherever you consider to be most convenient. While I have to send this unit back to VIO - now that my testing is done - I intend to ask for another one... the next generation perhaps - for my buddy Chuck to wear while skydiving. That's a view I always enjoy... and just won't ever experience first hand.
I have to give the VIO POV-1 a "thumbs up". It's a cool video capture tool that's simple and compact. If you can operate a contemporary video camera, you can operate this - and get some really neat point-of-view video.
Stay Safe!!
