Digital Ally adds new twists to event recording
In consideration of operator budgets, Digital Ally, Inc., Lenexa, KS, brings a unique contract-free business model to video event and data capture technology for considerable budgetary benefit.
Digital Ally first developed vehicle recording systems for the law enforcement community, which at the time needed an extremely stabile and compact video system to protect from false claims by capturing unbiased accounts of such incidents. In the process, the company realized how beneficial its recorders could be for other fleet operators. Digital Ally was soon tailoring its camera systems and greatly expanding the management and reporting software for other industries. The company says thousands of fleets worldwide now employ its cohesive safety management system.
Digital Ally video event data recorders utilize up to eight cameras, each set to display a unique view to the driver and automatically record based on different triggers. For example, when a vehicle is in reverse, a camera mounted to the back of the vehicle can automatically record and display. If a side door opens or a stop bar raises, the event can trigger a camera aimed down that side of the vehicle. During any hard braking, excessive acceleration, severe cornering or an impact, the cameras can provide simultaneous recorded views of the driver and the road ahead. Additionally, the driver receives real time feedback from LED indicators.
Different manual recording options including a covert footswitch are available for instances when the operator encounters problematic passengers. Digital Ally says the mere presence of cameras can be effective in calming potentially dangerous passengers once they realize their actions could be on film.
The video event data recorders can record on a constant loop or stream live during dangerous situations. They can be set to only record up to 30 seconds before a triggered event, allowing the system to capture exactly what happened. Capturing the event’s cause is particularly useful to protect against false accusations and claims. A review of the footage helps operators capture dangerous behavior and identify specific training needs.
A Digital Ally event recorder can fit inconspicuously into a rearview mirror without interfering with the driver’s line of sight. To minimize distraction, the one-way mirror glass conceals the monitor and makes it invisible when not in use.
Having maximized the benefits of the hardware, Digital Ally says it programmed its VuVault management and reporting software to enhance the use of recorded video, data and optional audio for any risk reduction efforts. GPS mapping and comprehensive reports provide insight for further driver training, problematic or dangerous geographic areas and equipment status.
Operators pay no ongoing fee for the use of the self-managed software. It also allows wireless firmware upgrades to the video event data recorders, which provide updates to the system with the newest capabilities for its remaining product life.
Recorded data of the vehicle, driver and GPS map, as well as event-trigger data can show during playback, giving a quick yet insightful look into incidents. The software also allows notes to be added and important events to be marked within the recordings, which may also be visible when playing a recording for training purposes. Access to any data, including custom user-added fields, can help in sorting, searching and retrieving recordings.