How many times have you wanted to personally oversee every trip in your fleet? To sit on the passenger side, monitor driver behavior, observe vehicle performance, and note speed limits and road conditions? Sounds like a dream, doesn’t it? While this may be ‘physically’ impossible, modern-day technology has the potential to allow you to monitor every trip ‘virtually’. MDVR and Dashcam are both designed to do that.
Including video telematics (MDVR and dashcam) in your fleet management delivers information that is critical to the long-term operation of your fleet. A video-enhanced telematics program delivers the responsibility that every fleet manager should have. You should be vigilant of any driving actions that could jeopardize the safe and reliable completion of a trip.
Video telematics can be a valuable contributor to your fleet management methods. Fleet managers can acquire a wealth of actionable insights to assist enhance and safeguarding the operations of their fleets of trucks, buses, taxis, or delivery vehicles.
MDVR and dashcam are both video recording devices that can be used in your vehicles to capture real-time footage and add an extra layer of protection to your fleet. In this blog, we will understand what MDVR and dashcam are, MDVR and dashcam differences, and how you can choose the right device for your fleet.
What is an MDVR camera?
The full form of MDVR is Mobile Digital Video Recorders. MDVRs are mounted camera systems that allow fleet operations centers to monitor their vehicles and drivers in real-time. In taxis and buses, you’ll often find a range of onboard cameras in various areas, ranging from in-vehicle and street-facing to load tracking and blind spots, or customer and cash-point surveillance.
In addition to the live broadcast, these cameras record, store, and upload material, allowing fleet managers to use those records for coaching, evidence, or proof of misconduct. The additional information offered by MDVR systems can improve operational management, services, safety, and efficiency.
What is a Dashcam?
A dashboard camera, often known as a dashcam, is a small camera that is connected to your car and put on the dashboard, rear-view mirror, or windscreen. It captures the road-facing view of the vehicle while you drive and stores the footage on an SD card or in the cloud for later viewing. When you turn on the ignition of the vehicle, the camera will immediately come on and begin recording.
Some dashboard cameras may also capture the interior of your vehicle while you’re driving, which can provide you with some peace of mind if you transport other passengers. Installing a dash cam towards your car’s back window will also record the rearview as you drive.
Key differences between MDVR and Dashcam:
Now that we’ve discussed what MDVR and Dashcam individually are, let’s compare the two. This MDVR and dashcam comparison will help you decide which one of the two is ideal for your fleet.
| Parameter | MDVR | Dashcam |
| Installation | It can be hardwired or used as a plug-and-play device. | It can be hardwired or used as a plug-and-play device. |
| Display Option | MDVRs have a high-quality display option, usually LCD screens. In case your MDVR does not come with a screen, you can get one added as per your requirement. | Most dash cams come with a small screen or even no screen. There is little to no scope for changing the display option. |
| Recording Capacity | An MDVR arrangement is ideal for those who handle larger fleets or distribute goods over long distances because it has a higher quality and battery life. | Dashcams are intended for short-term office/home journey recording. It allows end-users to use any SD card. With a relaxed quality control standard, a dashcam is adequate for light users’ trip use. |
| Device Safety | MDVR devices are usually produced with industry-grade materials, keeping in mind that it is intended for longer usage, so the device is comparatively safer and more difficult to tamper with. | Made with consumer-grade materials, dashcams may be affected by environmental conditions. It is also easier to tamper with. |
| Camera Location | Installed on the windscreen (facing the road or the driver) and even installed where it’s facing the rear view mirror. Cameras can also be placed to record the sides of the vehicle. | Installed on the dashboard of the vehicle, facing the road or the driver. |
| GPS Tracking | MDVRs do have the option of GPS tracking. | Most dashcams do not come with GPS tracking functionality. |
All discussion boils down to the simple question, “how can I choose between MDVR and Dashcam?”. Well, the comparison above and our next section will help you decide which one of the two is right for you.
How to choose between MDVR and Dashcam for your business or home?
MDVR and Dashcam: Although MDVR can send useful data, not everyone requires such a comprehensive solution. For example, vehicle dealerships, rideshare services, and limo services may just need a dashcam for compliance purposes. They will have proof in the event of a collision, injury, or theft, and they will be able to use the camera to make sure passenger compliance is followed.
Those who handle larger fleets or distribute goods over long distances, on the other hand, may benefit from a more extensive MDVR arrangement. Companies will find it easier to identify methods to cut operating expenses, establish better driving behaviors in their drivers, and associated risks after collisions with a system like this.
Along with possessing hours of uninterrupted film available for inspection as desired, businesses will benefit from the ability to check-in and observe what’s going on on the road at any time.
In comparison, many dashcams do not offer live streaming and simply record limited segments of a ride. Not to add, MDVR gives fleet managers more control over the warnings and reports they receive from the system, allowing them to profit from a tailored telematics gateway. MDVR and Dashcam both have their own merits and the choice ultimately depends on how you plan to use them.
FAQ
Who uses MDVR?
MDVR technology is primarily used in 4 industries: public transportation, commercial fleet, school buses, and police vehicles.
Can you use MDVR with dashcam?
Yes. Revolutionary MDVR technology dashcams enhance GPS tracking and fleet management to better protect the business fleet and improve driver behavior.
What are the benefits of using dashcam & MDVR together?
The following are some of the advantages that a dashcam with MDVR technology can provide to businesses:
- Accident risk reduction entails using collected video footage to improve driver coaching.
- Lower risk of vehicle damage, loss, and claims – safer driving is now the norm.
- Improved lone worker safety — improved visibility of distant drivers through live video streaming
- On-site virtual presence, visibility into important occurrences — obtain an accurate knowledge of crucial events preceding, during, and following an incident
- Capability to evaluate video footage with fleet data to better comprehend incidents and, if necessary, use it as proof in insurance claims or legal processes.