Tag Archives: video

Test Gear: ContourHD Camera

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I received a ContourHD helmet camera for Christmas. We shopped these and discovered that the latest 1080p version was out, and the previous 720p version was on sale at Amazon with a gift card deal, so we got the previous version, the ContourHD, and my Wife kept the gift card.  Win-win.

After a quick setup and experimentation, here is a test video along a tree-lined road.  Not dramatic video, but the video angle, lens, and video quality seem good:

The VHoldR ContourHD is a video camera in the shape of a small cylinder with attachment points.  It records video to a micro-SD card.  It runs off a battery so is self-contained.  Because it is very light (4 oz) it is also easy to mount on a helmet, or in my case in the Cadillac CTS on the rear view mirror.

The camera came with a 2GB microSD card, although additional cards (extended recording by swapping cards) and larger capacity cards can be used, up to 16 GB.  The battery recharges when you attach the camera via a cable to the USB port on the PC; easy.

ContourHD

The ContourHD like the one I have records in either HD (1280×720 pixels), 720p, or in SD (848×480 pixels), 480p. The latest model, the Contour HD 1080p, records in:

Video Choices for the 1080p:

Video Resolutions
 Window Size Frame Rate Record
Full HD – 1080p 1920×1080 pixels 30fps 15min/GB
Tall HD – 960p 1280×960 pixels 30fps 15min/GB
Action HD – 720p 1280×720 pixels 60fps 15min/GB
Contour HD – 720p 1280×720 pixels 30fps 30min/GB
Fast SD – WVGA 848×480 pixels 60fps 30min/GB

a variety of resolutions.

The ContourHD does not have a video display for realtime video review.  To understand and test the best mounting points for the camera in the Cadillac CTS I would try it at different points, then connect it to my netbook, download the video, and review it.  I decided that attaching the ContourHD to the rearview mirror with a clear view out the front of the CTS was best.

The Rearview mirror in the CTS is a large one, with the OnStar access built in to the mirror.  One advantage is that the bottom of the mirror is a flat surface, so it made it easier to attach the camera.  I shopped Walmart in Georgetown, SC where we are vacationing this week and found a Velcro strap to use to attach the camera to the mirror.

camera mounted on mirror

Mirror Mount with Velcro One-wrap

I used a Velcro One-wrap 3ft x 1 in to attach the ContourHD. A more permanent and repeatable mounting would be more desirable, but this worked for my test drive.

The ContourHD captures video in Quicktime format. It comes with an editing program that can be used to crop the video, but does not offer options to resize. VHoldR does offer online storage of captured video; the video above is on their site.

Overall I am happy with the ContourHD. Because it is light and battery powered, it is easy to mount in interesting places to capture video. It is inexpensive, but appears to be well made. I am not a fan of their side rail mounting system so far, but as I become more familiar with it perhaps it will grow on me.

For inside the Cadillac footage my cruisecam shortbar mount and digital camera really work well.  I think the ContourHD would be more interesting strapped to the exterior mirror or front air scoop.  I plan to keep experimenting with placement and see what works.

Excellent 2009 Cadillac CTS-V composite video

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Terrific video. Warning: will make you want to write a check for a Cadillac CTS-V.

CTS-V, our new high-performance CTS. 556 hp, 551 ft-lbs of torque.
It is the … ultimate luxury performance sedan.

Performance tuned at Nurburgring. Fastest production sedan in the world by measured lap time.

This is not a boy’s car. This is a real man’s car. (Real Woman’s car also). No boy racer, no hoo-rah, no fru-fru; this is the real stuff.

The beauty of this car, is that it will lap this track at Corvette speeds, yet it is still all luxury.

It is just like a masterpiece of mechanical hardware that you can look at and appreciate every day. You can imagine a guy driving home in this thing, gets out of his car, hard day at work, shuts the door, looks behind, he goes
“Wow, what a cool car”.

Highlights reel – GM spans 100 years in one Volt

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Today GM celebrated their corporate 100th birthday with a live, streaming video teleconference with the world. If you missed the opportunity to watch this live today, here is a highlights reel from GM:

People from a variety of GM locations around the world spoke about how GM is doing in their locale, then the Chevrolet Volt extended range vehicle was shown.   In the highlights reel you get a feel for a couple of international speakers, but not their actual presentation.  Then it swaps to still photos of cars, and part of Rick Wagoner’s speech.  Total is 9:05 minutes.

The world is asking for a new solution, and we at GM are committed to giving them that solution.
The most exciting time in my GM Career, …and one of the most exciting times in our 100 year history.

Some sections appear designed for local media to add voice-over commentary, so just enjoy the silence there OR make believe that there IS sound, but that because it is the Volt it is too silent to hear (at least during the extended shots of the Volt).

Also shown:

  • Some exterior and interior shots of the Volt.
  • Bob Lutz speaks on battery development.
  • Ed Welburn speaks on design and the influence of new materials and technologies.

Overall a good day for GM.  The amazing thing is not that GM would celebrate 100 years.  The amazing thing is that they did it with live streaming across the internet, involving people inside GM from around the world, and anyone else who wanted to listen in.

Above all, it is to demonstrate to the world that we are more than a 100 year old company.  We are a company that is ready to lead for 100 years to come.

Well done.