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What’s the Best MDVR Camera System?

The best MDVR (Mobile Digital Video Recorder) camera system helps you capture events in high quality while integrating advanced video telematics technology. It combines features like AI capabilities, secure data storage, and integration with fleet management platforms. This ensures you can act proactively to prevent incidents, instead of only reacting once they happen.

Cargo theft, driver safety, accident disputes, insurance fraud, and compliance are just some of the core pain points that fleet managers have to address regularly. That’s why MDVR camera systems have quickly become a non-negotiable of modern fleet safety strategies. In fact, video telematics solutions are growing fast.

Through this article, we’ll show you what makes an MDVR camera system ‘the best’ for you and your business, and why Cartrack is one of the leading choices in delivering one of the best MDVR Camera Systems that give you full visibility, control, and safety that your fleet depends on.

In this article, you will:

  • Learn what makes an MDVR camera system the best for fleet operations
  • Understand why MDVRs are becoming essential for modern fleet safety and efficiency
  • Identify the must-have features to look for in an MDVR system
  • Discover how Cartrack delivers a market-leading MDVR solution to protect drivers, cargo, and your bottom line

How do MDVR camera systems work?

MDVR (Mobile Digital Video Recorder) camera systems work by capturing high-quality video footage through various angles around a vehicle. This type of camera solution makes it more advanced and innovative than a standard dashcam. An MDVR camera system offers features that serve as the perfect solution for risk management and downtime prevention.

Cameras are typically positioned to record:

  • The road – observing traffic movement and potential unsafe incidents
  • The driver – monitoring the driver’s actions and encouraging safe driving practices
  • The side and/or rear views – observing cargo areas and movements around the vehicles

Usually, the assets that incorporate MDVR camera systems are fleet vehicles, including public service, logistics, and commercial vehicles. Typical examples include:

  • Logistics and delivery vehicles: courier vans, semi/semi-trailer trucks, and refrigerated trucks
  • Public and passenger transport services: minibus taxis, shuttle services, trains, buses, and school buses
  • Emergency service transport: fire trucks, ambulances, and some police cars
  • Construction, hazardous, and heavy-duty vehicles: cranes, mining assets, excavators, and fuel tankers

In addition to 360-degree views, MDVR camera systems typically feature intelligent functions that assess driver behaviour and identify potential risk patterns in real-time. As a result, the system presents an immediate reflection of potential and measurable ROI. Not only do MDVR systems record, but they also maximize safety and boost productivity.

MDVR camera system

How to choose the right MDVR camera system for your fleet

Choosing the right MDVR camera system for your fleet means looking beyond the standard dashcam features. It’s also about recognizing what functions and perks will have the most positive outcomes for your fleet and the real-world conditions it will face.

These are the features you should consider:

HD video quality and a wide-angle lens

High-definition video quality is the key to managing disputes. Wide-angle lenses contribute to this clear quality by capturing more of the area and reducing the issue of blind spots. Night vision gives clearer footage during the evening or when there’s low light.

Multiple camera angles

Catching the view of a vehicle from every angle is necessary for complete asset and driver safety. This is especially helpful for vehicles that carry cargo or make up part of a logistics fleet. Multiple camera angles give you complete visibility and an overview of your assets, adding an additional layer of safety.

Real-time remote viewing

This feature is the most important for quick responses. Should there be any issues that need an immediate and informed response, such as cargo tampering or a collision, then fleet managers (and fleet management companies) can react immediately and appropriately.

AI-powered capabilities and alerts

Lately, modern MDVR camera solutions will include AI capabilities as part of their solutions. These capabilities identify risky driver behaviours like fatigue and distraction, as well as road-facing risks like forward-collision (which determines safe following distances). This results in preventative and corrective measures being taken before they turn into costly mistakes.

Integration and data syncing

We’ve covered real-time remote viewing, but to begin to even enjoy this feature, you’ll need a single platform that comfortably integrates with your MDVR camera system. Smooth integration and data synchronization are the foundations for driver behaviour analysis, trip reports, and route optimization tools.

Secure data storage

Having constant, high-quality recordings means footage will need to be stored safely and be easy to access. MDVR camera systems that can be stored on these devices themselves lend to quicker retrieval (especially for important cases like audits or insurance claims). Additionally, if there are options to download or back up that footage, that’s a bonus.

This also prevents your footage from being easily tampered with and gives you the power to decide who has access to the footage.

Durable hardware

Fleets can venture into some intense environments and encounter rough terrain. A strong, tamper-proof, and shockproof MDVR unit is non-negotiable to ensure the system performs to the best of its ability – no matter the conditions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing an MDVR Camera System

Always assess every aspect of your MDVR system checklist. You don’t want to overlook warranties and support, or forgo a system that has enough storage space. Aim to avoid these mistakes:

  • Solely looking at price instead of overall value: Always prioritize a system that puts safety, productivity, and return on investment first. Consider these foundational features over upfront costs.
  • Choosing systems with limited storage or connectivity: These will make saving and retrieving footage very difficult. Choose a system that gives you the room to save as much footage as you need.
  • Not checking fleet management platform integration: Ensure that your fleet management platform integrates well enough with your camera system so you can avoid cross-platform confusion.
  • Overlooking support and warranty: Keep your camera system performing to the best of its ability. Be mindful of the warranty and after-sales support so you can prevent downtime.

Why does your fleet need the right MDVR camera system?

You achieve an extra layer of security and control with the right MDVR camera system. You’re investing in your fleet by cutting operating expenses and ensuring a long-term return on investment, in addition to preserving your drivers and assets.

Rewards for real-world scenarios include:

  • Better compliance and training for drivers
  • Accident and conflict settlement
  • Deterrents against theft and tampering

Cartrack MDVR camera system

How Cartrack delivers the best MDVR camera system for your fleet

Cartrack’s MDVR camera solutions are designed to cater to every fleet. With our Vision options, you’re given a selection of camera solutions that give you clear camera quality (from various angles) and plenty of secure storage space. You’ll also get other AI-powered solutions to ensure you’re truly getting value for your money.

Here’s exactly what Cartrack can offer you:

  • Multi, AI Dual, and AI Multi Vision cameras: These camera solutions offer numerous capabilities and safety features that could work perfectly for your fleet. They aren’t the only camera solutions available, but they’re the options that include additional features.
    • Multi Vision: Doesn’t have AI capabilities or in-cab calling, but offers up to 4 cameras, 194 hours of storage, various hardware features, and recording quality at 1080P.
    • AI Dual Vision: Has AI capabilities and in-cab calling while also offering a dual (road and cabin-facing) camera, 72 hours of storage, a Smart Cabin feature, and recording quality at 1080P.
    • AI Multi Vision: Has AI capabilities but no in-cab calling; it also offers up to 8 cameras, 291 hours of storage, various hardware features, and recording quality at 1080P.
  • Easy installation: Cartrack technicians can fit the cameras and hardware into your assets at a scheduled time, meaning you get a quick and professional installation with minimal downtime.
  • Standalone option: All Cartrack vision solutions can be taken as a standalone solution, because they have full telematics capabilities.
  • Vision seamlessly connects with Fleetweb: Every Vision solution integrates seamlessly with Fleetweb, Cartrack’s fleet management platform. This connects your video footage with key features like telematics data, trip reports, and driver behaviour feedback.
  • Live streaming: Any of the cameras can be live-streamed from Fleetweb or the mobile app, ensuring you have full visibility and control at all times. Each camera has a flat refresh rate of 10 seconds (although AI Multi Vision provides event-based tracking).
  • LTE connectivity: This kind of connection ensures that the MDVR solution is always connected and transmitting, even in low-signal areas. Cartrack also offers data packages when limitations are reached. Each camera solution includes 2GB per month, but any additional data must be bought at your own expense.
  • Secure storage: all footage is saved and stored on an SD card or SSD, ensuring secure storage and easy access via Fleet pages or the mobile app.
  • Stolen Vehicle Recovery (SVR) support: SVR capabilities are built into Fleetweb, which means quicker asset recovery times and an added layer of safety. When paired with Cartrack’s MDVR camera system, SVR can track and visually verify a vehicle’s location and situation in real time. This is especially true for action/on-camera panic buttons.
  • Durable hardware designs: Cartrack has solid, tamper-proof designs for the hardware available. You don’t have to worry about your footage easily being accessed by unauthorized people or rugged and demanding operational environments compromising the integrity of your equipment and its performance.

The road ahead with the right MDVR camera system

The right MDVR camera system is a critical layer of security that your operations and fleet management strategy needs. Combined with the power of smart monitoring, you can guarantee greater safety, better cost management, and the prioritization of the well-being of your drivers. The result? Smoother day-to-day operations and measurable growth for your business.

Keep in mind that when you choose Cartrack, you’re choosing complete visibility, real control, and peace of mind. Our Vision solutions offer the best tools for you to effectively and safely manage your fleet.

Are you ready to see how the right MDVR camera system can revolutionize your fleet? Contact an expert at Cartrack today, and let’s secure your road ahead.

FAQs

Q: Is a single or dual camera system better?

A: The dual camera system is often the better option, as it records footage of both the road and the driver, giving greater context in any potential incident. A single camera usually only records road-facing. That being said, it ultimately depends on the type of vehicle, business, or reason for the camera system.

Q: What is the difference between a dashcam and an MDVR?

A: A dashcam is usually a standalone, single/road-facing camera with limited storage space that’s used in a private vehicle. On the other hand, an MDVR is a camera system that includes multiple cameras, supports remote viewing, and integrates with telematics. It’s often used for fleets that typically include logistics, public, and construction vehicles.

Q: Can MDVR cameras record without internet?

A: Yes, MDVR camera systems can record footage and keep it stored internally on the device’s storage cards. An internet connection is only required for remote viewing and live vision. Basic functions like recording and playback are still operational without internet use, and the internet is only necessary for remote viewing.

Q: Is MDVR footage admissible in legal disputes?

A: Yes, this is one of the greatest features of implementing MDVR camera systems for businesses. Footage can be used as evidence in insurance claims or accident matters, so long as the footage provided is unedited and relevant to the legal dispute. The footage must also be clear enough for the court or legal panel to interpret.

Q: How quickly can Cartrack install and activate the MDVR camera system?

A: Cartrack can install and activate an MDVR camera system quickly and efficiently. The exact time depends on the size of your fleet and the type of solutions you’re looking for. All you have to do is schedule a booking, and a Cartrack technician will be available to complete the installation within a few days.