This is a user’s guide for all A119 owners on how to best setup their cameras and fix issues that may pop up.
The A119V3 is now our top pick for budget dash cams in 2019. See our YouTube review.
Troubleshooting
Why Is My A119 Constantly Beeping?
Your Camera Has a ProblemThe A119 beeps when it detects an issue that prevents it from recording. You can press the “REC” button to display the warning message. Most likely there are problems recording to the microSD card. You can replace the current with something you know is good to see if it fixes the problem. Troubleshooting MicroSD Cards: Format It First on the Camera
If formatting fails, your card may be write-locked, and you can’t record new videos to the memory card. It’s good to try using your computer and delete or save new videos to the card. If you can’t, your card is damaged. You’ll need to go to your retailer/manufacturer to get a warranty replacement.
See our guide on endurance microSD cards if you’re looking for a better, more reliable card
Not the Memory Card?In the settings menu, reset the camera to default especially if you’ve updated the camera. If that fails, try flashing new or the current version of your firmware. Download it here.
Firmware Update
Watch our video below. Download the files here. Be sure to read the instructions for your camera.
Optimal Settings
By default, most settings don’t need to be changed. Those in blue we think are worth changing. For a full list with explanations see our A119 User Guide.
Resolution: 1440P @ 30FPS (default)
Leave the resolution at 1440P on both the V2 and V3. Lower resolutions or 60FPS significantly degrades details. 1600P is available on the V3, but you only capture more of the sky and dashboard, not the road. Not worth it.
Bitrate (V3): Medium
This changes how much information is in each second of video. Higher means a brighter image with less artifacts, but there are diminishing returns. I didn’t see a big change on high but it noticeable at low. Default is best.
Loop Recording: 3 Minutes
Three minutes to me is a good balance between finding the moment you want and having to scroll through a ton of files.
Video Format: TS
This changes the container your movies are stored in. The default .mp4 is fine but according to articles .TS or “Transport Stream” is more resistant to corruption and has better error checking. This will help if there is a problem saving (capacitor issues) and you want a better chance of the video to be correctly saved.
Exposure: 0
This adjusts the brightness. Most of the time, the camera gets it right – it ensures license plates are captured. Depending on recorded videos or your personal preference, you can adjust it.
WDR: Off
In general, this reduces details while slightly improving dynamic range (increases the range of bright and dark areas the camera picks up). For me, not worth turning on, but this may improve in the future with the V3.
Parking Mode (V2): 5 or 15FPS
Would set to if you’re interested in parked recording. This enables parking mode which is complex on the V2 – see above. 15FPS is good for non-busy parking lots or for 128GB cards, otherwise, choose 5FPS.
Parking G-Sensor (V3): High
Changes the G-Sensor sensitivity during parking mode. High is best as it will allow your camera to sense small vibrations (impacts, vandalism) without affecting normal driving.
Parking Motion Detection V3: Middle Sensitivity
Adjusts how sensitive the camera is to motion during parking mode. I found the default medium works well. If it’s triggering too much or little, you can change it.
Time-Lapse Recording and Motion
Detection: Off
This does not adjust parking mode but rather permanently turns on time-lapse mode and motion detection. Only intended for special use.
GPS: On
Turns on and off the GPS and records your position/speed to the metadata inside the file. Also allows the A119 to synchronize the time/date with the atomic clock. You can control what data is overlaid on top of your video in “GPS Info Stamp.” If you follow the law, this is good to turn on.
Speed Unit: KM/H or MPH
Default is MPH, for my fellow Canadians and those outside America/UK you’ll need to change this.
G-Sensor: Low
Changes the sensitivity of the G-Sensor detecting a shock before it locks a file. Recommend Low (as does Viofo) otherwise, too many files are saved.
LDWS and FCWS (V2 only): Off
This is “Lane Departure” and “Forward Collision” warning systems. These are useless at best as they provide no helpful feedback but rather alarm you for no reason. Thankfully removed in the V3.
Date Stamp: On
Separately choose to show or hide the time and date stamp that’s overlaid on top of your video. Helpful if you need to recall the time but, you should make sure it is accurate.
GPS Info Stamp: Personal Preference
Separately show or hide speed and coordinates. Your speed can always be estimated from the video, and the logged speed likely can’t be used in court.
Camera Model Stamp: Personal Preference
Basically an advertisement for Viofo – adds the words “Viofo A119V_” to the bottom of your video. Some people like it – I’m glad Viofo gives you an option to turn it off.
Record Audio: On
Good to keep it on assuming its legal in your jurisdiction.
Screen Saver: 1 Minute
Turns off the LCD screen after a set amount of time. I keep mine to 30 seconds but that’s a personal choice.
Boot Delay: Off
Adds a delay before starting the camera. Most people should leave this off unless their vehicle’s voltage changes, causing their camera to shutdown.
LED: On
Turns off the blinking red led behind the REC button. I would leave this on as its helpful to see the status of the camera.
Date/Time:
Manually set the date and time. Useful if you don’t have a GPS mount.
Time Zone: Your Time Zone
After setting your GPS will sync the time and date with the atomic clock for the location you are in.
Language: Your preference
Changes the language
Beep Sound: All On
Keep “All On” otherwise you will lose all audio notifications that your camera has failed. Very important!
Frequency: 60HZ
Change to 60HZ for USA/Canada as it’ll reduce flickering from overhead lights. That’s the frequency of our electrical grid. Keep it at 50HZ for UK.
Image Rotation: Off
Flips your image 180 degrees, only useful if you mount the camera upside down.
Format
One time use, to format all data on your SD Card. Good to do once a month.
Format Warning: 30 Days
Good to turn this on to remind you to format the SD card. Helps prevent errors when overwriting files on your card.
Default Setting
One time use to reset all settings back to their original setting. Essential if you update the firmware.
Car Number
Add your license plate to your video.
Custom Text Stamp
Lets you another section onto the video.