DVR Sho-Me Combo 3: review, features and reviews

The Sho-Me brand is associated with many car enthusiasts with radars, DVRs and detectors. And it is quite natural that the designers could not ignore the combined gadgets that combine several functional features.

The pioneer for the brand in this segment was the Sho-Me Combo 1 model. Moreover, the situation at the market at the time was such that many people could do radar detectors, but with a quality performance there was a problem. The first model came out more or less successful, both in the opinion of the owners of the gadget, and according to the reviews of critics. The only thing that seriously affected the popularity of the new device is a sudden jump in the dollar's rate, as a result of which the reasonable price for this gadget increased sharply, and at the same time demand fell.

Positioning

The brand, which used to count on the mass segment, kept the lowest possible price for the device, and by the autumn of last year it launched the next generation of the hybrid - the video recorder-radar detector Sho-Me Combo 3. The task before the new gadget was rather simple: The first model, how much to make it more accessible to the masses. And this in principle the company has turned out: having practically the same parameters as the first model, the new "Combo 3" began to cost 1-2 thousand rubles cheaper.

Design Features

The Sho-Me Combo 3 radar-radar is made according to the classical for similar gadgets scheme, when the main antenna of the radar-detector is placed above the main construction.

In its usual position, the driver looks at a relatively large screen, under which you can see four function buttons that serve to navigate the menus and manage the gadget. The keys of the quick control unit are moved to the left side of the device. Approximately in the same place as the control unit is a slot for a micro-SD memory card (up to 32 GB), a video output with an HDMI connector, a memory reset button and a USB interface for connecting to a computer. Power is on the back of the case, so it does not interfere with the rest of the keys or access to the memory card.

The most remarkable and interesting part of Sho-Me Combo 3 is the lens, which is stylized for a similar camera. On it you can see all sorts of incisions, buttons made of plastic, which are often asked by slow Internet users. All these buttons on the lens are needed exclusively for beauty - that's all. Of course, I would very much like to have a functional control, like on a real lens, but alas, Sho-Me Combo 3 is a video recorder with an anti-radar, not a camera.

In the package you can see a fairly solid bracket, which is easily attached to the top of the gadget, and there is also a power adapter for the cigarette lighter socket. And it is worth noting that the adapter is made in a specific for the brand matryoshka style: inside is another interface for another adapter.

Sho-Me Combo 3 filling

Survey of the terrain and video are broadcasted by the Ambarella A2S60 processor. This is a time-tested chip, which stars from the sky do not suffice, but quite adequately copes with a video stream. After a six-layer glass lens, the OmniVision smart sensor from the 2710 series is installed, which allows a good viewing angle (approximately 135 degrees horizontally and vertically).

The sensor itself has good photosensitivity, while the dynamic range is markedly understated. The gadget is equipped with one gigabyte of built-in memory, which for the most part is occupied by radar databases, as well as a relatively good battery (built-in type) for 280 mAh.

Functional

The Sho-Me Combo 3 radar detector is designed for video recording of traffic conditions, alerting the owner about the locations of radars controlling the speed mode, and traffic control cameras.

The gadget uses a proven combined method of assessing the situation: a database of static chambers controlling speed, the base of DPS posts and a microwave receiver in the gigahertz range. Such a complex solution allows you to quickly and correctly assess the traffic situation and the operation of static control cameras.

All communication with databases is carried out by means of the built in GPS-receiver. All information is stored in the internal memory of Sho-Me Combo 3 and, if desired, can be updated by the user. The owners' comments also point out one interesting point, which lacks many analogs: satellite data is used in the system of fixing the video stream for the device, which is indispensable in some situations.

Set up your device

Functionality Sho-Me Combo 3 is built in such a way that the menu of the DVR and the radar detector are on different buttons. Radar settings are called by the keys on the left side of the gadget. The DVR is under the display.

DVR

At the time of the first power-on, you need to put or remove a check mark allowing recording, and at the same time set the resolution of the video stream (up to 1920 x 1080 pixels). Next, you need to set the length of the video recording (from one to five minutes). To set the clock is not necessary, it is enough to indicate your GMT time zone, after which the automation will set the correct time (full synchronization with the satellite).

Judging by the feedback of the owners, it is not worthwhile to expose the sensitivity value above the average, since there is a risk of double-clicking. It is not out of place to check whether the option to print a stamp is included in the video and if the vehicle number is entered. Some complain about such a dreary and long first start in Sho-Me Combo 3, but all these procedures will only have to be done once.

Radar detector

First, you need to decide on the mode of the radar detector, for which the main points will be set: "route", "city 1" and "city 2". All items are configured individually and depend on many external factors.

Then you can set the alert volume limit and select the welcome style. As additional audio settings it is possible to change the sound ping for each mode and type of triggered range. Many users in their reviews recommend leaving the danger alert distance on the "automatic" position. Then the range will vary depending on the current speed of the vehicle: over 71 km / h - 1 km, less than 69 km / h - 800 m and up to 29 km / h - 600 m.

Summarizing

Of the merits of the model, one can note the presence of an up-to-date database of speed cameras and stationary radars of the road service. Also, many owners liked the sensitivity of the radar detector. It is impossible not to note the convenient filtering of alerts, which can be adjusted according to the speed of your car.

Of the disadvantages is clearly striking a low dynamic range of filming. This is probably the only fly in the ointment. In other respects, the gadget succeeded for its segment and showed a very good price-quality ratio.

It can be recommended to almost any car enthusiast: nice design, simple and, most importantly, separate control of the hybrid, as well as a relatively small price. On popular Internet resources, the price tag varies from 7.5 to 8.5 thousand rubles, which is quite acceptable for an ordinary car owner, especially since this kind of device pays off very quickly on our roads. The verdict is unambiguous - recommended for purchase (actual for middle class cars).