InfiRay NV2 Car Night Vision system review

InfiRay NV2: 30-second review

The InfiRay NV2 Car Night Vision System is an aftermarket setup that essentially allows you to see in the dark while driving. Systems similar to this have been fitted on some manufacturers' cars in the past, such as the Mercedes S-Class, although this system is just the camera and not the built-in infrared lamps.

Upon arrival, the InfiRay NV2 Car Night Vision System requires installation into your vehicle, a process much like fitting car parking sensors or the best dash cams, albeit less invasive. The camera mounts just above the license plate, or you can attach it to the grill if there's room. The installation involves feeding wires through the engine bay and into the dash and cabin of the car or van. For some vehicles, this process is extremely easy; for others, more is needed. Haynes manuals offer a great selection of guides that cover most cars and vans and should show you how to remove panels correctly.

Once installed and switched on, the small dash-mounted unit provides a clear black-and-white view of the road. As soon as anyone moves in front of the camera, up to 200 meters away, the AI in the system recognizes them and sends alerts, the same for cars.

In the dark, this system really comes into its own, alerting you when someone steps out onto the road ahead, thus drawing your attention to them even if you don't see them.

If you drive at night and find it difficult to see some obstructions, or if you like the idea of having a night riding guide that can see the road even if you're dazzled by oncoming lights, the InfiRay NV2 Car Night Vision System is a great addition to your night driving toolkit.

InfiRay NV2: Price & availability

The InfiRay NV2 Car Night Vision System is widely available from automotive stores, as well as through Amazon (US) and directly from the InfiRay website.

• Score: 4/5

InfiRay NV2: Design & build

The InfiRay NV2 Car Night Vision System requires some installation effort before use. The system comprises two main components: the display and computing unit, which sits on your dashboard to provide visual and audio alerts about potential road hazards, and the IR camera, mountable on your bumper or grill. These components are connected via a long wire, with power supplied through the 12v socket (cigarette lighter).

The initial installation duration varies, taking approximately 3-4 hours depending on your proficiency with car maintenance, but this can decrease to about an hour for the experienced. In this review, the system was installed in a Ford Transit Custom on a temporary basis, noting that permanent installation may involve drilling and screwing into the bodywork.

Completing the installation involves affixing the display unit to the dash, routing one cable to the 12v power supply (and potentially installing an additional socket for tidiness), and running the other cable for the camera through the dash into the engine bay. In the engine bay, I secured the wire away from moving parts with zip ties, routed it around the bay, and through the grill where the camera was mounted near the license plate.

Once installed, operating the InfiRay NV2 Car Night Vision System is straightforward: simply flip the screen up to turn it on and remove it from standby mode, then adjust the volume as needed.

• Build: 4/5

InfiRay NV2: Features

The InfiRay NV2 Car Night Vision System distinguishes itself with impressive features, notably its AI-assisted driver assistance, which reacts in 0.1 seconds. We've seen some interesting AI tools recently, and this one is certainly an eye-catcher. It provides visual and audio alerts for objects like cars, animals, or people and functions well in adverse weather conditions such as fog, rain, and snow. It offers clear visibility up to 200 meters.

Designed to endure various environmental conditions, the NV2's camera is dustproof and rainproof, mounted on the car's exterior front. Its infrared thermal image sensing unit captures clear images in total darkness, utilizing IR light, which bypasses common visual impairments like glare, reflections, and haze that affect human vision.

The NV2 boasts intelligent features such as collision warning, target detection and classification, lane line detection, and distance and speed calculations to improve driving safety. Its high-strength protective lens cover and automatic defrosting function, which can be controlled via the dashboard display, ensure consistent visual quality under different conditions.

Technically, the NV2 supports ease of use with interfaces like GMSL for video, FAKRA for physical connection, and I²C for communication, ensuring compatibility with various vehicle systems. It operates on a DC 12V power supply, with a low power consumption of ≤ 6W or ≤ 9W with defrosting activated, minimizing its impact on the vehicle's power system.

• Features 5/5

InfiRay NV2: Performance

Starting with the NV2 is straightforward. When the small screen is flipped up, it powers on and exits standby mode. Upon booting, it displays a black-and-white live image of the street ahead, doubling as a parking camera.

An additional feature is the MicroSD/TF card slot on the back of the unit, allowing for the recording of camera visuals. These recordings are a sequence of images rather than video, providing a useful post-journey review tool.

In daylight, the NV2 enhances road awareness, highlighting vehicles in front with colours changing from green to red as you approach. It provides visual alerts and audio warnings for moving traffic ahead. The system also detects and alerts to the presence of people and animals, with onscreen overlays and beeps, revealing how easily such details can be missed while driving.

The audio aid proves invaluable, especially during twilight or in areas like the New Forest, where various animals and pedestrians suddenly appear. The system's ability to detect obstacles at a distance is impressive, spotting animals and other potential hazards well before they become visible to the naked eye.

At night, the NV2's capabilities shine. It detects animals with overlays and heat signatures, accompanied by beeps to highlight their presence. The system effectively sees through high beams, fog, and haze, offering an enhanced view of the road ahead, although it should not be relied upon solely for navigation in such conditions.

In urban environments, the audio alerts are particularly useful for identifying potential risks, allowing for quick reference to the screen while maintaining focus on the road.

Overall, while installation can be somewhat complex, the NV2 significantly improves visibility and situational awareness, making it a valuable driving aid both day and night.

• Performance: 5/5

Should you buy the InfiRay NV2?

Firstly, it's important to note that the installation of the NV2 should not be a deterrent. A proficient fitter can install the system in 1-2 hours, although this can depend on the vehicle. For example, fitting it to a Nissan Leaf might be better suited for a professional rather than a DIY approach.

Secondly, the NV2 should be regarded as an aid, not a replacement for normal driving visibility compromised by light, fog, haze, or other factors.

In practice, the NV2's most significant contribution to driving safety is its audio beep, which alerts the driver to potential hazards detected by the AI camera. This feature allows for a quick check of the monitor to identify the hazard, with coloured overlays drawing immediate attention to the obstruction or the beep, heightening awareness of potential danger.

The NV2 performs excellently for both night and day driving. Its compact size ensures that it doesn't clutter the dashboard, and the screen's flip-up, flip-down design adds to its neatness. While the system doesn't offer many settings or adjustments, it doesn't need to—it effectively fulfils its intended purpose.

The NV2 is an excellent choice for those who are uncomfortable driving at night or who would appreciate an aid that alerts them to potential hazards. Its utility, particularly the subtle audio alerts, can significantly enhance driver awareness and focus.

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