Next generation ChaseCam is a bit of a DIVA

If you can't tell by our coverage of the GoPro Hero and the ContourHD camera systems, we're big fans of capturing video of our automotive excursions. The ChaseCam system takes things a bit further than simple video capture by also recording GPS position, accelerometers, external vehicle sensors, and OBD2 data, all of which can be synchronized and overlaid onto the video using ChaseCam's software. However, to get these benefits, you need to purchase a camera, a solid state recorder module, and the data acquisition module.

At this year's SEMA Show, ChaseCam is simplifying its system with the unveiling of its latest generation video/data capture device, DIVA (Data Integrated Video Acquisition). DIVA basically combines the solid-state recorder and data acquisition modules into one box, with a few new features that aid in usability.

The module records video from up to four connected ChaseCam bullet cameras in a 4:3 or 16:9 H.264 standard-definition format to an SD card while capturing synchronized data from its integrated GPS antenna and three-axis accelerometer. DIVA also accepts data from external sensors and OBD2 data, like the previous ChaseCam systems did.

The system also features motion- or vehicle power-triggered Auto-Record (which, in theory, ensures that you never have to worry whether or not you've turned the system on) and an integrated color LCD for viewing live or recorded video. A solid-state design with no moving parts ensures reliability in harsh racing environments.

Users can use their same ChaseCam bullet cameras (or purchase them separately), but with data capture and video recording hardware in one box, DIVA should be much easier to set up and operate than the previous multimodule systems. No word has been given on price or availability (the DIVA isn't even listed on ChaseCam's Web site yet). Stay tuned for more details as they emerge.