Understanding the File Format Structure for Your Dash Cam Recordings
When you view the files recorded on your Nextbase Piqo dash cam via a PC, the file names are structured to provide key information at a glance. Each file is named to indicate the date, time, camera direction, and quality of the recording. This makes it easy for you to quickly identify specific footage.
Below is the breakdown of how the file names are structured:
Example File Format:
YYMMDD_hhmmss_XXX_CQ.MP4
- File Name Breakdown:
- YY: Year (last two digits)
- MM: Month (01-12)
- DD: Day (01-31)
- hh: Hour (24-hour format, 00-23)
- mm: Minute (00-59)
- ss: Second (00-59)
- XXX: File Number (incremental)
- C: Camera (F = Front, R = Rear)
- Q: Quality (H = High, L = Low)
Explanation of File Name Components:
- YYMMDD: Indicates the date the file was recorded.
- hhmmss: Denotes the exact time the recording began.
- XXX: This is the sequential file number.
- C: Specifies the camera used—Front or Rear (if applicable).
- Q: Specifies the recording quality—High or Low.
Example:
A file named 240915_143027_001_FH.MP4 can be interpreted as follows:
- 24: The file was recorded in 2024.
- 09: The file was recorded in September.
- 15: The file was recorded on the 15th day.
- 14:30:27: The recording started at 2:30:27 PM.
- 001: This is the first file recorded at that time.
- F: The file was recorded by the front camera.
- H: The recording is in high quality.
This structure makes it easy to identify and manage your recordings.
Hidden Metadata:
In addition to the file name, each video file contains hidden metadata that stores additional details, including:
- GPS Data: The precise location where the footage was recorded.
- G-Sensor Data: Information about any impacts or sudden movements during the journey.
- File Protection Status: Whether the file is protected to prevent it from being overwritten.
This metadata can be viewed using the Nextbase app, providing you with deeper insights, including the ability to track locations and check for impact events during the recording.