topic Re: VMB4000R3 and Essential 2k in Arlo Essential Outdoor 2nd Gen

VMB4000R3 and Essential 2k

Dukedrone — Sat, 30 Nov 2024 04:05:24 GMT

Is it still accurate that when adding the newer Essential 2k cameras to a VMB4000r3 hub, you need the subscription to see the videos in the Arlo app? The only way to view the videos is to record to a USB drive, and then remove the drive and plug it into a PC when you want to view? Anybody actually have this setup and can confirm?

Re: VMB4000R3 and Essential 2k

Bartley — Sat, 30 Nov 2024 12:43:46 GMT

I have a VMB4000R3 and you are correct. The VMB4000R3 only stores the videos on a USB drive. To view the videos you would have to eject the USB drive and plug it into a computer. You cannot view through the app. You would need to have a subscription to see the videos as they are uploaded to the cloud for analyzing for the smart functions to work. Thanks Gary

Re: VMB4000R3 and Essential 2k

StephenB — Sat, 30 Nov 2024 12:59:08 GMT

@Bartley wrote:

I have a VMB4000R3 and you are correct. The VMB4000R3 only stores the videos on a USB drive. To view the videos you would have to eject the USB drive and plug it into a computer. You cannot view through the app.

@Dukedrone - if you decide to purchase a VMB4540 or VMB5000 in order to get direct access to local storage, then there are other limitations you should be aware of:

recordings are only available in the app (not the web browser)
recordings are only available to the primary account (not friend accounts)
there are no thumbnails - recordings need to be downloaded to your phone before you see anything
there is no way to make a manual recording or take a snapshot
remote access to recordings requires router setting changes that many find difficult, and which don't work with some internet service providers.

Also, installing a 2nd gen Essential camera will migrate your account from "Library" to "Feed". That is a significant change, with some drawbacks. If you want more information on that, post back.

Re: VMB4000R3 and Essential 2k

Dukedrone — Sat, 30 Nov 2024 14:18:44 GMT

Thanks guys. My Pro 1 and Pro 2 cameras are starting to show their age. But I'm not interested in a monthly subscription and it there are quite a few losses on functionality here. So I'll probably do a little research on some of the competing systems.

Appreciate everyone's help.