VMB4000R3 and Essential 2k

[Dukedrone]

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?

[Bartley]

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 

[StephenB · Accepted solution]

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@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. 

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@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.

[Dukedrone]

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.