Camera onboard storage

[Paulrg]

I just purchase these cameras. They seem to work pretty well, but I found out that they came with a trial security plan which will end next month. What does that mean? If I don't purchase a plan, will I not be able to view any recordings from the camera's, and the cameras will then only be capable of showing live video.

I cannot find any information about this, and because there is no information in the camera specifications about memory cards of onboard storage amount, it looks like these cameras might be useless if I want to view any past or overnight events without having to fork out at least $17 a month.

I don't want to store any recorded video's off site (in the cloud), as I don't believe anything there is secure enough for my comfort.

Can someone advise?

thanks.

[StephenB]

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@Paulrg wrote:

I don't want to store any recorded video's off site (in the cloud), as I don't believe anything there is secure enough for my comfort.

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You'd have to purchase a smarthub (either the VMB4540 or the VMB5000) and add storage to the smarthub.  Then use the direct access to local storage feature.

• https://kb.arlo.com/000062337/What-is-Direct-Storage-Access-and-how-do-I-use-it-for-Arlo-video-recor...

There are limitations:

• recordings can only be seen in the app (not the browser)
• recordings can only be seen from the primary account (not friend accounts)
• no thumbnails - recordings need to be downloaded to the phones before you see anything.
• no ability to make manual recordings
• remote access requires router setting changes that some find difficult - and which don't work with some internet service providers.

You'd also lose other subscription-only features (such as activity zones).

[Paulrg]

Thank you for the reply.

Don't you think it would be a good idea and fairness to customers if the need for a subscription was shown on the store display and on the packaging?

These cameras, without having to buy a subscription, are useless to me, because, living in the country I want to view recordings of which critters come around and other "goings on". I don't want to have to constantly look at the app (while awake), nor receive a warning notification every time a camera is triggered by a non-emergency.

Unfortunately,  I have mounted camera, which I will now have to take down, repackage, and take back to the store.

[jguerdat · Accepted solution]

The packaging and any documents here all state that after the trial ends you need a subscription for cloud recordings. Of course, it's in small print on the box but it's there.

You would still get notifications without a sub but no recordings. Use of local recordings isn't the same thing as the cloud recordings but it can be used successfully.

[Paulrg]

Ah, yes, I found it. A very small note at one end of the box. BUT, it does not explain that recordings are not available without the subscription. Not good! Something like that should be more visible.