Arlo Essential w/SmartHub

[MK11A1]

I haven’t purchased my cameras yet but have a few questions. Can I buy a smarthub and connect the Essential cameras to that yo have local video recording without a subscription? How can I view the videos?

[Dannybear]

If you get the 4540 or 5000 base you can have the ability to see the recorded file listing on mobile app only but you need to download them to view. No friends access or desktop viewing is allowed.

[MK11A1]

Is it a problem to download the files?

[StephenB]

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@MK11A1 wrote:
Is it a problem to download the files?

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Do you mean with a smarthub (VMB4540 or VMB5000)?

The direct access to local storage functionality is limited - honestly not a great user experience.  That said, there are certainly many folks who use it instead of a subscription.  Personally I favor the subscription, with local storage as a backup.

[papabell]

Looking at the very restricted possibilities of the Smarthub I would suggest that you look for another product. I think Arlo should open up the application for people unable to use the cloud. In my case I cannot purchase any service of product from Arlo as I do not live in the USA.

[StephenB]

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@papabell wrote:

In my case I cannot purchase any service of product from Arlo as I do not live in the USA.

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It is limited, but not just to the USA. Countries where Arlo offers subscriptions are listed here:

• https://kb.arlo.com/000062249/Where-is-Arlo-Secure-available

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@papabell wrote:

I think Arlo should open up the application for people unable to use the cloud. 

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Personally I think they should have either offered a better user experience, or kept the 7-day free cloud service.