does the Arlo system allow (RTSP?) stream access to the HDD

[Gebla]

We have Arlo will end support for these older cameras in April. Here's what you need to know | ZDNET 

This means I need to connect a harddisk to my base station. But does the Arlo system allow (RTSP?) stream access to the HDD connected or HDD access through the network?

[StephenB]

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@Gebla wrote:

We have Arlo will end support for these older cameras in April. Here's what you need to know | ZDNET 

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The Pro 3 cameras are not on the EOL list.  If you aren't sure what model(s) you have you can open up the housing and remove the batteries.  There is a label inside.  If your battery-operated camera has a housing that is fully sealed, then you have an Essential model (which is also not on the EOL list).

• https://kb.arlo.com/000063018/Arlo-Legacy-Cameras-End-of-Life

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@Gebla wrote:

This means I need to connect a harddisk to my base station. But does the Arlo system allow (RTSP?) stream access to the HDD connected or HDD access through the network?

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If you meant to say Arlo Pro or Pro 2 cameras, then the simplest option is just to get a subscription when the 7-day cloud storage ends.  Firmware updates will stop, and you might lose camera features at some point in the future.  But it would at least give you more time to evaluate other options.

If you want to directly access local storage, then you'd need a smarthub - either a VMB4540 or a VMB5000.  Generally a flash drive of 128 or 256 GB is more then enough (or the same size microSD for the VMB5000).  Older bases either don't support local storage at all (VMB3xxx models), or require you to remove the storage and connect it to a PC for viewing.

Direct Access to local storage is described here:

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

It has quite a few limitations:

• recordings only accessible from the app (not the browser).
• recordings only accessible to the primary account (not friend accounts)
• no ability to make manual recordings or snapshots
• no thumbnails, so recordings need to be downloaded to the phone to view
• remote access requires router setting changes that some find difficult, and which won't work with some network providers (for example, mobile broadband - but also some landline providers that use carrier grade NAT).

[Gebla]

@StephenB  i have the VMB4000 base station. Is my understanding correct that I will not have local access to the video stored on the USB? Video are only accessible using the phone app

This means that a system without firmware updates will always need to be connected to the internet? and therefore it is be coming useless after the EOL. 

[StephenB]

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@Gebla wrote:

@StephenB  i have the VMB4000 base station. Is my understanding correct that I will not have local access to the video stored on the USB? Video are only accessible using the phone app

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Direct access to local storage requires either a VMB4540 or a VMB5000 - the VMB4000 doesn't have that feature at all.

With the VMB4000, the only videos you see (either in the app or the browser) are stored in the cloud.  The only way to see videos on USB storage is to eject it (via the app or browser), and then plug the USB storage into a PC.  You can then look for recordings on the USB drive.

There are several limitations to direct access, so if you are considering upgrading the base you should understand what you'd be getting first.  If you post back, we can give more details.

Are you sure you have the Pro 3 cameras?  They are not on the EOL list, and they never had free cloud storage.  You can confirm the camera model by opening the housing on one of the cameras and removing the battery.  You'll find a label inside.

[Gebla]

@StephenB Thank you for your reply, I have a setup with 3 pro2, 1 Pro3 and a video doorbell.

I am now looking for a solution how to connect this system without exposing hardware with old firmware to the internet.

Currently Arlo proposal is to keep hardware with old firmware connected to the internet. I am a bit surprised as this is not secure and not a recommendation I expect from a company that advertises with security products. 

[StephenB]

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@Gebla wrote:

I have a setup with 3 pro2, 1 Pro3 and a video doorbell.

I am now looking for a solution how to connect this system without exposing hardware with old firmware to the internet.

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Although the Pro 2 will stop getting security updates, the connection to the internet is only through the base.  So if the base is still getting updates, you should be ok as far as security is concerned.

Unfortunately, Arlo hasn't said anything at all about EOL of base stations.  That includes the VMB3xxx models, which only support EOL cameras.  Hopefully they will clarify that soon - if not, you'd have to simply monitor the forum for base station updates.  Or pre-emptively upgrade the base to a VMB4540 or VMB5000.  (If you do that, you will lose the Siren feature).

I'm tagging the mods ( @JamesC and @ShayneS ) to remind them to provide clarity on base station end of life.