Ultra 2 camera needs a subscription?

[MilesBFree_real]

hi, I am having an issue installing an Ultra 2 camera; I can’t see recordings in the Feed; only the live video.  And I am getting an error “you found a premium feature” when I open the Ultra 2 to look at the live video.   Do I need to pay to use this type of camera?

I just got it from a neighbor who said she was fed up with Arlo so not sure if this is a bad camera or a setup issue with me installing it. I just added it to my existing system and Pro 2 cameras, which all work as expected. I also upgraded to the VMB4500r2 at the same time (also used, gifted from the same neighbor - she was just totally done with Arlo)

I have been using the Arlo system and cameras since I bought the Pro 2s and base station when they first came out, maybe 8 years ago? And the main reason I chose them was that the system didn’t require a subscription.  If the Ultra 2 requires a sub I’ll just buy another Pro 2 on eBay.  

[Edinburgh_lad1]

It does require a subscription. 

An old new Pro  2 is very difficult to come by on eBay. There are some used ones always available, but you'll find it difficult to get a new battery, unless a compatible one. (They're marketed as original Arlo but they're not.)

[MilesBFree_real]

Thanks!

[MilesBFree_real]

Is it possible to slot in a microSD card into the VMB4500r2 and view the recordings in the Feed in the app?  Or do you need to pop the card out and read it on a computer?  This was alluded to in other posts I’ve found but it was unclear if that applies to this base station and camera 

[MilesBFree_real]

Oops, should have said USB stick for the 4500

[MilesBFree_real]

Ok, so it appears the VMB5000 will allow you to view recordings without having to dismount the memory (and it does use a microSD card) directly in the app.   

Will that allow the use of an Ultra 2 camera without a subscription? 

[Edinburgh_lad1]

Yes, but the local storage, as it's known, is quite clunky and not very user friendly  at all. It's very basic with the only option being really to view recordings but you'd need to 'download' them beforehand, which takes time (by modern standards).

The implementation of the whole system is centred on the subscription-based model. Furthermore, the system, regardless if you're using local  storage or not, needs a constant access to the Internet. 

[MilesBFree_real]

Thanks for the info! 

[StephenB]

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@MilesBFree_real wrote:

Oops, should have said USB stick for the 4500

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Direct access to local storage requires either a VMB4540 or VMB5000 smarthub.  The VMB4500 supports local recording, but has no playback support.