The sync module 2 will still function like a traditional sync module, compatible with all generations of Blink cameras (indoor, XT, XT2, Blink Indoor and Outdoor, and Blink Mini) however ONLY Blink Indoor and Outdoor and Blink Mini cameras will be compatible with local storage functionality. All other generations of ca… see more
The sync module 2 will still function like a traditional sync module, compatible with all generations of Blink cameras (indoor, XT, XT2, Blink Indoor and Outdoor, and Blink Mini) however ONLY Blink Indoor and Outdoor and Blink Mini cameras will be compatible with local storage functionality. All other generations of cameras (indoor, XT and XT2) will be cloud based if/when they are added to the sync module 2. Show
I am planning on buying a few blink cameras and a doorbell, I don't want to pay the subscription fee and don't want to store the footage on the cloud. I just started with home assistant last week and have been loving it. If I buy the blink cameras and doorbell will I need the subscription or the sync module to be able to record and use motion detection in home assistant. The recording part is the most important for me, if it is not possible without the subscription what are some other alternatives (specifically for the doorbel, it has to be battery poweredl) that are affordable? The Blink Mini camera is a versatile tool that can be used inside your house to keep an eye on what’s going on. It can be a great addition to your Blink home security system, whether you are home or away. The Blink Mini has an assortment of features, most of which can be used without a Blink subscription. With that in mind, you probably ended up reading this because you want to know if your Blink Mini can still be used with a Blink subscription. The Blink Mini camera can be used without a subscription, but video clips cannot be stored to the cloud. Live view can be viewed but cannot be recorded at all, even if you have local storage set up. Motion alerts can be recorded to local storage and viewed at any time in the Blink app. Let’s go over those features that are available with and without a Blink subscription. Blink does not require a subscription to use any of their cameras but does limit their functionality without a paid subscription. For the Blink Mini, there are two key things that a paid subscription plan enables:
Those rules apply to the other current Blink cameras as well; the Blink Indoor and Blink Outdoor. The difference between the Blink Mini and the Blink Indoor or Blink Outdoor is that the Blink Mini does not require a Sync Module in order to control the camera or to stream the Live View. The Blink Mini is capable of connecting directly to the internet and sending video to the Blink cloud. In contrast, the Blink Indoor and the Blink Outdoor must be connected to the Sync Module, which relays the video to the cloud. Hopefully, I’ve cleared up the main advantages of what a subscription plan will get you, but what do you get when you don’t have a subscription? What Can The Blink Mini Do Without A Subscription?The Blink Indoor and Outdoor both require a Sync Module to be used. The Blink Mini is the only Blink camera that can stream directly to the Blink app without any additional hardware. Without a subscription, the Blink MIni will send motion alerts and stream the Live View to the Blink app. If connected to a Sync Module, the Blink Camera can save motion detection clips to an attached USB flash drive. The Blink Mini is also capable of two-way audio using the Blink app. If you don’t buy the additional SYnc Module, you will have no way of saving clips without a subscription plan. How to Save Motion Clips Without a Blink SubscriptionI’ve mentioned the Sync Module several times now, so let’s review what that does. More specifically, you will need the Blink Sync Module 2 to save clips. The newer sync module has a USB port that is used to connect a USB flash drive to. The original version does not have a USB port and cannot store clips. It has no internal storage. Let me summarize. To save motion clips without a Blink subscription, you need the Blink Sync Module 2 and a USB flash drive. The Blink Sync Module will store motion clips from your Blink Indoor, Blink Outdoor, or Blink Mini to the USB drive. The clips can be viewed on a computer or through the Blink app. If you do end up getting a Blink subscription, the Sync Module will back up your clips to Blink’s cloud storage automatically at the end of every day. Blink Subscription OfferingsIf you are interested in learning more about Blink subscriptions, here is the comparison table from Amazon, the owners of Blink. The most current version can be found on Amazon’s website here. In my opinion, the table is a little misleading because it doesn’t account for what you can do when you have the Blink Sync Module 2. Compare Blink Subscription Plans
*Feature applicable to new Blink Indoor and Outdoor cameras. Does blink mini work alone? Does Blink Mini need a Hub?Let me offer this up as a conclusion to this article. The Blink Mini can work alone for motion alerts and to view Live View in the Blink app. If paired with a Sync Module 2, motion detected videos can be stored locally, but not Live View clips. A Blink Subscription enables the recording of motion events and Live View clips. In summary, the Blink Mini works as a stand-alone device, with no need for a hub or subscription if you only want to be notified when motion is detected or to view the Live View in the Blink app. If you want to save the clips when motion is detected, you will need either the Sync Module 2 or a subscription plan. If you want to record Live View clips, you will need to pay for the monthly subscription. Can I use Blink without subscription?Is a Blink Subscription Plan required to use my Blink products? No. Your Blink products provide their standard features (such as motion alerts, live view, and two-way audio) without any subscription. Blink Subscription Plans offer additional features for those who want them.
How does Blink Sync Module 2 work without subscription?The Sync Module 2 stores clips to USB in two different ways:. With a Blink Subscription, a once-daily clip backup is saved. Not viewable in the clip list.. Local Storage happens when there is no active subscription. Clips from eligible cameras are saved directly to the USB drive.. Does the Sync Module come with Blink?Your standard $50 Blink Video Doorbell doesn't come with the sync module. That's an additional purchase, though you can buy bundles with one included. Its functionality is simple, yet for some, important. The Sync Module 2 connects up to 10 Blink video devices to a USB flash drive for local storage.
What does Sync Module do for Blink?The Sync Module receives information from the Blink servers through your local Wi-Fi, and sends commands to system devices with a Low Frequency Radio (LFR). Cameras receive information from the Sync Module, then send images and notifications through your local Wi-Fi.
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