Customer Review

Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 17 July 2021
This and other XT2 systems are shipping with Sync Module 2.
Sync Module 2 is not available to buy as a separate product . . . allegedly it is coming soon . . . but not yet!!!!

So, buy this and become an involuntary Beta Tester!!!!!!

I have a sprawling property (former farmhouse with barns). I have FIVE sync modules and FIFTEEN cameras. I get free Cloud storage etc. because I signed up BEFORE they introduced a subscription service.

It is only a matter of time before I HAVE TO PAY Subscription charges . . . I would be stupid to think otherwise! So, seeing SYNC MODULE 2 is available (with LOCAL STORAGE) in the camera packs on offer . . . I thought I would upgrade.

WARNING : DO NOT UPGRADE IF YOU HAVE more than one sync module and more than one or two cameras.

I contacted Blink Support :-

Question 1. How do I save camera configurations.
ANSWER : Camera settings are saved on the Sync module so if you change sync module you will need to adjust your settings again.

In other words all customisation of settings will be lost etc.

Question 2. How do I install Sync Module 2 WITHOUT having to install EVERY camera from scratch
Answer : you will need install every camera from the beginning again as there are different sync Modules.

In other words EVERY Camera will have to be installed as though it were a brand new camera . . . you will have to start climbing ladders to get serial numbers etc. You will need to set camera positions once again, motion detection zones, etc., etc. You CANNOT access serial numbers of any cameras through the App. . . . you WILL have to climb ladders etc. AND cameras do not easily install (see other reviews) . . . expect failures to register cameras so type the serial numbers in a file that you can copy and paste from (and keep for future reference).

##### This is a grievance that has been aired on the Blink Forum for several years . . . Blink has failed to respond to the issue i.e. by providing a solution! #####

Question 3. How do I transfer a camera from one sync module to another without a complete re-installation of the camera.
Answer : you will need install every camera from the beginning again as there are different sync Modules.

In other words same as question 2

Question 4. WITHOUT a Cloud Account : Local Storage on Sync module 2 . . . will it store data from cameras connected to another module? OR only cameras connected directly to it?
Answer : It will only store clips from the cameras connected to the Sync module.

In other words, I will have to buy FIVE 'Sync modules 2' AND FIVE USB Flash Drives

The 'blink system' is on my Network . . . I can see all the blink devices . . . the blink system will not allow users to assign a module to a camera for storage of clips . . . one module stores data from the cameras attached to it. Blink treats every sync module as a separate system. [Whereas a product such as Energenie MiHome Automation uses sync modules which are integrated into a single system!]

Furthermore, you think you are buying Sync Module 2 . . . wrong . . . none of the much lauded 'new' functionality has not been deployed. You are buying a 'neutered SYNC MODULE 2' which will do nothing more than your existing sync modules (I do not have a paid for subscription . . . I registered early so I am on the 'free' set up).

The camera system description states
"Blink Sync Module 2: Local Video Storage
Back up video clips recorded in the cloud from up to 10 cameras to the Blink Sync Module 2 in your home and view them on your computer with no additional fees. Record your video clips locally to the Blink Sync Module 2 (coming soon). USB flash drive required (sold separately)."

Note : "(coming soon)" . . . when they have finished beta testing on unsuspecting customers!!!!!

ANOTHER WARNING : Sync Module 2 Product description states
"The Sync Module 2 connects up to 10 of any Blink Indoor, Blink Outdoor, XT2, XT and Blink Mini cameras (not required for Blink Mini). "

BUT BUT BUT . . . it then states . . .

"No monthly fees are required to use local video storage functionality. Local video storage functionality is not compatible with Blink XT2, XT and first-generation Indoor cameras."

Translated : Breathtakingly unbelievable!!!!! So, if you buy an Indoor Camera System . . . IT WILL NOT HAVE LOCAL VIDEO STORAGE FUNCTIONALITY . . . so don't rush out and buy a 256gb flash drive to go with it.

So, Sync Module 2 has been designed by persons with a 'flexible relationship with reality' and deployment of new features is non-existent! The product is a nightmare, totally misleading . . . and I think Blink have dug a very deep hole which they've tried to fill with promises they will be unable to keep.

This nightmare could account for the delay in release of Sync Module 2 . . .

TO ADD INSULT TO INJURY
------------------------------------
You can't join the forum

"We are making some changes to our Blink forum to turn it into an even better place for the
community around our cameras to interact and learn together.
In preparation for these changes, we are not allowing any new users to sign up with this
existing forum.
Thanks for being a part of the Blink community and we look forward to seeing you
in the future!"

All you can do is contact support who are not particularly helpful.

DO NOT BUY THIS.
Customer image
1.0 out of 5 stars ##### Be AWARE ##### BEWARE ##### Flexible Relationship with Reality ALERT!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on 17 July 2021
This and other XT2 systems are shipping with Sync Module 2.
Sync Module 2 is not available to buy as a separate product . . . allegedly it is coming soon . . . but not yet!!!!

So, buy this and become an involuntary Beta Tester!!!!!!

I have a sprawling property (former farmhouse with barns). I have FIVE sync modules and FIFTEEN cameras. I get free Cloud storage etc. because I signed up BEFORE they introduced a subscription service.

It is only a matter of time before I HAVE TO PAY Subscription charges . . . I would be stupid to think otherwise! So, seeing SYNC MODULE 2 is available (with LOCAL STORAGE) in the camera packs on offer . . . I thought I would upgrade.

WARNING : DO NOT UPGRADE IF YOU HAVE more than one sync module and more than one or two cameras.

I contacted Blink Support :-

Question 1. How do I save camera configurations.
ANSWER : Camera settings are saved on the Sync module so if you change sync module you will need to adjust your settings again.

In other words all customisation of settings will be lost etc.

Question 2. How do I install Sync Module 2 WITHOUT having to install EVERY camera from scratch
Answer : you will need install every camera from the beginning again as there are different sync Modules.

In other words EVERY Camera will have to be installed as though it were a brand new camera . . . you will have to start climbing ladders to get serial numbers etc. You will need to set camera positions once again, motion detection zones, etc., etc. You CANNOT access serial numbers of any cameras through the App. . . . you WILL have to climb ladders etc. AND cameras do not easily install (see other reviews) . . . expect failures to register cameras so type the serial numbers in a file that you can copy and paste from (and keep for future reference).

##### This is a grievance that has been aired on the Blink Forum for several years . . . Blink has failed to respond to the issue i.e. by providing a solution! #####

Question 3. How do I transfer a camera from one sync module to another without a complete re-installation of the camera.
Answer : you will need install every camera from the beginning again as there are different sync Modules.

In other words same as question 2

Question 4. WITHOUT a Cloud Account : Local Storage on Sync module 2 . . . will it store data from cameras connected to another module? OR only cameras connected directly to it?
Answer : It will only store clips from the cameras connected to the Sync module.

In other words, I will have to buy FIVE 'Sync modules 2' AND FIVE USB Flash Drives

The 'blink system' is on my Network . . . I can see all the blink devices . . . the blink system will not allow users to assign a module to a camera for storage of clips . . . one module stores data from the cameras attached to it. Blink treats every sync module as a separate system. [Whereas a product such as Energenie MiHome Automation uses sync modules which are integrated into a single system!]

Furthermore, you think you are buying Sync Module 2 . . . wrong . . . none of the much lauded 'new' functionality has not been deployed. You are buying a 'neutered SYNC MODULE 2' which will do nothing more than your existing sync modules (I do not have a paid for subscription . . . I registered early so I am on the 'free' set up).

The camera system description states
"Blink Sync Module 2: Local Video Storage
Back up video clips recorded in the cloud from up to 10 cameras to the Blink Sync Module 2 in your home and view them on your computer with no additional fees. Record your video clips locally to the Blink Sync Module 2 (coming soon). USB flash drive required (sold separately)."

Note : "(coming soon)" . . . when they have finished beta testing on unsuspecting customers!!!!!

ANOTHER WARNING : Sync Module 2 Product description states
"The Sync Module 2 connects up to 10 of any Blink Indoor, Blink Outdoor, XT2, XT and Blink Mini cameras (not required for Blink Mini). "

BUT BUT BUT . . . it then states . . .

"No monthly fees are required to use local video storage functionality. Local video storage functionality is not compatible with Blink XT2, XT and first-generation Indoor cameras."

Translated : Breathtakingly unbelievable!!!!! So, if you buy an Indoor Camera System . . . IT WILL NOT HAVE LOCAL VIDEO STORAGE FUNCTIONALITY . . . so don't rush out and buy a 256gb flash drive to go with it.

So, Sync Module 2 has been designed by persons with a 'flexible relationship with reality' and deployment of new features is non-existent! The product is a nightmare, totally misleading . . . and I think Blink have dug a very deep hole which they've tried to fill with promises they will be unable to keep.

This nightmare could account for the delay in release of Sync Module 2 . . .

TO ADD INSULT TO INJURY
------------------------------------
You can't join the forum

"We are making some changes to our Blink forum to turn it into an even better place for the
community around our cameras to interact and learn together.
In preparation for these changes, we are not allowing any new users to sign up with this
existing forum.
Thanks for being a part of the Blink community and we look forward to seeing you
in the future!"

All you can do is contact support who are not particularly helpful.

DO NOT BUY THIS.
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