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The Blink XT is an indoor/outdoor version of the popular Blink security camera. It takes the basic specs of that model, adds weatherproofing and infrared night vision, and bumps the top resolution from 720p to 1080p. The basic Blink XT system includes the camera and a sync module for $130; additional cameras can be purchased for $120 each.
If that’s what you’re looking for, then this is a good option, even for those on a budget. However, if you want professional monitoring—that is, a dispatcher on call to send help if you need it—or motion or entry sensors fordoors and windows, you’ll need to look elsewhere. The camera also monitors ambient temperature, displaying the current temperature in the Settings screen. You can turn on alerts for temperatures that go above or below set points.
Amazon Alexa integration
Your app will require access to the Blink Module's Sync WiFi. The green light should be steady, and the blue light should be blinking. Have your XR2 nearby and press Discover Device on the app screen.
HomeCamCafe.com and MFX2 LLC will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. Now that your network setup is finished, you will be directed to the Welcome Screen. Choose "Blink" so your app can connect to the Blink Module.
Range: Slightly limited
The cameras are well-reviewed, but they form only one part of an integrated home security system. The Blink XT ($129 with the Wi-Fi sync module) is a very reasonably priced security camera. Its features cover only the essentials, but for many, that will be enough. We also like that you can save up to 2 hours of video for free. But as a budget indoor security camera, the Blink XT is a pretty good performer. That said, if you’re looking for slick features like activity zones, person detection, and motion tracking, my Google Nest Cam review is another great place to look.
The sync module is powered by an included 40-inch cord that plugs into a mini USB port on the side and into a USB port on the power adapter. In our tests, the sync module maintained a consistent connection with the camera, which was located more than 100 feet away, even when separated by several walls . If you’re seeking a camera with crystal clear imagery and resolution, this is not the camera for you.
Competition: More features but more expensive
It could be that more fine-tuning in the app is needed to remedy this, but it could also be that this $80 camera just isn’t strong in this way, and that’s totally okay. Self-monitoring is a breeze with Blink Mini thanks to the app, so you can easily jump between checking live view and looking back at footage history. And, you don’t even need the Blink sync module to control the Blink Mini via your phone; this one works just fine directly over the internet. But as far as setting up a Blink camera, it’s pretty hard to mess this part up, since you’re talking about a relatively simple piece of tech and an equally simple, intuitive app . But I do think it’s worth emphasizing not to rush through this process.
You can control just about everything – from how sensitive you want the camera’s motion detection sensor to be to whether you want to arm or disarm your camera at certain times. You can name devices, add additional Blink cameras , and see low battery warnings. Multiple users can download the app and access information for your camera, so if you want your roommate or partner to have access, you can provide them the camera’s login information. From Nest’s line of indoor and outdoor cameras to Ring’s series of floodlight cams, it’s definitely a crowded market. These days, you can buy everything from a basic no-frills security camera to one with lots of bells and whistles, including a floodlight, siren, and high-resolution video, all rolled into one. Blink offers some of the least expensive, battery-powered HD security cameras for recording and streaming surveillance footage.
It works very well, It's been outside this winter, with 3M tape, I didn't use screws on my vinyl siding. Keep in mind, that this is not like the Ring doorbell, when it senses movement, alerts your phone. This one sends you notification that there is a clip to view. I have patio furniture cover and when it's super windy and the cover is flapping around a bit, that triggers it too.
With those caveats, we can say the Blink XT is viable option for anyone who is more concerned with convenience than cutting-edge features. Everyone else should look into some of the more robust options in our security camera guide. There’s an easy-to-follow Setup Guide included in the Blink XT2 box. Our first step was to download the Blink Home Monitor App and create a Blink account using our email address. Each Blink XT2 system consists of a Sync Module along with one or more cameras .
The 2.4 x 1.2-inch, glossy, black lens bezel has a tiny microphone to its left. (The XT has no speaker.) A half-inch dome below the lens covers the motion and infrared sensors. The blue recording light in the upper right corner can be turned off with a switch inside the battery compartment, to keep the light from giving away the camera's presence.
It’s got a decent app, looks simple, and works as promised. The Sync Module is a small, shallow box that comes with the Blink Indoor and Blink Outdoor cameras. The module receives information from Blink servers through your home Wi-Fi, and sends notifications to our phone. Cameras receive information from the Sync Module, then send images and notifications through your Wi-Fi.
If you’re seeking an affordable, no frills, battery powered camera with free cloud storage, then buy the Blink XT camera. If you’re looking for a camera with more smart home integration, higher image quality and panning and zooming ability, go elsewhere. The Blink Home Monitor app seems designed with ease-of-use as a priority, as everything you need to control and manage the XT is just a finger-tap or two away.
From our trusted cameras to our new Video Doorbell, our mission is to help you protect what matters most. All of these articles are written by someone that figured out how to do this stuff the hard way. There are a few good companies that provide timely answers when you have questions. There are several that sell you the camera and seem to have little interest in post sales support .
If used a lot batteries will not last but a few months if that. For some reason wasps like it or don’t like it and in the summer will attack it! Outdoor weathers the storm so you don’t have to and runs for up to two years on the two included AA batteries to help you protect your home inside and out. Our product line is expanding to help provide full home coverage where you need it.
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