➡➡➡UPDATE: If you delete the Sync Module 2 FIRST, then add the Sync Module XR, it should transfer your cameras automatically to the XR module. ⬅⬅⬅ ☑ Buy Blink Sync Module XR on Amazon: geni.us/bsmxr (Affiliate Link) ☑ Buy Sync Module XR + Outdoor 4 on Amazon: geni.us/bsmxrb (Affiliate Link) ☑ Buy Sync Module 2 on Amazon: geni.us/syncmodule2 (Affiliate Link) ☑ Buy USB Drive For Sync Module 2 on Amazon: geni.us/syncUSB (Affiliate Link)
Thanks for your review. Candidly - I'd probably re-upload this review with this information. Before I saw this note I almost stopped watching the review having figured it wasn't worth that hassle.
@@warez. Yea I tried to see if I could add a text overlay after the fact, but TH-cam doesn't allow it. It seems counter-intuitive to delete the sync module that all cameras are tied to, then to add the new sync module xr, so I wish Blink had made that clear or had the Blink app issue a pop up message telling you the order to install. Many times, I've had to help viewers troubleshoot issues where the fix is to delete all cameras first, then add the sync module 2, then add the cameras afterwards. I think they'd save their tech support team a lot of headache by implementing basic messages in the app.
Great tips! - Can you have both the older Version Sync2 module handling some cameras and the new XR unit all handling oldre and newer V4 cameras all operating at the same time on the same WIFI system?
Yep, looks like it's possible to do that: support.blinkforhome.com/en_US/account-and-login/how-can-i-access-multiple-blink-systems-from-one-account Btw, you could just run the more Sync Module XR unit with all cameras tied to it if you have under 10 cameras. Another viewer mentioned that if you delete the Sync Module 2 first, then add the Sync Module XR unit, all the cameras that were previously paired with the Sync Module 2 unit, will be automatically migrated to the Sync Module XR.
Hi, great video. Question: can i run 8 old blink cameras in wifi mode and 2 new blink 4 cameras in xr range with the xr sync module. Total 10 cams. 8 normal 2 xr.
Yep, according to Blink's documentation "Each Sync Module XR supports up to 10 Blink devices. While only two Outdoor 4 cameras can use Extended Range at the same time, you can have more than two cameras connected, with the additional cameras using standard Wi-Fi coverage." you should be able do that. More info here: support.blinkforhome.com/en_US/f-a-q/sync-module-xr-faq
Question: I only use the blink doorbell with the old sync module, and it takes more than 10 seconds to show the front door... Seems like this new sync version will not even work with a doorbell. If so can someone recommend a range extender, and would that help with the very long wait time? (I'm on the first floor so a bit of distance to doorbell from Wi-Fi)
This new sync module XR will work with your video doorbell, but you won't get the extended range option since that only applies to the Blink Outdoor 4 cameras. Before you get a range extender, try temporarily moving the video doorbell within 2 to 3 feet of the sync module you have right now and test how quick it loads up to show live view. If it still takes 10 seconds, then you know that a range extender won't help.
@@DemCrumblies actually brought it down to about two seconds!, i thought the distance of the the wifi router he was more important, thanks. how cheap an extender do you need?
@@JayCreates Hey that's great to hear. You can probably get away with something like this geni.us/brotx (Affiliate Link). It's the one that I use sometimes, but the setup will require a desktop or laptop for easier setup. Another option would be to purchase a router, run a long cable from your modem to the router and setup the router for output WiFi as well and setup the Blink system to connect to the new WiFi network from the router.
When you delete/remove a camera from a synch module, you will receive an email advising of the change. Within that email, is the camera's ID number. Copy/paste that info and use during the new install setup. This avoids the need to have the camera in your hand to scan.
Thanks for the tip. Another viewer mentioned to just delete the previous Sync Module and leave the cameras untouched, then when you add the new Sync Module XR, it will inherit the cameras without having to readd them.
@@DemCrumblies That's good to know. I learned about the email trick from some YT comment, when I was first setting up the Blink cameras to replace my aged Arlo cams. And wanted to migrate one under a new module that is always armed.
I am confused so you can add up to ten cameras in the new module but on 2 cameras can be in the xr mode? And if you needed another 2 cameras to be connect you would need to sync them to another xr module? I'm just confused from the explanation. Also I have the blink 4 cameras around my house and the worse part of the blink system is that I live on a main road and with the sensitivity all the way down every passing cars light reflect of of my windows sets the cameras off to the point I had to change it to person only but then miss a lot of stuff when packages are just thrown on my porch. I wish blink would figure the light issues out!!
You can add up to 10 devices (cameras and video doorbells), however ONLY the Outdoor 4 camera specifically can use the new XR or XR+ mode. Each Sync Module XR can only support 2 of the Outdoor 4 cameras in XR or XR+ mode. So if you have 3 or 4 of the Outdoor 4 cameras, then you have to buy an additional Sync Module XR IF you want to use the 3rd or 4th camera in XR mode, since each Sync Module XR will only support a max of 2 Outdoor 4 cameras in XR mode. However, if you do not own any Outdoor 4 cameras, this new Sync Module is really not worth the upgrade, since all other cameras cannot take advantage of the new XR modes. For packages, it might be best to position one camera directly towards your door so you can see when packages are left there. If you're open to other brands, you could also use a video doorbell with a really wide field of view to see everything outside your door and some of the video doorbells can also be hard-wired so you never have to worry about battery life.
@@alvarezz09 Another viewer mentioned that if you delete the older sync module first, then add in the new Sync Module XR, you should still be able to retain all the cameras without having to scan them each again. If you try it, let me know if that works so I can have double confirmation. Thanks!
@@DemCrumblies Will the XR support two cameras in XR or XR+ mode AND simultaneously support eight cameras in Wifi mode? Or, would it be necessary to use an XR for the extended range cameras and a separate sync module 2 for the other cameras? Also, you mentioned that you can only have two XRs per account. Do you know if you can have two XRs AND a sync module 2 (a total of three sync modules) on one account)? I'd like to have 4 long range cameras and four Wifi range cameras on one account. Thanks!
@@76tfc Yes, the XR module will allow you to have two of the Outdoor 4 cameras in either XR or XR+ mode (the modes cannot be mixed, they have to be the same). Also, the extended range modes ONLY apply to the Outdoor 4 cameras. If you want two more Outdoor 4 cameras operating in XR modes, then you'd need to buy another Sync XR Module. However, if you want to add more cameras that do not need to use XR modes, then you can add them to the same Sync Module XR, since it allows up to 10 devices, but only two Outdoor 4 cameras can be in XR modes. The other 8 cameras have to be in normal WiFi mode. I'm not sure about if you can have three Sync Modules (2 XR and 1 Sync Module 2), but you shouldn't need to do that anyway since each Sync Module XR unit will support up to 10 devices (but only 2 of the Outdoor 4 Cameras tied to the Sync Module XR can use the XR or XR+ modes). For your setup of 4 long range Outdoor 4 cameras, you would only need 2 Sync Module XR units, since the remaining 4 WiFi cameras can be added to either of the 2 Sync Module XR units. Let me know if that makes sense.
1- the registration issue is for security 2- the main selling point for outdoor 4 is wireless and battery life ( 4k uses a lot more power) 3 - the module 3 + outdoor 4 bundle is often discounted for CAD$80 shipped 4- it looked like a good quality 1080p ( better than crappy 4k ) 5- an Amazon product warranty is likely processed much more quickly 6- integrated with Alexia monitors more easily 7 - wireless range also depends on where you place the camera and module ( wirelss signals are directional - when the camera is infront of the house, place the module on the side of the house facing inward)
1 - Yes, I understand the need for registration the first time the cameras are added to the Blink app. Another viewer mentioned that if the Sync Module 2 is deleted first, then the Sync Module XR is added after, it will transfer the cameras under the Sync Module XR without needing to readd the cameras again. I wish the Blink app mentioned that. 2 - Yes, Blink really prioritizes battery life by trying to balance video quality, but the bitrate is quite low for me to be usable to make out critical details like faces from afar or license plates. There are 4K cameras I've reviewed with great bitrates and that have excellent battery life because they have a built in solar panel, which of course increases the size of the camera, but I feel like these cameras are best suited or areas with very low traffic since the battery dies way too quickly. 3 - Agreed, the pricing is appealing if the performance it offers suits what you need for home security. 4 - After reviewing so many cameras with 2K, 3K and 4K video, their 1080P at that low bitrate doesn't meet my standards, but I know for many, it's good enough. 5 - 100% agree. I believe Amazon also replaces cameras in cases of theft in some cases if I recall correctly. 6 - Agreed. 7 - While some wireless signals are directional, most of these consumer devices have omnidirectional output so the user can place it in any radius around their home.
Yes there are many alternatives, you can check my security camera playlist here: th-cam.com/play/PL4H9xhv0FEOfEMJw1VA5vxK-OzlaF2PYb.html Pretty much any camera from eufy, Reolink or AOSU will be better than what Blink offers and they don't have any monthly fees.
@@tlhamp0 You're welcome. Let me know if you have any follow-up questions. For wired cameras, I love the Reolink Duo 2 WiFi or Reolink Duo 3 PoE camera. For wireless cameras, eufy, aosu and reolink are great.
It takes between 3 to 5 seconds to pull up live view on my end when using the default WiFi mode. But in XR Mode, it did take longer since I only had one bar of signal even though I was only 125 feet away and XR mode is rated for up to 250 feet.
@@JayCreates I haven't found a solution either but my older XT2 cameras load in about 3-5 seconds on Sync Module 2. All of the newer cameras (doorbells and indoor cameras) take 15± seconds.
Does extended mode change all cameras to 720p or just the cameras at the distance of XR? Edit: i think you answered the question. You manually choose which camera is on xr or wifi
Yep, both Outdoor 4 cameras will have to go into the same mode. Other cameras that aren't Outdoor 4 cameras, will remain in the default WiFi working mode though.
Oh that's good to know, I was worried that if I deleted the SM2 first, all the cameras paired under it would disappear, which is why I thought I could add the XR and transfer over the cameras, then delete the SM2. Can you confirm if deleting the SM2 first, then adding the XR would move all the cameras over the XR automatically, or would that just allow you to keep the same system name?
I agree. I think they focus so much on prioritizing lengthy battery life that they sacrifice too much in the way of performance and video clarity, which you shouldn't do considering video evidence in high quality is a fundamental need for a security camera. Putting some features behind paid subscriptions isn't very user friendly either when many of their competitors offer more features with no monthly fees.
@@MonicaClaireLoshusanDuys-iv6uk I usually recommend eufy or aosu. Let me know which type of camera you are looking for (indoor or outdoor, wired or solar) and I can give you some recommendations that have zero monthly fees.
@@harryjohnson7714 For an indoor camera, I recommend this one: th-cam.com/video/PLUAeljMqoc/w-d-xo.html and for outdoors: th-cam.com/video/T7spRyiPj8U/w-d-xo.html or th-cam.com/video/ttqGV71cXQI/w-d-xo.html or th-cam.com/video/RFtkDR4LNWY/w-d-xo.html
➡➡➡UPDATE: If you delete the Sync Module 2 FIRST, then add the Sync Module XR, it should transfer your cameras automatically to the XR module. ⬅⬅⬅
☑ Buy Blink Sync Module XR on Amazon: geni.us/bsmxr (Affiliate Link)
☑ Buy Sync Module XR + Outdoor 4 on Amazon: geni.us/bsmxrb (Affiliate Link)
☑ Buy Sync Module 2 on Amazon: geni.us/syncmodule2 (Affiliate Link)
☑ Buy USB Drive For Sync Module 2 on Amazon: geni.us/syncUSB (Affiliate Link)
Thanks for your review. Candidly - I'd probably re-upload this review with this information. Before I saw this note I almost stopped watching the review having figured it wasn't worth that hassle.
@@warez. Yea I tried to see if I could add a text overlay after the fact, but TH-cam doesn't allow it. It seems counter-intuitive to delete the sync module that all cameras are tied to, then to add the new sync module xr, so I wish Blink had made that clear or had the Blink app issue a pop up message telling you the order to install. Many times, I've had to help viewers troubleshoot issues where the fix is to delete all cameras first, then add the sync module 2, then add the cameras afterwards. I think they'd save their tech support team a lot of headache by implementing basic messages in the app.
Great amount of information! Thank you for the in-depth review
Thank you for watching 🙂
Ha, wish I watched this before I bought the Sync Model XR, guess I am sending it back! Great video thanks
Was it the range that was the dealbreaker or the drop in quality? Hopefully a 2nd generation XR model will address the issues later.
Great tips! - Can you have both the older Version Sync2 module handling some cameras and the new XR unit all handling oldre and newer V4 cameras all operating at the same time on the same WIFI system?
Yep, looks like it's possible to do that: support.blinkforhome.com/en_US/account-and-login/how-can-i-access-multiple-blink-systems-from-one-account
Btw, you could just run the more Sync Module XR unit with all cameras tied to it if you have under 10 cameras. Another viewer mentioned that if you delete the Sync Module 2 first, then add the Sync Module XR unit, all the cameras that were previously paired with the Sync Module 2 unit, will be automatically migrated to the Sync Module XR.
Hi, great video. Question: can i run 8 old blink cameras in wifi mode and 2 new blink 4 cameras in xr range with the xr sync module. Total 10 cams. 8 normal 2 xr.
Yep, according to Blink's documentation "Each Sync Module XR supports up to 10 Blink devices. While only two Outdoor 4 cameras can use Extended Range at the same time, you can have more than two cameras connected, with the additional cameras using standard Wi-Fi coverage." you should be able do that. More info here: support.blinkforhome.com/en_US/f-a-q/sync-module-xr-faq
Question: I only use the blink doorbell with the old sync module, and it takes more than 10 seconds to show the front door... Seems like this new sync version will not even work with a doorbell. If so can someone recommend a range extender, and would that help with the very long wait time? (I'm on the first floor so a bit of distance to doorbell from Wi-Fi)
This new sync module XR will work with your video doorbell, but you won't get the extended range option since that only applies to the Blink Outdoor 4 cameras. Before you get a range extender, try temporarily moving the video doorbell within 2 to 3 feet of the sync module you have right now and test how quick it loads up to show live view. If it still takes 10 seconds, then you know that a range extender won't help.
@@DemCrumblies actually brought it down to about two seconds!, i thought the distance of the the wifi router he was more important, thanks. how cheap an extender do you need?
@@JayCreates Hey that's great to hear. You can probably get away with something like this geni.us/brotx (Affiliate Link). It's the one that I use sometimes, but the setup will require a desktop or laptop for easier setup. Another option would be to purchase a router, run a long cable from your modem to the router and setup the router for output WiFi as well and setup the Blink system to connect to the new WiFi network from the router.
When you delete/remove a camera from a synch module, you will receive an email advising of the change. Within that email, is the camera's ID number. Copy/paste that info and use during the new install setup. This avoids the need to have the camera in your hand to scan.
Thanks for the tip. Another viewer mentioned to just delete the previous Sync Module and leave the cameras untouched, then when you add the new Sync Module XR, it will inherit the cameras without having to readd them.
@@DemCrumblies That's good to know. I learned about the email trick from some YT comment, when I was first setting up the Blink cameras to replace my aged Arlo cams. And wanted to migrate one under a new module that is always armed.
I am confused so you can add up to ten cameras in the new module but on 2 cameras can be in the xr mode? And if you needed another 2 cameras to be connect you would need to sync them to another xr module? I'm just confused from the explanation. Also I have the blink 4 cameras around my house and the worse part of the blink system is that I live on a main road and with the sensitivity all the way down every passing cars light reflect of of my windows sets the cameras off to the point I had to change it to person only but then miss a lot of stuff when packages are just thrown on my porch. I wish blink would figure the light issues out!!
You can add up to 10 devices (cameras and video doorbells), however ONLY the Outdoor 4 camera specifically can use the new XR or XR+ mode. Each Sync Module XR can only support 2 of the Outdoor 4 cameras in XR or XR+ mode. So if you have 3 or 4 of the Outdoor 4 cameras, then you have to buy an additional Sync Module XR IF you want to use the 3rd or 4th camera in XR mode, since each Sync Module XR will only support a max of 2 Outdoor 4 cameras in XR mode. However, if you do not own any Outdoor 4 cameras, this new Sync Module is really not worth the upgrade, since all other cameras cannot take advantage of the new XR modes. For packages, it might be best to position one camera directly towards your door so you can see when packages are left there. If you're open to other brands, you could also use a video doorbell with a really wide field of view to see everything outside your door and some of the video doorbells can also be hard-wired so you never have to worry about battery life.
@@DemCrumblies thank you! is there a way to add the existing cameras on the module 2 without having to have to scan each camera and add it again/
@@alvarezz09 Another viewer mentioned that if you delete the older sync module first, then add in the new Sync Module XR, you should still be able to retain all the cameras without having to scan them each again. If you try it, let me know if that works so I can have double confirmation. Thanks!
@@DemCrumblies Will the XR support two cameras in XR or XR+ mode AND simultaneously support eight cameras in Wifi mode? Or, would it be necessary to use an XR for the extended range cameras and a separate sync module 2 for the other cameras? Also, you mentioned that you can only have two XRs per account. Do you know if you can have two XRs AND a sync module 2 (a total of three sync modules) on one account)? I'd like to have 4 long range cameras and four Wifi range cameras on one account. Thanks!
@@76tfc Yes, the XR module will allow you to have two of the Outdoor 4 cameras in either XR or XR+ mode (the modes cannot be mixed, they have to be the same). Also, the extended range modes ONLY apply to the Outdoor 4 cameras. If you want two more Outdoor 4 cameras operating in XR modes, then you'd need to buy another Sync XR Module. However, if you want to add more cameras that do not need to use XR modes, then you can add them to the same Sync Module XR, since it allows up to 10 devices, but only two Outdoor 4 cameras can be in XR modes. The other 8 cameras have to be in normal WiFi mode. I'm not sure about if you can have three Sync Modules (2 XR and 1 Sync Module 2), but you shouldn't need to do that anyway since each Sync Module XR unit will support up to 10 devices (but only 2 of the Outdoor 4 Cameras tied to the Sync Module XR can use the XR or XR+ modes). For your setup of 4 long range Outdoor 4 cameras, you would only need 2 Sync Module XR units, since the remaining 4 WiFi cameras can be added to either of the 2 Sync Module XR units. Let me know if that makes sense.
1- the registration issue is for security 2- the main selling point for outdoor 4 is wireless and battery life ( 4k uses a lot more power) 3 - the module 3 + outdoor 4 bundle is often discounted for CAD$80 shipped 4- it looked like a good quality 1080p ( better than crappy 4k ) 5- an Amazon product warranty is likely processed much more quickly 6- integrated with Alexia monitors more easily 7 - wireless range also depends on where you place the camera and module ( wirelss signals are directional - when the camera is infront of the house, place the module on the side of the house facing inward)
1 - Yes, I understand the need for registration the first time the cameras are added to the Blink app. Another viewer mentioned that if the Sync Module 2 is deleted first, then the Sync Module XR is added after, it will transfer the cameras under the Sync Module XR without needing to readd the cameras again. I wish the Blink app mentioned that.
2 - Yes, Blink really prioritizes battery life by trying to balance video quality, but the bitrate is quite low for me to be usable to make out critical details like faces from afar or license plates. There are 4K cameras I've reviewed with great bitrates and that have excellent battery life because they have a built in solar panel, which of course increases the size of the camera, but I feel like these cameras are best suited or areas with very low traffic since the battery dies way too quickly.
3 - Agreed, the pricing is appealing if the performance it offers suits what you need for home security.
4 - After reviewing so many cameras with 2K, 3K and 4K video, their 1080P at that low bitrate doesn't meet my standards, but I know for many, it's good enough.
5 - 100% agree. I believe Amazon also replaces cameras in cases of theft in some cases if I recall correctly.
6 - Agreed.
7 - While some wireless signals are directional, most of these consumer devices have omnidirectional output so the user can place it in any radius around their home.
is there a alternative to blink I'm tired of it losing the WiFi
Yes there are many alternatives, you can check my security camera playlist here: th-cam.com/play/PL4H9xhv0FEOfEMJw1VA5vxK-OzlaF2PYb.html Pretty much any camera from eufy, Reolink or AOSU will be better than what Blink offers and they don't have any monthly fees.
@@DemCrumblies thanks
@@tlhamp0 You're welcome. Let me know if you have any follow-up questions. For wired cameras, I love the Reolink Duo 2 WiFi or Reolink Duo 3 PoE camera. For wireless cameras, eufy, aosu and reolink are great.
Does live view still take a painful amount of time to load with this sync module?
It takes between 3 to 5 seconds to pull up live view on my end when using the default WiFi mode. But in XR Mode, it did take longer since I only had one bar of signal even though I was only 125 feet away and XR mode is rated for up to 250 feet.
Yes mine also takes a long time at least 10 seconds it's a Wi-Fi extender the answer?
@@JayCreates I haven't found a solution either but my older XT2 cameras load in about 3-5 seconds on Sync Module 2. All of the newer cameras (doorbells and indoor cameras) take 15± seconds.
@@nerdngong from the the answer below we find out that the distance between sync module and doorbell is important, it's improved my own significantly!
@JayCreates One of my doorbell cameras is less than 10ft from the sync module but still takes around 15 seconds to load live view.
Does extended mode change all cameras to 720p or just the cameras at the distance of XR? Edit: i think you answered the question. You manually choose which camera is on xr or wifi
Yep, both Outdoor 4 cameras will have to go into the same mode. Other cameras that aren't Outdoor 4 cameras, will remain in the default WiFi working mode though.
You can delete the SM2 and replace it with the SM XR in the same system, rather than adding the SM XR to a new system and moving your cameras to it.
Oh that's good to know, I was worried that if I deleted the SM2 first, all the cameras paired under it would disappear, which is why I thought I could add the XR and transfer over the cameras, then delete the SM2. Can you confirm if deleting the SM2 first, then adding the XR would move all the cameras over the XR automatically, or would that just allow you to keep the same system name?
@@DemCrumblies I can confirm that all cameras in a system on a SM2 will appear in that same system after a SM XR replaces it.
@@blazr63 Awesome thanks!
@@blazr63 i can second this, this is true!
Great to hear it works.
Thanks for the review I won't be purchasing the Sync Module XR.
Yes, it really isn't worth it unless you have the Outdoor 4 camera and need additional range.
Blink so far behind in technology. When I first got my cameras many, many years ago they were leading edge. What happened?
I agree. I think they focus so much on prioritizing lengthy battery life that they sacrifice too much in the way of performance and video clarity, which you shouldn't do considering video evidence in high quality is a fundamental need for a security camera. Putting some features behind paid subscriptions isn't very user friendly either when many of their competitors offer more features with no monthly fees.
BLINK ARE THE WORSE! thx for your preview it helps tons.
Yea, unless someone already owns their devices, I usually recommend any other brand over it.
@@DemCrumblieswhich brand?
@@MonicaClaireLoshusanDuys-iv6uk I usually recommend eufy or aosu. Let me know which type of camera you are looking for (indoor or outdoor, wired or solar) and I can give you some recommendations that have zero monthly fees.
@@DemCrumbliesHi there, i’m looking for both wired and wireless, that I can live view no matter if it’s wired or not
@@harryjohnson7714 For an indoor camera, I recommend this one: th-cam.com/video/PLUAeljMqoc/w-d-xo.html and for outdoors: th-cam.com/video/T7spRyiPj8U/w-d-xo.html or th-cam.com/video/ttqGV71cXQI/w-d-xo.html or th-cam.com/video/RFtkDR4LNWY/w-d-xo.html