Your virtual house guard is here! Vivint cameras don’t just look after your house but also scare away intruders and anyone threatening. These cameras are built with sophisticated technology that uses light and sound to cause an alarm. Your home security can go from 2 stars to a whopping 5 with this mechanical guard! What’s even more interesting is the many subscription plans offered, plus how the Vivint camera works.
How does the Vivint camera work?
It is not necessarily groundbreaking to have a surveillance system, but incorporating the new technology is pretty useful. Moreover, companies are making video surveillance accessible for almost every home.
Generally, an RF radio transmitter is used to show videos on wireless cameras. The video is then sent to internal cloud storage through a receiver. This will give you easy access through a link to your images and videos.
In the case of the Vivint cameras, it provides you with several other security benefits as well. It brings some essential components to your home security. You get:
Wireless detection
You do not need to deal with all the messy wiring. The presence of wires can alert intruders of a security system in place. It does not matter whether it is placed indoors or outdoors. This way, intruders can cut the wires to prevent getting caught. Vivint cleverly saves you from this by using wireless technology and transmitting signals if the power is out.
Remote viewing
Remotely controlling your security system means that you can control its functions separately through your online account. You can also use the mobile app or the Vivint Smart Hub Panel Control to manage and monitor your security system from wherever you are.
Motion detection
The Vivint camera uses motion-sensing technology, which is more secure and also saves energy. The best thing about motion detection is that the camera will start recording as soon as it detects that any motion is in range. The camera can also automatically angle itself towards the area where it is sensing the movement.
Scheduled recording
You can set your surveillance system to record at a set time. If some intruder is in range, this feature will activate the alarm, lights, and sound. This way, you can ensure your home’s security at all times.
Automatic cloud storage
You can conveniently access all the videos and images through your mobile app. This is because everything is automatically transferred to the Vivint cloud storage through your Wi-Fi network.
Is it necessary to buy the Vivint camera subscription?
Yes, it is necessary to buy the Vivint camera monthly subscription as the Vivint cameras are only compatible with their own monitoring service. The Vivint security cameras do not work with other monitoring services. You can use the cameras without the service, but they won’t be of much use as you will have to monitor everything on your own.
The subscription is very convenient at times when you are not home. If there is any kind of danger, the company itself will take care of it through virtual assistance. Vivint will also notify you. This way, you can be totally tension-free. Moreover, you can’t really use Vivint services without a subscription.
What Vivint subscription plan is best for you? Types of Vivint subscription plans!
You can avail any of the three monthly subscription plans from Vivint; each comes with professional monitoring. But only the most expensive yet best value plan offers features like video doorbells and cameras. Two cameras are covered in the subscription, but you will have to pay $5 additional per month if you want an extra camera.
Types of subscription plans offered
Vivint Smart Home Video Monitoring service: $44.99/month
- Easy mobile app access
- Home environmental monitoring (entry, Carbon Monoxide, and smoke detection)
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- Medical pendant
- Smart home integration
- Video surveillance available
Vivint Smart Home Monitoring service: $39.99/month
- Easy mobile app access
- Home environmental monitoring (entry, Carbon Monoxide, and smoke detection)
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- Medical pendant
- Smart home integration
Vivint Smart Security Monitoring service: $29.99/month
- Easy mobile app access
- Home environmental monitoring (entry, Carbon Monoxide, and smoke detection)
- 24/7 professional monitoring
- Medical pendant
Plan | Smart Security Monitoring – $29.99/month | Smart Home Monitoring – $39.99/month | Smart Home Video Monitoring – $44.99/month |
Easy mobile app access | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Home environmental monitoring | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
24/7 professional monitoring | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Medical pendant | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Smart home integration | ✓ | ✓ | |
Video surveillance available | ✓ |
Considering all three options, there isn’t much difference, especially considering the $44.99 subscription plan that offers so much more in just $5 extra than the $39.99 subscription plan. It’ll be best to go for the $44.99 subscription plan to enjoy all the features! But of course, if you don’t need the extra features, then you can always go for the other two plans.
Why should you buy the Vivint camera subscription?
If you want to benefit from your security system no matter where you are, you need to buy the Vivint subscription. This is because you can’t access most of the features which make the Vivint camera stand out without the subscription. So unless you are at home, you cannot use your camera without the subscription services.
You get free installation and running costs in the deal if you get the subscription which saves you some of the costs you have to pay anyway. You can talk to a specialist and decide your plan according to your budget and needs.
What happens if you don’t buy the Vivint camera subscription?
To save costs, you might wonder how secure your home can be without buying a subscription. Without the subscription, you cannot take advantage of the remote option. You can use your camera, but not to its total capacity.
If you do not want a 24/7 service, including features like medical alerts, then you’ll be fine without the subscription. Without the subscription, you can’t use the camera through the mobile app. Also, if something goes wrong with your device, you won’t be able to take advantage of customer service like you would with the subscription.
Of course, you can save costs, avoid contractual agreements, and the number of cameras you have might be enough, but you will lose a lot too. You will lose remote access, which means that you can’t tilt your camera or turn it on and off. You cannot view the camera image through cloud storage in real-time either. You also get limited protection and limited customer service.
Can you use the Vivint camera system without a subscription?
Yes, you can use the Vivint camera system without a subscription, but you can do so only at home. The remote access comes with the subscription. Moreover, you cannot take advantage of all the perks like virtual protection, 24/7 customer service, etc. If you do not get a subscription, you will also have to pay the installation fee.
How to use Vivint camera without service?
Without the service, your Vivint security camera would act as an ordinary camera, not letting you enjoy the advanced security features Vivint offers. You will be missing out on the following without the subscription:
- The remote feature only works with the service. To use the Vivint camera without service, you will have to remain at home.
- Do not expect a lot from the customer service.
- You will not get a doorbell camera.
- Your Vivint security camera will work like an ordinary camera that views things; you won’t be able to use motion detection and other perks.
Can you cancel your Vivint camera subscription plan?
Yes, you can cancel your Vivint camera subscription plan. However, you will be asked to pay your contract in full if you cancel it early, $300 during the first year and $150 in the second year. But some special circumstances allow for penalty-free cancellation. You can call customer service at 1-800-216-5232 and discuss your options with them.
How to cancel the Vivint subscription contract?
In order to cancel the Vivint subscription contract, you would have to write a Notice of Cancellation letter to Vivint in order to free yourself of the subscription contract. Make sure to include the following in your letter:
- The date
- Reason for cancellation
- Your account number
- Your signature
Next, email the cancellation letter to documents@vivint.com. You can then call Vivint at 1-800-216-5232 to make sure that your letter has reached them.
Paying the contract – Penalty
Once you cancel the Vivint subscription, you will have to pay your 5-year contract in full if the cancellation occurs early. You will have to pay $300 if you’re canceling during the first year and $150 if you’re canceling during the second year.
However, you will not be asked to pay your contract upon canceling your subscription in some cases. Such cases are:
- Moving into an assisted home
- Death
- Bankruptcy
- Medical discharge for military
- Deployment for military
What you’ll be missing out on
Upon canceling the subscription, you will be deprived of the following features:
- You cannot remotely view your home
- You cannot call customer service any time you want to
- Motion detection and the doorbell camera won’t work either
- You cannot view and save your images and videos from the cloud storage
So, make sure what’s right for you before deciding on canceling the subscription!
Wrapping up!
Vivint Camera plans offer you the most sophisticated virtual security system. They cover all of the bases and also offer customized plans that are easy on your pocket. If you don’t plan on buying a subscription, it is best to go for an ordinary camera. The reason behind buying an ordinary security camera is that you cannot benefit from all the perks that make Vivint stand out without a subscription.
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