I'm of the (humble) opinion that the VMS software that comes with an NVR system is underrated in reviews, but can make or break the usefulness/user experience. Unfortunately most if not all reviews don't answer my questions.
I'm using the HikVison app as part of a neighborhood security group and it isn't great. The vDMS app used with Dahua is even worse. In comparison I have a simple little Tapo camera set up at home with a great app, it's more intuitive than the NVR apps I've been exposed to.
For instance, the Tapo app, when selecting playback, immediately shows the most recent recorded scene. When you want to quickly check what triggered your outside alarm beam in the middle of the night you don't want to waste time scrolling from midnight to the most recent scene, as is the case with the HikVision app.
Another feature I would value is the ability to see multiple camera feeds on one screen, but only the ones that currently or recently detected motion. E.g. you may have 16 cameras but you only want the multi-camera view to show maybe the top 4 ones with current or recent motion. It's all about immediate situational awareness. FYI no mobile or NVR app I've seen so far sports such a feature but I thought to ask anyway.
I'm considering getting the Vigi NVR, hoping that, being TP-Link, it's software and app will compare well with that of TP-Link Tapo, knowing it's a different app with a different interface. What I would really value is an opportunity to get some hands-on with the app before I commit to the hardware. Do you know of any way that one could try out the app without the hardware? I.e a demo account or a public feed running vigi (or even a friendly forum member willing to temporarily share view-only access to their vigi link account for camera situated in a non-personal space e.g. street view or business premises) that can be connected to for this purpose?
I'm using the HikVison app as part of a neighborhood security group and it isn't great. The vDMS app used with Dahua is even worse. In comparison I have a simple little Tapo camera set up at home with a great app, it's more intuitive than the NVR apps I've been exposed to.
For instance, the Tapo app, when selecting playback, immediately shows the most recent recorded scene. When you want to quickly check what triggered your outside alarm beam in the middle of the night you don't want to waste time scrolling from midnight to the most recent scene, as is the case with the HikVision app.
Another feature I would value is the ability to see multiple camera feeds on one screen, but only the ones that currently or recently detected motion. E.g. you may have 16 cameras but you only want the multi-camera view to show maybe the top 4 ones with current or recent motion. It's all about immediate situational awareness. FYI no mobile or NVR app I've seen so far sports such a feature but I thought to ask anyway.
I'm considering getting the Vigi NVR, hoping that, being TP-Link, it's software and app will compare well with that of TP-Link Tapo, knowing it's a different app with a different interface. What I would really value is an opportunity to get some hands-on with the app before I commit to the hardware. Do you know of any way that one could try out the app without the hardware? I.e a demo account or a public feed running vigi (or even a friendly forum member willing to temporarily share view-only access to their vigi link account for camera situated in a non-personal space e.g. street view or business premises) that can be connected to for this purpose?
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