Hello everyone, I’ve been exploring the integration of my TAPO CS310 camera into my smart home setup, and I wanted to share my experiences and ask a few questions.
First, I must say that the initial setup was smooth, and the camera works well within the TAPO app. I’ve configured it to record videos, which is great, but I’ve run into a bit of a snag when it comes to storing those videos in my Home Assistant (HA) setup. While the recordings are visible in the TAPO app, accessing them directly through HA has been a bit of a puzzle.
I’ve noticed that the files in the Media/TAPO/Recordings/Carport folder aren’t straightforward video files with thumbnails. Instead, they seem to be links to the stored files, which means I have to download them each time I want to view a recording. This isn’t the most seamless experience, especially if I want to quickly review footage.
I’ve been experimenting with automations to see if I can have the videos uploaded automatically to my Synology NAS after recording. This would not only make accessing them easier but also provide an additional layer of security, as the videos wouldn’t be solely reliant on the camera’s SD card. However, I’m not entirely sure how to set this up effectively. Does anyone have experience with similar automations or know of a reliable method to achieve this?
Another consideration I’ve had is the physical security of the camera. If someone were to remove it, they’d take the SD card with them, potentially losing valuable footage. This has made me think about the importance of having a robust off-camera storage solution.
I’d love to hear from others who have successfully integrated their TAPO cameras into HA and how they handle video storage. Any tips, tricks, or automation scripts would be greatly appreciated! Let’s collaborate to find the best way to make the most of our smart home setups.
Thanks for reading, and I look forward to your insights!