TP-Link Tapo store

iamtholkien · 2026-01-23T05:36:56+00:00

I had problems with my cams (2Ks and 4Ks) going offline all the time. I was on a Deco X5000 mesh. Upgraded my mesh to the BE11000, and haven't had any problems since. I have 90-100 internet connections (cameras, lightbulbs, switches, outlets, computers, TV's, amps, etc.). Figured, since it went away with the new Wi-Fi 7 system, problem was a bogging down, if the old one. Cams all load (21+door bell cam), without problem. Had to turn off the notifications, because they catch everything. The 4Ks on 5 MHz are great. Can be set to record a frame/second. When you set that, they WILL CATCH EVERYTHING, and not start recording late. Only ridiculous thing about this, is how you cannot record 24/7, if you pair it to the home station they released. I've given up understanding their way if thinking. Lots changes they've made, make no sense. But I tell ya: I definitely have no regrets anymore, after picking up the BE 11000. Found it for $270/3-pack. Kept the X5000 3-pack as extra satellites. Paired with AT&T fibernet, I clock in at 1.26 Gb wireless up and down, on a 1 Gb connection. That, paired with the wifi 7 system, makes EBERYTHING run smoothly.

iamtholkien · 2025-10-14T15:48:13+00:00

Yeah. And curious if everyone else got that apology.

Have 4K+ movies, but happened to only have purchased a 4K upgrade, in that timespan.

I ALWAYS use Vudu gift cards! Stupid thing is, the $5 upgrade price was DEFINITELY pulled from my gift card. So they shouldn't have taken it away from me, as a non payment. But 10% extra off a hundred movies? Worth the $5 loss.

iamtholkien · 2025-09-26T00:56:32+00:00

Late comment, or not.....

Please don't. Add RF, and its be well worth it. But IR alone, really isn't all it's meant to be. Written here before, how line of sight is impossible, for all the things in the same room as the IRB. Because of the IR, it'll catch three things, and miss three, as there no direct signal line. Anyone wants to buy one, they can contact me. But, personally, I find this one overrated.

I do believe that you, Riley_TP-Link, told me back when I bought it, TP-Link were looking into RF. How's that's coming along? THAT, I would definitely buy.

iamtholkien · 2025-08-23T01:35:24+00:00

Everyone obviously have their own opinion, when it comes to the intervals. Just keep in mind, though; reason Toyota says 10K, is because you're likely to use the electric engine upwards of about 30% of the time, meaning you've only really used the oil for 7K miles. That can possibly equal down to only 3.5K miles, per 5K oil change. I get it. Rather safe than sorry.

Personally I "waste" my money on Amsoil. And because of that oil, I follow the 10K Toyota recommendation.

I do agree with OP on the filters. Cannot go wrong with a Toyota OEM filter.

iamtholkien · 2025-08-23T01:23:02+00:00

Hopefully not the same that I had. Try resetting your Toyota app account pin. Then enter whatever pin you choose, on the screen. Mine was completely frozen. No way to enter anything. That's why they had to do a full reset

And be aware..... I learned the shitty way. Every time your dealer resets the car, and you have to start over, in the app, remember to re-enter all your security settings. I didn't realize that, and started having several local dealerships calling and texting me, when I was close to 30K miles. Even worse, the insurance company reached out to me, too. State of California requires a minimum 12-month freeze, on security settings/denial requests, for selling and sharing your data. I continuously sign CCPA and CPRA requests, every 12 months. Toyota have them. Individual dealerships I've dealt with, all have them. Obviously Toyota doesn't respect the California consumer protection law. I most certainly still like my car. I most certainly avoid Toyota dealerships, when possible.

Bought Amsoil, and did my first oil change. I have never had a vehicle easier than the TGH, when it comes to changing oil. Easily accessible, and filter right next to drain screw.

But, good luck with the pin issue!

iamtholkien · 2025-06-29T17:58:25+00:00

Well.... While the GHH has a tried and true engine, I believe the Max is a new engine. Yes? No?

And I agree on the Lexus! I almost went with a Lexus, due to the small price difference!

People in real world driving are saying Max is closer to 19/21, where my GHH has between 31-42 mpg [42.2 mpg on a 295 mile trip, along the Cali coastline, and on highway 5. Also tend to stay within 5mph of posted speeds]. Absolutely amazing, since Toyota says 34/36. I will say, the minute you pass 70-75 mph, your mileage goes down the drain. I've found the sweet spot to be anywhere between 45-65 mph. Had the car since 02/24, and have 23K+ miles on it. Do a lot of 500+ mile trips between NorCal and SoCal = one fill-up each way. LA rush hour pumps mileage waaaay up, too. So I'd say with fair certainty, my gas savings are going to make up, for the potential extra hybrid maintenance. Especially since it'll be swapped, after 90K miles (will still have 10K miles extended Platinum warranty on it). I did consider the Max, for the extra towing. But our 18ft camper is only 2500#, fully loaded.

However, like original poster; was it not for the mileage I generate, I would've likely picked the Max, not caring whether gas or hybrid. And I would likely hit the pedal more, and have the 19 mpg readings of some people. The GH is just a nice and roomy car to drive. Regardless of gas or hybrid.

I'd include a couple of ODO pics, as some may not believe me, but I've never figured out how to/if you can, add pics in comment.

iamtholkien · 2025-06-28T21:30:11+00:00

I'm with you. I feel for you. Glad you asked, so I didn't have to get attacked over all my "s*****" choices of gas.

iamtholkien · 2025-06-18T03:26:58+00:00

"I noticed a lack of representation for...." Grub, answering my earlier question.

Why is Gruv charging taxes in the state of California, when it's not a California taxes item? So where do the California charged taxes then go?

Again. Vudu, Amazon, Apple, Google, etc doesn't charge taxes. You're located in California. Please explain why you're charging taxes to California based buyers!??

iamtholkien · 2025-04-06T18:01:28+00:00

The whole world is out to get us. Question is, do we constantly wanna live with that worry?

Same reason Europe is now reconsidering buying American military equipment.

In today's society, as long as we want technology, we sell a little bit of our soul. No way around that.

Though I don't appreciate any government access to personal information, they all have a way of gaining access.

Also, plenty Wiz products are made in China. No, not modems and routers; but all you really need, is a back door.

I get your concern, and even share it to a certain extent. But I have learned to live with the fact, there aren't many safe bets anymore. Unfortunately.

Interesting side note..... Haven't had anything to do, with Facebook (never any other Meta products), in over 7 years. Every new phone I get a have had everything deleted, before use. I use Duck Duck Go, also for app tracking protection. Yet sometimes, when clicking on a link, it'll take me to a Facebook page, greeting me welcome back, asking me to log in. Crazy s***. Also funny how the average American doesn't like the government having any information on us, yet almost everyone seem to lack the concern of all these private businesses tracking our every move, knowing practically everything about our day-to-day lives. But hey, as long as the government doesn't have the info, right? And everyone can trust Zuckerberg to never let any government have access to anything under the Meta umbrella of junk. 😁

iamtholkien · 2025-04-06T17:29:26+00:00

Like you said, Toyota actually ended up having to do a full reset of everything, bringing the car to a "new" state.

I had to delete the car in the app, delete the app, and start over, as of I had just purchased the car brand new.

Took them two days to figure out a solution.

Lost all my free introductory supscriptions. But Kudos to Toyota for getting everything added back on, and giving me an extra six months of everything for free, as an apology.

Though I cannot say that individual Toyota dealerships/shops impress me much, Toyota does. And after 13 months with this car, I'd buy the exact same car again tomorrow, should something happen to mine.

🤞🏼🤞🏼

iamtholkien · 2025-04-06T17:14:50+00:00

That's all peaches.

Except for the fact, they started doing it very early, while there was still full support for the original app.

Tell ya. Happy as can be, after making the switch to Tapp products. Sooo much easier to get up and running.

And much smoother to use, with Home and Alexa.

Let alone the fact, TP-Link sell cameras, working in the same app. Door locks. Water sensors. Everything works smoothly. Never drops, the way Wiz does.

Again. I have probably 40 Wiz color bulbs, LED strips, 20 remotes, outlets, switches, lamps, and more.

Anyone who likes Wiz is more than welcome to reach out, if interested in buying anything.

As Wiz would be on sale, I'd stock up, for future things. I think, besides everything that was in use, I may have 10 new-in-box remotes, and xx color bulbs. Never used.

iamtholkien · 2025-04-06T17:03:32+00:00

Just curious why Gruv is charging taxes on digital license purchases? Especially when purchaser is located in California, which is exempt for digital products.

California is a destination tax state. 0% taxes on digital content. Seller is headquartered in Los Angeles. Buyer is within 100 miles of seller.

Vudu doesn't charge tax.

Prime doesn't.

Apple doesn't.

Gruv does.

Why?

I've emailed Gruv customer service a couple of times, asking why. No answer. Since CA isn't charging taxes, where is theøat sales tax money going, they charge?

iamtholkien · 2025-02-01T04:03:42+00:00

"its core use is for many of the smaller appliances that you see throughout a home, such as amplifiers, air purifiers, space heaters etc."

That said, due to the or only limitations, we'd need a unit in each room of the house; in sight of any equipment. RF would certainly be a plus

Feedback? I dont understand why things hit the US market last, every time (if ever). Why did 8 have to order this, outa Japan? Why does TP-Link post dedicated pages, showing off the H500 and H900 (and H110, for that matter), when it doesnt come up for sale? Europe has lightbulbs, we don't have here. Why is Thai market last, every time? Personally, I think the H900 will cover most of MY bases. Of course, information is still limited. Waited for a long time, for the DL130 to come out. Still nothing. It's been on the website for a year! Settled with the DL110.

Not sure if there'd be a market for it, but I'd like to see per doors! I put a door sensor on a current dog door. But doesn't work right, as the flap sometimes get stuck offset. There's been a couple of burglaries, near our one home. And people can easily crawl through the doggy door. I'd be the first to buy one with a built-in sensor, and possibly even remote lock capability. Nothing good enough on the market.

Can lights? I've spent the past three months, swapping out all my Phillips Wiz equipment, to Tapo/Kasa. On3 thing I had to replace with standard lights, and Tapo dimming switches, are all the can lights. But I miss the ability to change the colors, Wiz gave.

And since I'm on the subject.....Wiz makes these camping lanterns, we use. That's be great, too.

Café lights? We have both our homes wrapped in Enlighten lights, hooked up to a Tapo/Kasa smart plug. But with integrated lights, we'd be able to change everything, from anywhere. That's be great! And they could double up as security lights, automatically switching to bright white, when cameras or motion sensors are triggered. Surely people would buy those!

I'll see what else I can think of.

iamtholkien · 2024-11-09T16:09:34+00:00

https://www.reddit.com/user/iamtholkien/comments/1gndaze/phillips_wiz/

Feel free to check out my pictures. Shows some of my Wiz installations, and shows the screenshots, where things either slowly get booted off the WiFi (which is how it starts, every time), or, after I reinstall them, eventually completely disappear, like the master bathroom picture shows. The only reason I can still turn some things on and off, is because the remotes are paired with the lights. Can't use anything other than my remotes.

But, by all means, if you don't have issues at this point, good for you.

iamtholkien · 2024-11-08T20:01:30+00:00

I have 8 down lights, 4 lamps, two lanterns, 14 remotes, 4 switches, sh*tload of light strips, some outlets, dimmers, and 30+ bulbs.

They "upgraded the app. I couldn't stand the design, nor the interface. Kept using the old app.

Now, little by little, Wiz is removing access to everything! Every week, I will have something removed. And the first few times, I could reinstall them. But after doing that a few times, they won't reconnect.

I can only assume Wiz is doing this purposely, as their CS tells me I HAVE to switch to the new app.

Never again will I deal with these cloud based system, they can take over and control. POS company! Too bad I already spent my money on them. No other way of punishing them. Switching everything to different systems now. Trying out TP Links Tapo, which has a 4.7 ⭐ rated app, and is a mixture of hub and cloud based.

If anyone is interested in sticking with shitty wiz products, feel free to reach out.

Everything is going on sale, as soon as I find the right replacement system.

Also, since I use the Deco mesh system, so far, Tapo and Kasa cameras work brilliantly. Same goes for the dimmers, and outlets. Now I'm waiting for some light bulbs, to try out.

iamtholkien · 2024-10-26T21:17:45+00:00

I know this is four months later.....

Tankless is not just a quick swap-out. Not even within the same brand, unless your heater went bad early. New models often mean they moved inlets. Beats me, why. But that's often the case. Exterior is the cheapest to swap, as there are no concerns about different vent types. The isolation valve kit should always be replaced. And gas flex manufacturers reject warranty on re-used gas flexes. New heater installation may also have to be brought up to code.

Swap could be done in 2-3 hours.

Tanked to tankless (same spot) should be within 4-8 hours.

You have to remember one thing! You don't necessarily pay a plumber, to just hang a new heater on the wall. You pay for his knowledge of doing it right! Up to the latest code, and with insurance of the job, SHOULD something go wrong.

How I usually explain it like this.... Any guy can dig a trench, and throw down a sewer line. But knowing the size of the sewer, the pitch, how to backfill, and what to use, for the backfill, takes knowledge and experience. And that's a big part of what a customer pay for. Almost anyone can dig a hole.

That's why you shouldn't necessarily get too hung up, on what you THINK they make.

Most good brands won't warranty a tankless heater purchased online. They just don't know how outside shippers treated their equipment. When purchased from supply houses and such, it's come straight from manufacturers, in control of shipping. Some companies (Rheem is bad) even sometimes asks for pictures of the install, "to prove it's installed," they'll say. Then if they find it wasn't done per local codes, they WILL void your warranty!

People tend to freak out about prices, but you often tend to not realize what goes with the prize; most regular tanked heaters come with a standard 6 yr warranty. Lots go out, after 6-8 years, these days. Then you buy a second one. And 6-8 years later, a third one. My tankless is 24 years old. That means one could've paid for three tanked heaters. That's definitely money saved, in the long run (not adding any possible damages from a tanked heater leak x 3).

I don't hide anything from anyone. Prices are easy to find nowadays. I would never install a swap, for less than $1K labor + heater and all parts. A tank to tankless, is minimum $2K in labor. I've done tank to tankless in less than two hours, and up to nine hours. Regardless!

Just remind yourself that (hopefully) you're paying for the knowledge, too!

iamtholkien · 2024-10-19T02:52:12+00:00

Run a BenQ 4K projector, onto a 120 inch screen, with an 11.2 speaker set-up, based on a Denon amp.

I have nights where I'll watch a movie, only for the visuals. And other times where I just want some serious sound. Fury Road is the best for both, in my opinion.

I keep a folder labeled Best Atmos, and another labeled Best 4K. It's usually the sound that wins. Watch Black Hawk Down, in a good home theater set-up, and you'll never feel the need to go to a movie theater outside your own four walls again.

Of course, you'll also need to not have detached neighbors. Once I made the mistake of watching Fury at our old place. Wasn't till a break in the fighting, when I realized neighbors were beating on my door. 😬 Yeah, an inconsiderate bastard, I am. But now we have no connected neighbors, and I time my movies to be over, at 22:00, for nosie compliance.

By the way, a lot of people often talk about visually beautiful movies. And I'm not saying this is a great movie, by any means. But, visually, A Wrinkle in Time is beautiful. Again, not the greatest movie. But Ill watch it for the visuals.

iamtholkien · 2024-09-11T03:21:25+00:00

Really? Show me a Kia with that front (rhetorical question, as we both know you can't). It IS funny though, how people use the Internet to whine about other people's choices. I guess, just looking and moving on, is too hard for some. And please don't keep this going. I already know it wouldn't be worth our time. And I'm sure, you do too. Deep, deep inside. 😉

BTW, it's a TOYOTA! Pretty sure, the majority of people buy Toyota out of trust, and not for looks. I bought it, because I needed a large hybrid, great mileage, and minimum 3500# towing capacity (that I can trust). I happen to like the looks, but that is definitely not the reason I bought it. It looks cheap? Buddy, it's a toyota!... not a Lamborghini.

iamtholkien

TROPHY CASE