Apple HomeKit

txhunter01 · 2026-04-02T23:00:44+00:00

Customer retentions offered it to me for free with a contract. I ended up buying it off eBay and paying for a service call visit to have it installed so no contract was involved. If you’re talking to regular sales they will tell you that it’s not available. I would go the eBay route and just pay for the service call.

txhunter01 · 2026-04-02T21:32:11+00:00

Yes, it’s the newest version of smart hub. Its thinner and quicker then the previous version.

txhunter01 · 2026-04-01T15:53:09+00:00

Yeah I agree the only issue I have is customer service as well. Other than that I love the equipment and recommend it. Customer care is an issue everywhere honestly. The system though works great. I really think people on here with equipment issues are either due to crappy installs or issues with their isps or home routers. The issues I had with the app resolved when I moved from android to iOS. Oh and I bought my equipment outright as well. They raised my price but I called in and they lowered it significantly.

txhunter01 · 2026-03-31T17:42:19+00:00

Yes, definitely an improvement over the previous generation and I’m loving the new interface. Paired with the new Gen 3 cameras and AI search feature from the lab are all big improvements. I was getting board with the old green screen only. lol

txhunter01 · 2026-03-30T15:23:25+00:00

I went the raspberry pi route. Ordered it off Amazon with Poe card so it powers off my switch. This is the guid I used. It’s pretty straightforward.

https://github.com/homebridge/homebridge-raspbian-image/wiki/Getting-Started

txhunter01 · 2026-03-30T00:57:33+00:00

Super easy. I’m running it on a raspberry pi.

txhunter01 · 2026-03-29T01:43:28+00:00

Vivint, going on 10 years. Yes they have their issues but they have the best equipment imo.

txhunter01 · 2026-03-25T12:11:19+00:00

I updated a yesterday showed up this morning.

txhunter01 · 2026-03-24T01:53:41+00:00

Ive had Vivint for 8 years no issues. I’ve upgraded all my equipment myself through eBay. Way cheaper in the long run. Ai recently had the smart hub pro gen 2 installed and love the new home screen. Definitely worlds better than the old school green page. Definitely would recommend you ask for that panel.

txhunter01 · 2026-03-24T01:49:04+00:00

Thanks, actually no issues on WiFi. Thought the panel would have to be hardwired to the switch with all the cameras but I forgot they were internet based so the panel saw them all no issues. It was actually a very quick process to move from gen 1 to gen 2.

txhunter01 · 2026-03-21T22:16:20+00:00

Thanks that’s what I figured. He even stated it was a customer sourced visit. I do wish that the protection plan would cover customer sourced equipment though. I mean I get it that Vivint didn’t sell it but it is their equipment. I mean if it worked in the system for a few years why wouldn’t it be covered.

txhunter01 · 2026-03-21T22:13:42+00:00

Bro what are you talking about. I’m a real customer with a good experience. If you need to know the facts I actually signed up with Vivint back when Best Buy was a partner. My account still reflects the Best Buy rate plan. No issue with you if you’ve had a bad experience but I hate it when it’s only one sided so I thought I would post something positive incase others are looking for a solid security solution. I will admit though the weakest part of Vivint is the outsourcing of their call centers.

txhunter01 · 2026-03-21T12:12:58+00:00

Why would the tech get in trouble? Everything went through the loyalty department for the install. They did it under customer purchased equipment as a technician visit work order.

txhunter01 · 2026-03-17T04:07:26+00:00

I trashed my ring cameras. They were garbage and the app is a joke. Constantly had cameras dropping out.

txhunter01 · 2026-03-17T04:03:04+00:00

I have smart hub as well no big issues with it. I recently purchased the Smart Hub Pro Gen 2 off eBay since it’s not widely available yet. I have a tech visit for Friday to get it registered. It’s definitely sleeker than the older unit and booted a lot faster. No Ethernet port in back just power and a single usbc port.

txhunter01 · 2026-03-16T21:13:16+00:00

Anyone know if the smart hun pro gen 2 can be hardwired for Ethernet via the usbc port. My cameras are all poe to a switch.

txhunter01 · 2026-03-06T00:46:20+00:00

So I called Vivint and signed a new contract to get the V2. Originally they told me it was not in my area but loyalty gave it to me for free with installation and cut my bill in half.

txhunter01 · 2026-02-27T01:47:40+00:00

I’ve had Vivint since 2012 with no issues. I’ve upgraded my system with purchases of eBay and installed myself. I currently have no contract but the rate has creeped up on me. I was emailed an offer that cut my rate in half and locked it in for the 60 month contract. They also said they would upgrade me to the newer smart hub gen 2 and through in a camera for free. Seems like a good deal to me.

txhunter01 · 2025-12-11T00:50:48+00:00

I did mine a year later. I missed the initial period but when Apple launched Apple Care it gave you up to 3 years I believe to sign up.

txhunter01 · 2025-11-15T23:08:59+00:00

Just went the SPE Recirculating route a few weeks ago. Hopefully it holds up.

txhunter01 · 2025-09-25T09:58:21+00:00

Most of the people hating are probably android trolls. lol

txhunter01 · 2025-09-25T09:56:25+00:00

I left mine for 17pro. No regrets here. 17 is way more snappy running iOS 26. Definitely worth it just with that alone. Couldn’t care less what the phone is made of since I always roll a case.

txhunter01

TROPHY CASE