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Netgear Arlo Review

After Thinking of Home Security, I started looking at fake and real video surveillance systems on the market. At the same time, my brother learned of my family's encounter with a burglar and decided that video surveillance is necessary. I agreed with him that video surveillance is a great deterrent and useful for the capturing of evidence. He proceeded to order me a set.

In this article, I am going to review the Netgear Arlo VMS3330, which includes three video cameras. The Netgear Arlo is marketed as 100% wireless video camera home security system. My family is going to put it through the pace starting with installation. I will update this article over time as we integrate it into our home fortress.

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Package (Unboxing)

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HD Security Camera

The Arlo HD Security Camera looks very futuristic, or modern. Its laboratory white body and black face reminds me of characters in recent robot movies, like "I, Robot", "WALL-E", "Big Hero 6", etc. Aesthetically, it's nothing to rave about, but it's definitely a huge improvement compared to traditional, clunky, boxy video camera. Compared to the black dome security cameras of the modern age, the Arlo white/black cameras look more futuristic.

These cameras produce 720P HD quality videos. That could be considered as overkill for video surveillance around your home. But with wireless cameras this small, it makes you wonder if you could use it as an action cam around your home as well.

The Arlo HD Security Cam has build in 850nm infrared (IR) LED's. Its digital sensor is also sensitive to 850nm IR light.

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Weathering the Elements

Upon receiving the package, my first impression is that these look like typical iPhone, tablet, and other consumer electronic products. The cameras, although hefty, doesn't look like they can stand sunlight or rain.

But as I researched about the product some more on the Arlo support site, I saw this question, "Are Arlo cameras weatherproof?". The answer is "Yes, Arlo cameras are weatherproof. They work in a wide variety of weather conditions, including sun, wind, rain, or snow. Operating temperature is 14� F to 122� F (-10� C to 50� C).".

Now, I feel a lot better. Because I have been concerned about the product failing under the sun. Knowing its weatherproofing capability, I can basically mount it anywhere in the open. I want intruders to see it and use it as a deterrent.

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Placement

Just because Arlo's HD security cameras are wireless, doesn't mean placing them is any easier than wired video camera. In fact, it can be just as hard or even harder in your situation. It's true, wireless cameras mean you don't have to drill holes and run wires everywhere. That part is definitely easier. But for wireless devices to work, there are strict placement requirements that you have to meet.

Arlo camera has to be within 300 feet from the base stations. Range could be shorter through metal and thick walls. This maximum distance is probably no problems for most home owners. But if you have a ranch or a huge plot of land, be ready to deal with this limitation.

What's more restricting for a typical home owner is that the Arlo camera should be at least ten feet from the base station. And each camera should be at least 6.5 feet away from each other. Because the base stations uses wired Ethernet, not WiFi, you can be even more restricted, unless your Internet router happens to be in the middle of your home.

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Magnetic Camera Mount

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Power Source

Each Arlo camera is powered by four CR123 batteries. New Energizer batteries are included in the package. Each batteries supply 3 volts. Four of them provide 12 volts total. The CR123 batteries are necessary to provide a camera package this small. Using eight AA batteries means the Arlo camera has to be bigger.

One of my biggest concerns with electrical gadgets today is whether they work with rechargeable batteries. Fortunately, Netgear Arlo cameras work with rechargeable batteries. The form-factor for CR123 size batteries are RCR123A and 16340, so look for this size battery with either Li-Ion or LiFePO4. Netgear specifies at least 650 mAh and as much as 2000 mAh. It's unclear why you can't get even higher capacity batteries. Netgear Arlo cameras can handle battery voltage up to 4.2v.

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Motion Detection

Unlike traditional security cameras that is already recording video, Arlo HD Security Camera has built in motion detector. When there is no motion, the camera stays in low-power battery conservation mode. Once it detects motion, it wakes up and starts to shoot videos. When used in this manner, Netgear claims that fresh new batteries lasts 4 to 6 months.

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Base Station

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Setting Up

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Service

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