GearHack: Revision: 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 of Netgear Arlo Home Security Camera System.

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.

Package (Unboxing)

The package I got is the Netgear Arlo VMS3330 with three cameras. You can also get the system with one, two, or four cameras (see "Related Links" below). This review applies to all of these packages.

The photo below shows the content, which includes a base station, network cable, three Arlo VMC3030 HD Security Cameras, four magnetic dome mounts, 12 CR123 alkaline batteries, AC adapter, and mounting screws.

An thin instruction booklet is included to help you set-up the system. It also include printed version of the GNU General Public License (GPL) version 2 and 3, which means the source code for the software is open source. Though it is not clear what software/firmware are open source. An included warning sticker can help you warn off intruders. Photo below shows these items.

Cost

Netgear Arlo is not the most inexpensive video surveillance system out there. In fact, looking at the home video surveillance market, there are numerous wired four camera video security system within the $100 to $200 range. A single Arlo add-on camera is $159.99. One camera, two cameras, and three cameras Arlo systems are $199.99, $349.99, and $449.99, respectively.

A wired security camera costs about $20 on Amazon. A single Arlo camera costs $159.99 begs the question on whether the video surveillance equipment itself will tempt a theft situation, which it is used to prevent. My brother's argument is that you'd likely mount it high (outdoors) and the thief will have to bring a ladder. I will mount this system and time will tell if anyone will steal the Arlo cameras.

Plus, the Arlo cameras run on batteries (which we will review in detail in a later section). New batteries are included in the package, but you will incur future battery costs.

HD Security Camera

The Arlo HD Security Camera VMC3030 looks very futuristic. 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 lens captures 130 degrees field of view, which is on par with many action cams on the market. It is fixed focus from 2 feet to infinity.

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.

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.

Camera Mount

Arlo cameras come with metallic ball-like magnetic mounts. Using it, you can place the Arlo camera in any position on this half-dome layout. It's an ingenious innovation created by Avaak for its Vue security camera system, which Netgear purchased. Netgear turned the Vue into VueZone, which is similar to the Arlo. But only the magnetic camera mount is reused in the Arlo line.

The magnetic camera mount is quite handy for use indoors, because you can quickly and easily pull the camera off for battery change or temporary relocation. The magnet seems strong and firm. A future California earthquake will let me know if it is strong enough.

At first, I thought the magnet is in the ball mount. But in reality, the dome is just metal. The magnet is in the camera. Therefore, it's actually possible to attach the camera to other metal surfaces.

The half dome mount is attached to flat surfaces much the same way as photo frames. You fasten a screw (include) to the wall and hang the dome mount on it (see interface in the photo below). The screw has a #1 Phillips screw head, smaller than the standard #2 driver.

I was a little skeptical of the wall hanging interface. But after fastening the screw to the correct distance, the mount slides on with enough friction to hold it in place. Now I have the confidence that the dome mount isn't just going to come off with a same shake.

But if the magnetic mount is too restrictive for you, you can use the tripod screw mount below the camera. Then you can use practically any tripod camera bracket on the market. I'm glad Netgear did not skimp on this feature.

Theoretically, a thief can throw a ball at the magnetically mounted Arlo camera to knock it to the ground. So if you are afraid of someone stealing the Arlo camera, go with a tripod mount. At least, then, the thief would have to use a ladder and unscrew the camera from the mount by hand.

Power Source

The Arlo camera is completely wireless. That means they are powered by batteries. The battery compartment is on the bottom of the camera. There is a self locking switch that you push to unlock. Then you slide the cover to open it. The cover is on a hinge, so you won't drop it when replacing the batteries on a ladder. The photo below shows the battery compartment.

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.

Night Vision

The Arlo HD Security Cam has build in 850nm infrared (IR) LED's. Its digital sensor is also sensitive to 850nm IR light. When it switches to night vision mode, you can hear an audible click. That's the camera moving the IR filter in and out. During daylight, it moves the IR filter in front of the lens. At night, it moves the IR filter out of the way and turns on the IR LED's. The photo below shows the LED's around the face of the camera.

IR Recording Trick
While the cameras were on being tested on the "bench", my kid grabbed one and slammed it down. That caused the IR filter to slide out of the way. The camera operated in daylight mode at the time, so all the recording are redish/pink. So if you ever want to experiment with IR photography, you can try this trick.

Motion Detection

Unlike traditional security cameras that is always 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.

You can quickly enable and disable all or parts of the motion using various rule sets (see screen shot below). Arlo software provides the all disable and all enable rules by default. You can easily create custom rule sets.

By default, it records 10 seconds of video at a time. You can configure it through software to record between 10 seconds and 2 minutes (see screen shot below). Once Arlo camera detects motion, it starts to record video based on the amount of time you specified. Once the time is up, the Arlo camera stops recording until the next trigger.

Having to guess how long to record is going to be hit and miss. It means you have to anticipate the kind of crime that is going to occur some time in the future. I wish Arlo provides a mode that allows you to continue to record as long as motion is detected. Then when there is no motion detected, it automatically stops recording.

Arlo interface provides a sensitivity setting. It's ranged from "Fewer Videos" to "More Videos" (see screen shot above). The default is 80%.

Alerts

Once motion is detected and the camera starts recording, Arlo will automatically send you an alert where ever you've installed the Arlo app. My Android tablets and Android SmartPhone automatically vibrates whenever motion is detected. The notification also identifies the camera that detects motion. So far, I have not found a way to disable these alerts. It seems that if you have the app installed, you will get these alerts.

In this manner, the Netgear Arlo actually acts, not only as a video surveillance system, but as an alarm system as well. Theoretically, where ever you install an Arlo camera, you'll have an motion alarm.

The alerts really come in handy for UPS deliveries. I use to monitor the UPS tracking notice manually to see if a package is delivered to the front porch. Or I have to log in to UPS and sign up for notification. Now I don't have to do either. On the delivery day, if the Arlo app send me a front door motion detected notification, then I'll know that the UPS has delivered. And I can also see whether my wife or someone else has picked up the package off the front porch..

You can also configure e-mail alerts for each camera. The alert shows the camera, time stamp, and snapshot of the video. It also provides a link so you can review the video quickly. Arlo can notify multiple e-mail accounts. However, each e-mail account has to be verified. The e-mail alerts can be turned on and off per camera. With the app notification alerts, I don't seen a need for e-mail alerts. The e-mail alerts could come in handy if you do not want to use the Arlo app.

Arlo does not send out text messages. I suspect many of us would like that feature. If your mobile phone company assigns an e-mail address to your SMS account, then you can use the e-mail alert feature as a work around. But if you have an old-school cellphone with only SMS, but no e-mail access nor Android/iOS, then you are out of luck.

No Audio

Like many video security systems on the market, the Arlo cameras do not capture audio. Even though that's the norm for the market segment of this product, I am disappointed to learn of this missing feature.

Arlo looks so futuristic, advanced, and pleasing compared to industrial grade video surveillance cameras, I just naturally assumed that it could capture audio. Plus, I may want to use it as an action cam around my home. Without the microphone, it cannot serve as an action cam at all.

Base Station

The Arlo cameras do not operate stand-alone. They require wireless attachment to the Arlo base station. The reasoning is that the camera batteries will only last two days if connected directly to WiFi. Instead, the cameras synchronize with the base station using an ultra low power method.

There are five LED's on the front of the base station. Each of them lights up green when operating correctly. The first LED is the power indicator. Second LED is the Internet indicator. The third LED shows wireless cameras are connected. The fourth LED is the "Smart Home" indicator. The fifth LED is the USB indicator. The instruction manual doesn't explain the "Smart Home" nor the USB indicators.

Unlike the cameras, the Arlo base station do not operate on a wireless principle. Even it's network connection uses standard Ethernet cable, rather than WiFi. That means the base station has to be place relatively close to the router or network switch.

Other than the network port, the base station has several other connectivity ports on its back (see photo above). There is a triangle sync button on the left side, two USB ports, a reset hole, the power button, and the power port. It's unclear what the USB ports are going to be used for.

Wishful Thinking
It be nice if you can connect USB hard drives to the base station for network access. Or better yet, record video directly to the hard drives.

The base station operations pretty much in the background. Other than taking up physical space and synchronizing with cameras, you don't really need to interface with it.

The base station stands up right, saving you some physical space. But it'd be nicer if Netgear made it hangable and have the wires come out of the bottom or the sides.

Power Adapter

The base station power adapter is two prong. Therefore, it's easy to find an AC outlet for it. And it's angled side ways so that it won't cover the next outlet on a power strip.

Time Zone

The only thing you can configure on the base station is the time zone. The configuration option is in the software interface. Once you set the time zone, the base station will automatically get the current time through the Internet and time stamp recorded videos using the current time.

Setting Up

Netgear claims that setting up the Arlo is simple: connect the base station to the router, turn it on, sync the cameras, and run the Arlo app. That implies it uses DHCP, which is not so simple for my home. Due to security reasons, DHCP is disabled on my home router. Only static IP is allowed. Arlo's base station is unforgiving in this manner. If forces me to enable DHCP and fixing its IP using MAC address.

Although doable, it requires enabling DHCP. And on less sophisticated routers, it means you are opening the router up to the rest of the world. If my router does not allow DHCP restrictions, Netgear Arlo would be a no go for me and earn itself a return to the store.

After about an hour of messing with my routers' DHCP configuration (I have three routers in my home), I finally got a working set-up. It involves assigning the Arlo base station a static IP using its MAC address.

Installation

After making sure the system works on the "bench", I proceeded to install the three cameras around our home. It took me only two hours to get everything up and running, thanks to the wireless system.

I suspect if I have to run wires all over my house, it would take me days to plan, design, and implement. So the Netgear Arlo wins hands down if you are going to DIY and you need it done quickly.

Service

Netgear Arlo is designed around Netgear's cloud recording service. That means all the video clips goes out to Netgear Arlo server before it comes back to you. That translates to remote off-site storage right off the bat, so you don't have to move any data off site yourself. And you don't have to maintain on-site recording equipment. This feature guards against criminal who tries to destroy on-site evidence and arson that could destroy on-site recording.

However, it means you are stuck with Netgear's Arlo cloud service without any other choice. Netgear provide three service levels. Fortunately, its "Basic" service is free. The "Basic" service includes 1 GB of cloud storage, recording of 5 cameras, 1 base station, motion detection alerts, smart mode and rules, download and share video clips, and access from iOS, Android, and desktop. Arlo's web site claims the 1 GB of cloud storage is sufficient for 7 days of recording. I suspect that's enough for most home users. If your home is robbed and you can't get to your remote video storage to download the evidence within 7 days, then you probably need to pay for a higher level service. You can see how much storage you have left from the "Subscription" page (see screen shot below).

When the storage is full, Netgear server can send you notification (see screen shot below). You can tell the Netgear server to automatically "delete oldest files to make room", which is useful when you use it as a security camera system 24/7. But I am not sure yet on how that plays with "Storage Full Notification".

To get more storage, recording from more cameras, and connecting more base stations, you'll need its "Premier" or "Elite" service. "Premium" service provides 10 GB of cloud storage and recording from 10 cameras. Currently, "Premium" service costs $9.99 per month or $99 per year. "Elite" service provides 100 GB of cloud storage, recording from 15 cameras, and connection from 3 base stations. Currently, "Elite" service costs $14.99 per month or $149 per year. Both "Premier" and "Elite" services also provide scheduler and camera sharing.

Another drawback to the remote storage service is that you are at the mercy of Netgear maintaining the service and your Internet provider keeping its server running. Much like your Internet service going down, Netgear's recording servers could go down. In fact, I have read several reviews of such occurrence.

But the biggest question is what would you do if Netgear ever cancels its Arlo online servers? Does that mean the Arlo security system will become useless?

Software Features

As mentioned before, there are very little controls on the hardware. The base station and cameras only provide sync buttons. Everything else is controlled via the web interface or the mobile apps.

Real-Time Video Stream

The Arlo interface allows you to stream any camera in real-time. So you can imagine yourself sitting in front of a security monitor. However, Arlo's video stream is about as real-time as a cross continent conference call. My observation shows a 3 second delay, which I attribute to the video going to the Netgear server and back.

I haven't experienced this delay in a life and death situation, so I am not sure how this delay will affect our lifes. But just be aware that what you see in real-time has already ocurred 3 seconds ago.

Positioning the cameras take a lot longer due to this delay. And you will have to reposition the cameras every time you replace the batteries. The instruction manual says that "Position mode streams video as fast as possible, without buffering, so that you can aim the camera while watching on a smartphone and make near real-time adjustments to the camera position. This means that you might see lower quality video while in Position mode." But in my experience, the position mode actually streams slower than the live stream. In live stream, the delay is about 3 seconds. In position mode, the delay can be 10 seconds. In fact, I have had two instances where the app tells me it is "buffering" while in position mode. Maybe it is buggy software.

By the way, you'll definitely want to use the app on a tablet or a SmartPhone while positioning the camera. I don't know how security folks do it with old fashion surveillance cameras that are not Internet connected. But it is very nice to be able to see the update on the tablet as I move the camera.

Camera Status

You can use the software to get status on the individual cameras. You can see the quality of the wireless connection. On my property that is about 150 feet on the long side, the wireless signal is good to excellent. You can check the battery. When the battery status is low, you can get ready to replace or recharge the batteries. The Netgear server can also provide low battery notification, which is on by default (see screen shot below).

You can also see the number of video clips that each camera has recorded. When you tap that number, it takes you to the video library and automatically applies the filter for only that camera.

Video Library

The Arlo software interface has a "Library" tab. When you click on it, it presents you the recorded videos. You can click on a date in the calendar and it will show you all the video recorded on that day. You can favorite, share, download, and delete a video.

Downloading Videos

Being able to download videos is an important feature of a home surveillance system. When things goes bad, you want to save a copy to present as evidence. Arlo's web interface allows you to download the MP4 videos one at a time. You can also select multiple videos to download. But each video download separately. That means for each video you select to download, you are going to see one of these dialogs:

The first time I tried to download multiple videos I got forty something dialogs on the screen. After clicking "OK" and "Save" buttons that many times, I decided to write an Autohotkey script to automate that process.

Notice that video files are stored on Amazon AWS servers. The file names are big numbers. Turns out that the file name is the system time stamp in milliseconds since epoch. That's a lot of computer jargon in one sentence. Basically, the file name is the time stamp, but not in human readable form.

The first night, I tried to download the videos recorded during bench testing, involving my kids. Three fourth of the time, it downloaded a MP4 file that is not playable. But if I downloaded it again, it was fine. I noticed this problem after downloading a whole folder of videos only to find out that most of them are not playable. The following screen shot showed folders containing playable files and non-playable files. But the next night, all the video downloaded fine the first time. So it was probably server outage.

Video Quality / Power Management

Pan & Zoom

Scheduling

Arlo provides the scheduling feature as part of the "Premier" and the "Elite" subscription service. "Basic" service has this feature for 30 days. It is on by default, which is probably Netgear's way of enticing you.

It is confusing at first that my cameras are not recording. Then I realize scheduling is on. For a home user, I want to monitor my home 24/7. There is no reason to disable the video recording for certain times in the day. So I have turned it off right away.

Deskop Web Interface

Once your Arlo system is running, you can access it through your web browser. I have tried it with Mozilla Firefox and it works fine. The web interface feels very similar to the Android app version, so I have no problem moving from one to another.

Android App on Tablet

The Arlo Android app works flawlessly on our Lenovo IdeaTab S6000 tablet running Android 4.2.2. However, on our Motorola XOOM (Android 4.1.2), it crashes every time I try to play a video or watch live stream. Both tablets are on WiFi.

Android App on SmartPhone

The Arlo Android app runs well on my LG Google Nexus 5 (Android 5.1). I say well, not excellent, because of two reasons...

One, the larger screen real estate on the tablet makes the experience more enjoyable. The SmartPhone version can do everything the tablet version could do. You just have to move through more screen pages. And you can see more with a glance on the tablet. That's generally an obvious comparison between a tablet and a SmartPhone. But in the Arlo case, the app is designed very well to take advantage of the tablet's display space.

Two, the SmartPhone version of the video library seems bugged; I can't seem to see videos from all cameras no matter how I adjust the filter settings. And if I don't apply any filters, I don't see any videos at all. I can't put my finger on the bug. I don't have these problems when I use the app on the tablets.

My Android SmartPhone is connected to the LTE mobile network. I can watch video clip recording without the video stopping or slowing down.

Older Revision of Netgear Arlo Review

Netgear Arlo Review