A few questions about the Arlo Video Doorbell Wi-Fi Wireless Smart Doorbell

[DaPadrePedro]

Hi,

I have a few questions about the Arlo Video Doorbell Wi-Fi Wireless Smart Doorbell (= the Essential Doorbell???):

1) Is the wireless model able to be charged continuously, just like Ultra 2 IP cameras? This would be great: it's wireless and thus resilient to electricity issues and on the other hand it can be charged continuously 🙂 (Yes, I know it's useful to also place a UPS to keep the local network up and running when power is down :-))

2) Can the wired and wireless model be used with a smartwatch other than Apple Watch? Like Samsung's watch?

3) I read a SmartHub is not necessary, but on the other hand the doorbell seems to be treated the same way as the Arlo cameras (see https://kb.arlo.com/nl_NL/000039111/What-are-the-available-Arlo-subscription-plans-and-how-much-clou...). Does this mean a SmartHub is not necessary, but possible to connect to? And does this mean I can use features like local recording and getting remote access from the Android app to these local recordings?

4) If so, is it possible to use the view-3-seconds-before-event feature with the local recordings (I know it certainly works with cloud recordings)?

5) How many Arlo Chime 2 devices can be connected?

6) It seems compatible with Google Home. Does this mean a Google Nest Hello can be used as a kind of "intercom" for the Arlo doorbell?

Thanks!

Pedro

[DaPadrePedro]

op,s I forgot 2 questions:

1) I read the resolution is 1080p (so 1920x1080?), but on the other hand I also read 1536x1536. Can someone explain this?

2) Which voltage is required for the wired model? On my local retailer's web page I read 230V, but this doesn't seem to be the more classic doorbell's voltages (8,1/12/24V or something like that). Anyone who can provide me with some more details or an explanation?

Thank you!

Pedro

[StephenB]

Here's some of the answers.  I don't use a smartwatch, or Google Nest (and don't own a Chime 2).  So I'll leave those for others.

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@DaPadrePedro wrote:

1) I read the resolution is 1080p (so 1920x1080?), but on the other hand I also read 1536x1536. Can someone explain this?

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Where are you seeing 1080p?  Resolution is 1536x1536.

Though you can lower it if you like, unlike the other Arlo cameras.  The settings let you choose either 1536x1536,  1080x1080 or 720x720.  

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@DaPadrePedro wrote:

2) Which voltage is required for the wired model? On my local retailer's web page I read 230V, but this doesn't seem to be the more classic doorbell's voltages (8,1/12/24V or something like that). Anyone who can provide me with some more details or an explanation?

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The wired doorbell needs between 16-24 VAC.  The install guide also says that transformer needs to be at least 10 VA.  Though if you use a plug-in transformer that just powers the doorbell, the FAQs say it should provide 1A.

Obviously the transformer (whatever type) needs to be able to accept your mains voltage as input.

Though you didn't ask, the wirefree model will trickle-charge from the doorbell circuitry.  It can handle 8-24 VAC.

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@DaPadrePedro wrote:

1) Is the wireless model able to be charged continuously, just like Ultra 2 IP cameras?

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Yes, but only if you are connecting it to your doorbell circuitry.  You have to remove the battery to charge it with a USB charger.

Though I haven't tried this myself, I believe that (unlike the Ultra 2), the wireless doorbell won't operate when connected to power with the battery removed.

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@DaPadrePedro wrote:

 I read a SmartHub is not necessary, but on the other hand the doorbell seems to be treated the same way as the Arlo cameras (see https://kb.arlo.com/nl_NL/000039111/What-are-the-available-Arlo-subscription-plans-and-how-much-clou...). Does this mean a SmartHub is not necessary, but possible to connect to? And does this mean I can use features like local recording and getting remote access from the Android app to these local recordings?

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Correct.  Though I think Apple Homekit isn't available yet for the AVD2001 model. 

One thing to consider - unlike the other cameras, the doorbell's position is essentially fixed.  Often activity zones and smart notifications are the best options to control unwanted recordings and notifications.  So you might need a subscription for the doorbell.

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@DaPadrePedro wrote:
If so, is it possible to use the view-3-seconds-before-event feature with the local recordings (I know it certainly works with cloud recordings)?

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The AVD1001 has the foresight feature, the AVD2001 does not.

[DaPadrePedro]

Hi @StephenB ,

Thank you for your replies!

1) 1080p: see https://www.arlo.com/en_eu/doorbells/arlo-video-doorbell-wire-free Any idea how does complies one way or another with 1536x1536?

2) Fixed position: if I(m not mistaken the angled mounting wedge is not provided with the doorbell (https://kb.arlo.com/nl_NL/000062336/How-do-I-use-the-angled-mounting-wedge-that-came-with-my-Arlo-Es... and https://kb.arlo.com/nl_NL/000062497/How-do-I-mount-my-Arlo-Essential-Video-Doorbell)? You probably wanted to say one could change the position, but only when tinkering with the mount during (re)installation, so not just by simply turning it a little bit after installation?

This is interesting as well (though not from Arlo itself): https://wasserstein-home.com/search?type=article%2Cpage%2Cproduct&q=wedge*

3) TBH, your remark about activity zones is a good one, although I don't understand completely. As long as nobody pushes the doorbell I guess this all doesn't matter, right? But when the bell has actually been pushed, then what difference does it make in that case? It's just the image/video you see; I'm not sure I really understand the purpose/use case of activity zones...

Regards,

Pedro

[DaPadrePedro]

Oh, one last thing: you said AVD1001 (wired) has the foresight feature, while the wireless model doesn't? Are you sure? So this means besides power aspects these models differ in other features as well?

CU, Pedro

[StephenB]

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@DaPadrePedro wrote:

1) 1080p: see https://www.arlo.com/en_eu/doorbells/arlo-video-doorbell-wire-free Any idea how does complies one way or another with 1536x1536?

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That info is incorrect (and FWIW, the en-us page is different).  I'm tagging @JamesC so Arlo can correct.

Both models of video doorbell capture square video images, not 16:9 (either 1536x1536, 1080x1080, or 720x720).

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@DaPadrePedro wrote:

2) Fixed position: if I(m not mistaken the angled mounting wedge is not provided with the doorbell (https://kb.arlo.com/nl_NL/000062336/How-do-I-use-the-angled-mounting-wedge-that-came-with-my-Arlo-Es... and https://kb.arlo.com/nl_NL/000062497/How-do-I-mount-my-Arlo-Essential-Video-Doorbell)? You probably wanted to say one could change the position, but only when tinkering with the mount during (re)installation, so not just by simply turning it a little bit after installation?

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Yes, you can of course adjust the field of view by removing and reinstalling it.  But even that often is not enough to prevent the doorbell from capturing cars going down the street in front of the doorbell, or people walking down the public sidewalk.

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@DaPadrePedro wrote:

3) TBH, your remark about activity zones is a good one, although I don't understand completely. As long as nobody pushes the doorbell I guess this all doesn't matter, right?

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It's not just about the bell.  In fact, the doorbell won't record video when the bell is pressed. 

The doorbell includes a motion sensor, which is normally set to trigger whenever someone enters the camera field of view - the range of that sensor is typically ~20 feet, but that is somewhat nominal.  Mine often picks up vehicles that are quite a bit further away.  Anyway, video is recorded when someone approaches doorbell (before they ring it).

You can disarm the motion sensor, but most people do want that feature.   Activity zones allow you to limit the alerts and recordings - my own doorbell's video does include the public street and sidewalk in front of my house, and I do use activity zones to exclude that part of the video (limiting it to my porch, and some of the walk leading up to it).

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@DaPadrePedro wrote:

one last thing: you said AVD1001 (wired) has the foresight feature, while the wireless model doesn't? Are you sure? So this means besides power aspects these models differ in other features as well?

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Yes.  You'll see that the AVD1001 is listed here, but the AVD2001 is not.  https://kb.arlo.com/000062053/How-does-the-Foresight-feature-work-on-my-Arlo-camera  It's also shown here: https://www.arlo.com/en-us/compare?cgid=doorbell  I'm including a screen shot, since you might see something different in the EU version of the page.

As you can see, the motion sensor on the AVD2001 has less range than the one on the AVD1001.  I think in many situations the shorter range is a benefit.

The size is also different - the AVD2001 is slightly bigger, and noticeably thicker.

One aspect that isn't shown above is partner integration status.  The AVD1001 support homekit now (when connected to a base).  Arlo is working on homekit integration for the AVD2001 (also when connected to a base), but that hasn't been released yet.

[DaPadrePedro]

Hi @StephenB ,

Sight... I must have thought of going to the US page, as those pages are typically built up better. Anyway, thank you for all the info!

It's possible I will disarm the motion sensor, as I'm also planning to use an Arlo Ultra 2 camera focused on my porch. On the other hand I'll have the same issue there too, although it's still a bit different: such a camera may be positioned differently than the doorbell. However, it won't be easy to exclude vehicles: I have no front yarden, so I have to direct the cameras in such a way the street isn't visible. I'm not sure if I'll be able to do that :-s (luckily not a LOT of people are walking by on the sidewalk). Now I have the feeling I need activity zones more than I had previously thought; otherwise said: perhaps I do need a subscription plan! Aaargl... 🙂

Thanks for your time!

Pedro