Video Doorbell Thoughts

[Mjbeuke]

Looks like I got a notification from BestBuy this morning that the Arlo Video Doorbell is preparing to ship out.

We’ll see if it’s worth keeping it - or if it’s better to return it.... when I first pre-ordered the doorbell I just assumed that it would connect to a base station or smart hub - and therefore be able to locally record video without requiring a subscription.... Likewise, since I assumed hub connectivity - I also assumed it would work with the current Arlo Chime. It appears that is not the case... the subscription is required, and I’ve been told the wireless chimes will not work with the new doorbell (only existing hard-wired chimes will work) .... Once I get it and see the video quality, audio quality etc I’ll quickly make the call as to whether it goes back to BB or I replace my Arlo Audio Doorbell and Chime with it.

It seems like this product was created and marketed to capture new Arlo subscriptions from non-Arlo customers.... they did very little to make this worth it for a current Arlo audio doorbell owner - as all of the assumptions I made they simply chose not to incorporate into the product.... Why would the doorbell not interface with a base station? That makes no sense and would have taken no time to incorporate into the control software for this device.... That is literally a snake oil tactic to force subscriptions as they did not want people recording locally on their base stations.

Arlo Baby and Q??? Ok I get it - those are a different class of product and makes sense they don’t interface with the hubs.... but the doorbell??? Come on Arlo - the doorbell should be an integral part that meshes with the hubs.....

I fear this product is all about the quick money grab.... time will tell

[anewtoi]

Just got mine in and installed. I wandered too about the Wi-Fi connection, but from what I read in the q&a on Best Buy, it supposedly rings thru to ur phone faster and it indeed does.
Initial thoughts, I don’t see an option for setting zones like with their other wired cameras. Also, this being my first DB camera, it seems really bulky and noticeable. Not impressed with the 3 month trial subscription in conjunction with the year trial for the ultra package I purchased 2 months ago. Should run consecutively

[anewtoi]

Though it seems to call out pretty fast on motion trigger, it seems to take just as long to stream from the app. About same speed as my 2 ultra cams and 4 pro 2 cams

[TimPerry]

I'm trying to mine working today but am having trouble connecting to my 2.4 wifi network.. What voltage is your doorbell connecting at? 24 or 16? My camera works at 16 currently just not connecting to wifi.. I wondering if I should kick it up to 24v..

[anewtoi]

I had trouble connecting as well. Took a while to connect to WiFi, then took over ten minutes to update firmware only to say firmware could not update. Closed app, logged in and firmware is current. Then no camera view and it said was not connected. So I then went thru the process of removing and reinstalling all over again then it took. Be sure to reset by pushing the pin into the hole between the terminal lugs to get it to sync mode.

[TimPerry]

Ahhhhh.. reset with pin between terminal lugs!!! Thats a new step for me not previously executed.
Thank you

[TimPerry]

I tried the reset multiple times.. and rewired the system... no luck.. still doesn't connect to wifi..

I haven't upped the voltage to 24 to see if that makes a difference.. trying that next

[anewtoi]

Haven’t heard anything regarding voltage but mine says it’s a 16v digital. But thinking about it, that should have anything to do with connecting to wifi

[TimPerry]

well, slightly higher voltage could possibly boost the output signal.. the circuit board may function slightly better.. but at this point neither voltage works for me.

[anewtoi]

After playing around in the settings here’s some more thoughts
A. Don’t like having to set up a whole other matching set of schedules from the cameras
B. No way to test doorbell from app
C. I can’t find a way to change number that receives the call on bell button press.
D. The picture clarity just seems ok. No where near as good as my ultras or pro 2’s. I get the difference in pixels but still leaves a lot to be desired

[anewtoi]

E. While streaming, with 3 bars reception, I counted 48 secs between me opening the door and my phone receiving notification. 26 secs at same motion trigger from the pro 2 right above the camera.
Both are unacceptable for such high priced devices that are going to be forcing subscriptions for enhanced features