Security. Modern technology allows you to monitor your home when you are away and answer the doorbell. An SN test report.
“Never open the door, don’t let anyone in”, EAV once sang in the song “Ding Dong, who is there at the door?”. With today’s media, you know exactly that, even if you’re not at home.
Wireless technology for a safe home
SNs were able to see for themselves how the technology works today: the company Arlo provided an Arlo Essential wireless video doorbell with doorbell and two Arlo Pro 5 security cameras. The set was tested in a single-family home that is not continuously inhabited, the which means that presence and absence modes can be tested extensively. The entire set is connected to the Internet wirelessly via WiFi. You can get the devices up and running using your own app, with the security aspect already reflected in the configuration. The devices communicate with the application on the tablet, where a special QR code is generated in the user’s personal area, which activates the cameras and at the same time protects against unwanted access. This means you are not exposed to security codes made up of words or numbers. Access to the tablet is protected by a fingerprint. Because one thing is also clear: anyone who monitors their home with cameras will at some point also monitor themselves or their family members. If someone hacks the access, the most private things will be in the wrong hands.
Smart Home Security: individual settings for absence
Three basic settings can be programmed in the application: “Activate absence”, “Activate presence” and “Stand-by”. The first option is like an alarm system. As soon as someone approaches the cameras or rings the doorbell, videos are recorded and the user is notified. The detection areas of motion detectors can be defined to avoid unwanted activations; the system can distinguish whether a person is approaching, a cat is passing by, or a package is at the door. You can talk to the person ringing your cell phone doorbell. The visitor cannot tell if you are at home or calling from a distance. Option 2 can be configured so that, for example, only the doorbell is active, so you stay connected, whether at home or in the garden. In standby mode everything is disabled.
Arlo security cameras in detail
Images are recorded in 2K resolution, videos are saved and can be accessed in the “feed”. However, you need a paid subscription to use all functions. All cameras have a speaker – so you can talk to people on the terrace – as well as an alarm function to trigger the sound of a siren. At night, the cameras record in black and white using infrared, and an LED can be turned on, which allows for sharp color images. The waterproof devices are powered by long-lasting lithium-ion batteries that last a few weeks.
Arlo security cameras in practice: advantages and disadvantages
The only downside is that up to 15 seconds can pass between activation and connection, depending on the capacity of the WLAN and the speed of the Internet connection. You may only see visitors on their cell phones when they leave because they didn’t want to wait so long, for example, parcel delivery people.
Arlo Pro 5 Spotlight Camera Specifications:
- 2K night vision with over 60 billion colors.
- Faster response, personalized settings, and more control with the Arlo Secure app.
- Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz network) for quick and easy setup and automatic switching to the strongest network for the best possible connection.
- With the powerful spotlight that illuminates faces from seven meters away, unwanted visitors can be effectively deterred.
- Trigger the siren in the Arlo app or set it to automatically sound an alarm when motion is detected.
- 160 degree wide angle for all areas of the property.
- Detection and distinction between people, vehicles, animals and packages.
- Determination of activity zones.
- Storage of recordings in the cloud for 30 to 60 days.
- Optimized battery life. Magnetic cable for charging.