Skip to content

How to Connect to Arlo Camera in C# .NET

Video Capture SDK .Net Media Blocks SDK .Net

Brand Overview

Arlo Technologies is an American smart home security company headquartered in Carlsbad, California. Originally a Netgear brand, Arlo became independent in 2018. Arlo is one of the best-selling wireless security camera brands in North America and Europe, known for battery-powered outdoor cameras, doorbells, and floodlight cameras.

Key facts:

  • Product lines: Pro (flagship), Ultra (4K), Essential (value), Go (cellular), Floodlight, Doorbell
  • Architecture: Cloud-first with optional local storage (Arlo SmartHub/Base Station)
  • RTSP support: No (removed from SmartHub in 2021)
  • ONVIF support: No
  • Video codecs: H.264, H.265 (select models)
  • Cloud dependency: High — all features require Arlo Secure subscription
  • Power: Battery, solar, or wired depending on model

No RTSP Support

Arlo cameras do not support RTSP. Arlo previously offered RTSP access through the SmartHub (VMB4540/VMB5000) for select camera models, but this feature was removed in a 2021 firmware update. There is currently no way to access Arlo camera streams via RTSP.

RTSP History on Arlo

Arlo had a brief period of RTSP support:

Period Status Details
Before 2019 No RTSP Cloud-only access
2019-2021 RTSP available (beta) Via SmartHub for Ultra/Pro 3/Pro 4 only
2021-present RTSP removed Firmware update removed RTSP functionality

The RTSP feature was available on the Arlo SmartHub (VMB5000) for: - Arlo Ultra (VMC5040) - Arlo Pro 3 (VMC4040P) - Arlo Pro 4 (VMC4050P)

It was never available for Arlo Essential, Go, or Doorbell models.

Why No Direct Integration

Arlo's architecture prevents direct SDK integration:

  1. Cloud-mandatory streaming: All video routes through Arlo's cloud servers
  2. No local network access: Cameras communicate with the SmartHub/base station using proprietary protocols
  3. No open ports: Neither cameras nor base stations expose RTSP or HTTP video endpoints
  4. Subscription dependency: Video access requires an active Arlo Secure plan

Possible Workarounds

Option 1: Arlo API (Unofficial)

Community-developed libraries exist that interface with Arlo's cloud API to:

  • Retrieve snapshot images
  • Download recorded clips
  • Trigger camera actions

These are unofficial and may break with Arlo service updates. They do not provide real-time RTSP streams.

Option 2: HDMI Output from SmartHub

The Arlo SmartHub (VMB5000) has an HDMI output that displays a live camera grid. You can capture this with an HDMI capture card:

// Capture HDMI output from Arlo SmartHub via USB capture card
var pipeline = new MediaBlocksPipeline();

var captureDevice = new SystemVideoSourceBlock(captureDeviceSettings);
var videoRenderer = new VideoRendererBlock(pipeline, VideoView1);

pipeline.Connect(captureDevice.Output, videoRenderer.Input);
await pipeline.StartAsync();

This provides a composite view of all cameras, not individual streams.

For developers needing direct RTSP camera integration, these consumer cameras provide native RTSP support:

Alternative Type RTSP Battery Option Guide
Reolink Argus 3 Battery outdoor Yes Yes Connection Guide
Amcrest Wired outdoor Yes No Connection Guide
EZVIZ Indoor/outdoor Yes (enable required) Limited Connection Guide
TP-Link Tapo Indoor/outdoor Yes No Connection Guide
Eufy Security Wired/battery Yes (some models) Yes Connection Guide

FAQ

Do Arlo cameras support RTSP?

No. Arlo cameras do not currently support RTSP. A brief RTSP beta was available on the SmartHub (2019-2021) for select models, but it was removed in a firmware update. There is no current way to access Arlo streams via RTSP.

Can I use VisioForge SDK with Arlo cameras?

Not directly. Arlo cameras have no RTSP, ONVIF, or local streaming endpoints. The only integration option is capturing the HDMI output from the SmartHub using a capture card. For direct SDK integration, use cameras with native RTSP support.

Will Arlo bring back RTSP?

There has been no official announcement from Arlo about restoring RTSP support. Arlo's business model is subscription-based, and local streaming conflicts with this approach.

What battery cameras support RTSP?

For battery-powered cameras with RTSP support, consider Reolink (Argus series) or Eufy Security (select models). Most battery cameras from other brands are also cloud-only.