To utilize these systems you will need to have
reliable internet and/or cell phone service where you live.
But if those services are not available, you can still have a home
security system. A number of top quality companies use a phone
landlines to monitor and they will contact police or fire services
for you if an alarm is triggered.
There are many choices to sort through with Wi-Fi systems - window
and door sensors, motion detectors, cameras, audio, sirens, video
storage to the cloud, the list of apps is long.
Below is a list of some variables you may wish to consider before
choosing a system.
-
Fee-based monitoring service that contacts the police or fire
department for you
-
Self-monitoring by cell phone or iPad
-
Top end whole-home controls - remotely controlled lights,
cameras, door locks, environmental controls
-
Just the security basics - door and window motion sensors
-
Automated or by alert notice for control activations
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Personal alerts to intrusion, fire, carbon monoxide, gas,
temperature changes, and more
-
Monitoring service contracts can be up to 60 months, no
contract, or contract and interchangeable equipment options
-
Cloud storage, video options
-
There is a wide-range of equipment costs and monthly service
fees
You will find all the above and much more
discussed in the following videos.
This first video offers a broad overview of the top rated security
companies, equipment that is installed either by the company or DIY,
an introduction to some of the options that are available.
Ranked in order and reason chosen:
#1 Frontpoint -
Best customer service
#2 Vivint
Best home automation
#3 Link Interactive
Most flexibility
#4 SimpliSafe
Best DIY system
#5 ADT
Most popular provider
You purchase the equipment in each of these systems. Monitoring
service ranges from $15 per month to $60 per month.
SimpliSafe offers function over fashion and is easily moveable to
your next home or apartment.
One of the highest rated companies in security performance is the
nation-wide ADT. It is the oldest security company and with that
longevity comes experience. One great feature is that they have
overcome power outage occurrences. Also, freeze, flood, smoke and
gas sensors may be monitored at a central control panel.
While citing ADT's slightly higher prices and a few inconsistencies
between service providers, David from A Secure Life says, "There is
a reason millions of people use it to protect their homes. It works
when you need it to."
VIDEO: Top
5 Best Home Security Systems - 2018 Review
Here are a couple more reviews of top security systems. You will
notice it is mostly the same companies getting the top reviews, but
since this is so important of a decision and diverse in options, it
is worthwhile learning as much as you can before choosing the type
of service that best fits your lifestyle, security needs and your
wallet.
This video re-summarizes the top systems and
emphasizes how a home system communicates by wifi in the home with a
central monitoring center.
VIDEO:
The Best
Wireless Security Systems of 2018
The following video reviews several other top companies and it helps
to expand your understanding of what technologies are available,
such as 'smash and crash' protections that prevent a would be thief
from interfering with a security system.
VIDEO:
Best Home
Security Systems - Gadget Review
The video below is a great introduction to a
self-do security system and again gives you a more broad
understanding of what a wifi system can offer. New on the market,
the Nest security is a bit of a hybrid that is installed DIY and
then self-monitored or there is a company that supplies a monitoring
service.
VIDEO: Nest
secure review
[to top of second column] |
In eight minutes, this Future Tech video delivers a visually
comprehensive quick view of futuristic-like 'amazing gadgets' and
'awesome technological advancements.' It comfortably demonstrates
the ease you can find in daily practical uses and functionality that
will get you thinking about what you might be missing without an
interactive monitoring system in your home.
VIDEO:
Five best home
security inventions you must have in 2017
Again, visualize what your life might be like if you were able to
see what is going on at home by setting up security cameras. You can
even speak interactively, "Kitty, get off that couch!"
Also control the environment with a smart home technology option
such as Alexa.
VIDEO:
Six best home
security cameras in 2018 you can buy on Amazon
In 10 minutes you will be introduced to five other security options
where you do the monitoring.
Options include:
-
Multi-choice apps that allow for a fully integrated smart home
with Skylink.
-
How about a solar panel for outdoor cameras with Arlo?
-
Canary shows you what is going on in your home.
-
Answer the door without getting up or even being at home with a
wifi linked video doorbell from Skybell, which integrates a
camera with fully interactive voice communications through your
smart phone.
-
A
'Ring stickup cam' system is easy to install and includes a
video doorbell and stick up cameras that integrate with wifi,
and offers video recordings stored to the cloud and rechargeable
batteries.
VIDEO: Practical
options wide range of functions: Five best DIY home security systems
to buy in 2018
In 20 minutes you'll get a broad overview of smart doorbells and a
glimpse of what is in development soon to be released.
VIDEO: Top
10 best smart doorbell for your home
The video below introduces an outdoor hard-wired system with motion
detector sensing that turns on bright LED energy efficient flood
lights, and optional loud alarm. It also has a high-definition
camera and two-way talk with speakers and a mic, plus wifi
connection capability to the internet, alerts to phone, live-view
and recorded video footage.
The floodlight alarm is suitable for residential or business-use.
The nine minute video provides footage of an actual theft at a
business that triggered the floodlight, phone alert, and an alarm
set off by choice over the phone.
VIDEO:
Affordable
home security! - RING floodlight security camera!
In a little over an hour, the above videos can give you an idea of
what technology and services are available that might best suit your
security needs or even create a better connection between you and
your family when you are away. The options today are plentiful and
affordability is moving into range for the average home owner.
The era of the smart home has arrived, "Alex, who broke that vase?"
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