home security tips

and done a good job of making products appealing. I think the traditional security companies can take a page out of these direct to consumer companies and market the product based on what people are dying to do, which is protect homes and families and alleviate problems. Traditional security companies would be well served to follow suit in their marketing and ad campaigns. ”One thing many in the industry do caution about, however, is not to let the medium swallow the message. “There are a lot of things the industry is starting to focus on as enhancement to the core offerings; but it is important not to get caught up in buzzwords or even the technology itself, but what it enables the customer to do,” says Greg Blackett, senior product manager, Tyco Security Products, Toronto, Canada. “It is still very early days. The end goal is to enhance the existing products and make them more intelligent and help the customer reduce false alarms and bring their total security experience to the next level. But Inder Reddy, Honeywell Security and Fire, says there are actually two schools of thought on where monitoring may be headed. “Some customers have absolutely said ‘We want to leverage our expertise so we are going to get out of the monitoring business and focus on customer service. ’ But as software becomes more and more the way to do things, you could make the case that SaaS types of services are much more scalable and you don’t need to be so large to have economies of scale. For the moment it seems that a lot of active central stations are looking to outsource to wholesale and reapply that cash to grow their RMR business.

in home security system

01.14.2007 | 34 Comments

The new systems may also be connected to central monitoring stations, as do many old style security systems. The big difference, however, is the degree of interactivity. New software platforms, such as alarm. com and iControl allow you to send commands, program home systems, view surveillance video, and receive alerts on a smart phone or computer—whether you’re at home or away. When shopping for a system, review software platforms first. Alarm.

home security monitoring

01.14.2007 | 16 Comments

When installing a home security system, the question of security cameras locations will naturally arise. You may want to keep a home security camera to observe the front door and garage area and a few to monitor high traffic areas in the house. You may place security cameras by your business s cash register and near some of the more valuable items you sell. But what if you own a clothing store and have problems with customers stealing merchandise by putting it on under their normal clothes in the dressing rooms?What if you want to discourage your errant teenager from sneaking out of the house by placing a camera in their bedroom?These types of situations can become legal battlegrounds if those involved are not careful. While we aren't permitted to give legal advice, we here at Top Ten Reviews have assembled a few key points to remember when you're setting up your own home security system. Residential Security Cameras What is Legal?If you are installing a video surveillance system to monitor your home, it can be difficult to place the cameras legally. As a general rule, monitoring someone without their knowledge or consent is illegal when they are in an area that provides a reasonable expectation of privacy. This includes but may not be limited to bathrooms, bedrooms or changing rooms. It may also be illegal to record video or audio in public areas without a sign designating that you are doing so. These laws vary by state, so be sure you're familiar with the laws regarding covert video recording in your state. It is often legal to record someone without their consent if only video is involved; audio recording without a party s knowledge has far more regulations than video under wiretap laws.