Question to gadget gurus.. Anyone installed security cameras inside/outside home?

by FluteHolder Fri Mar 29, 2013 10:39 am

Bittu/gadget gurus..

Anyone installed security cameras/motion detectors within and outside the house. Which can be viewed thru mobile/web remotely? May be useful just to monitor the house when you are on vacation?

I discontinued the home security alarm service.

TIA

by Hellsangel Fri Mar 29, 2013 10:52 am

How does it help to monitor the house remotely when you can't respond in time in case of a burglary? You can look at Uniden systems. They are very affordable and work well but have some limitations.

by FluteHolder Fri Mar 29, 2013 11:02 am

It might just act as visual deterrent. Nothing valuable at home as everything will be in bank lockers. I can call my relative/friends who are just few houses away in case anything happening:) Frys has quite a few options by SWANN camaeras. Just thought would check here as some might have installed on their own, esp bittu:)

by Idéfix Fri Mar 29, 2013 11:38 am

I recently evaluated home security monitoring services. I considered all the options of the market, including ADT, Bay Alarm, LifeShield, etc. I eventually picked FrontPoint and installed it myself. I am very happy with my FrontPoint security system. It is very easy to install, it communicates over a mobile network so it is not dependent on internet service which a burglar can disrupt by cutting a cable outside the home, and monthly 24x7 monitoring is cheaper than ADT. It is completely customized to your needs, as you choose the equipment you want to install, including door and window opening sensors, motion detectors, cameras, smoke, flooding and CO sensors, etc. You can add to your system as you need. Their web and smartphone integration is excellent. I can remotely arm and disarm the system, view which doors / windows / motion sensors are active, view camera feeds, etc. And the monitoring system will dispatch the police after checking with me (or if they fail to reach me after an alarm is triggered). I also love their home automation features, like turning lights on and off remotely -- I am sure that's an area I will do more work on over time.

After comparing ADT with FrontPoint and dealing with FrontPoint, I think ADT is charging a large premium for older technology because they have wide name recognition.

by Hellsangel Fri Mar 29, 2013 11:46 am

Have you had an actual situation where the police responded, even if it was a false alarm and how quickly they responded? BTW, don't most alarm companies dial out on the phone line and not the cable line?

by Idéfix Fri Mar 29, 2013 11:51 am

Hellsangel wrote:Have you had an actual situation where the police responded, even if it was a false alarm and how quickly they responded? BTW, don't most alarm companies dial out on the phone line and not the cable line?

I haven't, but one of the neighbors who got it after I recommended it to him had a false alarm late one evening last month. The police were there in 3 minutes. Those response times depend on several factors, but what you have to hope is that they get there while the burglar is still on the scene.

Yes, you are right. ADT recommends getting a dedicated phone line just for the monitoring service. If a burglar cuts the phone line -- which is possible in many homes, then your system is dead before he even breaks in. ADT can also do cellular communication, but they charge a lot more for that each month.

by FluteHolder Fri Mar 29, 2013 12:38 pm

Thanks for the info on frontpoint. I am thinking in terms of totally avoiding any paid services. I am trying to see any motion sensor/detection system which can call my mobile/web with a live camea feed. The call can initiate from home based voip system. Ofcourse all of this is pointless if power is off/removed. One can also add an alert if power goes off, which is a rare event.

by truthbetold Fri Mar 29, 2013 12:45 pm

One of my neighbours had a system. A friend of theirs tried to open the garage door to get lawn mower. I was out working on my lawn. About 10 to min later police come and walk around the house.
Why do you need a security system?

by Idéfix Fri Mar 29, 2013 12:59 pm

I got a system because we tend to travel often, and it helps with peace of mind knowing that law enforcement will be on hand within minutes if something happens. Most of my neighbors don't have a system (or a yard sign for it). So if a burglar does come here, hopefully he chooses a house without a yard sign over mine.

by truthbetold Fri Mar 29, 2013 1:45 pm

Tri,
so you ate using alarm system as an insurance payment. I cannot argue with peace of mind.
One pays 10k in 10 years. Is it economically justifiable?

by Idéfix Fri Mar 29, 2013 1:49 pm

truthbetold wrote:Tri,
so you ate using alarm system as an insurance payment. I cannot argue with peace of mind.
One pays 10k in 10 years. Is it economically justifiable?

I pay about $40 a month, and I get a homeowner's insurance discount of $100 a year because I have it, so it isn't quite as high as $1k a year. I do see it as a worthwhile expense.

by Idéfix Fri Mar 29, 2013 1:51 pm

FluteHolder wrote:Thanks for the info on frontpoint. I am thinking in terms of totally avoiding any paid services. I am trying to see any motion sensor/detection system which can call my mobile/web with a live camea feed. The call can initiate from home based voip system. Ofcourse all of this is pointless if power is off/removed. One can also add an alert if power goes off, which is a rare event.

The thing about passive security systems is that they are only useful if you regularly monitor them when away. If you are only looking for the ability to watch your house over a webcam while you are away, I am sure there are lots of cheaper options available. The equipment that FrontPoint supplies, without the cost of active 24x7 monitoring, should be sufficient. FrontPoint's equipment is from GE and other companies.

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Question to gadget gurus.. Anyone installed security cameras inside/outside home?

Question to gadget gurus.. Anyone installed security cameras inside/outside home?

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Re: Question to gadget gurus.. Anyone installed security cameras inside/outside home?

Re: Question to gadget gurus.. Anyone installed security cameras inside/outside home?

Re: Question to gadget gurus.. Anyone installed security cameras inside/outside home?

Re: Question to gadget gurus.. Anyone installed security cameras inside/outside home?

Re: Question to gadget gurus.. Anyone installed security cameras inside/outside home?

Re: Question to gadget gurus.. Anyone installed security cameras inside/outside home?

Re: Question to gadget gurus.. Anyone installed security cameras inside/outside home?

Re: Question to gadget gurus.. Anyone installed security cameras inside/outside home?

Re: Question to gadget gurus.. Anyone installed security cameras inside/outside home?