Home Security System.

[GreenLantern]

FYI I haven't made a decision yet either way but I did phone FrontPoint and they matched the install price of Vivint and 5 bucks cheaper a month and I didn't really even ask for it. Might be worth it to pit them off against each other and just see how much you can save. I think I am going to go with a local company that is much cheaper but has a great rep here in Saskatoon.

[Northendzone]

we switched over to vivint over the weekend - all the hardware is wireless and for the control panel they were able to use the wiring for our old system.

the main reason we swithed is because we got a cat in February and our old system (Counterforce) had motion detectors.

Went with glass break dectectors, keyless entry on front and garage door, door bell camera and thermostat. I like being able to control the stuff via my phone

[CaptainYooh]

It always bothered me with the cell-phone controlled security systems that they would be prone to software malfunctions and/or hacking, which means that someone could accidentally or maliciously gain access to the video of your home. Are there security experts here to comment on this?

[EldrickOnIce]

^ am interested in this too, as well as reliability of Internet based.
We currently keep home phone line only for alarm. Monitoring is very cheap, but if you add the cost of home phone, not so much.

[csnarpy]

you would have to access someone's actual portal to get access to the video. If it is possible through a gsm, well I wouldn't get it.

I still install for Adt and our pulse system is internet based. gsm's are only used for monitoring. Although I'm not in sales, we match or usually do better than vivant. If you get a pulse system then the gsm is included in the mono ring fees and unless the reception is very bad then no land line is needed.

$70/month is frikkin rediculous, as is the 5 yr contract.

Sorry, for those who just got them but Vivant has one of the worst ratings on the BBB. Those guys and Alarmforce.... Well I just shake my head.

It's easy to do self monitoring these days. I do it. I use The Vera system. I have it linked to my security system and have home automation as well.

Also, best door cam out there is Skybell. I don't know of any security companies using them but I head Protectron is going to. It replaces your doorbell, has a speaker and a point & zoom camera. Plus the app comes with full alerts. I really wish Adt would get with these guys - like they did with Nest.

[Street Pharmacist]

Originally Posted by Northendzone

we switched over to vivint over the weekend - all the hardware is wireless and for the control panel they were able to use the wiring for our old system.

the main reason we swithed is because we got a cat in February and our old system (Counterforce) had motion detectors.

Went with glass break dectectors, keyless entry on front and garage door, door bell camera and thermostat. I like being able to control the stuff via my phone

How much did that all cost of you don't mind me asking?

[csnarpy]

For all that have alarm systems, be aware of the new city bylaw - you have to have two signals go off for the police to respond. So, basically, at last two devices.

[DoubleK]

Most of our neighborhood was able to negotiate similar deals for equipment with ADT, which is where I went.

Monitoring can be grinded down to ~$50/month. ADT's term is significantly less than vivnt.

Vivnt will negotiate on monthly monitoring, won't match ADT, but they are firm on 5yr term.

[Northendzone]

Originally Posted by Street Pharmacist

How much did that all cost of you don't mind me asking?

$99 install fee and $70 per month.

I was waffling, but my neighbor is paying the same price.

[Northendzone]

Originally Posted by CaptainYooh

It always bothered me with the cell-phone controlled security systems that they would be prone to software malfunctions and/or hacking, which means that someone could accidentally or maliciously gain access to the video of your home. Are there security experts here to comment on this?

I was thinking that to do this, you would need to first hack the Wi-Fi and then get into the app, or steal the phone and then bypass the phone's pin.

seems to me that there is enough security to deter the average thief, but if someone really wanted to get in, they will figure out something.

[BigNumbers]

Any suggestions in terms of solutions for a new build that's fully pre wired for alarm?

[Iceman90]

For everyone who wants a doorbell camera, you should check out the Ring Video Doorbell. You can get it from Amazon for $200, and that might save you cash in the end as opposed to paying it off per month.

I have a basic monitored ADT system for $50/month and a separate Ring doorbell.

[csnarpy]

Originally Posted by Iceman90

For everyone who wants a doorbell camera, you should check out the Ring Video Doorbell. You can get it from Amazon for $200, and that might save you cash in the end as opposed to paying it off per month.

I have a basic monitored ADT system for $50/month and a separate Ring doorbell.

As of last week, Adt is now using/is compatible with/installing the Ring Video Doorbell. If you have pulse, and your monitoring fee indicates you do, you may be able to add it.

[csnarpy]

Originally Posted by BigNumbers

Any suggestions in terms of solutions for a new build that's fully pre wired for alarm?

Go with a Honeywell vista 20p or a DSC 1832

[BigNumbers]

CSnarpy - Can you give me a contact with ADT in Calgary to get hooked up for an install? Need a monitored solution.

[csnarpy]

pm'd

[DoubleK]

Originally Posted by BigNumbers

CSnarpy - Can you give me a contact with ADT in Calgary to get hooked up for an install? Need a monitored solution.

I'm in the market for this too.

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by Iceman90

For everyone who wants a doorbell camera, you should check out the Ring Video Doorbell. You can get it from Amazon for $200, and that might save you cash in the end as opposed to paying it off per month.

I have a basic monitored ADT system for $50/month and a separate Ring doorbell.

How do you find the Ring Doorbell? Any issues? For example, I have heard with the Arlo cameras they tend to get recordings of tops of heads due to a startup lag. I'm thinking of getting it as well as a stand alone camera.

[Iceman90]

Originally Posted by ken0042

How do you find the Ring Doorbell? Any issues? For example, I have heard with the Arlo cameras they tend to get recordings of tops of heads due to a startup lag. I'm thinking of getting it as well as a stand alone camera.

Ring has a new stand-alone camera called the Stick Up Camera. Terrible name, but it's called that because it can just be stuck up wherever you want it.

This is from my perspective, as someone who's house has been broken into twice since January...

The Ring video doorbell is both good and bad, I think it depends what you want it for. I can't honestly see it being much of an intruder deterrent. I think as people start to understand how they work they'll realize you're not home (like you might say you are through the intercom) and break in anyways. If you want to just have a camera at your door, I think that the stick up cam, or any other stand-alone camera looks more like a traditional camera as a deterrent, and also is much more flexible as far as where you place it to get the best shot.

I've found there can be some lag between the button outside being pushed, and me getting notified on my phone - especially if I am not home. So as a deterrent, by the time you've had the bell rung, and you answer they may already be on their way to the back to break in. It's annoying when I am home and it happens as I've missed some people at my door. If you're going to use the Ring, you need to buy the Chime product too, IMO.

The idea of the Ring is cool, but I am not sold on it as a product, yet. I think you could easily rig up a camera and intercom system with motion activated recording for about the same price (if not less) that has a better position, more features and flexibility that would work better.

It really depends what you want it for. As a security product, I am not sold on it. As a novelty product or a way to see who's at your door when you're home so you can know if you should ignore them, maybe. If you want a simple "plug and play" solution, this is the best one out there, but if you're tech savvy enough to make your own system, you could do better.

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by Iceman90

I think that the stick up cam, or any other stand-alone camera looks more like a traditional camera as a deterrent, and also is much more flexible as far as where you place it to get the best shot.

That is another thing. A big part is to have it be a deterrent. Have somebody see the camera and decide to move along to the next house.

I was thinking of setting up a couple of these cameras:
http://www.memoryexpress.com/Products/MX51991

Reviews seem good, and a lot less than the Ring system. I'd have to setup a dedicated PC to store the video, but the system requirements are pretty low so an older PC would be just fine.