Home Security Systems?

[Carpenter]

Need a new security system. Any thoughts on who to go with?
Or what company to stay away from?

[XFBO]

FWIW- I'd go with a surveillance system rather than the typical alarm company route.

[thrak410]

Whatever you do, dont sign a contract with ADT (or anyone really)... or, if you do, dont give them electronic access to your account.

Read this..
http://clarkhoward.com/liveweb/shown...9/01/21/14956/

You really got to watch these people... ADT is the worst... google ADT problems, payment, customer service etc... I wish I had.

[Carpenter]

This would be because?

[Carpenter]

Originally Posted by XFBO

FWIW- I'd go with a surveillance system rather than the typical alarm company route.

OK, explain further.

[45° Please]

Keep a TV or radio on with decent volume when you're gone.

[mbmotorsports]

I've got a 5 camera surveillance system and an ADT system. The ADT is $35 a month and $99 to install. No worries with ADT.

[thrak410]

bs with ADT... do you know they can raise your rate at any time?

seriously, google it, they have a horrible rating too

maybe business customers are treated differently, but for residential they're a bunch of crooks and liars, especially the salesmen.

[mbmotorsports]

I have no problems with them and my rate has never changed. The systems I mentioned are in my home.
I have similar systems at my business with slightly different monitoring due to our local commercial codes.
I'll let you know if my rates ever mysteriously increase.

[mbmotorsports]

I personally know dozens of people with ADT, they have never complained.

[fastfreddie]

compare with locally available businesses/options against big names.

i have nine door/window sensors and two IR monitors...$254/year monitoring to me, my wife, my best friend and the popo if the system goes off.
i only ever see anything from these peeps when they send the yearly bill.
the monitoring service does call when i have a brain fart (twice) and they're very quick about it.

[2Fer]

Scott, sent you a text message, call me at your convenience tomorrow.

[drew231506]

I'm interested in this also. I looked into it a while back but there were to many negative reviews. So I bought a Boston Terrier as my guard dog instead.

[r1owner]

X10? Anyone used their stuff?

[vance]

I've got ADT, and the only real complaint is the very long contract. I can't recall but I think it was 2 or 3 years.

I will say that I just had an 8 camera system installed at some rental properties in KY and they are awesome. I can view them online from FL. The whole system was about $1500, but I doubt you would need 8 cameras, or if it's even what you're looking for.

[Newsshooter]

You can also have your system call you or someone nearby and not have a service that has a monthly fee. A buddy just built a house and that's what his does, calls him and his son. Works for them as they both work and live relatively close to home.

[gothicbeast]

When I put in the home security system a few years ago, I decided to spend a little. You know going for a bit more than just your basic system.

The core is the 3 TouchScreen panels in the home. The wife can run the panel, all the error codes are in English and i can even turn on the pool and outdoor lights with it. The Honeywell TouchCenter is the way to go, and you can get color screens now (Yeah I am upgrading to color next year)



I also have the outside roll up garage door's monitored with in ground sensors, all the windows and doors are on their own separate circuits. I have glass breakage sensors, motion sensors, monitored smoke alarm and a DVR camera system with 8 night vision cameras in and outside the home. The system has a battery backup and uses a cell connection vs. a land line.

I went with a small security company and I pay them for a years service at once. Writing the $200 a year check is not all that bad, and I am getting 15% off for pre-paying.

[Dizzle]

Go with a local alarm company. Usually it is cheaper and better custy service.

[cobra2497]

Originally Posted by gothicbeast

When I put in the home security system a few years ago, I decided to spend a little. You know going for a bit more than just your basic system.

The core is the 3 TouchScreen panels in the home. The wife can run the panel, all the error codes are in English and i can even turn on the pool and outdoor lights with it. The Honeywell TouchCenter is the way to go, and you can get color screens now (Yeah I am upgrading to color next year)



I also have the outside roll up garage door's monitored with in ground sensors, all the windows and doors are on their own separate circuits. I have glass breakage sensors, motion sensors, monitored smoke alarm and a DVR camera system with 8 night vision cameras in and outside the home. The system has a battery backup and uses a cell connection vs. a land line.

I went with a small security company and I pay them for a years service at once. Writing the $200 a year check is not all that bad, and I am getting 15% off for pre-paying.

where do you live that you need that much security

[vance]

Originally Posted by cobra2497

where do you live that you need that much security

It's like guns and helmets. If you knew when you'd need them, you wouldn't need them.