Home Security Blog

Elk Security Systems Review

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Most shoppers need a good understanding of security systems if they want to find the best one for them. Unlike other system packages, Elk provides both a home security system and an long informative manual about its features.

Elk Products’ alarms are expensive and more suitable for tech junkies, but people can steadily upgrade their security into a high-end system.

From their website’s appearance, Elk Products looks more like a company geared almost exclusively to electronic technicians. Their instruction manuals are more like encyclopedias. To say the least, it takes a lot of programming to make an Elk security panel operate as it should. Even when it does work, people will need to keep tabs on all the alarm operation shortcuts.

If people want to request a system, the company actually suggests filling out an application on their website. From this point on, a sales representative will fill customers in on the phone numbers of local professional installers who provide Elk alarms. As one might imagine, it takes quite a lot of time to purchase an Elk system. (more…)

DSC Security Alarms Review

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DSC is one of the most reliable manufacturers of security alarms. Many installers set up DSC systems for people who request monitoring from ADT and other popular companies.

Although DSC is not the most well-known manufacturer of security alarms, their products provide top-of-the-line home enforcement.

This is not to say that DSC is flawless. Its manuals contain plenty of technical jargon that many people may not understand. The customer service lines don’t offer much assistance either. However, their wireless systems provide adequate protection once people figure out how to program everything into the central panel.

DSC’s wireless control panels can support up to 32 wireless zones. This makes the systems very effective for enforcing security across many doors around the house. However, many of their lower-priced control panels are more flexible, because people can upgrade them to support a wide range of hardwired sensors as well. These motion detectors have a greater range, because they use cords to attach themselves to the (more…)

Security At Little-To-No Cost! The Best of DIY Home Security Methods!

It’s a proven fact that burglary rates rise as the economy starts to go down, so it’s no wonder more and more people are listing safety as their top priority. However, the reality is that many people cannot afford to buy a home security system. But don’t fret because HomeSecuritySystems.net is here to help! There are other alternatives to security systems that still offer a sufficient amount of protection for your home. The following articles provide detailed information on some things you can do to better secure your home at little-to-no cost. Of course a standard home security system is the best option but DIY methods also offer a sufficient amount of deterrence on its own. So get reading to see which option is best for you! Every home deserves protection! (more…)

Q-See Surveillance Review

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Q-See surveillance may seem expensive, but the cameras and the DVR device are exceptional home security tools.

Although their name is relatively new with the home security industry, Q-See produces high quality camera and video equipment. The company specializes in producing devices with digital video recording capabilities, also known as DVR.

Although their system uses cameras to watch over the house, the system is actually much more reasonably priced than other surveillance systems. Each individual camera costs about $49 and the DVR recording device costs about $140. However, the company also sells packages with both the cameras and the DVR. Each package differs in value, depending on the type of DVR and the number of cameras. People may want to shop around before choosing a Q-See surveillance package.

The most difficult part of the installation process involves connecting all the wires on the ceiling to reach the overhead cameras. The wires have to run from the cameras to the monitoring station. Owners may need to tape the wires on the ceiling, so that nothing obstructs the doors or the walkways.

In most cases, the cameras function properly. Most of the consumers have not complained as often about the systems as they did years ago. Consumers often have the biggest problem choosing the proper DVR device. Some of the machines don’t come with a pre-installed hard drive to save recorded (more…)

General Electric Security Systems Review

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General Electric’s home security systems provide long-lasting security, regardless of whether anyone chooses a system with monitoring.

Monitoring companies which offer GE Security products include FrontPoint Security, Protect America, Guardian Security.

Although UTC now handles most of their security products these days, their systems still enforce high-quality security in every part of the house. One of the most well-known systems in GE’s lineup is the Simon security alarm system.

The Simon system has changed many times over the last few decades. Their newest model, the XT wireless, can support up to 40 different transmitters at once. For an alarm system, Simon is a powerful machine that people can set-up for professional monitoring from a central station. Using the special phone line wire, it can also automatically call the station in case of an emergency. This system also includes two-way voice speakers for anyone who prefers to talk to visitors from inside the house.

For anyone who isn’t acquainted with wireless systems, they are much easier to set up than the old wired systems. Rather than stringing yards of cords all around the house, homeowners only need a few batteries to keep the alarm sensors working for more than a year. Thus, installation is only a matter of finding the doors and windows to place the sensors on. The sensors also automatically report to the central panel about their battery life. Thus, people will always know (more…)

Alarm.com Wireless Monitoring Review

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Many security companies use expensive mobile device monitoring that depends too much on a broadband Internet connection. Yet, one company actually proves that they can integrate effective security from a mobile phone.

Alarm.com takes advantage of wireless cellular lines to provide some of the most reliable 24-hour monitoring from a station to a person’s cell phone.

Alarm.com products are provided by FrontPoint Security.

A cellular phone system may seem like an outdated way for a homeowner to check on his or her home security. However, cellular lines are also faster and much more reliable for communicating security messages. Broadband networks are more notorious for shutting down at the most inconvenient times, when people need it the most.

Rather than using wireless remote technology, alarm.com simply sends text messages. Whenever a security system with alarm.com detects unusual activity, it sends (more…)

Preventing Repeat Burglaries

Few things will shake up your world like being burglarized. Your first instinct (and it’s a good one) is to go out and buy a home security system. While a home security system will act as a deterrent against burglaries, the fact remains that you’re probably still going to feel a bit uneasy for a while. Home is the one place on earth you’re supposed to feel safe. When someone invades your home, you can start to feel like a perpetual victim.

On top of installing a quality home security system, there are some other things you can do in order to help prevent future break-ins:

• Identify weak points in your home security. Take a look at every possible entrance to the home. Is each entrance secured? Do you have deadbolts on the exterior doors, and do all of your windows have secure locks? Deadbolts go a long way toward deterring repeat break-ins.
• Know where risk comes from. Some burglaries are crimes of opportunity, but some are more well-planned. Be smart about who you allow into your home. If you’re having contractors in to replace a bathroom sink, for example, make sure you hire someone you can trust. If you’re uneasy about them, don’t hire them.
• Figure out what made your home an attractive target. Maybe you simply have a nice home, and burglars naturally want to target it. Or, maybe you unknowingly invited them in by leaving your garage door up all night, or leaving the box to an expensive computer system out at the curb on trash day. Identify those habits that might invite trouble.
• Get involved in the community. A neighborhood watch program is one of the best ways to reduce your risk, as well as risk for your neighbors. If you don’t already have a community watch program, talk to local law enforcement about starting one.

Consider a security analysis. You can hire an expert to come in and look at your home, and identify potential weak points. In many cases this analysis is free – you’ll simply need to listen to the company’s pitch for their particular home security system afterwards.

Tough Economic Times Highlight Need for Home Security Systems

While you can always benefit from having a home security system, the fact is that home burglaries are at an all-time high right now. More and more American homes are being victimized as the economy continues to struggle. Hard times means an uptick in theft, and a home security system can make the difference between being a victim and being safe and sound.

One of the most common targets in your home is gold. The price of gold peaked in August, coming in at $1891 per ounce, an all-time high. Burglars are after gold rings, bracelets, earrings, chains, and more. These items are much easier to steal than, let’s say, a television set or a car.

Thieves target gold for another reason, however. If they steal a laptop, it’s much easier to trace that laptop back to its owner. Gold can be melted down and then sold, leaving little evidence. It doesn’t help that almost every street corner in some major cities seems to have a “we buy gold” store or a pawn shop. Indeed, second-hand gold is becoming a serious commodity, both for burglars and (more…)

Honeywell Total Connect Review

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Honeywell is one of the biggest and most reliable security system manufacturers in America. Now the company is integrating mobile phone communication for their Total Connect security systems, with disappointing results.

Honeywell systems are distributed by Vivint.

Total Connect’s mobile device security is a fascinating experiment, but the technology is not polished enough to function properly for the average person.

At first glance, Total Connect looks like the miracle service that every person needs to protect every section of the house. By installing some optional x-10 cameras, homeowners can use their phone to watch actual footage from the cameras. People can also deactivate their alarm by using their smart phone like a remote control. It even shows parents when their children deactivate the alarm when they return home.

At least that’s how it’s supposed to work. When people actually use the app, they find it much more difficult to control.

Technically, Total Connect gives users complete access to the cameras in their security system. However, the remote control function only works if a person has a clear Internet connection signal. Sometimes people have to wait a long time before their mobile app actually does what people command it to do, because of the slow connection speed.

In other words, Total Connect is just as impractical as many other remote control apps. Instead of working properly, the system has a (more…)

ADT Security Review

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People have probably seen commercials that attempt to demonstrate the reliability of ADT security systems. However, they don’t show anything about their inconsistent customer service. While ADT’s systems are amazing, there are resellers who ruin the reputation of the entire brand.
( Read about one of the biggest ADT resellers in the US and the value they offer here. )

Many former ADT customers have written complaints about the company, few arguing about defective alarms and the rest about overpriced monthly security.

This is not to say that everyone consistently has problems with the systems. Many of the security review websites have a handful of people who appreciate the quality of their service. Most of the biggest disputes among its customers come from the dealers who sign them onto an unreasonable (more…)