From Smoke Sensors to 'Grannycam,' A Look at Affordable Security Systems
By Gabe Goldberg
Special to The Washington Post
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Modern living sometimes seems threatening. It's tempting -- but impractical -- to live in a fireproof underground concrete bunker with armed guards nearby.
Aboveground, in the real world, security systems can be a comfort, but expensive installation and traditional monthly monitoring costs of $30 or more are sometimes daunting.
However, new technologies and ways to communicate can keep you safe while possibly even saving money.
In addition to gadgetry, Lt. Ed O'Carroll, assistant commander of the Fair Oaks police station in Fairfax County and former president of the Virginia Crime Prevention Association, strongly recommends a layered approach to home security.
"Homeowners should not just do one thing," he said, but should use many means "to best protect home and personal property from attack."
And, he added, "any electronic device should be reinforced by good community/neighborhood involvement -- eyes and ears of neighbors."
He also suggested that systems have reliable backup in case of service delivery interruptions, such as a cut phone line. "Wireless backup is suitable," he said, and "we have made recommendations such as burying
phone lines to reduce the possibility of tampering."
As examples of the expanding choices available, here's a closer look at four systems that use modern options -- high tech and low, centrally monitored or able to notify you directly if there's a problem.
· For flexible direct alerting without monthly fees, Sensaphone's Model 400, list price $395, monitors electrical power, high or low temperature, and noise level. Inexpensive wired add-ons signal hazards such as water, motion, smoke and intruders. It can also control a thermostat or other device automatically, manually or remotely -- handy for vacation homes or when traveling. An internal battery keeps it on duty in power failures. It can be programmed to call specified phone numbers and deliver recorded alert messages.
Phil Smith, a mainframe software architect who works in Herndon for Voltage Security, an enterprise security company, recalled using an earlier Sensaphone model decades ago to monitor a small software company's computer room. "More than once," he said, "staffers received off-hours telephone alerts at home that the computer room was overheating when air conditioning failed and electronic equipment continued operating." Without immediate action, he said, there would have been expensive damage. This small device can give homeowners and apartment dwellers similar warnings when bad things happen.
Sensaphone products can be bought directly from the Ashton, Pa., company or from online home automation dealers like http://www.smarthome.com and http://www.homesecuritystore.com.
· For people who have replaced land-line telephones with cellphone or Internet voice service, McLean's Alarm.com takes a different approach. The system connects via a two-way cellular network to an operations center. This flexible and battery-backed-up communication handles traditional alarms such as intrusion and fire. It also can deal with events that aren't emergencies, such as children returning from school or someone opening a liquor cabinet. The system can also sound an alert if a desired event doesn't happen, such as an elderly parent occasionally moving around. That allows gentle inquiry and follow-up. Video connection provides a remote "grannycam" function for caregivers or those who simply want to interact with relatives. Monitoring is always on, unlike with many home alarm systems.
Most Alarm.com systems are installed by dealers. A basic self-install kit costs $99.95; more elaborate dealer-installed systems with added alerts and event-monitoring capabilities range from $300 to more than $1,000. Monthly fees range from $29.99 to $45.99 depending on location, services provided and contract length.
· A simple, self-installed intrusion-detection technology comes from LaserShield, based in Las Cruces, N.M. Its starter kit, costing $199.99, includes a master alarm unit, an infrared wireless detection unit, two key-chain remotes and a device to prevent animal-triggered false alarms. Only the master unit needs a telephone connection; units have panic buttons and battery backup.
The master alarm can monitor up to 12 detection units, which can be as much as 150 feet away and separated by walls or floors. Used without a monitoring service, LaserShield operates as a local intrusion and panic-button alarm. Monitoring costs $19.99 a month with a $25 activation fee, though discounts are often available. Optional add-ons support alternatives to telephone notification: Cyclone, for cellphone support, costs $229.99 plus $10 per month for monitoring; Sparrow, for broadband connection support, costs $129 plus $10 per month for monitoring.
· For flexible and modular security, AT&T's Remote Monitor system provides functions ranging from minimal (one door/window intrusion sensor and one camera) to comprehensive (multiple cameras including pan and tilt capability; water, temperature, motion and intrusion sensors; power controller, lamp dimmer; thermostat).
A broadband Internet connection allows easy browser-based configuration, alarm monitoring and full-motion real-time viewing. Monitor and control devices can be remotely checked from a computer or cellphone and armed or disarmed. Rules can specify actions, such as recording snapshots or video, to take when events are detected. Live video can be viewed on mobile devices, and recorded images or video can be made available to others. A simple process adds devices to the configuration.
Pictorial installation directions guide the impatient homeowner through the process in an hour or less. The system uses two connections on your network router (the gadget you should have between your cable or DSL modem and your computer); it's also hungry for power outlets, needing two for the system controller and two for each camera. Many accessories are battery-operated, but cameras and the system unit need backup power for protection when power fails.
This system can be bought at some AT&T Experience Stores, at http://www.attrm.com or via telephone at 866-571-8021. Four starter kits are available, ranging from $199 to $899; monthly service costs $9.95 for one location, including 50 megabytes of online storage. Because a 10-second video recording requires nearly one megabyte, it's worth either purging unneeded recordings or paying $6.95 a month extra for an additional 250 megabytes of storage.
O'Carroll noted that all systems have disadvantages as well as the touted features; he pointed out that initial and monthly cost, troubleshooting procedures, customer service, and coverage hours all affect long-term satisfaction.
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