Best home security system??

[Ranger bj]

Do any of you have any advise on home security systems?

Best company to use?

DIY or have a company product?

I hear wireless is the way to go.

Do I need sensor on every window and door?

Thanks

[firemtn]

I am I interested also. For video if you have 4 or more camers they recommend wired. For your standard home monitoring system I think wireless is ok.

[the big ravioli]

I have a 6 camera set in my business and a 4 camera at home. I bought both set ups at Costco. I have had the set in my business for 8 years with NO problems at all.

The best thing about corded cameras is that nobody can use cheap technology to see your wireless cameras. All they need is a cordless roaming channel baby monitor and they can see what you see!

So if your going to put money into something that is supposed to protect you. You sure don't want the criminal to see what your seeing, do you?

[Sir Stunna Lot]

I would suggest IP cameras

many aps out there for android and IOS to let you view/manage/control multiple cameras

[gwanghoops]

(for me, today) I'd get:

- a wired camera home surveillance system
- wireless alarm system with cellular capability and POTS backup
- sensors on every possible exterior cavity including the garage (include glass breaks, PIRs, image sensors)

[the big ravioli]

I would suggest IP cameras

many aps out there for android and IOS to let you view/manage/control multiple cameras

We have this and it's great if you just want to check in on your kids, animals or employees!!

[decepticon6551]

We have this and it's great if you just want to check in on your kids, animals or employees!!

I second that. I can watch my cams on my Android, I use Blue Iris to record video, and the cams backup images directly to ftp.

I just started using the Iris security system from Lowes. There's no live monitoring, but police don't respond to alarm calls where I live anyways. If there's an alarm, it calls my family and my neighbors. That way someone can verify an emergency & call 911.

I also liked the Iris because the accessories are very cheap, I put a sensor on every window and door in my house. Also have a panic button in the kid's room & all the lights come on when the alarm trips.

[sealocan]

if memory serves me right prisoners were ask what is the best home security system as a deterrent to you a criminal? first was a homeowner with guns second was dog's third was alarm system.
alarm systems are good but you have to realize that the police do not get to instantly they're not in a rush for a alarm system.it's going to take them an anywhere from a half hour or more because you are not an emergency call you are a potentially false alarm going off.
that said I would go hard wire And not- Wireless. unless you cannot run wires for some reason like you rent and do not own. wireless systems give false alarms more often and you have to replace the batteries pretty regularly I'm going to say about every year just to be on the safe side. All alarms have 1 week point and that's the connection to the Central Station. spend the money and get a cellular back up as well as a landline.
the Central Station monitoring is where the alarm company is really making money they are counting on you to pay 30 dollars a month or more forever. when you can probably find that service online or through some " Lone Ranger " a term for a 1 man alarm company much cheaper say 15 to 20. they probably pay about 7. The Cheapskate advice would be to have a big company install your system and as soon as your contract runs out I think they usually run about 2 or 3 years. just let them know that you no longer want the system and they will probably leave the installed equipment. (because it's cheap AND) is in YOUR house for the the slim possibility that you'll start paying for their monitoring services again, or Hoping the new owner of your house will sign up because they see their stickers on the windows. you then find someone cheaper to do your monitoring. he will come to your house reprogram your dialer to call his Central Station instead of theirs.in my opinion using a alarm without the Central Station is kind of useless. you can't count on the neighbors anymore to call the police when you are not around. Beside you can install a smoke detector or 2 and probably get a break from your insurance company for having alarm system and the fire system.the name of a big wholesaler (that handles lots of different alarm systems )to alarm companies is Ademco. they may sell to private home owners I'm not sure.
I have no name to recommend but I would say a mid size too big size alarm company is who you want to originally install. The problem with lone Ranger's is they may not be around in 10 or 20 years were the bigger companies will be.
you can do it yourself if you're good with reading instructions. in that case get the highest quality wireless system you can afford. you only have to put a contact on the 1 door that starts the delay as you enter the house. in other rooms you can put motion detectors (or more door contacts if you like) that will trip instantly. but be warned motion detectors false on things like
balloons,animals,hot air flow.
cameras a great if you going to take them to court it's the only way to get a conviction of a burglar unless he's caught red handed. that is why you need both systems. While you're at it,get a dog ( truly man's best friend )and you probably already have a gun. I hope this long message helps you all.

[Ralgha]

I have FrontPoint Security. They provide the hardware and monitoring, you set it up yourself. If you move, you can take it with you.

I haven't added cameras (yet) but the system accommodates them.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus that ate your iPhone.

[theshoer]

Female German Shepard

[MaHoTex]

As Sealocan says, Ademco is the professional equipment used by ADT and others. You can not buy it direct, but you CAN get it off ebay. There is a store on ebay I have used many times for my alarm needs called bpsecurity and have been very pleased. As for the comment abount battery life; I had my wireless system installed for over 10 years and only had to replace batteries once.

I would look at the older Lynx-R and get a sensor for every door and window as well as several motion detectors.

If you are the least bit handy you can install it yourself in a couple of days. Programming the main unit is not easy, but it is not that difficult once you learn your way around the menus. It is an odd interface, but managable.

For monitoring, look at AlarmRelay.com $100 for an entire year.

[Marcus von W.]

My daughter and I live in a rather private and secluded rural area, where we run a small, in-home, no-kill dog rescue/shelter/sanctuary. Having a house and yard full of medium to large dogs - currently 16 including 4 German shepherd mixes, 4 pit bulls, 2 Rottweiler mixes, a wolf, and a border collie, keeps us pretty safe and secure. The dogs are all friendly but do bark - loudly and joyfully! This keeps all the creepy-crawlers away, and if any criminal scum should be stupid enough to come around, my WASR-10/63 home security system should prove adequate to deter any unlawful activity.

I have a wonderful young male pit-bull, Smoochie, who needs a good PIT BULL EXPERIENCED home. He's about 1 1/2 years old, neutered, microchipped,and up to date on all shots. He's great with people - a reall cuddley teddy bear - but has issues with some other dogs particularly other males, so is best as an only dog or with some kind of large mellow female like a lab or golden. He's grey with white chest and fingertips, about 60 pounds, and very handsome. He loves people (he would make a good "watch" dog, but is not a "guard" or "attack" dog) but is alert and watchful, with a beautiful deep and impressive bark.

If anyone could give Smoochie a loving, appropriate, secure home, please contact me at vonweigert@earthlink.net We are also on Facebook as "Wolf Creek Dog Rescue"

[LCU1670]

I got the wireless systen (cameras), LOREX, at Costco, do work well, but I do get some false alarms, the cameras have motion detectors. Home security alarm is with a local company.

[Jason25]

I have an ADT wireless setup with a motion camera inside, a Bullmastiff in the backyard, and some little friends in the closet. Works pretty well.

[Rad'04]

Ill second Frontpoint Security.

Great system and service.