Security alarms
 

We finally decided to have a good security system with all the bells and whistles put in at the lake (and we're a bit overwhelmed at the complexity with camera/internet viewing etc...hopefully this will get better as we get used to it). What are people paying for monthly service on such systems? We are hoping there will not be too many false alarms as well. I have yet to look into fines with the P.D. (Moultonboro) for false alarms.

Are you doing just alarm panel monitoring (avg. about $10/mo.), or video verification of the alarm events (avg. about $50/mo.)?

What kind of cameras (brand/model) did you put in?

Can I trust you?...your screen name looks like it's short for "break- into".:laugh::laugh::laugh: Seriously, though, from your answer it seems like I'm not over paying. Thanks, SOTD

Best check with the PD for any fees for false alarms. And there may be a town/police fee - and there may be a key needed for the PD to turn off alarm.

Web cams. If you want web cams - then do check on access costs and bandwidth. More expensive is not the best. If you do have web cams - do you plan to store images? Need a hard drive for that.

If you are worried about break-ins spend money on good homeowners insurance.

If you are just worried about attempted break-ins while you are there - then make sure you get a loud alarm on house that is easy for you to turn off.

There is a lot of technology out there. Some work good. Some don't. When you find an installer - go visit a couple of homes that installer has done and talk with owners. Make sure that these are over a year old.

If you really want to learn about alarms go to the EHX trade show in Orlando where all the vendors are.

http://www.ehxweb.com/

Well, if the Federal Reserve Bank let's me into their vaults for security consulting it's probably safe for you to take my advice :)

Alarm monitoring has gotten pretty commoditized lately. Generally the only time you're really overpaying is if you get one of those junk systems from ADT or the like where the system is "free" if you just sign a 2 year monitoring contract with their overpriced central station.

Someone else mentioned web cams... What most people call a "web cam" makes a crappy security camera. They'll have low resolution, no intelligence, rely on a PC to do anything useful, and very poor low light performance. There are however many good IP security cameras that let you do remote monitoring, video verification, remote look-in, etc.

Brinks and ADT have lots of consumer complaints....lousy response for alarms, high preasure sales, etc, etc.
Google up "Frontpoint Security" customer reviews. I have one of their systems and it is excellent. Very light money...comes in the mail and you install it yourself in about 30 minutes. Very latest techie stuff....wireless and computer friendly.
Other than that, there is a very good company locally that does it all. Security alarms and monitoring as well as security cameras that you can view on the internet. Total Security in Gilford.

Security
 

Take a look at this web site for a security camera that links to your computer.
www.crutchfield.com
They sell the night guard home security monitoring system.

Total Security in Gilford
 

We are happy with the system installed by Total Security (Kevin Newlin 524-2833). Their service has been very good. Monitoring is $20 per month though. Sounds like I need to renegotiate that.

Thanks SAMIAM
 

Thanks for this info Sam!! After doing some serious background info on these guys they are the real deal with a great product, great service and fantastic prices. Couldn't find any negative reviews on them at all either. Looks like I will be upgrading to one of their protection and interactive systems.

Thanks!

Dan

Q-see video surv cameras
 

Quick question for anyone that knows the answer-

B.J.'s sells several security cameras that are supposed to be stand alone, night vision capable etc etc. They are moderately priced and purport to do everything a seasonal homeowner would need during their in season absences.

Question-These seem to good to be true, are they?


HCG

Yes, they are too good to be true. These cameras generally have lower resolutions that standard cameras (sometimes by a small amount, sometimes to a degree that is noticeable), and generally have poor low-light performance. Some cameras try to get around the low-light issue by adding IR LED's around the camera lens. This is almost always a sure-sign of a low-end camera. These IR LEDs aren't good for much distance, and they also attract insects, which attract spiders, which makes webs, which block the lens. Generally a bad approach.

If you want a simple indoor camera, check out Dropcam.com

If you want a good outdoor system, you're probably best off checking some place like supercircuits.com for one of their package deals with a few cameras and an NVR that you can access remotely.

The right system depends a lot on what you want to do with it, and if you want to use it to just do basic recording of people, or if you want to be able to see and record details from faces or license plates at some distance.

Mcmansions
 

Living in a neighborhood of McMansions, I can tell you one thing, even with all the alarms, montoring devices and security details. If someone wants to break in, he or she will break in. Good homeowners insurance is a must. A pit bull detail is second best. False alarms are plenty in Gilford and the PD must be making a killing in fines.

What's funny is that I have the smallest cottage on the block. Theives are not selective. They hit anybody and everybody.

Some are even bold as to stay a few nights and help themselves to the medicine cabinet! :eek:

"Couldn't find any negative reviews on them at all either. Looks like I will be upgrading to one of their protection and interactive systems."

Sometimes the site your reading for reviews is theirs so no bad comments ever make it on. Maybe there isn't any, just sayin...

Have you ever been robbed? Even in this economy it seems like break-ins are thankfully a fairly infrequent event.

Break ins happen way more often than you think. As a p/o in an affluent Boston suburb, I can tell you that this entire area see's break ins daily. Very large trend right now. Perp gets dropped off in a neighborhood near a highway on/off ramp but off the beaten path. Perp goes door to door knocking until noone answers. Perp leaves area for a few and then comes back, goes around the back and either smashes a window in or pry's a screen or kicks the door in and takes whatever they can grab in a few minutes. Not even uncommon for the homeowner to interupt the brazen bastards. Dogs are okay but the crooks just let the dogs out, we find them roaming the neighborhood later in the day. Alarms are good, but by the time the central station calls the house, gets no answer then calls the point of contact and then calls the police, the house is empty. I am by far no alarm expert however, we have had good luck with the combination of a loud audible exterior alarm and cooperative neighbors. The alarm goes off and while the above mentioned events take place, an alert neighbor is getting a license plate, vehicle description, personal description and direction of travel as they flee the area. Not great for prevention but gives us a fighting chance to catch the perps. Its the only way. Anyone that thinks fingerprints and DNA are gonna catch the crooks and get their belongings back is on crack. CSI/Law and Order/Criminal minds etc are all TV shows and are not even remotely reality (although all good shows in case my wife is reading this).

BTW. all this is during broad daylight with amazing audacity.

My .02, how much applies to Winni, who knows, can't be too much different...
HCG

The trend right now is towards video verification. I get a notification any time any person or vehicle (but not animal) comes on our properties. This info can be sent to a central station like a traditional alarm signal as well, though I just go by email notifications.

Most police stations will give priority response to video-verified alarm events.

You can see a couple of sample videos from one of my cameras here:
http://www.youtube.com/NotoriousBRK

That's a standard def (VGA) unit, but there is now a 2.1MP camera there that does the same thing, but with a lot more detail in the clips.