Rated 4.0 out of 5.0 by HappyCustomerHere Works well with minimal setup I was looking for a security system that would monitor my main points of entry as well as provide motion detection and a dial-out mechanism without having to subscribe to a month monitoring service. Just like that I found this product that does just that (and then some)! The instructions were a little confusing as it states the components are factory linked to the base - I found that to not be the case. Nevertheless, linking the sensors was easy. I have experience no issues with range from the sensors to the base unit. The system just works, and calls me every time I forget to disarm the unit (I have the audible alarm set to silent). July 17, 2014 Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 by CDK2256 Security at last This security system is a quality made and easy to program system. I added 4 more motion sensors and they paired easily with the auto dialer base unit included in the kit. Installation was easy with all the included mount brackets and hardware. It makes for a very proffessional system at a fraction of the cost. Strategically placed, the sensors cover rooms, hallways, stairs and even entryway area and communicate with the auto dialer base unit. Even my wife can operate the system to arm and disarm. The remote control fobs are a nice compliment to the unit. After a burglary breakin which prompted this purchase, this system has finally restored my peace of mind. March 4, 2015 Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 by Matt Great Product I purchased this product to protect my family mostly when we are home and asleep at night. We have a large house and it can be hard to hear somebody break in on the far side of the house. The system was easy to install, easy to use and I caught it on the daily special so it was $80.00 off. The phone dialer unit calls me within seconds of any alarm and gives me options to listen in or talk to the room the dialer is located. I added a few other sensors with no problems, very easy if you can follow the supplied directions. One thing about the directions, its very clear and well written unlike some products manuals you get out of China. I plan on buying the water sensor to alert me if the hot water tank springs a leak. If you want a simple alarm system that will alert you in case of a break in but not one with monthly fees and hassle, then this unit can get the job done at a great price. July 5, 2014 Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 by vovi Well made and reliable. Excellent customer service. I bought this item from Home Depot. I received it in reasonable time, approximately 10 days with free shipping to my home. The installation was straightforward with no problems. This 7-piece wireless home security alarm system was very well made. It has worked reliably since the first day of installation. There were no false alarms. I had a few programming questions, the customer service from Canada gave me full satisfaction. Highly recommended. January 21, 2015 Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 by astrojohn Perfect Home Security Solution Before I ordered this system, I was concerned about it dialing properly with UVerse - no problem, works perfectly with a VoIP landline. Appears to be a well-built system. Relatively easy to program (once you RTFM, that is...). Sensors integrate well, sirens are ear-splitting. The dialer is battery-backed in case of power failure. Remains to be seen how long the sensor batteries last. The only issue (which is not really too important) is you have to disable an answering machine if you want to be able to access and control the dialer remotely, i.e., enable/disable, talk through the dialer, etc. Since the system will call you, then reset itself after 1 or 2 minutes, I don't forsee the need for remote access, at least for me. Customer service is exceptional - we had one window/door sensor that triggered the base unit OK but made a raspy squeal instead of the nice tone the second one generated - they sent me TWO new ones even though I had only asked for one. In summary, when coupled with my Doberman glass breakage sensors, BuddyBar, exterior motion-sensing light, and DropCam, I have the place locked down about as good as it can be without bars on all entrance points. Total cost for everything, less than $500 and only $99 a year for the optional DropCam CVR. Now all I have to do is to remember to arm the system before we leave. July 15, 2014 Rated 4.0 out of 5.0 by Daniel Great deal on purchase. I bought this on sale 100.00 off. It was easy to install . Worked great right out of box. Only negatives I have found so far it is real easy to set off with remote on car keys. And no back light for screen on keypad. January 27, 2015 Rated 4.0 out of 5.0 by Peggy Saisfied with thw product, could have gotten a better price at Home Depot had aI waited afew days. We had a little trouble with the test process, but the cell phones do get a call. I wasn't happy that I paid over $200.00 for the system & a few days later I got an advertisement from Home Depot for the same system at $148.00 April 28, 2015 Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 by M11P REVIEW Takes away lot of worry when away from home. Checked it out and it works fine. Put the sheriff's number on speed dial. Now, hopefully, it will never call me. August 5, 2014

All security systems need to be installed, but it's up to you whether a professional installs one for you, or if you install it yourself. Generally, DIY installation is cheaper, but professional installation is easy. Both methods have their pros and cons—we'll give you the rundown so you can decide which installation method works best for you. Professional Installation The best part of professional installation is that you get to sit back and relax while your system is installed for you. Typically, when you call to order your security system, you'll nail down a time that will work for you and a professional installer, so you can be home while the system is being installed. Depending on where you live, some companies can come to your home the same day you call, so your waiting time is minimal. Another reason to choose professional installation is that you benefit from a professional's experience. An installer can make sure your equipment is set up correctly, walk you through the ins and outs of your system, and make suggestions for how to best secure your home. Although professional installation has its perks, it's not without drawbacks. There's usually a bigger upfront cost in the form of installation or activation fees. It can also be inconvenient to schedule a time to be home when an installer is available. Furthermore, if a system requires professional installation and you move to a new property, you may have to pay a second installation fee to move your equipment, or even leave some equipment behind. Pros Sit back and relax Professional expertise Easy Cons Installation fees Less control over system setup Must schedule an appointment DIY Installation The best part about DIY installation is that it's free—you don't have to pay installation fees. Plus, when you install your system yourself, you don't have to wait around for an installer. With do-it-yourself security systems, you can usually reconfigure your equipment or add more as you see fit, without having to hassle with an installer. Often, with do-it-yourself installation companies (such as FrontPoint, SimpliSafe, and Protect America), you own the equipment, which means if you move to a new property, your equipment will move with you, with no fees and no hassle.

Wholesale Wireless Security Camera System - Low Price, Pro Quality Demand for security cameras and surveillance equipment has never been higher. CCTV and wireless systems are increasingly being employed for a wide variety of uses, from crime prevention to transport safety. Chinavasion's wireless security camera systems incorporate the latest and most advanced surveillance and monitoring technology and are installed and trusted around the world. From discrete mini-cameras to professional grade vandal-proof outdoor systems, we offer a one-stop shop for surveillance equipment that can help maintain public security, protect private property and tackle crime. In the past year, customers have purchased our high quality yet affordable products for a wide variety of uses including public area safety, shop CCTV, warehouse and factory security, university campus monitoring and data gathering. What's Included In The Surveillance / Security Product Line-Up? Our products include baby monitors and door video systems, long range walkie-talkie sets, LED lighting, voice recorders, forensic UV lights, CCTV cameras and finger-print door systems. So whether you want a cute baby monitor with night vision and A/V out or a complete 8-camera surveillance kit with night vision security cameras and a 1TB hard drive for video recording, we have a product to match your needs. Today's surveillance and security equipment is increasingly easy to install, and the digital technology used in many of our systems means that you can integrate IP cameras and other surveillance devices with your PC, smartphone, tablet or TV. With high function count and low prices, our security and surveillance products have a wide appeal, whether you are an individual looking for affordable home security or a retailer wanting to source quality products that will fly off the shelves. As with all products from Chinavasion, our entire range of surveillance and security equipment is stocked in our warehouse and ready to ship to you next day. Quality is guaranteed. Look out for our wholesale discounts and special offers to pick up a bargain! Security Kit For Businesses As a boss, you want to be fair to your employees but you don't want to be taken for granted either. Being certain when your employees are clocking on and off means you can ensure you are paying a fair wage for a fair day's work. You can easily manage and record the exact time an employee has worked per day with our Fingerprint Time Attendance System (CVKG-J89). Using a finger print as a way of identification makes clocking in and out easy for everyone and eliminates the possibility of co-workers clocking in for each other. The system can store up to 1, 000 different fingerprints and 60, 000 clocking records, which can be easily retrieved on a USB drive. You've worked hard to turn your convenience store into a profitable business, growing your customer base and ensuring you have the right stock attractively displayed. It's a profitable shop, and you want to keep it that way. But you can't be there to guard it 24 hours a day and you can't afford to employ a security guard either. A wireless security camera system, such as a four-camera security system, could be the next best thing. Easy to install and use, you could point one camera at the cash register, another facing your customers, have one at the back where the wine and beer is kept and place one in the store room. You can record the video output day and night thanks to infra red sensors and a 1TB DVR. The possibilities are endless, as is the peace of mind from knowing you've got eyes everywhere and the digital evidence to present to the authorities should trouble arise.

Video Camera Alternatives Not up for spending hundreds of dollars on IP cameras? There are two easy ways of cutting down the cost of protecting your home and family. Most people seem to have old webcams lying around, no longer used since laptops or monitors started coming with built-in webcams. Even if you don’t have one around, a quick look on Amazon.com will show a wide choice for under $50. As long as you aren’t trying to use too many webcams, you’ll get practically the same results indoors as with IP cameras. Here are three easy steps to create the best webcam security system. With a bit more effort you can turn an Android device into a home security camera. It also comes with a free battery back-up. It used to be the case that only those spending thousands had a good home security system, but thanks to Sighthound Video, you can build a fairly sophisticated system yourself. Here’s how to turn an old device into an Android security camera.

We heard about a new house alarm scam at the FTC’s recent Common Ground conference in Utah. Here’s how it happens: A sales agent knocks on your door, claiming he’s there to upgrade or update your house alarm or home security system. It seems like he’s with the company you use – only he isn’t. He walks in, pulls out or disconnects your old system, and installs a new one without telling you. He then asks you to sign a document – but what you don’t know is that it’s a new contract. Most people don’t know they’ve been scammed until they get a call from their original home security system company, saying the system isn’t responding. Or they start getting bills from two different alarm companies. Here’s what to look out for to avoid this scam: Sales agents who say they represent your current security company and want to upgrade or install a new system. Or a sales person may claim that your security company has gone out of business, and say they’ve taken over your account. They might insist that you buy new equipment and sign new contracts. If that happens, call your current company to confirm, using the phone number on the paperwork you already have. Sales agents who push their way into your home, or refuse to leave. It’s always safer to say no to someone on your doorstep before they come in, rather than trying to get a salesperson out of your home. Firmly tell the person no. If they continue to pressure you, close the door and call the police. High-pressure or scare tactics. Limited time offers, and pressure to “act now” to protect yourself from supposed crime sprees in your neighborhood are often signs of a scam. Report it to the FTC.

Comcast—the global service-provider/media-producer conglomerate that everyone seems to love to hate—has been making a lot of news lately. Fortunately for Comcast, the news these days isn’t just about aborted acquisitions and unhinged customer-service reps. The cable-TV giant unveiled a new online TV service aimed at cord cutters (and cord nevers); launched a powerful new set-top box; beefed up its connected-home platform; partnered with EA to develop a digital game-streaming service, and is rumored to be on the verge of launching an Internet TV platform to compete with YouTube. Since many of those topics are of interest to TechHive readers, we reached out to Comcast Cable’s executive vice president of consumer services, Marcien Jenckes for more information. This interview was conducted over email. TechHive: Is Stream, Comcast’s new online TV service, just a PR exercise? Are you simply trying to improve your reputation among younger audiences? With the reported limitations, it honestly sounds a bit halfhearted at this stage. Comcast Marcien Jenckes, Comcast executive VP of consumer services. Marcien Jenckes : First, it’s important to note that millennials actually make up the largest percentage of our X1 users and we just had our best second-quarter video results in the past nine years. [Editor’s note: X1 is Comcast’s latest cloud-connected set-top box platform.] Second, a few of the so-called “limitations” are a little short sighted and miss the whole point of the offering. Stream is a great product designed for a very specific consumer: those who want a smaller group of channels and primarily watch video on a computer or device. And remember, this is a brand new service that we are beta testing in a few markets this year. We’ll add even more content and ways to watch as we roll out to more customers, like the ability to watch Stream on a TV and more live channels to watch outside the home. We’ll also build in features like “pick your premium” and entertainment tiers like kids or sports. Right now though, Stream gives you a skinny bundle of channels to watch on laptops, phones and tablets in your house and we included some of the most watched networks like ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and HBO. Plus, you get Streampix and a cloud DVR. Out of the house, you can tune in to thousands of on demand movies and shows from this same channel line-up and watch anything you recorded. Pretty great deal for just . So think of Stream as a moment in time and as a product that will surely evolve and make even better in the months ahead. TH: Xfinity Games, currently in beta, is another interesting development. What sort of audience are you after with that service? MJ: Xfinity Games is an opportunity to integrate another experience right into the X1 platform and we think it will appeal to casual gamers and families. It’s in beta now, so we can work out the kinks, and we have a terrific partner in EA that will help us make the experience better and better over time. TH: What has the consumer response been like in the three or so years that Comcast’s connected-home offering, Xfinity Home, has been in business? MJ: Well, we really started Xfinity Home as a home security platform, and the home control aspect has grown and evolved over time along with advancements in technology and consumer adoption. We’re now at a place where I think Xfinity Home is ready to take off and offer the best of both worlds. No one else is really positioned to do that right now. We have more than 500, 000 customers, new partnerships in place with some terrific tech companies, and a real vision for where we want to take the platform. Comcast TH: As you open Xfinity Home to third-party connected-home devices and platforms, will Xfinity Home solve the fragmentation issue afflicting this market? MJ: I think we can be one of the solutions for sure. Look, there has been an explosion in the number of connected devices out there, but there still isn’t a single, simple platform that can tie them all together. Xfinity Home has the potential to be that comprehensive solution. So we’re partnering with as many popular device makers as possible, so that when you buy a Lutron lighting system for example, it works seamlessly with all your other Xfinity Home security and control functions. These controls are also going to be accessible in one app, so you don’t have to dive in and out of dozens of different experiences. And by being on the same platform, we’re making individual devices smarter by letting them talk and interact with each other. The thermostat, the wearable on your wrist, the lights in your house, and the opener in your garage—all should be enabled to trigger one another and just start working as you pull into the driveway. TH: The industry likes to call TV, Internet, telephone service bundles the “triple play.” With landline telephony on the decline, could the connected home, broadband, and TV be the new triple play? MJ: We don’t have plans to change our triple-play structure. Remember, for tens of millions of people, having a reliable home phone is still very relevant and important. And there are some big saving opportunities for home phone users too.

An electronic home security system can be the source of great peace of mind or great financial headache. That's because buying a system, and the alarm monitoring that often goes along with it, can be a thorny purchase, fraught with such perils as wildly differing prices, high-pressure sales tactics and unfriendly contracts. Basic home security systems, or burglar alarms, are typically wired to a central control panel in the home that will activate when windows or doors are opened while the system is armed. More advanced systems add fire and carbon monoxide alarms, motion sensors, glass-break detectors and, increasingly, home automation options such as controlling home lighting and temperature. The good news is that almost 80 percent of homeowners with alarms rated their systems as effective in protecting their homes, according to a survey by the Consumer Reports National Research Center. But consumers shopping for systems often report hassles, said Angie Hicks, founder of Angie's List, which collects customer ratings for various categories. "Home alarms is one of the categories where we hear complaints about high-pressure sale and scare tactics, " she said. Some companies insist on long-term monitoring contracts. And prices can be all over the place, said Robert Krughoff, president of Consumers' Checkbook, which rates home security companies and recently published an extensive report on the topic to its members. "We see a lot of variation in price and no real relationship between quality and price, " he said. "We found some of the lower-cost places rated very high in terms of quality, and some of the high-priced places don't rate particularly high." Here are some basic questions and answers to help you shop. Do I need a home security system? "I think the most important advice is to think twice before even bothering with a system, " Krughoff said. "There are a lot of things you can do that would probably be more powerful than any home security system." Burglars usually aren't sophisticated. They often take advantage of unlocked doors or windows that are easily jarred open. "Most of the time they get in through very unartful means, " said Kevin Brasler, executive editor of Consumers' Checkbook. Cheap and effective alternatives are quality deadbolts on doors, substantial window locks and motion-sensor lighting outside. You could get a dog, although its care might turn it into a pricey option. You could bluff by posting a Beware of Dog sign or the window stickers from alarm companies. Habits matter too. Always lock you doors when you're away. And when you're on vacation, put lights on timers and have someone pick up newspapers or place newspapers on vacation hold. "Those things really matter, " Krughoff said. The Consumer Reports survey found that 19 percent of respondents said they at least occasionally leave doors at home unlocked when they're out, and 26 percent said they at least occasionally leave windows unlocked when they're not at home. Consider that owning an alarm can be a hassle. You have to turn it on when you leave and rush to turn it off when your arrive home. Children, house guests and pets can accidentally trip the alarm, potentially leading to local fines for false alarms. And you're supposed to test your system monthly to make sure it is communicating with the monitoring service, according to the Electronic Security Association. Maybe those hassles are why 43 percent of people who have an alarm say they occasionally don't turn it on when not at home, according to the Consumer Reports survey. How do I choose an equipment installer? Get several price quotes for both system installation and monitoring, perhaps starting with companies rated highly by Consumers' Checkbook or Angie's List. Check for complaints against individual companies with the Better Business Bureau. Salespeople who try to intimidate or pressure you into a quick decision, sometimes pointing to recent spate of burglaries in the area, are ones to avoid, according to tips at Angieslist.com. The inability of salespeople to explain how the system works is another red flag. In a recent report, Consumers' Checkbook found prices vary widely. Prices for installation and three years of monitoring ranged from less than $2, 000 to more than $3, 300 for the same job. Do I need monitoring? Central system monitoring can automatically notify an alarm company that there's a problem by sending a signal over a landline or wireless connection. They can, in turn, notify police or fire departments. Monitoring typically costs $20 to $50 a month, depending on what's included, but your alarm system will work without it. If your home is usually occupied or you have neighbors who will notify authorities that an alarm is sounding, central station monitoring provides only limited additional protection, according to the report in Consumers' Checkbook.

In the same way that some folks are ditching cable for contract-free subscription services like Netflix and video streaming viewers like , security firms like ADT are being forced to share the market with an increasing number of do-it-yourself devices - and standalone cameras represent a significant portion of that growing sub-category. While the shift toward DIY security gives consumers many more options, it also complicates the purchasing decision a bit. That's why we're here. We'll address a bunch of topics and potential questions in this buying guide so you can figure out exactly what today's DIY home security cameras offer. And, we'll take a look at the innovative tech that's likely to define the future of the industry. (Please note this buying guide deals mainly with indoor DIY home security cameras.) Old-school security cameras Internet Protocol, or IP cameras are the precursor to modern-day smart-home-style security cameras. Technically, these little numbers were the DIY competition for the ADT's and Vivint's of the world long before today's smart home was even a thing. Here's the problem: just like their clunky name suggests, IP cameras weren't designed with simplicity in mind. And some of these so-called DIY devices are still kicking around today, masquerading as competitors to smart home security cameras like , and others. (model number FI9826P) is one example. I reviewed this IP camera last year and its Web interface was ridiculously convoluted. Check it out for yourself: Foscam's Web interface. Screenshots by Megan Wollerton/CNET Sure, a relatively tech-savvy person could probably make sense of this, but today's DIY (which began when smart home products that emphasize seamless, smartly-designed Web and mobile apps, like the , emerged on the tech scene), is going for a more universal accessibility. That puts more pressure on companies to create cameras that are truly simple to set up, but it's good news for consumers - and the mass market as a whole - since there are more buying options than ever before. Taking matters into our own hands Before getting bogged down by the specifics, think about what you hope to get out of a security camera. Here are some questions to consider: Do you want to look in on a mischievous pet while you're at work or are you more interested in protecting your property 24/7? Will your camera stay in one spot or would you like to be able to move it around with ease (including outside)? What about the app? Do you want to have access to your camera on your computer as well as on your phone? Is a high-resolution video feed necessary or is it OK if the camera captures a simple standard-def clip or photo of a security event? If you're interested in saving video footage, would you rather use cloud storage or access your video locally (via a microSD card or a USB drive)? How much are you willing to spend on a security camera? Do you want your camera to work with other devices? DIY security offers you the freedom to select from a bunch of different features, prices and styles. But, staring at a sea of options can be really confusing if you haven't already sorted through what matters to you and what doesn't.

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Protecting your home from an intruder doesn’t have to kill your budget. Some of the best home security providers offer a cheaper package to fit into your budget. We review the five least expensive systems available and discuss whether they are monitored or not. These security systems are likely to be the most basic offerings a company has with no security cameras, home automation, etc. However, there are some instances that may surprise you – they did us! Deciding between a or security system is your first and most important decision. It is crucial to understand because different people have different ideas about what a security system must include to be safe. What Is A Monitored Security System? Monitored security systems give you extra peace of mind since you are not the person in charge of monitoring your own system (including while you’re away from your home, asleep or showering). Monitored systems have a central monitoring station that contacts you and/or authorities when your system has been triggered for fire, intrusion, etc. What Types of Monitoring are Available? There are three types of monitoring: landline phone, broadband Internet and cellular. What is HardWired/Landline Monitoring? Systems that are monitored via landline are less expensive than broadband or cellular but they are also not as secure because an intruder can cut your phone line, disarming its communication connection with your system. What is Broadband Internet Monitoring? These systems are monitored via your Internet connection . While it is a little tougher with WiFi, thieves can cut these cords also or disconnect your power, resulting in your system being disarmed, making this less secure than cellular. If you go with broadband you’ll want to have a battery backup for your system. These systems typically have a 24 hour battery backup in the case of a power outage or your line being cut. What is Cellular Monitoring? Cellular monitoring is the safest type of monitoring available and is what we recommend. These systems communicate with the central monitoring station via cellular signals over a cellular network. These aren’t the same as the network your cellphone is on so don’t worry if you experience dropped calls on your smartphone while you are home. Cellular monitoring is typically more expensive than landline or broadband monitoring but far more secure. Learn more and see our choice for the best cellular monitoring company. Cheapest Monitored Security Systems Below are companies who offer low-cost monitored alarm systems that are less than $30/month. They are ordered from least to most expensive. | | | | Protect America Review Protect America’s Copper Plan costs .99/month. There are no equipment, activation or installation fees and you are locked into a 36-month contract. There is a lifetime equipment warranty, so should a piece of your system break – Protect America will replace it. Monitoring is done through your landline (aka you must have a landline phone) so this is not a wireless system. Protect America is also our #2 pick for home security system options. Equipment Included 1 Simon XT panel 3 door/window sensors 1 motion detector Learn more about Protect America’s system by watching this brief overview. LiveWatch Review LiveWatch has two equipment packages to choose from: Plug&Protect Basic and Plug&Protect IQ. Both offer 24/7 cellular monitoring for .95/month. The equipment has a 2 year warranty. These systems are 100% wireless but are only available to homeowners. You are not locked in to any contracts so you can cancel anytime. Plug&Protect Basic Equipment $99 equipment cost plus a $19.95 activation fee 2 door sensors 1 motion sensor 1 key fob 1 control panel Plug&Protect IQ Equipment $199 with a $19.95 activation fee 7″ touchscreen smart panel with a built-in camera AlarmForce Review AlarmForce offers a $0 down and $25/month monitoring. They don’t go into detail about what the system consists of, so if you’d like more information we suggest contacting them directly. Their equipment has a lifetime warranty and requires professional installation. LifeShield Review LifeShield’s Security Essentials package is $29.99/month. This company is now owned by DirecTV and requires a 36-month agreement and if you decide to cancel there are early cancelation fees. The package offers 24/7 professional monitoring via broadband Internet with phone backup. If a piece of equipment from your system breaks, Life Shield will replace it at no charge. 4 door/window sensors 1 security touchpad 1 security base and 1 keypad 1 keychain remote