[EcLiPsEbOi]

Hi everyone,

I am looking at getting a home security system installed in a brand new house. I was hoping someone could give me some advice or point in the right direction? Or even help me save some money? I need to get one installed and no, I am not going to get some guard dogs instead. :lol

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[2damaxmr2]

https://www.canadaammo.com/product/detail/dominion-arms-backpacker-single-barrel-shotgun-12-gauge/

[Presto]

Monitored or not? Is the house pre-wired for a security system? If it is, you can purchase a system and install it yourself.

[Lomac]

It's worked for me thus far. :p

http://2.media.collegehumor.cvcdn.com/54/44/00c8496bebae416e47f918221bcee643-the-best-home-security-system.jpg

[punkwax]

Monitored or not? Is the house pre-wired for a security system? If it is, you can purchase a system and install it yourself.

Not if you want it monitored...
Posted via RS Mobile

[yray]

do you live beside me?? :suspicious:

[Selanne_200]

well, if it's a new house, as pointed out above, you would want to find out if it's wired for camera's and whether or not there's a place for your alarm panel to go that you could also connect your phone line to.
If it is wired AND you want it monitored, I'm sure you can call up any alarm companies and they'll be more than happy to come do the installation provided that you sign a contract with them.
If it is wired but you don't need it monitored, Just search for locations where low voltage wires for the cameras have already been roughed in, and where they all end up, buy your own cameras, panel and DVR and voila. You may need some specialized tools tho, (wire strippers, connectors, crimps, etc)
If it's not pre-wired, mmm I guess it's going to be a pretty big job and get some quotes?

[Graeme S]

IIRC Soundy does something related to this; you may want to PM him, he might be able to refer you or give you a hand.

[EcLiPsEbOi]

Thanks, I know there are some wires around the house. I assume it's prewired then but not 100% sure. I am looking for monitored service. I will look into this further after I come home. Thanks for the response so far everyone! :D

[tiger_handheld]

noob question: what good is an alarm if it's not monitored?

I always thought the purpose of an alarm is to have "A voice come on and speak to the intruder". I may have heard one too many ALARMFORCE commercials to end up at this thought.

[Gridlock]

Honestly, I think people really need to reconsider their level of security needs.

A family member just bought a townhouse in a gated community in white rock. The previous owner was trying to talk them into taking over the alarm contract(obvi, to save money on cancelling)

Now, I get that the gate is for decoration as I've never had to buzz thorugh but you have to ask yourself...in white rock, with the gate, with neighbors everywhere with crime rates decreasing...do you really need to worry THAT much?

It's an area that is easy to market to...it is so easy to drum up that sense of FUD for people in selling alarms.

I find cameras useless. We have 2 buildings within sight of each other. One with cameras, and one without. The one with cameras gets more bullshit(tbh, it also has underground, or "concrete car rape zone") and no one ever cares that there are cameras.
I have some sweet video of a guy james bonding his way through a small window and having his way with a motorcycle.

[GLOW]

one of the security guys i work with showed me his high tech setup. it worked for him b/c some asshat neighbour kept having his dog shit right in front of his garage door. caught it on film and went to said neighbour to set him straight :lol

that's pretty much the only reason to have cams...they don't really deter thieves like grid said IMO

[Gridlock]

^^So we have used the cameras for crime once. For confronting tenants? Lots.

Dino:"So its you that's leaving your garbage next to the dumpster"
Them:"No its not"
Dino:"roll video!"
Them:"riiiiight. So in the dumpster then"
Dino:"Yeah"

Dino:"So its you that's pinning the door open. Bonus, 10 minutes later a car thief was in the garage, and because of you had full access to the building"
Them:"No its not"
Dino:"roll video!"
Them:"riiiiight. So, keep the doors closed then."
Dino: "Yeah"

[punkwax]

noob question: what good is an alarm if it's not monitored?

I always thought the purpose of an alarm is to have "A voice come on and speak to the intruder". I may have heard one too many ALARMFORCE commercials to end up at this thought.

If your system isn't monitored, then you want the loudest siren possible, perhaps a strobe as well and hope your neighbours look and see someone breaking in.

Not all systems have two way voice. If someone is in your home and hears a siren, or hears someone saying the police are on their way, either way they know they have x amount of time to take what they want and get out. If the robbers don't verbally respond or are relatively quiet, two way voice is tough to verify its an actual alarm vs false alarm and may not warrant priority response from the police.

Video verification is better because a monitoring company can actually see the crime in progress (assuming cameras are covering the valuables they're after, or the thieve's point of entry) and will call it in as a crime in progress. Police will prioritize the verified event as they want to catch someone in the act. Not all monitoring stations have the technology for video verification. The company I work for does, but I can't hook anyone up with a deal... sorry :badpokerface:

[willystyle]

Even with a monitored two-way voice alarm system, it's ineffective. People still get their valuables and money stolen in a few minutes. That's all it takes.

[Gridlock]

If your system isn't monitored, then you want the loudest siren possible, perhaps a strobe as well and hope your neighbours look and see someone breaking in.

Not all systems have two way voice. If someone is in your home and hears a siren, or hears someone saying the police are on their way, either way they know they have x amount of time to take what they want and get out. If the robbers don't verbally respond or are relatively quiet, two way voice is tough to verify its an actual alarm vs false alarm and may not warrant priority response from the police.

Video verification is better because a monitoring company can actually see the crime in progress (assuming cameras are covering the valuables they're after, or the thieve's point of entry) and will call it in as a crime in progress. Police will prioritize the verified event as they want to catch someone in the act. Not all monitoring stations have the technology for video verification. The company I work for does, but I can't hook anyone up with a deal... sorry :badpokerface:

Curious...have any stats on how many people have been caught in the act as a result of your system being installed?

[punkwax]

I don't have any stats myself no.. not sure corp tracks that, but they may. I design it, sell it and move on. I don't really hear about the day to day in the monitoring station.

[Gridlock]

I don't have any stats myself no.. not sure corp tracks that, but they may. I design it, sell it and move on. I don't really hear about the day to day in the monitoring station.

fair enough...and I tried wording that in the least "gotcha" way possible. Alarm systems always seem to have that factor of really selling the fear, and so I was wondering if there is actual proof to back up the extra purchase of a video monitored system saying, "here's 10 guys that were arrested last month" that type of thing.

[punkwax]

I don't use fear to sell systems. Many video verification setups are used to prevent false alarm fines as well. Say a panic station in an underground parking lot gets hit by some punk kids, the monitoring station can see that its a false alarm and won't dispatch police. The monthly video monitoring costs are often less expensive than potential monthly fines for many clients. On top of that, any true event is verified and get's priority response. That's a great selling feature for our client's tenants. They can build it into rent and usually break it down per square foot so cost is negligible in the grand scheme of things.

[Gridlock]

I don't use fear to sell systems. Many video verification setups are used to prevent false alarm fines as well. Say a panic station in an underground parking lot gets hit by some punk kids, the monitoring station can see that its a false alarm and won't dispatch police. The monthly video monitoring costs are often less expensive than potential monthly fines for many clients. On top of that, any true event is verified and get's priority response. That's a great selling feature for our client's tenants. They can build it into rent and usually break it down per square foot so cost is negligible in the grand scheme of things.

You're talking primarily commercial locations that use this type of tech?

[punkwax]

Primarily, yes. However, any residential tower/building with underground parking could deploy this type of system. Personally, I don't do resi systems unless it calls for video/access control integration. The company I work for does residential alarm, but I'm in a different division.

[rsx]

We have cameras in our office and warehouse with an app "mcamview" that links directly to my s3, it's a great way to keep in touch with the office when you're out. Might want to look into that type of set up. Also, we have a mic function that I can use as a pa as well.

[EcLiPsEbOi]

Jeez, I thought I clicked reply but I guess I didn't. :(

I was pretty much saying that I checked and it looks like I have wiring for the keypads (main floor & upstairs not sure about basement) and motion sensors (main floor). I don't really want cameras unless it's not much more but I guess I'll find out. After this long weekend, I am going to be giving ADT and VanFire/Radius Security a call. For some reason AlarmForce didn't interest me.

Oh and the reason I am looking for a monitored system is because of the home insurance discount. :)

Thanks for all the responses and private messages so far.

[punkwax]

We have cameras in our office and warehouse with an app "mcamview" that links directly to my s3, it's a great way to keep in touch with the office when you're out. Might want to look into that type of set up. Also, we have a mic function that I can use as a pa as well.

Most systems these days support mobile phones.. Not many do PA, but I'm sure that would be a lot of fun for business owners!

:yuno: "Hey you, get back to work!"

[miss_crayon]

Sorry to jack OP's thread, but is there a way to connect your cameras to your phone or ipads? I have a central security system in the house where I can view the cams inside my house but for instance if I'm on vacation or at the office I'd like to be able to check on place if anything happens.

Edit: Nevermind, I just called our security company and they can set it up for $60. Technology these days....I'm so blown away!!!

[punkwax]

^ Depends on how old or what type of system you have. As I mentioned before, most systems these days support mobile phones and devices such as iPads which mean they're networked and can be viewed online.

[Lomac]

I'm genuinely curious why people have security cameras in their house...

[punkwax]

Not many people do. However, some people have extremely valuable items in/around their homes.. insurance companies offer better rates to people with heightened security measures. Some people just like cool technology and want to show people their car in the garage on their iPhone.. people have their reasons, for some it just brings a certain peace of mind knowing they can log in and see what's happening at home or if there is a break in that police may have a better chance of catching the bastards.

[miss_crayon]

@lomac We have them outside the house for our own personal sense of security. Plus my parents travel 5-6 months out of the year so being able
go with their house in the palm of their hands sits much better with them. Seems like a good reason to me!

And thanks nod for the help!

Posted via RS Mobile

[Lomac]

Fair enough. I suppose it's not much different than me having a dashcam in my car. :lol

[Gridlock]

Fair enough. I suppose it's not much different than me having a dashcam in my car. :lol

You know, in case a russian kid tries to accidentally slip and fall on your sidewalk....or hurl himself on your roof like your house hit him.

[rsx]

@lomac We have them outside the house for our own personal sense of security. Plus my parents travel 5-6 months out of the year so being able
go with their house in the palm of their hands sits much better with them. Seems like a good reason to me!

And thanks nod for the help!

Posted via RS Mobile

If you want to save $60
give this a shot first.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.starvedia.mCamView&hl=en

free app for ip cams.

[RobDraw]

Rsx you are really good with your sharing..
I would like to admire your suggestion..
Keep it up...

[Soundy]

Monitored or not? Is the house pre-wired for a security system? If it is, you can purchase a system and install it yourself.

Not if you want it monitored...
Posted via RS Mobile
Not necessarily true. Companies like ADT will insist on installing their own equipment (then locking you into a long-term contract with stiff early-cancellation penalties and high-pressure sales), but there are plenty of companies that will provide monitoring services for an existing alarm. We've subbed Accurate Alarms' monitoring for some clients, for example, and there's those "1-866-247-4999" commercials all over the radio, who will handle monitoring for $10/mo.

Physically installing an alarm is generally pretty straightforward, although there's not a lot of retail availability of *quality* equipment (most of it is wholesale). Where it can get tricky is programming the system, as a lot of them require things like programming workbooks and if you're lucky, a minimal one-line LCD display to help you along.

IIRC Soundy does something related to this; you may want to PM him, he might be able to refer you or give you a hand.
Thanks for the plug :) I actually specialize in camera and surveillance systems; I've done the odd alarm, but I hate them, particularly because the programming is a pain in the arse.

noob question: what good is an alarm if it's not monitored?

I always thought the purpose of an alarm is to have "A voice come on and speak to the intruder". I may have heard one too many ALARMFORCE commercials to end up at this thought.
We had Alarm Force once when we were renting, many years ago. It was a good deal for us at the time, renting in an unwired townhouse, where installation of a wired system would have cost a bundle. Note that their "free" system includes only one door sensor and one motion sensor, and you pay extra if you need additional sensors. I know most old-school alarm guys hate them because they don't "get" the model, but it definitely has its place.

Honestly, I think people really need to reconsider their level of security needs.
This is definitely true - people will just run out and buy stuff and slap it in without really evaluating needs, circumstances, or coverage, and then are surprised when it's ineffective.

I find cameras useless. We have 2 buildings within sight of each other. One with cameras, and one without. The one with cameras gets more bullshit(tbh, it also has underground, or "concrete car rape zone") and no one ever cares that there are cameras.
I have some sweet video of a guy james bonding his way through a small window and having his way with a motorcycle.
Most people make the mistake of thinking that cameras will prevent crime... in most cases, this is not true. I have tons of video of perps doing their thing in full view of one or more cameras, either because they become oblivious to them, indifferent to them, or they're just stupid.

However, cameras CAN and SHOULD be capable of aiding in tracking down and prosecuting criminals. Unfortunately, I see a LOT of systems that use shitty equipment that's poorly installed that get wonderfully fuzzy shots of the tops of people's heads, and the like... again, slapped in without evaluating needs, circumstances, or coverage.

In retail, we've seen a lot of successful prosecution thanks to our cameras... theft, fraud, etc.

I was pretty much saying that I checked and it looks like I have wiring for the keypads (main floor & upstairs not sure about basement) and motion sensors (main floor). I don't really want cameras unless it's not much more but I guess I'll find out. After this long weekend, I am going to be giving ADT and VanFire/Radius Security a call. For some reason AlarmForce didn't interest me.
AlarmForce doesn't use existing wiring; they have their own wireless equipment that they slap in. ADT should be avoided at all costs unless you like being raped up the ass. I haven't dealt with Radius but I know several business who use them, and at least haven't bitched about them. We've subbed a lot of installation and monitoring work to Accurate.
I'm genuinely curious why people have security cameras in their house...
IN... no idea. AROUND... well in my case, to watch for hinky activity out on the street. When they were building a park across the street, I was able to provide the contractor with a license plate and video of the SUV that destroyed about a week's worth of work by ripping around the grounds at 3am. Cameras on the front and back doors have been handy to see when potential buyers come and go since we're selling the place :) It's also nice to be able to see who's at the door before running all the way downstairs only to be greeted with "Have you read our magazine, The Watchtower?"

[punkwax]

Not necessarily true. Companies like ADT will insist on installing their own equipment (then locking you into a long-term contract with stiff early-cancellation penalties and high-pressure sales), but there are plenty of companies that will provide monitoring services for an existing alarm. We've subbed Accurate Alarms' monitoring for some clients, for example, and there's those "1-866-247-4999" commercials all over the radio, who will handle monitoring for $10/mo

If its a standard industry brand, sure, another company will monitor. But if its some no name stuff someone bought and installed themselves, I don't think any company would touch it. More about quality of materials/installation and potential false alarm nightmares more than it is about sales at that point.

[funkychicken]

Thought i'd chime on here. Recently bought a townhouse with no alarm system. I'm moving from a condo with an unmonitored alarm.
Moving this w/e after 2 weeks of renovation. We debated on what type of system we wanted (monitored/unmonitored). We eventually decided to go with unmonitored. I will be installing a swann wireless alarm system SW347-WA2. I know there are limitations to this system but for $150 (i think) why not try it. It's more of alerting us when the garage door and main door is opened.
I'm also installing the skylink hub HU-434 with garage door opener. This was mainly to use with the garage opener but it also has an option to add a wireless ip camera which I might add on later. The camera gives me a live feed through my S3 or pc at work.
Will update when I get up and running if any of you guys are curious.

[seekerbeta]

just Pinging into the situation now as im justing finding out about this. Im the Network Administrator for Vancouver Fire/Radius Security. ive seen first hand how the monitoring station and police get along. since i started with the company working with the remote guarding and VAV departments, i can answer almost any question you have regarding this.

VAV is definitly the way to go if you can afford it, the 2 that are the best right now are Videofied/RSI and IViewNow.

Videofied uses a MotionViewer Setup, where the camera is integrated into motion sensor, the whole system is wireless and can use GSM/Ethernet/Phone to communicate with the central station, the picture that is transmitted is not the best in the world, but it allows you to verify the alarm

IView is a DVR (almost any is compatible) that is wired into the alarm system and setup to operate when your existing motion sensor goes off. it requires alot more work, but the picture that can come out of it is amazing

if you are looking at a commercial setup, video analytics is the way to go, it only alerts when the software determines a problem and sends the recorded video to you

if your looking to just put cameras in, dlink makes this cloudview enabled devices that works amazing. i use it personally for protecting a shop i store my cars at, and bang for buck is amazing... they only need power, they can run connected or wirelessly, and are day/night

[jepho]

My house is prewired for an alarm (windows, doors, motion sensors, and smoke alarms)
I'm looking to get an unmonitored system that I will be installing myself (I have the electrical experience)
I also want to add 1 to 2 cameras for the front and back of my house, as well I would ideally like the system to text or call my cell phone if it is triggered.

Can anyone one suggest a set up that would work for my needs and/or where to buy the needed equipment. local or online, it doesn't matter to me.

Thanks!

[seekerbeta]

Honeywell makes the HRG/HRDP Performance Series DVRs they retail for about 400$ have 4 channel in, 500gb hd, vga, spot monitor, and motion sensing capability, you will have to play with it, but its a pretty decent unit, bonus marks for being fully capable with Iview, you will also need a camera, and the Honeywell HD30 is a good dome indoor outdoor camera for about 130$ each, add a couple of hundred feet of Coax Cable with BNC Connectors and your setup and running

[alex.w *//]

^ IP cameras and NVRs is where its at nowadays

[NKC ONE]

had the urge to install some ip cams around the house as well but the thought of someone hacking in and watching everything I do kind of turned me off. Its cool that you can watch it anytime and from anywhere but if my wife can see what i'm doing at home when she's out then:heckno:

I'm so paranoid that I don't even have any web cams around and I stick a piece of tape over webcams on laptops.

[Soundy]

had the urge to install some ip cams around the house as well but the thought of someone hacking in and watching everything I do kind of turned me off. Its cool that you can watch it anytime and from anywhere but if my wife can see what i'm doing at home when she's out then:heckno:
Then you don't connect the system to the internet. If the cameras are just connected directly to the NVR and nothing else, there's nowhere for anyone else to hack in.

I'm so paranoid that I don't even have any web cams around and I stick a piece of tape over webcams on laptops.
Maybe you should get your wife one of these for Christmas:

http://cdn8.keeptalkinggreece.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/tin-foil-hat.jpg

[punkwax]

I actually heard a story about an executive who got busted cheating because he had cams in his house. Not that he brought a girl home, but he would tell his wife he went to bed early each night she was out of town. She checked the video and he was coming home 3AM consistently when she was gone. Guess the truth came out as a result..

[GC8]

Sorry for the hijack.
Anyone have experience with internet based monitoring systems? I don't want to get a home phone just for monitoring!

So far I've found nextalarm and themonitoringcenter

[Acura604]

...on this whole monitoring bit.. I've got a home alarm with monitoring... BUT in any case - the thieves or whomever that broke in have at least a 10 min window before any sort of response arrives to the house.. is that not the case?

I pay $20 a month for monitoring but it kinda sux cuz I would LOVE to eliminate my landline... I will ask my 'alarm guy' on my options.

[seekerbeta]

yea i have, we use AES and DSC enabled internet alarm systems, they check in every day and work pretty well, Video Alarm Verified raises your priority with the police so that they show up in 5 minutes instead of whenever.
for most companies, they want you to have the system with a backup, either landline or GSM. unfortunately most voip lines can communicate in the frequency that the panel talks on.