wireless security systems Archives - Page 6 of 6

The Future Of Home Security Systems Has Arrived

Alarm systems have come a long way in the past few years, allowing homeowners in Lubbock, Texas to have the best home security systems possible. The days of needing a dedicated phone line and hard-wired sensors are gone and modern security systems have developed to better fit today’s technological world. New technologies are transforming the way home security systems work with the introduction of wireless features and the ability to store information on the the cloud.

Wireless home security systems

Landline phones were the only connection options available to most homeowners looking for home security just a couple of decades ago. Today, landlines are no longer necessary for alarm systems, although they can still be used. Most modern home security systems are wireless. Instead of relying on a landline to communicate with the security company, newer home security systems in Lubbock, Texas and other areas use wireless connections. The systems communicate with the nearest cellular tower and send messages to the alarm company.

Wireless connectivity has eliminated one of the biggest vulnerabilities of home security systems. Burglars became quite adept at identifying alarm system landlines and cutting them before entering a property. With wireless connectivity, burglars can no longer stop an alarm system from triggering. The alarm system continues to work even if the burglar cuts everything going into the house.

Storing home security system information on the cloud

In the past, all of the settings for a home security system were contained in the central control panel. When the system was installed, the Lubbock technician would program the control panel to operate as the homeowner needed it to. This programming process required the technician to go through many settings one at a time and often took an hour or more to complete.

The biggest vulnerability of older programming methods is what might happen if the control panel is damaged. The technician must go to the residence with the alarm system, replace the control panel, and then reprogram it.

With wireless home security systems, homeowners in Lubbock, Texas do not have to worry about damaging the control panel. Instead of having all the programming contained in one central control panel, the settings can be controlled and stored in the cloud. The cloud refers to a storage area containing many computers, so the information can be accessed through the internet. The homeowner can change settings via a smartphone application and the alarm company can reprogram a control panel remotely. Using the cloud to program alarm system information eliminates extra work and makes it possible to adjust security settings quickly.

Modern technology has transformed the world of home security systems, so it is now possible to have home security without the worry and stress of non-wireless systems. At 1st Alarm, we can provide you with a wireless home security system that best meets your needs. To learn more about how to secure your home or business in Lubbock, Texas, call 1(800) 276-5559. You can also email us for more information or get a price quote today.

How To Monitor Home Security Systems With A Smart Device

Many electronic devices and products being released today are wireless. You can connect to just about anything, anywhere, without a cable attached to your electronic devices. You can even connect to your home security system using a smart device, which means you can see if your security system is armed from almost anywhere.

How to use a smart device to monitor your home security system

Most modern alarm systems are connected to monitoring centers via wireless connections. Alarms and updates are sent to a cell tower, which relays messages and alerts to the monitoring service. The same wireless signals can also be used to alert homeowners via smart devices.

To connect, the device will need a special application, usually provided by the monitoring service. This app connects to the home security system and can send out alerts, both emergency and non-urgent, as specified by the homeowner. These alerts allow you to see what is going on, and react as needed. Some monitoring apps offer two-way options and the ability to arm and disarm the system remotely.

What kind of home security systems can you monitor?

For you to have remote connectivity, you will need a home security system that has a compatible connection. Older alarm systems may not have a wireless option available and it may also not be available on newer systems that cost less. Contact your home security system provider and ask if you can have remote access using a smart device. The alarm system provider can review your current system and let you know if it is possible to have a wireless connection. If you don’t have the option of connecting to your alarm system with a smart device, the provider may recommend certain upgrades to allow for remote access.

Other available options for monitoring your home with a smart device

The remote access you gain with your home security system can be extended to home automation. This wireless option allows you to monitor and control other systems within your home, including the thermostat of your HVAC system and internal security cameras.

One application gives you the ability to monitor your security system and other systems within your home. The same application can monitor your activities and give you suggestions on how to further customize your automation to suit you and your family’s needs.

If you are interested in having remote access to your security system, or to add home automation to your residence, contact the security experts at 1st Alarm. We provide alarm services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo. You can reach us at (1800) 276-5559 or Contact Us by email with your questions, or to get a price quote.

Myths and Facts About Home Alarm Systems

Home alarm systems have sometimes been the subject of myths and have been seen as an unneeded luxury for many homes. However, it is important to know the myths and facts about home alarm systems so you can make an informed decision about your security. Myths about home security systems include that they are only for the rich and that homes are no more safe with them as without them. It has also been falsely thought that installation of the systems requires wiring the entire house and that they are not worth the cost. Another common myth is that home alarm systems do not work well with pets.

The myth that home alarm systems are only for the rich

A few decades ago, the myth that only the rich could afford home security systems was actually a fact. Systems were expensive and installation was highly complicated. The monitoring services were costly and required a dedicated phone line for connectivity. However, home security systems have now become affordable. The equipment is connected wirelessly and does not require complicated installation. Alarm system monitoring can be done for a low monthly fee and wireless systems are now available.

The myth that homes with alarm systems are no more secure than those without

The myth that homes with security systems are not secure has been proven wrong by convicted thieves. Many thieves confess that they target homes without security systems, because they can get in and out quickly, without alerting the homeowner or police. Even a basic home security system provides protection against burglary. Thieves often bypass homes that just have a alarm company sign outside.

The myth that installation of home alarm systems requires wiring the entire house

Wireless devices have revolutionized the home security market in the past few years. Just a decade or so ago, all sensors and cameras in the home had to be connected via wires, which required special tools and equipment. Now, it is possible to set sensors on windows and doors in just a few minutes. These sensors use batteries for power and wireless signals for connection. Security cameras are also just as easy to install and connect. Even the central monitoring device is wirelessly connected to the monitoring service.

The myth that having a home alarm system is not worth the cost

People often question whether adding an alarm system to their home is a good investment or not. Some even consider having a security system a waste of money. However, you should consider what you could be losing if your home is not equipped with a security system. Not only could you lose thousands of dollars worth of belongings, but you can also lose your peace of mind. With a home security system, you get 24/7 security to protect your home, family, and your peace of mind.

The myth that home alarm systems do not work well with pets

Older motion detectors were susceptible to going off if the family pet triggered the system. The detectors used technology that triggered with any kind of movement, so this myth was a fact at one point in time. The false alarms often led to people turning off motion detectors all together or confining the pets to a single, un-monitored area of the house. However, technology has has made it possible to avoid false alarms caused by the presence of pets. Advanced motion detectors can be calibrated to ignore certain kinds of motion or the movement of small bodies, allowing for more efficient security.

Understanding the myths and facts about alarm systems will help you determine if such a system is right for your home. If you are interested in learning more, contact the professionals at 1st Alarm. We provide alarm services throughout West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, with locations in Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo. You can call us at (1800) 276-5559 for more information about our products and services or email us with your questions and concerns, or to get a price quote.

Types Of Home Video Surveillance Cameras

You might think that one home video surveillance camera is just like the next one. The fact is that there are many different kinds of wireless home security systems. Knowing what each type is will help you choose the best one for your home or business. Types of home video surveillance cameras include hidden or visible, wireless, closed circuit television, domed, and fake.

Hidden or visible video surveillance cameras

You can mount home video surveillance cameras where they are easily seen or make them blend into the surroundings. Whether you want a hidden or visible type depends upon what you want to accomplish with your security system.

There are plenty of reasons why you would want to hide a camera. You might want to see what your nanny or housekeeper is doing when you are away. There are also plenty of reasons to make one visible. Criminals are less likely to target your home if they see home video surveillance cameras on the outside. Hidden types also allow you to mount recording devices where you need them, instead of only where they can’t be seen.

Wireless video surveillance cameras

Today, wireless security cameras are the most common type found in video surveillance systems. These recording devices can be mounted or set anywhere. Wireless types run off of battery power and can send their signals to the central unit via a wireless signal. These devices can also have on-board memory to capture video without sending it out. Because they are not tied to physical cables or wires, wireless video surveillance cameras can be moved as needed. Most wireless devices are mounted inside. However, there are models that are weatherproof that can be used outside.

Closed circuit television

Closed circuit television, or CCTV, is the classic choice when it comes to home video surveillance cameras. The CCTV system uses wired cameras that are cabled back to a central DVR and offers the ability to watch the feeds live on a monitor. A camera can be installed both inside and outside. This kind of home video surveillance system requires professional installation to work properly.

Domed video surveillance cameras

A domed camera usually mounts on the ceiling and offers a protected 360-degree view. This type is most often used in offices and retail establishments and can be hardened to prevent damage from vandalism. A domed camera is often blended into the background to make it less obvious. This way of disguising makes it easier to capture useful footage of dishonest activity.

Fake video surveillance cameras

These replicas do not record video. However, just the appearance of a fake camera can have the same deterrence level as a real one. This security product is affordable and simple to install.

These camera types are a few of the video surveillance options available for your home or business. You can use one kind or a mixture of types that work for your security needs. To get more information, contact us here at 1st Alarm. Give us a call at 1(800) 276-5559 or send us a message via email. We have locations in the following Texas cities: Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo.

The Basics Of A Wireless Home Security System

Most of today’s home security systems are wireless. If you are considering adding one to your home, it pays to understand how a wireless system works and how it differs from a wired version. This knowledge can help you make an informed decision between the two.

How does a wireless home security system work?

All home security systems are going to have a central control panel. Alarms go through this control panel and get routed to the monitoring service as needed. This control panel is where the homeowner can punch in access codes and manage alarm settings.

In a wired home security system, all the sensors and cameras in the house are hardwired into this control panel. With a wireless home security system, the sensors send their signals via radio waves to the central control panel.

Wireless sensors are placed at each entry point and at the windows. If someone opens a door or window, the wireless sensor sends an alert to the central control panel. The homeowner has a certain amount of time to enter an access code to keep the control panel from sending the alarm to the monitoring service. If no one enters an access code, the service receives the alarm and notifies the appropriate authorities.

A wireless home security system can also include cameras and motion sensors placed inside and outside. Cameras can be placed at any point around your house and be moved as needed. The same goes with motion sensors.

What are some of the key differences between wired and wireless home security systems?

Installation ease is a noticeable benefit of wireless over wired alarm systems. A wired home security system requires the installation team to pull wires through the walls and hooking them up to the central control panel. The intensive labor involved can quickly drive installation costs up.

Portability is another difference. Going wireless offers you the ability to move and reconfigure the sensors and cameras in your home security system, without the need to rewire.

Wireless sensors and cameras work on battery power. That means that even if the power goes out, your wireless home security system is still on the job.

Range can be almost double when it comes to a wireless home security system versus a wired one. That makes it easy to secure detached outbuildings without the need to run cable underground.

Cellular alarms are another benefit of wireless over wired alarm types. Most wired systems rely on a hard telephone line to send signals. However, many wireless home security systems use a cellular signal instead. This signal takes out the possibility of an intruder cutting the phone line.

Upgrades are very simple with a wireless home security system. You can switch sensors and cameras out without a lot of hassle. Plus, you can add additional wireless sensors and cameras without adding more hard wiring.

A wireless home security system is an affordable, flexible option for most homeowners. To learn more about adding this product to your house, contact us here at 1st Alarm. Give us a call today at 1(800) 276-5559. You can also contact us via email. We have locations in the following Texas cities: Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Abilene, El Paso, and San Angelo. We look forward to providing you with the best home security system available.