Gone are the days when installing home security systems equaled putting up a ‘Beware of Dog’ sign on your front yard. We’ve come a long way from that era of antiquated, or in this case, obsolete technology. Home security systems today are leaner, meaner and more sensitive than a toothache. Best of all, most of them can be monitored remotely, all in the palm of your hand. From sleek alarm interfaces to perceptive night-vision cameras – I’ve rounded up some of the best home security products that tech has to offer.
2GIG Alarm Control for Home Security
Smart, Sleek and Significant – The quintessential home alarm kit
2GIG is fast becoming a stronghold in the network accessible home security arena with their intuitive, sophisticated and well-designed alarm systems. This little known company has magnificently risen out of obscurity with their popular Go!Control panel design that is being touted as the iPhone of alarm monitoring systems.
What works well for this alarm kit is its DIY (do it yourself) capabilities, so you save a ton on expensive installation that some other alarm systems demand.
Another brilliant feature is the Go!Control system itself. which is loaded with features such as a brightly lit LCD touchscreen, wireless sensors – this means no more tripping over wires!
This 2GIG system includes:
- Arming and disarming the unit with a keyfob – similar to how you would unlock a car
- Sensor notification via smart phones
- Home automation control of thermostats, lights, and door locks
- Smoke and Flood alarm relay capability
- Built in two way voice
All for a neat low price of $460.
You don’t need to choose a separate monitoring system, but you must specify the cellular provider you prefer when purchasing the unit. The reason for this, is you will be provided with a compatible radio unit for maximum effectiveness. A radio unit is a component provided by your surveillance system company. This unit allows your system to maximize signal strength and communicate effectively between your cellular phone and the system. This radio unit works with all cell phone carriers so if you ever switch your carrier, you are still good to go.
Lorex Vantage Stream Wireless Network Camera
Worry-less with Wireless.
Positioned as the next generation IP (Internet Protocol) camera, Lorex Vantage Stream Wireless Network Camera offers concise, simple and easy remote monitoring…and delivers!
Remotely monitor your home and business surroundings via a network through the simple usage of a password protected connection, with no network knowledge needed.
The installation is a cinch, and takes only three simple steps – connecting the IP camera to a router, running the installation CD, and scanning the QR code on the back of the camera. A QR (Quick Response) code is a two dimensional bar-code that directly takes the user to a specific website when scanned.
The QR code acts as the camera ID and once scanned, you are immediately transitioned to a live feed on your mobile device without the need of a PC.
What’s more, the camera offers dual motion detection technology for motion triggered recording and alerts. It has a unique dual lens design that drastically improves night vision, supports up to 16 cameras for multi locational surveillance, and converts recordings to an H.264 video compression format. An H.264 format gives you almost double the record time offered by other popular video formats. For instance, the H.264 compression records 77 Hours of video versus the MPEG4 format which only records 44 Hours. This gives you the freedom to record high amounts of live feed data at no recurring costs!
Logitech Alert 750e Outdoor Security Camera
DIY (do it yourself), Weatherproof, and Night-vision – all for only $350.
Do I have your attention yet?
This breakthrough Logitech Alert 750e Outdoor Security Camera is chockfull of cutting edge features, yet is simplicity redefined. The camera kit is easy to install and consists of two parts – a motion activated camera sensor which records onto a Micro SD card, and a network adapter which lets you remotely view and access images.
The resolution of images is par excellence, boasting 960×720 at 15 frames per second, and can be stored on an internal memory card expandable up to 32GB. The cameras are streamlined and futuristic in design, with a zinc fabrication instead of the more ubiquitous and less appealing plastic casing. Zinc fabrication applies a layer of zinc onto the camera casing, therefore increasing its durability, as well as its aesthetic appeal.
System setup requires a Windows PC, but live feed can be viewed on a web browser or Logitech’s free apps for smart phones and tablets.
So go ahead, ‘capture’ all senses with this arresting new tech product from Logitech.
Dan Muston is a professional locksmith with over ten years of industry experience. Contact him at dan.muston77@gmail.com