What does everyone use for a home security system? Ive been looking into getting one but I dont know what to get. Is ADT any good? What about Brinks?

 

I have ADT. I really like it, and have never had any issues with it. I also have 2 CCTV cameras (1 in the front and 1 in the back) that records digitally. smile.gif

 

Josh - I'm interested in a camera setup. Wireless feed or hardwired? Quality of cameras? Estimated cost? DIY or Pro?

I've been looking into Alarm.com -- manage it remotely (arm/disarm) from their web interface, see which signals have been tripped, arm only specific sensors, wireless/broadband/phone connection etc.

I don't have a landline in my house, so I'm looking at something that uses cellular and broadband signals.

 

2 Chihuahuas

 

Majik...they're wireless, with a back up battery in case power goes out. I did everything myself. Took about 4 hours (2 hours each one) to set it all up and make sure everything was good. They're small, and theres no red LED light on them, so they're not easily seen. The quality is really good. The tech who installed my ADT system told me where to buy them. Got them from this local shop that deals with security stuff, like nanny cams and all that. They're not the greatest when its completely dark out, but the front and rear of my house is lit up pretty good with lights which I keep on all night long (they're on a timer). So they record really well. I never really review what was recorded unless theres an issue.

The end of last summer, there was a group of kids going around and breaking into cars in my neighborhood. I live in a pretty well off area, so the kids were making out like bandits. Stealing tools, audio equipment, and all kinds of stuff out peoples cars. I was able to review footage on the cameras, and caught the kids breaking into my neighbors car across the street. Got them all on camera, and their license plate number on the car they were using. Turned it over to the police, and the kids were busted. I keep my vehicles all locked up in the garage, but still....great to have cameras for stuff like that.

 

Got a brand name or model number you could give me? I'm looking at keeping it all under $100. I could wire it all up myself, and would like to keep them small. Everything I search for online is rediculously priced! I just want a simple B/W camera with decent quality.

Maybe I should look for somewhere local. I'd prefer to have it hands-on before buying.

 

I paid $250 for each one. *lol* So yeah....probably not gonna get anything too sophisticated with just $100. Not sure what the name brand is off hand. I'll check it out when I get home tonight. The software I bought was like $75 to record it all digitally. It compacts the files so it doesnt take up too much space, but I have it all being dumped into an external drive also.

 

Whatever you do, don't sign any contracts for monitoring. What a joke. They first try to verify by phone why the alarm is going off, then they send one of their people (who don't have lights/sirens and take their time getting there). Only if their people determine a crime is in progress do they then call the cops. It could be an hour or more between when you alarm goes off and when an actual cop shows up. Just do your own system and record everything to a hidden DVR system. Oh, and make sure your homeowner's/renter's insurance is up to date with any new expensive stuff you have. Nothings sucks more than getting a $200 check from your insurance company because you forgot to tell them you upgraded to a $2500 60" Plasma.

 

^^That's not how they all work. Some call the cops as soon as they can't verify that everything's fine via the phone or the primary cell phones.

 

ADT. No problems so far. ::crosses fingers::