THERE APPEARS TO BE A LOT OF CURRENT INTEREST IN HOME PROTECTION SYSTEMS,--WITH GOOD REASON!After personally seeing, nice homes, one after another torn apart by the Fairways burglars, I decided to do some shopping. I wanted to see what systems and companies fit my needs and price criteria.
I first called ADT, on a 800 number. I was connected to a fast talking ,hard sell sales person, some where out of the area. Before I had a chance to ask many questions--the sales person was talking $900 dollars of equipment, CONTRACTS, and tried to sell me a ''Fort Knox'' system.---Then they started throwing in all the''freebies'', faster than I could count. Soon after the salesman wanted a QUICK CLOSE--immediately, if not sooner.--Many years ago an OLD flying instructor told me---''When in doubt --don't''
After my negative decision-- I politely excused myself and hung up.
I was more determined than ever to find an affordable, custom system for our life style--[we have beloved pets]
By chance I called Bright House, and was greeted by a friendly sales representative, who actually listened to me.. I was able to quickly decide on a very basic ,simple system, with monitoring.--Most important--there are NO CONTRACTS--and minimum cash outlay for installation.--And I own the equipment.
The installation was quick and done by a very pleasant Bright House employee. [not a contractor].If you already have Bright House internet --there is a $ 10 monthly discount.---The system is effective--And it works--I know--YEP!--- This ole dummy forgot to ''disarm'' the system this AM.
I went to take the dog out and as soon as the front door was opened---guess what? The alarm went off--I then disarmed the system. Bright house security called to follow up--very professional--then I got follow up Emails and texts.
The system is wireless and has battery backup.and can be controlled and monitored from a ''smart phone''
I am not trying to sell Bright House security--I am just saying--LOOK AROUND.
11 comments:
Thank you for sharing. Good info. I too like bright house.
Bill, Thanks for doing all the leg work to find a good security company. I had wondered about Brighthouse as I had seen a new resident on my Eagle route have Brighthouse out to install their security system with signs in the yard. Sounds like a great place to go to for my security. If you don't mind could you tell us what that kind of security costs per month. I know you said we get a $10.00 discount if we have their internet, but you didn't say what the cost is. Costs are very important in here. Thanks again Bill, I appreciate all you do.
Generally, I play our security stuff close to my vest. But, there are two parts of our complete system that are pretty visible… easily installed… and more than enough for everyone with the exception of people like me - geeky technology addicts.
Our Amcrest 720P HD over analog (HDCVI) 4CH surveillance system is superb. In HD quality, I can even monitor it when I am not at home.
This surveillance system costs a bit, under $400, but for that we got four 1.0 MP weatherproof IP66 bullet cameras that have crisp 65ft IR LED night vision. It's all driven by a 1TB hard drive that has a continuous 360-hour loop of all four channels.
I installed the system myself, with help from a local handyman. Then, for what I thought was a reasonable fee, I let a local security systems expert hook it to Internet where I can view the cameras via tablet or smart phone anywhere in the world. He did in under an hour what would have taken me a while to do.
Along with surveillance, I also designed and installed a low-cost alarm system, with a cellular phone backup, all from SimpliSafe. There is no annual contact or lock in period, and the monitoring, via COPS, is just $15 a month.
And, yes, I am lucky. I am still be young enough be working and to do the majority install myself. If you’re handy, one or both of these systems might be worth considering. There is also a local handyman who knows how to install the Amcrest.
RE CATHY
As I said I had a very basic perimeter system installed. The master control console is an attractive display unit that sets on your night stand . This console has a panic button and even a weather channel display.
As for costs --There is was a basic installation fee of $33.33.Plus some reasonable equipment charges, which can be made in monthly payments on your Bright House bill. It seems that most industry monitor fee's are around $30-$40. My monthly Bright House fee is $32.
One thing that I like about their monitoring service--It is applied in separate QUICK steps to prevent FALSE ALARMS---IF the alarm goes off--You have 30 seconds to disarm.--Then quickly the security calls the first of YOUR listed phone contact and sends text to your cell identifying the problem--right down to the open door or window. --If no response--then YOUR second phone is called ---if no response after the second call to the second phone --then 911 is called. I know for a fact OCSO takes a dim view of false security alarm calls.
I also use ''portable'' security camera's that I bought from academy Sports. The portable camera's work well and are not expensive. THE ATTRACTIVE YARD SIGNS ALSO HELP
THANKS FOR YOUR INTEREST
I think that the question was asked of Bill why does Carpenter always have to put his .02 cents in when the question wasn't asked of him?
We just got a security system installed today from ADT. We are on Forest Oak Drive.
We are not trying to sell anyone on getting ADT...we are just saying that this particular company worked best for us.
There are individual franchise owners that will try to upsell you with them.
So we called the corporate phone number and were contacted within 15 minutes by a local rep named Dot. She already knew about the break ins we have had here at The Fairways as she has installed systems at 4 other homes here recently. She offered us a very good deal. Standard system includes a motion detector and two door entry sensors and two window sensors. A main keypad installed on the wall and a FOB which is a small portable device to put on your keychain, much like your car remote so you can arm or disarm from outside. And of course yard signs and window stickers. We got FREE installation and a monthly monitor fee of 36.00 plus tax. This includes a service plan that covers all equipment and service calls. We chose an upgrade to also have a phone app so we can monitor and arm or disarm the alarm from anywhere we may be. She also is offering anyone who calls her as a referral to get one free month of monitoring for the current AND the new customer. Also if you move you can take the whole system with you and they will set it up in your new home. You also are eligible to get a discount on your Home Owners Insurance. We feel much more secure now knowing we have this security alarm.
check out simplisafe works great
Thanks sam, looks like a good deal.....
check out simplisafe refurbish save even more
We purchased the simplisafe and installed it ourselves it works great and there is no contract and it is very low monthly fee and it connect to the police and fire department.
Bill -
Thanks for letting me, and others, put my 2-cents worth in. When it comes to security sharing information is key.
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