The Pros & Cons of Home Security

As a homeowner, maintaining a safe yard and premise is not only important in curbing property crime but also for your life in general. The act of protecting your family, guests or workers around the vicinity is priceless. It is your moral obligation and responsibility to eliminate seasonal hazards for a lifestyle change. Home security installation is one of the efficient methods that you can use to eliminate any liability that stems from intrusion by strangers. Here is what you need to know about the pros and cons of home security.

Pros

Protects the valuables

The first thing that should strike your mind when laying the foundation of your house is how safe the whole structure is going to be. Even when the structure is undergoing construction, it benefits you much to install home security. This does not only bar the strangers from accessing your premise but also helps in monitoring the workers at the construction site. Generally, property thieves are motivated with an as simple item as the door frame. Property crime is a cult of its own.

The moment you acquire valuables such as jewellery, electronics or any other highly valued home item, you will be doing yourself a lot of harm by ignoring home security. To remain safe, view yourself as the next victim. Otherwise, by installing home security, you will be protecting even your neighbours’ properties.

Enhances peace of mind

Nothing is worrying as staying in an insecure compound. Even knocks by your neighbours at night can raise your adrenalin. Home security helps in achieving the comfort needed for a peaceful mind. It enhances your trust to any feet that move around your residential space. With an effective system, you can go about doing the normal errands and retiring for a sound sleep knowing that your environment is safe from intrusion. This peace of mind benefits your mental, psychological, social, physical and financial well-being. It is a big mile in realizing your life goals.

Protects from fire

Smart security systems are designed in a manner that they can efficiently integrate with other Smart devices like carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarm. The smart system can also be connected to other computing devices like phones. Anything bizarre prompts the alarm to send a push notification to the computing device.

Post-modern security systems even go-ahead to include one of the most important aspects of home security; comprehensive emergency monitoring. In this type of system, the push notifications are sent directly to the emergency centre. Therefore, you will not have to waste extra time calling for emergency services.

Protects from other environmental disasters

Extreme weather elements such as heavy rains, high and low temperatures are not only detrimental to your health but also to the properties in your homestead. They can also devastate your bank account.

Several companies have come up with both temperature and water sensors to bridge this gap. Water sensors are placed in the drain areas and near the floor of the basement. They are then connected to an alarm. Upon detecting any bizarre water accumulation, the sensor notifies the central monitoring station. This also happens with the temperature sensors which are placed anywhere in the homestead. By installing the two devices, you will prevent any extensive losses and damages while at the same time cutting short the cut corners.

Manages the bills

Professional home security systems include thermostat installation. Through web-enabled device connectivity, you can control your electricity consumption even miles away. You can turn the lights on or off, and any other plugged-in device from any place on earth.

Increases the home resale value

New buyer’s scope is not only limited to the feel, design and the general aesthetic appearance of the homestead. It also captures the safety aspect of the homestead. Increase your homestead marketability by integrating the security system. It pays off a great deal.

Cons

Anything that features some benefits must come handy with at least one weakness. Home security is not an exception. Here are some of its popular cons.

Faulty system

One of the worst weaknesses of the home security is the faulty system You see, home security is something that you will never wish to use for its “primary practicability”. Professional burglars have the due knowledge to invade your homestead even with the alarms on. They can fault the system through power lines or remote control using electromagnetic means. They can also interfere with the system through the walls and metal filing cabinets. Lastly, they can block the sensor’s radio frequency hence interfering with its communication to the central control unit.

Additionally, wireless security systems are susceptible to hacking. Professional burglars can jam the signals or interfere with its encryption. With a weak Wi-Fi or password, your security system is not safe from hackers.

Pricey installation and monitoring costs

Home security installation is not always a basic DIY process. Depending on the size, the number of rooms and design of the house, the routing and wiring processes can take time to finish. This always prompts almost all new homeowners to gauge the help of professional installation companies. That is where the high-costs step in. Usually, basic home security installation costs range from $250 to as high as $1500.That can be even high when dealing with strata or apartment buildings.

Additionally, you will need to engage a professional monitoring company. Most companies out there charge close to $30 monthly for only monitoring. Since this is not a one-time cost, you can just imagine how pocket-draining home security installation is.

Easy to forget

Once you have installed the security system, it is your responsibility to activate it whenever you want to put it into use. However, the fact that the mind is always pre-occupied with thoughts of different task renders the system easy-to-forget. This happens mostly when you are in a hurry. Otherwise, advanced systems come with remote control features that enable users to activate the system even miles away from home.

Conclusion

Just as its name goes, home security systems are the only way to maintaining a safe homestead that is comfortable to live in. It is the reason behind the decreasing rates of property crimes globally. Devoid of the existing inefficiencies, home security systems guarantee value for the cost incurred for installation and monitoring. Click here for more information of home security or check our alarm system packages.

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5 Quick Tips About CCTV Systems

 

 

With all the different types of CCTV systems out there its sometimes hard to keep a clear mind when investigating which CCTV system is right for you. Below are 5 quick tips that will explain CCTV systems and help you make sense of it all so you can make the right decision when purchasing a CCTV system.

1. IP or Analogue CCTV Systems?

Some CCTV installation company’s will push for analogue HD CCTV and other will push for IP CCTV.  General rule of thumb is that IP CCTV should be installed in all brand new cctv installations & analogue HD  should be used as a cheaper retrofit option to existing hard to re-wire CCTV systems. IP CCTV is frequently chosen for brand new CCTV system installations due to it being IP based.  See below pros and cons on both technologies.

IP CCTV Systems (ethernet)

 Pros

• Ease of expansion,
• Further transmission distances over fibre optic networks
• Ease of remote configuration via web browser.

Cons

• More expensive
• Can have firmware issues
• Potentially less secure

Analogue HD CCTV

Analogue HD cameras also have their place in the security installation market. Quite often new wiring is either not possible or not financially viable for the home or business owner. This is where analogue HD comes in very handy. The benefits can include the following.

Pros

• No additional cabling costs
• Cheaper than IP cameras
• Same resolution as IP cameras

Cons

• Difficult remote configuration
• Subject to image noise
• Audio harder to transmit

2.Types of CCTV camera

There are many types and forms of CCTV cameras and it’s important to chose wisely to ensure you get the best image quality and use-ability our of your CCTV camera. Some will produce better night vision distances and others will be harder to vandalize or steal, see below for all the different types of CCTV cameras. See below a list of different types of CCTV camera systems.

✅ Vandal dome cameras (great for high vandal risk areas)

✅ Turret cameras (great when IR reflection night vision is a problem)

✅ Bullet cameras (a good solution for extra night vision distance)

✅ PTZ cameras (can be pan, tilted or zoomed)

✅ Pin-hole camera (for covert environments)

                                 

 

3. Consider Ambient Lighting

From our experience most CCTV manufacturers claim minimum 30 metres Infrared distance on their cameras. We tend to half that figure when quoting for our customers as the image at 30 metres is barely useable. Ambient lighting which can come from sensor lights or street lighting can greatly improve your cameras night vision quality.

 

                                         

 

3. Vandal Resistant or not?

CCTV camera installations can cost upward of $2000, the last thing you want is for an intruder to break or steal your new CCTV installation. This is where it is very important to consider whether to opt your vandal resistant cameras. We generally recommend this if there is a lot of traffic like a storefront or the cameras are mounted at a low level that is within reach on foot.

To further reduce reduce potential damage or theft a zoom or PTZ could be mounted further away and zoomed into the desired coverage area to obtain the correct image. This puts the camera well out of reach.

4. Equipment warranties

Most people when shopping for a CCTV system look at price and resolution, Lowest price highest resolution. This often leads to the cheaply made CCTV cameras with poor quality components and minimum 12 month warranties. Equipment in these particular systems starts to fail after 12 months and replacement parts are often not available or the manufacturer is not operating anymore.

 

Consider using a quality brand with a three year warranty, these companies set the warranty benchmark and we find our professional grade products are slightly more expensive but equipment is generally lasting 5 – 10 years.

 

4. Professional CCTV installation or DIY?

The DIY CCTV market has skyrocketed in the past few years and is creating a huge servicing market after these systems are installed. Often cables are run incorrectly even being exposed to the elements which causes corrosion in connections. Yes money is saved initially, but we find in the long run it does become more expenses due to break down repairs. We recommend if you are choosing a DIY system, at least have it professionally installed by a qualified installer.

Being an installation company in Perth with 20+ year experience we find that when we supply and install our professional systems most of the issues our customers have are resolved over a phone call which is free. However when we install DIY kits we often are installing a product which is from the internet and we don’t know inside out, therefor often these questions cannot be answered and they require a paid service call to resolve.

5. Camera lens sizes

Camera lens sizing determines the width of the camera field of view and in turn the pixel density of the objects in which the camera is seeing. Take an 8 megapixel camera with a 2.8MM lens, this camera will produce an image with 8 million pixels across a horizontal field of view of 86 degrees. This would give you a wide angle shot but if you where to digital zoom pixelation would occur very quickly. Whereas if you wanted more detail of an area you would larger lens for a more clear image across a smaller area.

If you are unsure of which lens you require consider using a vari-focal camera which can give you adjustable 2.8-12MM lenses, this allows you to adjust as required onsite during the installation process.

For more information on our CCTV systems click here, or check out or CCTV packages.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Top 5 Perth alarm systems

Selecting The Right Home Alarm System For Your Home

We all want our family and home to stay safe even when we are not at home. With an efficient and effective home alarm system, you can make your home less susceptible to intruders. Even when such individuals break into your residence, they will have no time to hang around in your home simply because of the strategically placed internal and external sirens. Even so, some home alarm systems provide you access to a lot of amazing features such as the ability to let a visitor into your home while you are away on holiday via smartphone apps, turn lighting circuits on and off and trigger reticulation areas. Your home alarm system is as important as the decorations in your space. You should never do without it. However, it is wise to choose the right alarm system that budget, personal requirements and type of house.

 

Variables that perfect your choice

There are a lot of home alarm systems you can purchase today. However, not all of them would be suitable for your household. It is imperative that you buy an alarm system that would be worthwhile and capable of expansion in the future.  Before you choose the best alarm system, you should consider some important factors:

 

• Your family’s lifestyle is important, always pick an alarm system that can protect all entry points to your home.
• Check the cabling access from the control panel to the windows and doors. It is best to pick a system that is suited your building type to ensure if you are choosing a hard wired alarm system the cabling can be done efficiently.
• Always consider your budget before picking an alarm system. Many systems come with a monthly recurring fee. Some systems can also be leased which means you never actually own your system.
• All alarm systems have zones, pick an alarm system which the correct amount of zones and sensors to cover the desired areas.
• Your home alarm system should be easy to use and maintain, consider how hard it will be to change codes, reset the time and date and check and understand system fault conditions when required.
• When choosing between a wireless and wired system, it is often practical to have one that comes as a hybrid. Generally hard wired is more reliable but in certain circumstances wireless will be required.Making your choice
• The best alarm system for you should incorporate the latest advanced features that would make your life safer and easier. They should be able to cater to your family’s needs in a stride while adhering to your budget. They should be easy control and use in your home. We have put together five of the very best home alarm systems that should give you all of these features and so much more.

1. Hills Reliance 128

The Hills Reliance 128 alarm system is one of the best in the market. This alarm system can be used at home or your small business premises. It was created by the Hills Electronic Security which is one of the leading security companies in the world. The Hills Reliance system integrates a wide range of advanced features to make your life a lot better. The control panel is flexible, durable and user-friendly. The Hills Reliance system is so unique that you only need a simple process to turn on and turn off your alarm system at all times. It also possesses to modes; the Armed Mode and Home mode. You can also set the alarm up for set monitoring using voice dialing. You can also pair up for Hill Reliance system with a commnav which offers Android and iPhone smartphone monitoring and control through the app.

Features

• Two unique modes; Home and Armed mode
• Up 16 separate areas
• Touch screen capability
• 80 wired and 48 wireless zones which can be combined to 128 zones maximum
• Active base to base security monitoring support
• Over 24 code pads
• Active read switches, movement detectors, and wireless key fobs support

• You can simply let visitors into your home through your smartphone even when you are not home.
• You can also report events in your home to up to 3 mobile numbers using SMS or calls and 3 email addresses.

 

 

 

2. Bosch 6000

The Bosch Solution 6000 was created by the Bosch Security and Safety systems, an impressive establishment which is located in over five regions in the world and has many more distribution partners in all countries. Established over 100 years ago Bosch has proven its quality time and time again.

The Bosch 6000 gives you an easy to use color-coded illuminated keys to ensure that you can easily navigate the system without help. With the Bosch 6000, you will have 16 wired board zones which can be combined up to 144 wired or wireless zones using serial radio receivers and zone expanders. This impressive system also gives you 16 access areas, and the LAN readers include lock control and egress built into the system. This means your alarm can be installed with ease and you don’t need a different appliance to handle your lock control. You can use this system not only at home but at your office too. This is because you can program the system to allow up to 256 users with a flexible fingerprint, proximity token, RF key fob, and Pin codes. You can code up to 8 digits.

Features

• A graphic user interface for easy navigation
• Partition able arming (2 distinct areas meant for night arming)
• Biometrics credentials that support up to 256 users
• Alarm memory recall
• Duress/panic code pad
• SMS notifications
• 5 programmable outputs (expandable)
• Back to base connectivity
• Push notification ability
• IP connectivity for self-monitoring
• Up to 144 zones
• 16 access doors or LAN readers
• Active support over a wide range of communication formats, IP, GSM, CSV IP, Email, PRS, text, voice, SIA 3+, and CID.
• External readers, biometric and proximity with external keypad options
• Medium range of wireless detection devices

3. Paradox Spectra 7000

The Paradox Spectra 7000 is manufactured by paradox security in Canada, a private company which has been specialising in the design and manufacture of security system since 1989. Paradox distributes its quality equipment to over a hundred countries. The spectra series is a great choice of alarm system that very suitable for your home. It includes an expandable and flexible security system. It contains 16 wired onboard zones, alarm relay output, and 4 onboard PGM programmable outputs. This alarm system can be used in your home or business space. It also supports remote and wireless control, although this support is sold separately.

 Features

• 4-wire expansion bus
• 2 partitions
• 32 user codes
• GSM module available
• 3 separate arming methods
• 16 programmable outputs
• IP Module for self-monitoring
• Touch screen support
• Remote technical assistance
• Large range of wireless products

4. Ademco Vista 48

The Honeywell Ademco Vista 48 alarm system is manufactured by Honeywell security, the vista series has proven to be a very solid security panel for securing your home. It has 58 wireless zones, of which you can disarm or arm the system through wireless key fobs. The system is also equipped with 2 outputs which can be used to control external equipment. You can equally extend the output up to 16 programmable relay outputs or X10 transmitter which can drive about 16X10 modules. With the Ademco Vista, you will be able to personalize your zone functions. Alongside the 4 programmable keys which can be found on the Keypads. With this system, you can perform tasks such as turning on a lamp, open a garage door or arm the system while bypassing some zones.

Features

• 48 user codes with specific authorization levels
• 32 schemes for relay outputs, limiting access or automated arming/disarming
• X10 compatible
• Active monitoring and controlling support with the ability to dial 5 personal numbers, 1 pager reporting and 3 for monitoring station.
• Automatic daylights savings time feature
• You can divide the system into 3 separate subunits
• 4 programmable keys alongside external keypads
• Expandable with wireless or wired zones
• Extensive intruder panel.

5. Crow Runner 16

The Crow Runner 16 is manufactured by the crow group, established in 1977 in Israel, the crow group have earned their position as one of the security industries leading innovators with a distribution network to over 50 countries worldwide. The runner series is a very flexible panel that can be tailored to your security requirements. It has two-way communication, TCP/IP support, and GSM/GPRS backup module support which is optionally integrated. It depicts accuracy and is quite easy to use although you will have a highly sophisticated system that can guarantee maximum security in your home.

Features

• Up to 100 uses and 80 pendants
• Seamless programming offered by the easy rolling menu
• Control up to 16 zones
• Proximity readers
• Two-way wireless communication
• LED or LCD Icon keypads
• Automatic output activation, arm and disarm functions
• Call back option
• 2 partition with separate arming systems
• Optional GSM/GPRS modem with CID text messaging and remote-control features.

Picking the right alarm systems for your home can be a tedious task. However, when you have one of the best home alarm systems in the world, you can be sure of maximum coverage. At Rapid Alarms, we partner with excellent brands to ensure you have the best home security. With the products we have for you, you will have a firm feeling of security which will give you and your family peace of mind every day.

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What Alarm Control Panel is Right for you? Copy

The last thing you want is a slow or dragging alarm control panel. Your alarm system is directly linked to your property security; therefore, a control panel should not only be user friendly but also reliable. You should be guaranteed of high sensitivity and quick response rate whenever you need to arm or disarm your security systems. Whether you are using it at home or in the office, disappointment during emergency is the last thing you want with a control panel.

Some of the most popular brands of alarm control panels are Hills Reliance, DSC, Honeywell Ademco, Ness D series and Crow Runner and Power Wave series. All work very reliably and are safe options when choosing your alarm system control panel.

An alarm control panel can be controlled via LCD screen, rubber keypad button, tablet, or any device controlled by a mobile application. While all of them are effective in controlling your security system, not every panel will be suitable for you. Here are some key factors you need to put to consideration;

 

Technology

 

Zone/sensor capacity

Not all systems have the capability to support all areas. The size of your house or office has a lot to do with your choice of alarm control panel. Sensors cannot go through walls, which is a worrying thing when you simply press a button thinking it is all safe yet there was no impact on the system. If you are setting up an alarm control panel for a big business premise, you should invest in a control panel with high sensor capability. Certain systems have the ability to have multiple alarm areas which can be independently arm and disarmed separate to each other, for example if you have a server room which you want to arm separate to the building alarm.

Codepad type

On this, it is more of your preference. LED screens have high resolutions and accuracy; they have all the modern features. LCD screens are widely available and relatively cheap as compared to LED. While they offer the same view and functionality, they are less sharp in display. There is also an option of touchpad or touchscreen. Touchscreen is more fancy and highly sensitive but it is also prone to errors, you can mistakenly touch on another part of the screen. Some people prefer keypads to key in passcodes.

As mentioned, suitability of your code pad is dependent on your preference. Both keypad for pin or touchscreen for fingerprint are efficient. Both are prone to errors. Of course, LED touchscreens are considered modern because of the smart features. If this is your priority then a keypad or LCD won’t be interesting. However, choice of code pad type has nothing to do with security; they are all effective.

 

Accessibility

 

Remote control options

Once you are in the office or in your house, you should be able to arm or disarm an alarm conveniently. There are multiple remote control options; they range from rubber buttons to mobile apps. Considering alarm is primarily for security, you need some form of discreetness. You should enable and disable the system without making any move when you feel there is threat.

Choice of a remote control depends on multiple factors. Your office location and sitting orientation determines your view. If the alarm system is for a home, you should set up the control panel or choose a remote device that can be accessed easily irrespective of where you are in the house. Additional to this extra features on remotes can make life much easier, your remotes may be able to be programmed into your garage door for 1 remote control of alarm and garage door and remotes can also be setup as duress buttons which adds value for money when purchasing.

Push notification self-monitoring options

Smart systems support instant messaging and update notifications on the security system. The primary notifications should be when you enable and disable the alarm. Also, if there is any breach or weird activity on your security line, your application will send alerts for panel tampers, arm/disarms, alarms, bypasses and other system faults. Most security alarm systems have self-monitoring settings to help you be in control of the security at all times irrespective of your location. You can direct the notifications to either email or mobile app push notification. A simple beep or vibration should be good enough for you to check.

Ease of use

Implementing all the smart security features should not compromise on simplicity. Actually, the device or control panel should be as simple as it can be for quick action. Make sure you are familiar with the interface in your alarm control panel. It is important to take time and test all features and their efficiency before you set up the alarm and comfortably walk away or sleep. Security is linked to emergency; the system will be more effective if the control panel is easy to use.

 

Choosing A Brand

 

Popularity

Security is a sensitive matter and you should not compromise on quality for price. Research on the kind of alarm control panels used in big corporations or in most homes. There is no better way of establishing credibility and reliability of a product than evaluating market rating with respect to customer usage. Go for a renowned brand that guarantees maintenance.

Manufacturer track record and warranty

Reputation is key when shopping for an alarm control panel. Some manufacturers will disappoint you with sub-quality features that will not only cost you in terms of regular maintenance and replacement but also loss of property. Go to a company with the highest market rating. Read customer reviews and consult with experts in the industry on the best brand. The manufacturer should provide sensible warranty as guarantee for quality. Installation of a security system and alarm control panel is a huge investment; you need to be sure of quality.

If you’re looking to install an alarm system or control panel for your property or business, contact us at Rapid Alarms.

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from Rapid Alarms https://www.rapidalarms.com.au/blog/what-alarm-control-panel-is-right-for-you-copy/

Improvements to Home Security with Software & Technology

Smartphone software apps are entering almost every industry at an astonishing pace. From finance to the entertainment industry, innovation in home security technology has made way for mobile apps that allow home owners to take control of monitoring while on the go. Software has also made monitoring much more affordable than conventional monitoring systems which likely also require technical knowledge to operate and use.

Authorized dealers of leading security providers such as www.selecthomesecurity.com dealing in ADT and other security companies have adapted to mobile software and their customers can take advantage of real-time monitoring, updates and the ability to arm or disarm the security system remotely.

Here are some benefits of software monitoring applications:

1. Video monitoring
Video monitoring was once considered as an expensive investment, but software like EyeLine home surveillance software has made video monitoring quite easy and accessible from any remote location with an active connection nearby.

Review the recorded video footage at any time. If you want know who left the microwave on or what the pet is getting into while you’re away, you just need to check the video recording. Eyeline can also be configured to allow 24-hour live streaming and to send alerts the moment when someone enters or goes out of the house.

2. Energy savings
Advanced monitoring systems can even link in with your appliances, including your television and air conditioner. For example, you can turn on the television to portray that someone is in the house while you’re away. Or, remotely turn off appliances in case you forgot to turn them off when leaving home for both energy savings and increased security.

3. Wider coverage
Security software has extended the monitoring coverage by leaps and bounds. Conventional systems only enabled users to monitor from a specific range, which was a barrier for those who were traveling but wanted to keep an eye on their home. Mobile home security monitoring is quite flexible in this regard and can be accessed when you are out of the city or state, and receiving alerts in the form of e-mail or SMS can provide further peace of mind no matter where you are.

Despite all the attractions software apps offer for home security, you should also note there are security issues that need to be taken into consideration. Your home would be at risk if you don’t configure passwords on your phone, Wi-Fi and other devices. Even with passwords there are still potential security vulnerabilities.

Your best bet is to keep your phone and mobile devices in your possession at all times. And it isn't recommended to feed your home address, social security number, or other private details into your phone in case it lands in someone else's hands.

Security systems, software and apps can also be used for other functions like parents making use of new technology to make sure their children are getting home after school, or checking in on a house sitter while you are away.

This kind of monitoring software may also be used to monitor investment properties, temporary vacation homes and more. Take your home security efforts to the next level as this industry continues to grow and discover itself.


First seen on: https://nchsoftware.blogspot.com/2013/06/improved-home-security-software-technology.html