Home security systems for those with VOIP (house, moving to)

[MrAllGood]

Does anyone have any experience with going through the process of finding a home security system with voice over internet? Which systems did you look at and which ones would you stay away from?

[RunningNorm]

SKJM - iCam

This may not be quite what you are looking for...but, worth sharing.

I use this for keeping an eye on my home. It is a 4.99 app for iPhone and Android. The software is free to download for mac and pc.

It can be used to run multiple webcams at home...and, I currently can dial in from my iPhone, iPad, work PC, etc. to see how things are going at home. It is motion activated, sends real time notifications, and even has audio so you can hear what is going at home.

Hope this helps as an option for you!

[mikealarm]

Originally Posted by MrAllGood

Does anyone have any experience with going through the process of finding a home security system with voice over internet? Which systems did you look at and which ones would you stay away from?

There is no security system that works with VOIP, your only choice would be a cellular radio connection to the central station.

[NJR]

Originally Posted by mikealarm

There is no security system that works with VOIP, your only choice would be a cellular radio connection to the central station.

That is not exactly correct.
I use a central station monotoring company called Slomins Home Security Systems, Home Security, Home Heating, Home Heating Oil, Home Cooling & Air Conditioning.
And I use Vonage for may phone system. It works flawlessly. I test it monthly to ensure everything is working properly. They use hardwired equipment, although they have wireless, which I prefer to avoid the need to have to change lithium batteries in the sensors. Another benefit of hardwired equipment is it rarely breaks down. I had them in NJ for 9 years & here in Virginia for 5 years & have NEVER had to place a service call. I worked for Protection One security & although they offered me FREE monitoring, I chose to pay for my Slomins.

The only recomendation I would make it to have teleguard removed. Telegard is a self monitor feature which alerts you if the phone line is disconnected. UNFORTUNATLY, the way you are notified is my the house siren going off. Since VOIP is internet based & the cable companies & Fios cycle thier service occasionally, it can be a rude 3:00am awakening <lol>

[mikealarm]

Originally Posted by NJR

That is not exactly correct.
I use a central station monotoring company called Slomins Home Security Systems, Home Security, Home Heating, Home Heating Oil, Home Cooling & Air Conditioning.
And I use Vonage for may phone system. It works flawlessly. I test it monthly to ensure everything is working properly. They use hardwired equipment, although they have wireless, which I prefer to avoid the need to have to change lithium batteries in the sensors. Another benefit of hardwired equipment is it rarely breaks down. I had them in NJ for 9 years & here in Virginia for 5 years & have NEVER had to place a service call. I worked for Protection One security & although they offered me FREE monitoring, I chose to pay for my Slomins.

The only recomendation I would make it to have teleguard removed. Telegard is a self monitor feature which alerts you if the phone line is disconnected. UNFORTUNATLY, the way you are notified is my the house siren going off. Since VOIP is internet based & the cable companies & Fios cycle thier service occasionally, it can be a rude 3:00am awakening <lol>

Sorry to tell you but you are wrong, VOIP works maybe at the most 50% of the time. I own an alarm Co. and I used to work for Napco the equipment that Slomins uses. digital communications equipment in the control panel gets interfered with by the signaling tones in VOIP any alarm co. will tell you that, and if you read the contract that Optimum has you sign, on the bottom it says they do not guarantee your alarm system will work. research it on the internet. Lots and lots of my customers tried to get away with using VOIP and found out the signals never went through.

[NJR]

Originally Posted by mikealarm

Sorry to tell you but you are wrong, VOIP works maybe at the most 50% of the time. I own an alarm Co. and I used to work for Napco the equipment that Slomins uses. digital communications equipment in the control panel gets interfered with by the signaling tones in VOIP any alarm co. will tell you that, and if you read the contract that Optimum has you sign, on the bottom it says they do not guarantee your alarm system will work. research it on the internet. Lots and lots of my customers tried to get away with using VOIP and found out the signals never went through.

I here what you are saying Mike, Many companies shy away from VOIP. According to my Slomin's paperwork, Slomins uses a proprietary alarm protocol and have directly stated in writing:

The IPtoPOTS solution overcomes all of the traditional problems associated with alarm systems and VoIP networks and is able to consistently get alarm signals through to their intended destination.

From my own personal experience I have not had a fail yet in any of my testings, and I monitor the outgoing call from my screen & don't just take Slomins word that the received the signal. The timestamps match. I also DO use a dedicated VOIP line to my alarm system to avoid any conflicts with my voice line.

Of course it only takes 1 failure. If someone is very concerned, there is nothing more solid than a hardline phone!

[mikealarm]

You should find out what manufacturer the control panel is, and ask that company if their equipment will handle VOIP because I have never heard of what you are talking about and I have been in the alarm business for 40 years, if you need more info about this you should go to this web site diyalarmforum.com.

[NJR]

Originally Posted by mikealarm

You should find out what manufacturer the control panel is, and ask that company if their equipment will handle VOIP because I have never heard of what you are talking about and I have been in the alarm business for 40 years, if you need more info about this you should go to this web site diyalarmforum.com.

Thanks Mike,
I actually do have to get into this since I will be moving to Tenn & Slomins is not available in that state.
Since my next house (a farm) will be extensive in size & grounds with out buildings that need securing, I am going to hardwire the system myself. Then I will need to find a monitoring company.

As far as Slomins statement, for all I know they could be B.S.ing but I have never had an issue in 14 years.

Thanks for the link!

[mikealarm]

Originally Posted by NJR

Thanks Mike,
I actually do have to get into this since I will be moving to Tenn & Slomins is not available in that state.
Since my next house (a farm) will be extensive in size & grounds with out buildings that need securing, I am going to hardwire the system myself. Then I will need to find a monitoring company.

As far as Slomins statement, for all I know they could be B.S.ing but I have never had an issue in 14 years.

Thanks for the link!

I know Slomins I am in the same town, They are mainly an oil company and used their customers to sell alarms, I would never trust them, anyhow if you want to stay with what you have add a cellular radio to your system as a backup just for peace of mind so you will always have two different signals to the central station in case one fails.