Best Home Security Company? (new home, codes, cost)

[(*)]

My wife and I had a security system installed at our last house. It helped us to feel a bit safer when we traveled and the house was empty for days/weeks at a time. We're thinking about getting one again so I asked some of our friends but none of them use a system, so they couldn't recommend a company. Our old system was installed by Brinks, who later got bought out by ADT; they've been fine but I have no idea how well (or not well) they work out here. Any thoughts about security companies?

[turquoise1]

People seem to like FrontPoint because you can control it remotely from your phone.

[Priscilla Martin]

I've had ADT,formally Brinks as you stated, since the 80's. Works for me, but my needs are simple.

[(*)]

Thanks folks.

turquoise1, I like the sound of remote control; that reminds me of Canary (canary.is), a new security device featured recently on Fast Company.

[turquoise1]

I'd like to know more about Canary, I think I will check it out.

[(*)]

Canary sounds cool, like a hyper-advanced baby monitor. The only obvious drawback is that it's going to work in just one room. Half your house could burn down before the thing registered enough change to alert you. Ideally you'd need a network of these, one in every room. But with an army of these we're talking Security By Dalek, and that doesn't sound very comforting.

Also, the side of me that's gotten all paranoid after the Snowden revelations imagines Canary's cameras, microphones, and other sensors being turned on remotely by some Nosey Snooping Asshat and to record me doing dangerous stuff like making dinner and drinking a beer.

I'm thinking a Canary by the front and back door might be helpful, making a record of anyone approaching, but a good ol' fashioned hard wired security company might be a secure but less intrusive option.

[NWGirl74]

I had Brinks/ADT for years but switched to FrontPoint about a year ago. My reason for switching was because I wanted to cancel my home phone as the only thing I was using it for was the security system, talking to my mother and giving out a number to people who needed it I didn't actually want to talk to (dentist, doctor, etc) and Brinks/ADT didn't have an option that didn't require a land line.

The nice thing about FrontPoint is it's wireless and was easy to install myself. I no longer have to worry that someone cutting the phone line will disable my system. It's portable so I can have it near the door during the day and move it to my bedroom at night. If I move, I can take it with me and install it at my new home. They also respond promptly if the smoke detector goes off, which I don't remember Brinks ever doing (not that I set it off that regularly, mind you!). The monthly fee is the same as I was paying before, but I did sign a 3 year contract. The only thing I wish I could change about it is it doesn't count down how long you have to get out of the house once you enable or how long you have to disable it when you come back home. I haven't tried to remotely control it from my phone so I can't speak to that.

ETA: FrontPoint is also like Brinks in that you have a master code and can have guest codes so if you have someone house sitting for you, you can give them their own code.

[(*)]

Thanks NWGirl74! I'll check out FrontPoint.

[Amillen Blake]

Do not forget to use an IR illuminator with your new installation . This helps you get a better picture quality and get high security. The best place to get an IR illuminator with lifetime warranty and advance replacement is Axton. They synchronize with any CCTV cameras. I got it from Axton 2 years back. It still works with good picture quality. They provide different types of IR illuminator . They are very cost efficient.

axtontech.com

[midwest61021]

Originally Posted by Amillen Blake

Do not forget to use an IR illuminator with your new installation . This helps you get a better picture quality and get high security. The best place to get an IR illuminator with lifetime warranty and advance replacement is Axton. They synchronize with any CCTV cameras. I got it from Axton 2 years back. It still works with good picture quality. They provide different types of IR illuminator . They are very cost efficient.

axtontech.com

Do they offer battery back up if the ac mains is disconnected? No power, no cctv. Cellular backup in case phone line fails/cut?