Systems with cameras that can be monitored through a home audio/visual system and recorded on dedicated DVR like these from ADT Security Services are just one of the many advances in home security.
From new key systems and safes to state-of-the-art surveillance systems, there are new ways to start or add to your current system, both on-site and through remote technology.
Locally, Stuart Forchheimer, founder of Homesafe Security Systems, explains that a number of commercial applications are being adapted for home use. “GE Security worked closely with alarm.com to develop two products that can be added to an existing system,” he says. “The first is the use of small sensors that alert the homeowner (through e-mail or a phone call) when a cabinet or a room is entered, and the second is a panic button that allows two-way communication between home and the alarm station.” These features create an even greater level of security for the residence.
An advancement in lock technology by Kwikset not only prevents lock bumping but also allows you to sync all of your locks to one key. “Our lock is unique because it doesn’t have a pin and tumbler like standard locks,” says Krista Elliott, assistant product manager for Kwikset. “This makes lock bumping or forcing your way in with a counterfeit key impossible.” The product, called SmartKey, provides you with the tools to re-key your own locks in about a minute’s time. Since there are countless reasons for homeowners to change their locks (wanting all locks in the house to match, not getting a key back that was loaned out, or the desire to key home locks to match a vacation home or rental), Kwikset has made this product for consumer installation for between $20 and $120.
Sentry Safe has developed new technology that requires fingerprint recognition to unlock their safe.
Also new to the market is the Sentry Group’s SentrySafe Fire-Safe Fingerprint Safe (DA3930). “This safe combines fire and water resistance with the latest fingerprint security,” explains Sondra McFarlane, director of marketing communications for SentrySafe. “The safe has a dual lock system, which a consumer can operate with a swipe of the finger and a programmable electronic code, both of which consumers program themselves.” Unlike PIN numbers, fingerprints cannot get lost or duplicated. The safe’s advance sensor generates images at 500 DPI, meeting both FBI and CIA security standards. The safe also comes with hardware to bolt the safe to the floor and is priced at $250 and up.
Perhaps the biggest field of advancement in home security, however, is surveillance.For a time, remote access was limited to business and other commercial businesses or involved a lot of equipment, but now many security providers including both Swann and ADT are offering systems for homeowners to monitor their homes while they are at work, and survey vacation properties as well. This equipment has been streamlined, and is accessible from any computer anywhere.
The two systems achieve a similar result, but have a different approach. Tim McKinney, director of ADT’s Custom Home Services, says that ADT’s Safewatch Videoview service is a new offering that builds on ADT’s standard home alarm and security services. Once ADT’s video cameras have been professionally installed, “homeowners are discovering that motion sensing cameras can make busy lifestyles a little easier by providing customers with e-mail notifications of triggered events and the ability to look in on their homes at any time.”
Swann Communications offers a Do-It-Yourself option for home security video and recording that works with almost any PC.
The ADT system is wired and routed through the ADT server, and is accessible through any device with Internet access by logging onto www.myadtvideo.com. Images are saved on the server for at least 24 hours, and can be backed up through a personal DVR purchased separately from the initial package (at $699 to $1699, depending on the number of cameras, and a $9.99 fee for monthly look-ins).
Swann’s system, the USB 2.0 DVR Guardian, accomplishes surveillance with a do-it-yourself approach. Swann’s United States Sales Director Steven Currens explains that consumers can make the purchase at a retail location, and install it themselves with ease. “Our product comes with two cameras and is plugged into the USB port of your PC (this system is not currently compatible with Apple systems),” says Currens. “The files are stored on your computer in files by date, so that you keep your own records in-house.” The price for this product starts at $100 and increases based on the number of cameras and the number of DVR channels you want to access.
With technology and access changing so fast, the home security industry will continue developing new products to help address the needs of homeowners. As long as there are people and businesses trying to invade the security of homes and intellectual property, there will be new services to meet these needs.
Amy Feinstein is a frequent contributor to ChesapeakeHome.
Contacts:
ADT Security Services: adt.com or 866-SHOP-ADT
Homesafe Security Systems, Inc.: homesafesecurity.com or 888-HOMESAFE
Kwikset: kwikset.com or 800-327-LOCK
SentrySafe: sentrysafe.com or 800-828-1438
Swann Communications: swannsecurity.com or 562-777-2551
