It’s been a while coming, but we’re finally seeing some really useful innovations in home security systems. And honestly, it’s about time. In fact the only real ‘innovation’ I have seen since I started in 1981 is the introduction of a codepad to turn your alarm on and off. Before that, systems used a key-operated switch.
Some of the features of these new ‘Next Generation’ system include:
* the ability to arm and disarm your system from anywhere using your smartphone and a free App
* text and/or emails sent directly to your phone/tablet/PC that give precise details of alarms or other events that have occurred. A typical alarm message looks like this: “Family Room Motion Sensor was triggered at 10:04 am on Friday 25 July”. Some systems can also be programmed to send you a message if a particular code has been used to arm or disarm the alarm. This useful feature can alert you when a child has returned home from school. I recently installed a system that uses this feature to alert the owner as to what time his house cleaner arrived and what time she left
* video clip or a series of 4 or 5 snap shots can be sent to your phone if an alarm occurs giving you a clear indication of what caused the alarm. This allows you to adjust your response according to the nature of the alarm.
* a standard telephone line is no longer needed in order for you to have your alarm monitored – weather by a professional monitoring station (such as Chubb or ADT) or directly to your smartphone. Next Gen systems alert you by using your existing internet connection or by popping in a pre-paid SIM card
The range of features is growing all the time – some are gimmicky but some are really useful, it depends on what you need.
If you want to discover more about what these new system offer, go here to see a detailed list of the systems that I have personally tested for at least 3 months in my own home and can recommend.