Recommend Me A Wireless Apartment Home Security System

[Pardus]

Can anyone recommend a good wireless apartment security system, something with a wireless camera.

Was considering getting a foscam, not sure if they are any good.

 

[Kaido]

Section 12:

http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2358016

Dropcam & Foscams are pretty good. I have a Foscam for a baby cam.

 

[Kaido]

Can anyone recommend a good wireless apartment security system, something with a wireless camera.

Was considering getting a foscam, not sure if they are any good.

Also, do you know exactly what you want to do, and are you handy with basic computers & networking? SimpliSafe has a really great basic wireless alarm system:

http://simplisafe.com/home-security-shop

Couple that with a Foscam & you'll be good to go!

 

[chimaxi83]

I'm using AT&T's current security system, Digital Life. If I wasn't getting a monthly discount on it, and didn't get a massive discount on all the upgrades I chose, I probably would've passed. It's pretty nifty though.

 

[jagec]

There are two types of security cameras: ones where you can tell that someone is in your house, and ones where you can actually recognize faces, read license plates etc.

Most wifi security camera, including Foscams, are firmly in the first category.

 

[sportage]

I like the Viper wireless home security system. Self monitored. A little pricy but always dependable. Can add camera(s). No port forwarding nightmares to mess with. May be a $9 monthly fee involved for camera video storage. Emails sent when a zone is tripped. Can add a wireless siren which also chimes ding dong when a door is opened and when in unarmed mode. But each door sensor can be configured to ding dong or not to ding dong. The camera is suppose to have night vision via LED, but I have not yet seen this LED light up. And the documentation is pretty poor as well as no customer support numbers listed. Only email support which is never answered by the company. But Viper makes a lot of car alarms and their stuff does work. Only sold thru Viper or some Best Buy stores. Some cable companies like Mediacom now have their own security systems and a monthly monitoring fee. Also AT&T in some areas. I find it strange so many cable companies as well as cell companies are getting in on the act. Viper also has their phone app to control and monitor remotely. Also remotely view live camera video using the phone app, which works great.

 

[Svnla]

Subscribe to this thread.

 

[Pardus]

delete

 

[JackBurton]

FrontPoint. Good stuff. You can even install it yourself. Super easy.

 

[RossMAN]

Foscam & software is probably the cheapest and most bang for your buck. Here's a good blog post ignore the baby monitor aspect.

Here's an interesting video, fast forward to 3:59 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9DSqoFI4h3w

If you're a CostCo member or know someone who is this is a good deal but:

Requires monthly or annual subscription (think TiVo) for the nice features. It is battery operated which gives you a little freedom for placement.

 

[boomhower]

Simplisafe gets my vote.

 

[JManInPhoenix]

We use an ill-tempered Wheaten Terrier.

 

[Kaido]

I like the Viper wireless home security system. Self monitored. A little pricy but always dependable. Can add camera(s). No port forwarding nightmares to mess with. May be a $9 monthly fee involved for camera video storage. Emails sent when a zone is tripped. Can add a wireless siren which also chimes ding dong when a door is opened and when in unarmed mode. But each door sensor can be configured to ding dong or not to ding dong. The camera is suppose to have night vision via LED, but I have not yet seen this LED light up. And the documentation is pretty poor as well as no customer support numbers listed. Only email support which is never answered by the company. But Viper makes a lot of car alarms and their stuff does work. Only sold thru Viper or some Best Buy stores. Some cable companies like Mediacom now have their own security systems and a monthly monitoring fee. Also AT&T in some areas. I find it strange so many cable companies as well as cell companies are getting in on the act. Viper also has their phone app to control and monitor remotely. Also remotely view live camera video using the phone app, which works great.

Glad to hear an actual review of their Home system. I'm a fan of their SmartStart smartphone car remote start & GPS tracking system, pretty neat stuff for the price!

 

[Pardus]

delete

 

[boomhower]

Went with Frontpoint Security:

GE Simom Control Panel, 1 door, 1 motion sensor $99.99, they wanted $300'sih, didn't get window sensors as they little/serve no purpose.
45 days free interactive cellular monitoring
45 day return policy
$42.99/mo for monitoring, can set/disable alarm via android app
Can add camera later on.

Simplysafe didn't impress me.

Will report back once it's all set up.

What impressed you with Frontpoint that didn't impress you with Simplisafe? I'm looking to buy something within the next month and am doing some research. Everyone I've talked to that has Simplisafe loves it. What does the extra expense get you?

 

[yuchai]

I've had Simplisafe for a little over a year and very happy so far.

The $19.99 monitoring plan is great. Includes SMS/e-mail alerts. Don't really see a need to set/disable alarm remotely.

Would like to hear what made you go with Frontpoint vs Simplisafe.

 

[momeNt]

There are two types of security cameras: ones where you can tell that someone is in your house, and ones where you can actually recognize faces, read license plates etc.

Most wifi security camera, including Foscams, are firmly in the first category.

Would you mind offering the names of which if any wifi cams are in the higher res category?

 

[jagec]

Would you mind offering the names of which if any wifi cams are in the higher res category?

Here's an option:
http://www.networkcameracritic.com/?p=2236

 

[momeNt]

Here's an option:
http://www.networkcameracritic.com/?p=2236

Thanks!

 

[Vdubchaos]

Is there anything that I can buy that has no monthly fees?

I'm just looking for something to record video to my PC maybe, no alerting POlice etc needed.

 

[WackyDan]

The camera is suppose to have night vision via LED, but I have not yet seen this LED light up

That is because it is infrared.

 

[Pardus]

delete

 

[luv2liv]

Here's an option:
http://www.networkcameracritic.com/?p=2236

wow. that is amazing! 1080p for $200! full HD cams used to cost $800.
i got my foscam with 720p for $140 @amazon.

 

[RossMAN]

Here's an option:
http://www.networkcameracritic.com/?p=2236

Now why did you have to post that awesome review?

If my Foscam or DCS-932L don't work out that will probably be my next purchase, I wonder if it's cheaper on eBay or Amazon?

 

[JackBurton]

Frontpoint:
• $99.99 for hardware + $42.99/mo monitoring, 1st year cost: $529.89
1st two mos monitoring free
• GE SIMON XT is not proprietary
• Smash & Grab system notifies the monitoring station of an emergency when the control panel is destroyed.
• Must pay for monitoring for 3-years, not a big deal to me.

I know people who had ADT and the tell me those alarm systems can be disabled very easily. Either way, will test it out before committing to the contract.

http://thesweethome.com/reviews/best-home-security-system/

No you don't. 1 year is available.