Comments on: Home Wireless Security Systems Review

By: kecaj

kecaj — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 02:51:22 +0000

Did enyone have any information on Guardian Sec Systam

By: alison acott

alison acott — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 13:19:32 +0000

ADT is perfect UNLESS something is wrong; their battery going out trouble on their keypad, problem in the interior mechanism within the box located in the home that they install. The system continues to beep, and when you call they set up an appointment the following week, IF they have a free time. They then turn off the system at their location and no service until it is CONVENIENT for them to come and find out what is wrong. WHAT KIND OF SECURITY IS THAT? THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT!

By: Dana Dutcher

Dana Dutcher — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 19:42:07 +0000

The Simon was the worst choice you could make. We offer the absolute best monitoring in the industry for only $95.00 per YEAR. NEVER use a nationwide alarm company. Always use a local company that will value your business and service you so they don’t lose you. These local companies all over the country are always your best choice. Our monitoring even includes on-line services. Next time call more local companies for a real comparison.

By: Richard

Richard — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 23:24:27 +0000

Hi Scott: Thanks for the review. I am unhappy with ADT because they want $200 to come out and reprogram my alarm system that have used for years. The system will not allow me to add an additional access code. They claim I am using a secondary access code which is will not allow changes. The code has not changed in 25 years. So I started to look around for an alternative and ran across ProtectAmerica. Their web page talks about no up front cost for a self installed system and that is different from your review. What am I missing? Where’s the hidden cost?
Cheers

By: bblackmoor

bblackmoor — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 02:43:08 +0000

This is exactly the kind of comparison I was looking for. The comments are useful and informative, as well. Thank you, all of you.

By: Greg

Greg — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 11:59:50 +0000

Scott – thanks for keeping this thread going – it’s informative, even if somewhat dated (2 years old). As a military guy, I’ve lived in quite a few places and used several alarm companies. Never took the plunge on a DIY solution, but am about to do so for my parents. Bottom line, I’ve used ADT [once was enough] – I was gone 3 weeks per month of that time, and realized one day that they had never called when I accidently set it off myself… So I called them and they said they had no record of my system, even though they’d been cashing my checks for 18 months – go figure.

Seems like there’s a serious niche market for post-construction wireless installers/maintainers/monitors. All of your readers had better do their homework – I’ve spent the last few days googling tags related home security systems, and there are tons of sites offering links to links. Lots of these sites use very poor English, and I would imagine those of us who fall for their wares will wind up sending even more US $$$ to Chinese companies – be wary.

If anyone needs service in the Tuscaloosa, AL area, SAFECO is a local family-owned company with great local support (with remote monitoring @ $20/month) – not sure of their coverage outside the city though. In Pittsburgh, PA, I used GUARDIAN. They too are a family-owned business and they were always prompt, courteous, and they had local monitoring station. I paid $30/month. I had BRINKS in DC but never got a call – only there for a year though – system was already installed and I paid $30/month – never spoke to a local rep, but the 800# support was ok. If I had it to do over, I’d still have gone with SAFECO and GUARDIAN, but the rest would probably have been DIY with personal or neighbor notifications.

Thanks again for keeping this thread open. Looks like about three hijacks above, probably by salesmen. Young family? Install a security system, no matter WHO monitors it – that goes for you too, Scott.

By: Frank

Frank — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 19:10:30 +0000

Metro Guardian … sounds suspiciously like Guardian Protection Services. Tweaked name with the same old schlok. (I did desperate telemarketing – harassing people once-upon-a-time for them.)

By: Kim

Kim — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 16:37:51 +0000

Scott, great review, and the public responses have provided some very valuable information in this decision process. One question: Why do you have a Protect America banner ad at the top of your web page? It almost appears that your are endorsing their services.

By: Kathleen

Kathleen — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 14:56:22 +0000

Thanks for all the info and comments. We had a break-in last week, 1st time ever, so now pursuing alarm systems. Can’t do a hard line bc of the way the house is constructed. My hubby is a DIY guy so thanks again!

By: Original Paulie D

Original Paulie D — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 18:04:40 +0000

One thing to be aware of: The term “Central Monitoring”, in my experience, is often over-exaggerated. In the north east US, this often entails a TWO-WAY monitoring between your home and the alarm company’s central office. Therefore, if your phone line IS severed (for any reason), the alarm company will immediately know about it. Think of this as a “heart beat” monitor at the hospital; if you pull of the wires, the nurses are immediately notified on the computer screen located on their desks.

Many companies incorrectly use this term, to their advantage. In most common installations, it’s a ONE-WAY monitoring service where the unit in your home is DIALING (outbound) the alarm company to notify them of the event.