New Generation of Home Security Systems: iControl Network

With Brinks switching brand names, ADT investing in iControl Network and iPhone developing apps that allow you to watch live feed from your mobile device, it's safe to say we're in a new generation of home security systems. Sensors, cameras, lighting, video surveillance and monitoring stations can now be connected through in one system. iControl's Home Security 2.0 connects broadband, mobile devices and existing home security systems for customers of GE Security and Honeywell. But it doesn't stop there. ADT, Comcast and Cisco, as well as Intel Capital and Charles River Ventures have also back up the companies cause raising over $45 million in recent times.

Home automation is the new generation too. Being able to control everything in your home from your sprinklers, thermostat, lights, fireplace, music and TV all from one remote control or control pad (your choice). Combining the two was inevitable. But iControl did it much quicker than anyone ever expected. And the benefits are awesome. You could live in Colorado, USA and be in Toyko Japan and watch live footage, be alerted via text or email when a sensor is triggered or recieve still pictures of what's happening in your neck of the woods.

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To find out more about iControl visit www.icontrol.com

Tense Moment Last Night

I don't understand why people, especially when they're in their 20's, can care less about home security issues. Do you really think it wont happen to you?? Seriously? Last night at about 11pm, my motion detector lit up on my back porch. I froze. I waited. I got up to see. Of course it's pitch black beyond the patio, so I couldn't see if the possible-intruder was out there. I just moved from the big city to a rural part of the country, so this is different for me. I do feel safer out here, but at the same time, I don't. There was this "physco-safeness" I felt being in a dense area, even if the people around me were shady.

But I had my motion detectors. Theyre set up all around my property. Ready to light up as soon as someone thinks they're smart enough to bombard on me. The cost effective method isn't going to call the police, isn't going to alert the neighbors, and 50% of the time it isn't going to deter the intruder. But it does make them think twice. It does alert you that something's going on out there, and 50% of the time I have enough time to run and get my hollow-pointed .38 Special. That's right. I dont mess around. I almost want to egg the intruders on sometimes, "come on in" I wanted to yell. But I didn't. I just sat there for a second, then decided I'd go outside with my flashlight and check it out. After reviewing the situation I went over to check my lights, to ensure they were doing their job. Up on the chair, on my tippie toes I examine the lights and notice the switch is turned to "timed". That's right. Timed. There wasn't any 'intruder' at all. No need for my gun, no need for the panic. All of that was pointless. I could'nt believe it, I just smiled and chuckled to myself. I'm actually glad no one was around that moment as my cheeks turned red. I'm just thankful I didn't start yelling out. LOL Needless to say, I slept just fine.

Crime Across America

So I was searching for crime stats (murders, robberies, rapes, vehicle theft, etc) on google and found this incredible website crimereports.com. It gives you all the information you need, PLUS it shows a google map and lists the street corners and areas where each crime occured. You should definitely check it out if you have time and want to be informed on whats going on in your neighborhood.

Good Old Fashioned Home Security

These days, when people think of home security they think of Bush, the war in Iraq, and "homeland security". I'm also one of those people, however, when I say "home security" I'm thinking more about the place I call home, the place where I lay my head down, the place I'll do anything and everything to protect. I'm not going to lie, I've done alot of research on the various methods and ways you can protect your prize possessions. All of which seem to be really good ideas, some pricey, some not-so-much, but still some good methods.

Outdoor lighting seems to be a favorite amongst my fellow Americans. Home security systems are also popular. My days of being a pain-in-the-arse are long gone. Walking up to peoples doors, whether to toss a few eggs, or see what's on the side of their garage is just not at the top of my daily priority list. Maybe it's because I too am a home owner these days, or maybe it's because I simply have no interest. Either way, those days are behind me. I've found that motion detectors work great for me and my comfort levels. Alarm systems seem to calm my fears too. But I'm also a stickler for good old fashioned security methods such as sticks in the doors and windows and extra deadbolts to help ease my fears.

And the funny thing is, I'm not so afraid (which I probably should be) of the real intruders, out to do me as a person harm while fumbling through my belongings. I'm more afraid of the intruders who are only after my things, and I just happen to be home, they panic and all hell breaks loose. You never know what people are capable of when their scared. Maybe I watch too many cold case files shows on A&E, maybe I dont watch enough. All I know is I want to give an intruder every opportunity to turn back before they enter my home.

Neighborhood watches are another great way to secure your home, plus your neighbors homes and the neighborhood. When one person on the block is intruded upon, it seems to break that "safety net" that's casted throughout. Having everyone on the same page is a bonus. Neighbors sleep at all different times of the day and night. Some are up until 4am on the norm, while others are getting up at 4am on the norm. Some smoke their cigarettes outside (me) and just sit and watch at what's going on. Back when I was living in an apartment, I was up for some reason at 3am, outside, smoking my cigarette, when all of a sudden I see this kid walking up to each balcony peeking over the wall to see what was available for the taking. After the 2nd one, I let out a short but worthy whistle. He didnt see me sitting in the shadows. Startled, he looked over his shoulder a couple times then proceeded back to being a looky-loo. I whistled again, this time using a louder and "hello i see you" tone. He stopped, carefully made his way out of the bushes and left, out of sight. The next day I informed each neighbor of what I had saw. What they did after that is not known. But I felt better that I conducted my own "neighborhood watch" and hoped they would do the same if needed. False sense of security on my part? Not really. At least I dont think so. People seem to find it easier to look out for one another, especially when they know theyre being looked after. Good old fashioned home security. Didnt cost me anything but a cigarette I had already purchased in bulk. That's what I'm talking about.

Are Home Security Systems Worth It?

With millions of people using Home Security Systems like Brinks and ADT, I can't help but wonder if these people are truly happy. If you are using such a system and have something to say about it, good or bad....let me know.....for the cost you pay, is it worth it? Have you ever had to use it? If so, was it like the commercials, do they respond instantly?

Solar Lights

So I recently bought solar lights for my sidewalk leading up to my front door. They Suck. Cheap, plastic, don't light up worth a damn, now I'm frustrated. I don't want to give out the brand of them, because the good folks at Lowe's let me bring them back (dirt on the stakes and all) and replace them with these cool chrome three tier landscape lights. Their perfect. They work great. Even on days that it isnt sunny, I still have my sidewalks lit up when I get off of work real late.