Considering having a home security system installed (ADT type) and wanted to get some feedback (good and bad) from anyone who has one of these type systems. I searched the forums, but the posts are several years old so I thought I'd start a new thread. Recommendations for and against specific companies, the upfront cost to install, and the monthly cost, etc. is what I'm looking for. TIA!

I currently have Vector. They are good, fair priced. Decent reaction times to when the alarm goes off (luckily, it has only went off on our own faults.. opening doors, accidently panic buttons, etc). We also added in the fire detector. Which we have set up as well, and they call you before they send FF/EMS :lol: Now, it is also tapped in to the automatic police call, EMS call, FF call, and 911, and we also have a fools code. (turns off alarm as if everything is normal, but lets 911 there is an emergency)

My parents have Front Point... I am going to switch to them next year when our contract runs up with Vector. Front Point is a satellite driven system. Vector is tapped into the phone lines... so, if we lose power, and phone, I have no system... If we lose phone, I have no system, even if I run a generator to keep it powered, no phone line, it's pointless... With the Front Point, I can just keep the main board powered and it's like a cell phone, I'm good to go..


Now don't get me wrong, I haven't had any issues with Vector. It is also a wireless system, except for the phone line tap. Which is the main reason, and basically only reason I am going to switch next year.

Vector:
Home (http://www.vectorsecurity.com/)

FrontPoint:
Wireless Home Security Systems | FrontPointSecurity (http://www.frontpointsecurity.com/)

I have FrontPoint and like it very much. You can monitor and control your system via internet, smartphone or iPad. It's cellular based and wireless. Set up cost depends on how many sensors you need, and monthly is around $40.

I haven't had an emergency, but I've set it off accidentally a couple times and it's performed as it should. The FP people give very good customer service so far.

Check the reviews online.

Very telling.

Did you know Life Alert (I've fallen and I can't get up) is just another sales ploy for a home.alarm system? They are more expensive but they're feeding on the "taking care of mom" and charging 30% more than everyone else.

Vector is a new name for a company that had a lot of complaints and lawsuits...

But basically what is most important is the servixe the company uses when your alarm goes off. Almost all of the Alarm companies use the same GE hardware.

I have my own video security system. Monitors movement, auto-records 30 seconds on either side of the movement, sends email/text alerts with still pictures, accessible remotely with a browser or smartphone.

The only thing I don't like is that it will trigger on every single stinking bug that flies in front of the lens. In the summer at night, it's constantly recording. In the cooler weather, the heat from the camera's infrared lights attracts other bugs which walk across the lens.

Next time I get cameras with no lights in them. I would consider having a service/alarm company monitoring a better thing to do, as they can weed out the false alarms.

We just had ADT installed at my mothers house. It took forever to get a sales rep that carried thru. They had people coming and going (as in quitting the company). The different salesmen would give different estimates. It was an unpleasant fiasco. BUT we think we're good now. System is installed and we are trying to get used to it.

You should PM Kwillia.
She set off her house alarm when she was taking a bath in the early morning hours and woke up everybody in da house.

Front Point is the best. Full cellular service, so cutting your phone line won't disable the system. Controls from cell phone or computer. Helpful folks. Self installation. Also, one of the few companies that uses "pending alarms" which means if someone gets in and smashes the control panel, the alarm will still go out, so you are covered.

You should PM Kwillia.
She set off her house alarm when she was taking a bath in the early morning hours and woke up everybody in da house.

Was she breaking glass or something in the tub?

Was she breaking glass or something in the tub?

I think the term is "cutting cheese" not "breaking glass".

You should PM Kwillia.
She set off her house alarm when she was taking a bath in the early morning hours and woke up everybody in da house.OMG! You don't forget anything! :roflmao:

OMG! You don't forget anything! :roflmao:

It all depends on the amount of BudLights consumed.

Vivent! :yahoo:

Vivent! :yahoo:

I thought Vivent and vector were the same company. Door to door salesman the high pressure sales....

Check the reviews online.

Very telling.

Did you know Life Alert (I've fallen and I can't get up) is just another sales ploy for a home.alarm system? They are more expensive but they're feeding on the "taking care of mom" and charging 30% more than everyone else.

Vector is a new name for a company that had a lot of complaints and lawsuits...

But basically what is most important is the servixe the company uses when your alarm goes off. Almost all of the Alarm companies use the same GE hardware.

Good to know this, as I was not aware of it! This product was recommended to my mother recently, in case she becomes incapacitated while alone. Of course, she is considering it out of fear. We're a ways off from her needing anything like that, so I haven't researched it at all.

Good to know this, as I was not aware of it! This product was recommended to my mother recently, in case she becomes incapacitated while alone. Of course, she is considering it out of fear. We're a ways off from her needing anything like that, so I haven't researched it at all.

From what I saw online is all the alarm systems offer the same "necklace" or personal alarm. No reason to pay lifealert prices, AND you get a complete alarm system.

Vivent! :yahoo:

I thought Vivent and vector were the same company. Door to door salesman the high pressure sales....

I thought Vivent and vector were the same company. Door to door salesman the high pressure sales....


I believe Vector bought out Slomins/slomiens? I believe that is what is was called. Vector is actually more geared toward big businesses (Home Depot, Lowes, Target type places). Slomins was more the home security, but Vector bought them out.

We haven't had a single problem yet, guess it is just like everything, resturants, vehicles, etc... Some work out good, and some don't. :ohwell:

I believe Vector bought out Slomins/slomiens? I believe that is what is was called. Vector is actually more geared toward big businesses (Home Depot, Lowes, Target type places). Slomins was more the home security, but Vector bought them out.

We haven't had a single problem yet, guess it is just like everything, resturants, vehicles, etc... Some work out good, and some don't. :ohwell:
You're right, vivent is a renamed company after the original company piled up complaints and lawsuits.

I just bought some ADT stickers off EBay and own a German Sheppard...come on in! :howdy:

I don't want to pay monthly fees and the cost of the security system install.

I have Vivent. Cellular service, cutting phone lines won't disable the system. Controls from cell phone or computer. I have no complaints, and highly recommend them.

You guys pay someone to call the police/fire dept. for you?:doh: Must be nice to have throw away cash. X10 makes very good, inexpensive stuff with autodialers that will call whoever you want. Add video if you want. AND you can get panic buttons for granny to wear around too.
X10 17-Piece Do It Yourself Home Security System - NOW ONLY $99.99 (http://www.x10.com/promotions/ds7000e_bonus_mdk_fb109_v2_burst_cat2.html?TWENTY11)

Considering having a home security system installed (ADT type) and wanted to get some feedback (good and bad) from anyone who has one of these type systems. I searched the forums, but the posts are several years old so I thought I'd start a new thread. Recommendations for and against specific companies, the upfront cost to install, and the monthly cost, etc. is what I'm looking for. TIA!

I installed SimpliSafe and highly recommend them! You purchase and install the wireless system from them (it was very easy to do). They monitor it for only $15 a month. Also, you can cancel and start at any time, no contracts. Awesome system and ciustomer service. It is by far the best deal that I have found and I spent months researching and getting quotes and having security companies visit the house, etc. Upfront cost to purchase the system is about $280, depending on what options you add.
Their website is Wireless Home Security Systems | Burglar Alarm | Wireless Home Alarm (http://www.simplisafe.com) if you are interested.

Also, don't trust the ADT $99 install. When they arrived at the house the $99 suddenly became $900!!

try more than twice that much. ADT has not impressed me at all so far but my mom now has the system and thats just how it is.

Also, don't trust the ADT $99 install. When they arrived at the house the $99 suddenly became $900!!

try more than twice that much. ADT has not impressed me at all so far but my mom now has the system and thats just how it is.

Wow! What a scam! Sorry to hear that.
And how much does it cost a month after that?

we also have Vector, they have been very good and came to the house to change the battery in the main unit at no cost to me, anytime i can save money i'm happy

I recommend Simplisafe. NO hidden charges, you buy the equipment and then it is $15/month to monitor it. No contracts, so you can cancel anytime. I love my Simplisafe Security System. Check it out.... Wireless Home Security Systems | Burglar Alarm | Wireless Home Alarm (http://www.simplisafe.com) :buddies:

I'm bumping this thread to see if anyone has any additional information they'd like to add about home security programs.

In light of recent events, we are now considering one. And by "we" I mean I am trying to talk my husband into it.

I'm bumping this thread to see if anyone has any additional information they'd like to add about home security programs.

In light of recent events, we are now considering one. And by "we" I mean I am trying to talk my husband into it.

Still happy with Vivent.

I'm bumping this thread to see if anyone has any additional information they'd like to add about home security programs.

In light of recent events, we are now considering one. And by "we" I mean I am trying to talk my husband into it.

Well, I don't have one, but have done some research as I have pondered the need.

Look at reviews. Look at installation costs, v Monthly fees.. Contract length, support after the sale (if your system malfunctions later on).. and how to terminate service if you need to. How about coverage if their system is disabled or just doesn't work? Or who's responsible for fixing it, or paying fees and fines if your system malfunctions and you send numerous false alarms?

What I've found is most (if not all) all sell the GE Security Systems either re-branded or re-named. Some offer more up to date GE systems than others, but most are GE.

MOST after market their actual security service. When the Alarm goes off it's probably some contract call service that takes the "call" and gets some local security, cops or fire to react. In other words, the people that you contracted with have no control, or say in the quality of the on call service after they've installed your system.

Research, Research Research.. If safey is concern enough for you to GET an alarm system it should be important enough to take an hour or two and do some research.

They are all a scam. Find me someone who has an alarm that has ever had a need for one.

Go on eBay and just buy the signs and stickers. Put them up in your yard, on your windows/doors, and be done with it.

Well, I don't have one, but have done some research as I have pondered the need.

You have made it public knowledge of your large abundance of bread 'n butter pickles and kraut... you really should secure your bounty.

They are all a scam. Find me someone who has an alarm that has ever had a need for one.

.

Vrai for one..


and the other dozen or so people the same person robbed..

They are all a scam. Find me someone who has an alarm that has ever had a need for one.

Go on eBay and just buy the signs and stickers. Put them up in your yard, on your windows/doors, and be done with it.

LOL. Good luck with that theory. Our neighborhood had a break in with an ADT sign outside the front door. The neighbor said he walked up to the door with a crow bar, pried the door open, and set off the alarm. Had that been just a sign, and the neighbor had not been looking out the window at the moment the house was broken into, the burglar would have walked away with all their stuffz.

Vrai for one..


and the other dozen or so people the same person robbed..

But did the alarm help her?

LOL. Good luck with that theory. Our neighborhood had a break in with an ADT sign outside the front door. The neighbor said he walked up to the door with a crow bar, pried the door open, and set off the alarm. Had that been just a sign, and the neighbor had not been looking out the window at the moment the house was broken into, the burglar would have walked away with all their stuffz.

Amazon.com: door alarm (http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_6?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=door+alarm&sprefix=Door+a%2Caps%2C158)


You can have an alarm system but not activate the monitoring. That is the way to go.

They are all a scam. Find me someone who has an alarm that has ever had a need for one.

Go on eBay and just buy the signs and stickers. Put them up in your yard, on your windows/doors, and be done with it.

You'd love it if people didn't have real alarms, wouldn't you?

I love that my alarm system has a panic button... if you are home and something happens that requires immediate dispatch of police, you hit the panic button and no questions asked police are dispatched.

I love that my alarm system has a panic button... if you are home and something happens that requires immediate dispatch of police, you hit the panic button and no questions asked police are dispatched.

Don't they all?

I love that my alarm system has a panic button... if you are home and something happens that requires immediate dispatch of police, you hit the panic button and no questions asked police are dispatched.

In case you fall, and you can't get up??

You'd love it if people didn't have real alarms, wouldn't you?

Yeah, the salesman are annoying.

Yeah, the salesman are annoying.

Alrighty, then.

Thanks everyone. The husband has agreed to consider it. We will definitely research all the options that have been presented to us.

I read a thing on Pinterest that said something like "if a burglar ever comes into my house and starts looking for money, I'll just laugh and start searching with him." But seriously, we've personally experienced an increase in crime in our neighborhood and close by. Then there's the whole thing with the guy being shot to death by the police just down the road. We hear sirens nearly every night. That woman had to be airlifted out after being mugged in Exploration Parkway. We've had someone walk into our house then exit immediately upon hearing a round getting chambered. And then the other night there was someone screaming out in the wooded area behind our house.

Plus, over the summer our a/c went out while we were on vacation and we lost all but two of our salt water fish because the water temp got so hot. Which may have been avoided by some of the programs that alert you when there are significant changes in house temp.

And we've got dogs and cats so I sometimes worry about fires.

So here we are. I think a home security alarm would give me better piece of mind. My husband thinks it's just been a tough couple of weeks and almost had the audacity to tell me that I may be overreacting.

Vivint is what my friends and coworkers use. They seem very happy with it.

This is funny Vivint and the BBB##|##Vivint (http://www.vivint.com/about/bbb)

Read these
https://www.google.com/search?q=vivint+government+action&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&client=safari

https://www.google.com/search?q=vivint+bbb&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&client=safari#hl=en&sugexp=les%3B&gs_nf=3&tok=dph6SHZuxd5Q8hak80wGAA&pq=vivint%20bbb&cp=8&gs_id=k&xhr=t&q=vivint+consumer+reports&pf=p&sclient=tablet-gws&client=safari&tbo=d&oq=vivint+c&gs_l=&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&fp=4bfb52022392d114&bpcl=35277026&biw=1024&bih=644

https://www.google.com/search?q=vivint+bbb&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&client=safari#sclient=tablet-gws&hl=en&client=safari&tbo=d&q=vivint+complaints&oq=vivint+co&gs_l=tablet-gws.1.1.0l3.22011.23761.2.25749.14.13.0.0.0.10.155.1592.2j11.13.0.les%3B..0.0...1ac.1.vq6mXNECHrw&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&fp=4bfb52022392d114&bpcl=35277026&biw=1024&bih=644

When the guy in the orange shirt came to the door I did a simple search on just Vivint on google. Showed him the results and he turned and walked away.

This is funny Vivint and the BBB##|##Vivint (http://www.vivint.com/about/bbb)

Read these
https://www.google.com/search?q=vivint+government+action&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&client=safari

https://www.google.com/search?q=vivint+bbb&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&client=safari#hl=en&sugexp=les%3B&gs_nf=3&tok=dph6SHZuxd5Q8hak80wGAA&pq=vivint%20bbb&cp=8&gs_id=k&xhr=t&q=vivint+consumer+reports&pf=p&sclient=tablet-gws&client=safari&tbo=d&oq=vivint+c&gs_l=&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&fp=4bfb52022392d114&bpcl=35277026&biw=1024&bih=644

https://www.google.com/search?q=vivint+bbb&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&client=safari#sclient=tablet-gws&hl=en&client=safari&tbo=d&q=vivint+complaints&oq=vivint+co&gs_l=tablet-gws.1.1.0l3.22011.23761.2.25749.14.13.0.0.0.10.155.1592.2j11.13.0.les%3B..0.0...1ac.1.vq6mXNECHrw&pbx=1&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&fp=4bfb52022392d114&bpcl=35277026&biw=1024&bih=644

When the guy in the orange shirt came to the door I did a simple search on just Vivint on google. Showed him the results and he turned and walked away.

So which security system are you selling? Oh, nevermind. You already told us...the signs without the system on eBay.

So which security system are you selling? Oh, nevermind. You already told us...the signs without the system on eBay.

You sure have a bee in your bonnet about this. Are you somehow affected by alarm monitoring sales?

House has a complete system but I don't pay for monitoring. Just use the alarm function and I have dogs and guns. Police have come to our house twice and each time needed directions once they were in the neighborhood so I don't count on them coming in time to do anything. Both times were for things that happend at work (Vet hospital) that they needed to followup on.

Good thread to read through
2012 Alarm Monitoring Thread: Get Rid of ADT/others - smarthome.com, alarmrelay.com - $8.95/mo w/ one time $35 setup fee (http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/hot-deals/1175344/)

You sure have a bee in your bonnet about this. Are you somehow affected by alarm monitoring sales?

House has a complete system but I don't pay for monitoring. Just use the alarm function and I have dogs and guns. Police have come to our house twice and each time needed directions once they were in the neighborhood so I don't count on them coming in time to do anything. Both times were for things that happend at work (Vet hospital) that they needed to followup on.

Good thread to read through
2012 Alarm Monitoring Thread: Get Rid of ADT/others - smarthome.com, alarmrelay.com - $8.95/mo w/ one time $35 setup fee (http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/hot-deals/1175344/)
Not at all. Why are you so bent on talking people out of getting thrm? Because YOU have dogs? Because YOU have guns? People ask about others experiences with security systems. I didn't see anyone asking for someone to talk them out of protecting their loved ones and the personal belongings that they work there asses off for. So what's your agenda? All I did was respond to the theme of the thread.

Here is some more good information

Self-install burglar alarm kits offer $15/month monitoring | www.clarkhoward.com (http://www.clarkhoward.com/news/clark-howard/homes-real-estate/self-install-burglar-alarm-kits-offer-15month-moni/nFgS/)

Here is some more good information

Self-install burglar alarm kits offer $15/month monitoring | www.clarkhoward.com (http://www.clarkhoward.com/news/clark-howard/homes-real-estate/self-install-burglar-alarm-kits-offer-15month-moni/nFgS/)

Oh, I get it now. Thanks for the link!

We have dogs and we have guns. And we have a lot of experience shooting guns. And we have awesome neighbors. And we have great locks on the doors.

The more diy alarm systems are certainly noteworthy and we will absolutely look into them. Having said that, there are other nice perks that are offered by some of these alarm systems. Another thing that we will take into consideration.

Some of the other add-ons offered by the alarm companies are enticing.

DIY Security System Alarm Forum - Index (http://www.diysecurityforum.com/) in case you didn't read the forum posts from the other link I posted

DIY Security System Alarm Forum - Index (http://www.diysecurityforum.com/) in case you didn't read the forum posts from the other link I posted

No offense but sometimes when you post stuff all I can see is that pic of bouncing boobies....

No offense but sometimes when you post stuff all I can see is that pic of bouncing boobies....

You can hide them.

You can hide them.

Part of me wants to hide them but part of me wants to know how they even do that....

part of me wants to hide them but part of me wants to know how they even do that....

p90x

p90x


:ohwell: I must've done my P90X wrong.....

I am going to call BS on your events with the Vivent salesman. Not only are most the reviews from people who have never had the system or know nothing about it. The previous owner had an APX (prior to Vivent) system installed. We had the tech come out and wire a newer panel and 6 more sensors to accompany the ones already installed.

Two separate instances have occurred with police dispatch, the first time we had a friend over who opened the door and set the alarm off. Police showed up in about 2 minutes. The system was still under the previous owners names and the system was supposed to have been non functional. The second time was 2 weeks ago we went to VA to go to Kings Dominion, I happened to look at my phone as the alarm icon popped up on my status bar, not even 10 seconds later I get a call saying the alarm had gone off. They dispatched police and they even called back to let me know everything was ok. Turns out I replaced the battery in the garage door sensor and broke a component on the circuit board. It sent a false signal saying the door had been opened. They sent me a replacement sensor, which is even better considering it was part or the prior owners components.

I have also received a couple of Phone calls asking if everything is fine with the system and my level of satisfaction with the service. They have been absolutely awesome with customer service, out of pocket cost for installation was $0 and since it was a takeover of the prior owners account the contract is only 18 months.

Say what you want but I have had nothing but good experiences dealing with the company.

I am going to call BS on your events with the Vivent salesman. Not only are most the reviews from people who have never had the system or know nothing about it. The previous owner had an APX (prior to Vivent) system installed. We had the tech come out and wire a newer panel and 6 more sensors to accompany the ones already installed.

Two separate instances have occurred with police dispatch, the first time we had a friend over who opened the door and set the alarm off. Police showed up in about 2 minutes. The system was still under the previous owners names and the system was supposed to have been non functional. The second time was 2 weeks ago we went to VA to go to Kings Dominion, I happened to look at my phone as the alarm icon popped up on my status bar, not even 10 seconds later I get a call saying the alarm had gone off. They dispatched police and they even called back to let me know everything was ok. Turns out I replaced the battery in the garage door sensor and broke a component on the circuit board. It sent a false signal saying the door had been opened. They sent me a replacement sensor, which is even better considering it was part or the prior owners components.

I have also received a couple of Phone calls asking if everything is fine with the system and my level of satisfaction with the service. They have been absolutely awesome with customer service, out of pocket cost for installation was $0 and since it was a takeover of the prior owners account the contract is only 18 months.

Say what you want but I have had nothing but good experiences dealing with the company.


When you are out of town, and your alarm goes off, how do the police or whoever get it to stop alarming?

When you are out of town, and your alarm goes off, how do the police or whoever get it to stop alarming?You provide a list of contacts to the alarm company so they can find someone that you has designated as able to come turn off the alarm and secure the house.

You provide a list of contacts to the alarm company so they can find someone that you has designated as able to come turn off the alarm and secure the house.

Wow, it could take a while for someone to get there. And the alarm is sounding the whole time? Bet the neighbors wouldn't be real happy. :howdy:

When you are out of town, and your alarm goes off, how do the police or whoever get it to stop alarming?

From what I understand with the newer systems you can control the entire system from your phone.

As well as view live video from your installed security cameras..

From what I understand with the newer systems you can control the entire system from your phone.

Doh! You are right... the POC is not to come turn off the alarm but rather to be a person that can come check things out if the police need someone in town to secure the house. The alarm company turns off the alarm as soon as they know police are on site.

Doh! You are right... the POC is not to come turn off the alarm but rather to be a person that can come check things out if the police need someone in town to secure the house. The alarm company turns off the alarm as soon as they know police are on site.

What if the phone/cable line was cut?

What if the phone/cable line was cut?

New(er) systems don't use landlines at all, or if they do they have wireless and/or TCP/IP back up...

Couple of businesses around here found out the hardway that ADT systems had this weakness, and never told the account holders nor offered them upgrades..

Remember a sign out front of Smokey Joe's that said.. "Our Burglar would like to thank ADT!!" (or something very similar)

New(er) systems don't use landlines at all, or if they do they have wireless and/or TCP/IP back up...

Couple of businesses around here found out the hardway that ADT systems had this weakness, and never told the account holders nor offered them upgrades..

Remember a sign out front of Smokey Joe's that said.. "Our Burglar would like thank ADT!!" (or something very similar)

Correct but how many who have posted here have GSM? Besides for less than $200 you can get a jammer then that won't even work.

Correct but how many who have posted here have GSM? Besides for less than $200 you can get a jammer then that won't even work.

There's all kind of what'-ifs.. and even the best security systems can be circumvented if they WANT to (did you watch the news this morning?), but 99% of the crackheads doing the robberies aren't going after Picassos.. and aren't going to do the Math, or the studying of YOUR house to figure out what you have.

There are no Thomas Crown's trying to break into any houses in St Mary's county.

If they are breaking into YOUR house they are probably doing it for their next hit, and would spend the $200 on crack and not a jammer..

Besides for less than $200 you can get a jammer then that won't even work.


From what I've been told by some of the home security companies, any disruption in the signal would trigger an alarm. Jamming, spoofing, destroying the device (no signal)...

There's all kind of what'-ifs.. and even the best security systems can be circumvented if they WANT to (did you watch the news this morning?), but 99% of the crackheads doing the robberies aren't going after Picassos.. and aren't going to do the Math, or the studying of YOUR house to figure out what you have.

There are no Thomas Crown's trying to break into any houses in St Mary's county.

If they are breaking into YOUR house they are probably doing it for their next hit, and would spend the $200 on crack and not a jammer..

Which is why I say buy the security system but don't buy the monitoring.

From what I've been told by some of the home security companies, any disruption in the signal would trigger an alarm. Jamming, spoofing, destroying the device (no signal)...

Hope they use Verizon down here then.:sarcasm:

Which is why I say buy the security system but don't buy the monitoring.

And I can't disagree with you, that would be a personal choice.. It is, after all, your property...

If I were to buy one the monitoring would actually be the most important part.. but that would be for me.

The best part of the internet and the forums is the amount of information everyone shares (to include opinions) so hopefully somebody can make a more informed decision, and not just believe what the nice, personable, good looking salesman tells them.

When they called back to inform us that everything was okay i disarmed it from my phone and while on the phone I had them bypass the garage door sensor so it would not go off again. The door is an interior door going from the garage to the house, its just there in case they gain access to the garage it will go off the second they try to access the interior of the house. I waited about 5 minutes for the bypass command to go over and then rearmed the house.

The new systems mostly use the GSM based transceiver to do all communications. It is not branded to any cell carrier, it will work with any GSM tower. When it was installed the guy showed me that I was within range of 4 different towers. Also like stated if anything disrupts the communication they will dispatch the police.

Funny you should say you will skip the monitoring, a neighbor had a small brush fire going and the smoke shifted towards their house. The smoke blew into a few windows and set off the smoke alarm, being out side the neighbor did not know that the alarm had gone off and did not answer the phone when they called to verify. Fire dept was dispatched and arrived with 4 minutes of the alarm signal being sent. I have also managed to set off the glass break sensor watching movies, i was able to catch it and deactivate the alarm before the command was sent to the monitoring service.

I'm a bit belated, but we've had ADT for a few years. We got hit in the same rash of break-ins that Vrai did, unfortunately that was the ONE night we didn't turn the stupid thing on :doh: We had something like 5 or 6 houses in the neighborhood that were hit. Only 3 were successfully robbed because the others had their alarms set, the little turds took off when the alarm started shrieking.

We have ADT, and I've honestly been pretty unhappy with them. The equipment prices are ridiculous and to upgrade to a system where you can monitor with your cell phone, etc? :cds:

We've had a few false alarms (thanks to the kitties and some balloons in front of the motion sensor) and it took ADT HOURS to get in touch with us. That's with my cell phone, hubby's cell phone, home phone, work numbers plus back up POCs. The only time they call promptly is when I burn dinner.

One of the places I lived in high school utilized ADT. From what I remember it worked ok but just from my personal research in this area, one could get a much better deal by going with a number of other home security companies. Also, the general feedback isn't very good.

A few weeks ago everyone on my cul-de-sac (EXCEPT ME) had items stolen from their cars sometime during the night. One woman had her purse with her wallet and ID and credit cards taken, another woman the same plus her passport.

Some people have alarm system like ADT. Most have dogs. Most have guns.

Not one alarm went off.

Not one dog barked.

Not one gun was locked and loaded.

WHY NOT ME. Because I lock my car doors and don't leave my wallet and passport in the car.