Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Links Mentioned on The Show

SimpiSafe

NetVue

In another previous episode titled alert, which is the third blue point, we had a border patrol station chief and counter terrorism specialist talk to us about what it means to be personally alert.  In today’s episode we are going to look at home defense from a technical, digital, wireless standpoint.

By the way, don’t forget to rate us on Itunes, follow us on facebook, subscribe, and visit the website.

Fear marketing has certainly led to the rise of home security systems but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t useful and important.  But, the days of having someone come into your house, install a security system and pay a monthly fee has changed.  Can you self-monitor your home and do it in a cost effective way?  Yes and here is how.

There are three ways of looking at home defense.  Home defense when your away, home defense when your home, and home defense for everyday family life.

Wireless without monitoring

Two caveats

One –There are still plenty of wired systems out there, but we are going to stick to the wireless systems today simply because we are really going to drill down on the self-monitoring options.

Two – Monitoring here refers to both professional monitoring stations and cameras that require paid cloud services in order to view and store pictures and video.

Wireless without monitoring can work well in all three of these categories. Be careful when selecting home monitoring devices like cameras or door bell cameras because many of the features may not be available unless you sign up for a monthly monitoring service.  However, there are several companies that offer these devices that simply work on your home’s wifi.  Netview is the one that we have used and have been very happy with the quality and functionality. Netview doorbell camera easily wires in to your existing doorbell circuit and gives you a wide range of home defense features.  With the use of an app you can see in real time a high-quality color video of everything going on in front of your house, and it even works well at night with it’s infrared lighting.  You can set alerts for movement and even set up a feature to record video when movement occurs.  This is also nice when you are expecting packages to help prevent the porch pirates from invading your home.  You can adjust the sensitivity which can help limit the number of notifications you receive.  At $50.00 it packs a lot of features that can fit most budgets.  Netview also carries a wide range of interior and exterior cameras that pan,zoom trigger motion lighting and have SD card slots for recording without having to pay cloud storage fees. A couple of in home cameras can be set to pick up motion, record, and alert you instantly on your phone of any intruder, teenage party, or mans’ best friend attack on your sofa.  One negative feature of Netview is that the cameras have to be wired in to a power supply. So without an existing circuit you have the added expense of an electrician.

Wireless with Monitoring

Wireless with monitoring opens you up to a much bigger selection and more complete coverage for exterior and interior home defense. Maybe the most recognized company is RING.  One of the best features of the RING product line is its battery operated systems.  On a single charge an exterior camera and flood light system can last for months.  The downside is that without monitoring your ability to self monitor your home while your away is limited.  The good news is RING monitoring is only $3 per month.  They also have an unlimited plan that has an annual cost of $100 per year.

Complete systems like Simplisafe can add a few features you may want to consider.  Simplisafe offers real time monitoring by their 24 hour monitoring staff ?????  that are directly connected to police, fire and emergency personnel.  In addition, Simplisafe offers interior and exterior alarms that will wake you and your neighbors in the event someone breaks in.  Simplisafe also offers equipment that can be customized to your home such as flood monitors and glass break sensors.  Simplisafe’s full service monitoring is around $25 per month.

Without monitoring service, you are left to self-monitor.  Which just means if you see someone in your house on your app, call the police.  If you see your kids having a party –  you can address the issue from the two-way speaker on the camera. If you see your dog tearing up your couch – stop what your doing and go home before he gets to the love seat.

The biggest limitation with total budget home monitoring is power outages and loss of Wi-Fi.

One of the biggest concerns is others being about to view your cameras without your knowledge.  If you are worried about someone hacking into your cameras while you are home, many cameras have a do not disturb feature or you can simply point them in a safe direction.  We are always careful to let guests know that we have cameras, and instruct them how to turn them off when necessary.

I love technology and I know you do as well.  With so many inexpensive options I am sure there is a product that is suited to your perfect situation.  Not to be use out of a sense of fear, but a motto of readiness.