Security Systems???

[TxAgHntr]

We are looking at getting a security system in our home so I am checking the GS for reviews or experience. I haven't done a whole lot of research yet (plan to and this is part of it) but was hoping to get some first hand info/experience with some of the current companies.

2 that I am looking at are:

ADT and Smith Thompson

BTW, I am located in DFW.

I am looking for genuine reviews/experience pertaining to this issues vs. the "get a rottweiler and another gun" comments. Thanks guys!

[jck]

What are you wanting from your security system?

Systems are only a deterrant, and mainly used to scare people away. Don't go into this expecting it to stop a burglary, because it won't. The cops will show up, but 95/100 times will be way too late.

I have a system, and I only use it to watch my dogs and see what they heck they do when we're gone! which usually means sleep on my couch or eat out of the trash

[TxAgHntr]

Looking for it to serve many purposes... deterrent, monitor, alarm etc...

I kind of look at it being better than nothing...obviously not the be-all and end-all.

[kenforu]

Both will lock you in long contracts and will not let you out. I have been in the business for 30 years. Best bet is do you research ask your neighbors find local companies privately owned better deals monitoring is all about the same as far as service. Price will vary from 19.95-45.00 per month. Video is the way to go with motion atleast you have verification not just a signal. Good luck I know some companies in Dfw if you need some help.

[J.W.P]

I have ADT.. Like jck said its not really going to prevent a hardcore thief from doing his thing but can prevent it to an extent... Cops will be way to late and they will grab everything they an as fast as they can... The only thing that i have found nice about it is when we are at home we will know if someone comes in unannouced do to our talking monitor as well as watching cameras ouside and in the house... Really nice to see whats going on outside your house when you are gone.. As well as if you leave the dogs at home you can see them to! All in all i like to have it for when im gone and wife is home alone or we are on vacation.. makes her feel safer cause the alarm will sound if someone busts in and she can grab the 870... nice to monitor when gone.. nothing more.. Hope this helps...

[TxAgHntr]

Thanks JWP, I am wanting it for all of those reasons mentioned in addition to babysitters with the kids and so forth. Also, do you know any Davis' in Troy?

Ken, I was reading on Smith Thompson webpage and they advertise a "no contract" offer...what am I missing? Btw, I would love some other names in the industry up to here to check out.

[J.W.P]

To be honest with you I am not good with names just faces and then i know names... My wife is good with them... Give a name cause i asked her and she said she wasnt sure needed a name or two...

Also our ADT is nice because we can arm it and disarm it from anywhere we are from our phones... We can look at cameras on phones, see what exterior door was opened and what time it closed. Its a nice thing to have when you leave and forget to set it.. But most im sure come with same thing...

[BuckTag]

We had ADT at our last house in town and the front door was kicked in. The alarm went off and it was during the day and the only thing they took was our big screen tv in the livingroom. It was one of those first flat screens that was still a projector type (really heavy). It was halfway broken anyway and I was about to replace it so they actually did me a favor since USAA paid for most on a upgraded tv Cops showed up after it was all said and done, and I was glad that my wife was at work...

At the new house I got Frontline setup, and at our private gated entrance I put up two game cams pointed at the entrance to get licence plates. One of them you can see and the other is well hidden.

I'm going to get the added monitoring options soon so I can check the status and arm/disarm from my phone.

[J.W.P]

The phone app is deff by far a great thing to have... like i said earlier i can watch cameras disarm/arm house even if im an hour away i can do it... Its a nice little feature to have... I have cameras facing the drive and all corners.. not many places that you can hide.. i can set it to motion pick up, live or both.. Cant really hide around my house...

[N.DaWoods]

Avoid Brinks! We had problems from beginning to end with this company. Terrible customer service and contracts. Read all fine print....


I would try Remington....great security system.

[Kankles]

I currently have ADT, at the end of my three year contract and I will be switching to Smith Thompson. I paid $47 a month for three years compared to $16.95 a month with no contract. Smith Thomsan says they charge $299 one time fee to set up if you dont have a system currently installed. If you have a system installed, it is a one time fee of $89 for the cellular monitoring device, and no contract. (got this info from their website)

For me the choice is clear.

[Kankles]

Another one I looked into is DFW Security, they offer the high tech stuff like Iphone apps

[Frederick D. Be]

I am currently using Vivint and while I do agree with others that it is a deterrent, it is peace of mind. But this one comes with some extra add-ons such as being able to lock/unlock your door from anywhere so long as you have the app on your phone, you can change temp settings in your home even from the app, I have surveillance cameras which will record events, and when your alarm activates you can talk directly to the folks manning the consoles at Vivint via the unit on the wall...and wireless too to ease your mind. Pretty neat system but you will have to sign a contract. Cheers!
Fred

[rladner]

Hawk security is another company. I use them. Smith Thompson couldn't give me the kind of system I wanted. I hate motion detectors, especially with young kids in the house. I wanted all door and window contacts so it cost a little more but that's a personal choice. Can do everything from my smart phone.

[dfkoon]

I think an alarm system is good. I've had really bad experiences with ADT. The 1st time I had to threaten to sue to get out of the contract. The 2nd time my wife contracted with them. Who knows how much we wasted on that. When they couldn't get a particular alarm to work they simply disconnected it. You could open up almost any window on the front and the alarm wouldn't go off. I'd pay for a good alarm to be installed. But the monitoring and maintenance is just not worth it.