Smart home security systems are awesome but they usually cost a ton of money for the equipment as well as the labor to install them. VueZone has created a system that you can monitor from your smart phone and setup your cameras anywhere in the house starting at $170.
We had an opportunity to setup their system and were amazed at how quickly we got it all up and running.
We setup the SX2700 that included two motion sensing cameras and a base station. You simply plug the base station into your router then sync it to your cameras. There are no wires! The cameras connect remotely to the base and you can place them anywhere in your house.
Once you register on VueZone you can see your cameras from any location with an internet connection and you can also view on your phone using their app which quickly installs via their QR code.
Besides the technology we also liked the design of their cameras. They can sit stationary or also be connected to a back mount that allows it to connect to the wall or ceiling and it's a ball and socket type connection that will let you move the camera smoothly in any direction.
They recently released a new outdoor mount that makes the camera waterproof and a window mount for even more options.
If you want to view your cameras using your smartphone you'll have to subscribe and it's $4.95 per month which doesn't seem like much to have an extra set of eyes back home.
For more information on the VueZone system, check out their website.
A little known secret in the home security world is that the appearance of security is about 90% of the actual benefit of having a home security system. Meaning, if it looks like you have a system, potential intruders will typically err on the side of caution rather than test their luck (unless you have something they really want, but that's another topic). So we especially love when there are products that create the appearance of security (thereby creating a certain level of security) that actually have a purpose beyond that appearance.
For our UK readers, Urban Outfitters is offering this security camera birdhouse by Donkey Products. Constructed to look like a standard security camera, this birdhouse is wall mountable and made to appear as if Big Brother is always watching -- that is, when a swallow or finch isn't nesting in it.
When it comes to protecting your home and your family, the exterior is just as important as any interior security features you may have. The best thing about most of these suggestions is that they're relatively budget-friendly, too, and therefore easier to incorporate.
Of course, one of the number-one exterior security features is lighting. ADT Security says you can choose from three types of lighting, depending on your specific situation.
1. All-night lighting: A light-sensitive photocell allows the light to turn on at dusk and off at dawn. That way, your property is illuminated all night. The downside? Because the light is on for such a long period of time, you'll likely see a noticeable spike in your electric bill. If this is an attractive lighting option for you, consider using a solar light instead.
2. Motion-activated lighting: The lights are activated on an as-needed basis, and, as ADT Security says, "it can be quite frightening for a trespasser when lights suddenly turn on, which is why this type of light is so effective and popular."
3. Hi/Low combination lighting: Low-intensity light shines throughout the night. When someone walks by the lights, a motion-activated sensor makes the lights get brighter. This is also a more cost-effective way of providing complete illumination all night without a huge electric bill.
Being able to remotely control your home's security system is one of the perks of continually evolving technology. But if you need something more comprehensive, consider ADT Pulse, a whole-home automation system that's customizable to your needs.
ADT Pulse goes beyond security, allowing you to access home automation, climate and light control and remote video monitoring. ADT calls it "lifestyle management," and it's an apt description. You can adjust lights and thermostats to help keep your home energy efficient. Remote video monitoring allows you to see who's at the door without actually going to the door. And, of course, you can arm and disarm your home's security system, even if you're not there.
