Well, I’m thinking of doing the unthinkable. I’m getting lured by Comcast’s bundle package pricing. It’s only missing their local phone service; Comcast Digital Voice. Since it’s a managed system, it will have less problems transmitting alarm signals from my GE Networx NX-8 security system than an unmanaged service like Vonage. Even if it does, I’m not too concerned as I have a 2-way radio back-up service installed.
Any Comcast Digital Voice users out there that want to voice an opinion?
Well I broke-down and purchased the X10 ActiveHome Professional software & hardware package that has the USB interface. Hopefully it will solve my DST gripes that my old ActiveHome, version 1.42, with the CM11A interface (serial connection) used to give me. You can read about it here: http://securitysystemtips.com/blog/wp-trackback.php?p=5.
I think it’s going to be a great product. For the money, I don’t think it can be beat! If you can’t wait, pick it up here: http://www.securitysystemtips.com/oms_track/exit.php?link=2
These are some statistics that you may find useful. As stated in Security Sales & Integration magazine, the Most Common Customer Causes of False Alarms are:
72% Improper Disarming Upon Entry
62% Improper Arming Upon Exit
36% Lack of End-User Training
29% weather Related
23% Pets
22% Equipment Failure
18% Installation Issues
They also state that 10-25% of all calls to the police are alarm calls and that the police respond to 38 million alarm activations per year! That’s a lot considering that 94-98% of alarm activations are false alarms. Communities are seeing a large decrease in alarm calls by adopting verified response and enhanced call verification practices.
This information goes to show that we all have to do our part in reducing these false alarm calls. Why? Well, a false alarm requires 20 minutes and 2 officers to investigate, according to statistics. That’s too much wasted manpower and money.