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?
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.
As of today, there are now 344 days until the end of all analog television broadcasts. I know everyone’s heard about it, but what does that actually mean? Well, if you use an external antenna on your TV (on your roof or maybe a set of rabbit ears) you will not be able to receive any television stations after February 17, 2009, if your TV is not compatible with DTV. Why is that? Because, the federal government is mandating that all TV signals be transmitted digitally, as opposed to analog.
If you’re like me, you may have a few sets around the house that will not be able to receive the new signals; they’re just too darn old! Maybe it’s that little TV in the kitchen, or the one in the shop that you catch a ball game on. In any case, if you want to keep using it, you’ll need to either add a DTV convertor, or use a pay service, such as cable or satellite TV.
When you use cable or satellite service, they will convert the signal for you. Just connect and go! If you just don’t want to incur any more monthly fees (that’s me!) then you’ll either have to replace that old set, or get at DTV convertor box. These boxes do have different features (picture-in-picture, different audio outputs, etc.) but if you’re connecting to that old ‘78 Zenith, I don’t think you’ll care too much about those, but get the best you can for the price. Why not!
Most major retailers like Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Radio Shack, and Circuit City now carry these boxes. They range in price in the $49-59 dollars. The good news is that the federal government is giving-away up to 2 coupons, worth $40 each, per household. Now you’ll be able to get that old TV set up and running for about $10-20 bucks! Not too bad!
To get you’re coupon, either call 1-888-DTV-2009, or go to: https://www.dtv2009.gov/ to request it online. The coupon expires in 90 days from receipt, so don’t delay. So you see, the whole process is simple, and not so costly after all!