FrontPoint Security Reviews
How Good of a Security System is FrontPoint?
Call: (888) 268-6273
Website: FrontPoint Security
FrontPoint Security wins top choice as our best home alarm system. Why? A combination of excellent customer service, reliable equipment, 100% dedicated cellular, self-installation, and interactive monitoring all add up to create a solid and trustworthy security solution. But don't take our word for it, read this article, do your own research, and then make up your mind. When you're ready, you can call toll-free, (888) 268-6273, to find out more about FrontPoint and your options for your home security system.
Your House and Alarm System Are Unique
Every house is different, and therefore requires its own unique security setup. That's why a self-install option allows you the flexibility necessary to setup your security system to your own needs. When you speak with a security representative, you'll want to make sure they answer all your questions, and don't spend half the phone conversation stuffing a sales pitch down your throat.
Why FrontPoint Security?
FrontPoint Security is our top pick as best home security system for a simple reason: their product is top of the line and their customer service is outstanding. And trust us, if you've done your research, you'll notice how much of a "used car salesman" industry the home security industry has turned into. Most reps we encountered spend the majority of the phone call simply trying to sell us the system. In other words, they spent the majority of the time talking, while we tried to get off the phone. It was refreshing to learn that not all home security system representatives are like this. Our experience with FrontPoint showed us that the rep spent more time listening to our needs, and less time telling us what our needs were (how would they know).
But like we said - you need to find out for yourself. The key to a successful relationship with your home security provider is that you feel comfortable in their services. Ask around - family, friends, neighbors - and see what their experience is with their alarm company.
Look for Negative Reviews and Comments
The Internet is a great source of research these days. Why? Because for the large part, it's consumer-driven research. That means instead of finding one-person editorial opinions, you can get a sampling of what the masses think. In this case, we suggest searching for the names of top alarm companies, and trying to find review sites (such as this one) that are unaffiliated with any of the alarm companies, and offer not only their opinions, but give free reign for others to comment and share their views.
That's why we have an open comment policy. Anyone can comment below and speak their mind. Comments are edited only for spelling, grammar and our basic terms of use apply (ie. no foul or offensive language or inappropriate comments).
So what are you waiting for? Don't just take our word for it that FrontPoint is a good system. Go out and Google them, ask your friends and neighbors, get all the information you can before ordering your system. When you're ready, order your system on the FrontPoint Security website, or call (888) 268-6273 to speak with a representative and have your questions answered.
Why Install a Home Security System in the First Place?
Crime is on the rise, and for a small monthly fee you can give yourself and your family peace of mind. That being said, we're also in a recession, and money is tight. So, if you can't afford a home security system, at least buy a house alarm sign and stick it in your front yard. That will, according to statistics, deter 60% of burglars on its own. If you're worried that someone might not see the sign, or you need one in your backyard as well, order multiple. Burglarly stats suggest that 85% of break-ins happen through doors, not windows. Although, most home security system providers will provide you with window decals as well (or, you can order some yourself as a deterrent).
Interactive Monitoring Systems
One of the advantages a good home security system can offer you, if available, is an interactive monitoring system. Basically what this does is allow you to access your system remotely - from the Internet or your PDA/ cellphone. You'll be able to not only control the arming and disarming of your system, but you'll be able to see realtime activity on your system, as well as a logged history. So, for example, if you're on vacation but the housekeeper has a key and is supposed to come every other day, you'll be able to see exactly when she enters the house and leaves, and depending on the motion sensors you have installed, where she is in your house.
The beauty of the interactive monitoring system is that it can be used anytime, even if your system is disarmed. For example, if you go out grocery shopping and you told your kids to stay out of the cookie cabinet, you'll be able to see if it remains shut (assuming you added a sensor to it). Finally, you won't ever have to deal with the hassle of running to your control panel to disarm in time. You can log into your system remotely on your cell phone as you drive up and disarm it. By the time you arrive, it will be disarmed and you can simply enter. For those that are really paranoid about security, you can use this feature to kill any kind of "enter delay" on your system. That means if a door or window is opened (or glass broken), the alarm will immediately go off. Note that if you decide on using this feature, you better not forget to disarm prior to entering 
Who Provides the Interactive Monitoring Service?
The interactive monitoring service provider for most house alarms is Alarm.com. They were founded in early 2000, based on the principle that they wanted more control over their own security system. They grew quickly as demand for their service climbed, to the point that they stopped accepting customers directly. Today, you can get interactive monitoring service for your home security system by Alarm.com for most security companies that use GE wireless equipment. You can visit Alarm.com's FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) for more details.
Your home security system provider may even provide security cameras, which you'll then be able to view and monitor via your interactive monitoring service. These can also be used as a great tool to keep an eye on your pets while you are away.
What's Your Recommended Security Setup?
Based on the burglary statistics we list above, and from our own experience, we recommend you have a home security system that includes, at a minimum:
- Door sensors for your exterior doors (ie. front and back)
- Window sensors to cover your "out of street view" windows (ie. on the back of your home)
- Motions sensors to cover large common areas in your home
What to Look for in Your Home Security System
The best home security system will not only be backed by a reputable company that is known for its customer service, it will also offer the type of security system and components that are suitable for installation in your home. In this case, you'll come across several different types of systems:
- Hard wired- hard wired systems use your telephone land line to make a connection. Typically, older systems use this approach. While they tend to be the most affordable, they are not necessarily the most secure, especially in older homes, as they leave exposed wires susceptible to cutting by thieves.
- Wireless - a wireless system still relies on a phone line to connect to your alarm system provider and monitoring station. The difference is that the components (sensors) of your system are wireless, as opposed to being hard-wired into your home. Typically, a wireless system can be installed by yourself, whereas a hard-wired system will need a professional installer. In addition, wireless systems can be moved more easily (and usually without a fee, since you do it yourself) when you move to a new location, whereas a hard-wired system will either carry a moving fee, or, in some cases, require you to purchase new equipment.
- Cable (broadband) - cable alarm systems use your Internet connection. While these may be slightly more secure than land lines, the cables can still be cut, and there is always the possibility, while small, of an Internet outage interrupting your service. For this reason, with cable security systems it's recommended that you add battery backup.
- Cellular - a cellular system, while slightly more expensive, is also our recommended type of security system setup. Why? Because it uses a dedicated two-way cellular network (not the same network your phone uses - no worries of "dropped" calls here), not land lines that are susceptible to cutting. More important, and this is often missed, is that you are on a 100% dedicated cellular system. What does this mean? It means the connection between both your sensors and control panel, as well as control panel and monitoring station, are all cellular. Our research indicates that FrontPoint is one of the only alarm providers that offers this technology by default (many providers that offer cellular offer only a cellular connection between the sensors and control panel, which is not nearly as essential as a cellular connection to your monitoring station). And others don't actively market this technology because it impacts their margins. But to FrontPoint, your safety is really their top priority.
- Battery Backup - Make sure your control panel also has battery backup - so if you lose your power, your security system stays online.
- Smash and Grab Protection - FrontPoint offered this technology as an industry first. When your house alarm goes off, a signal is sent, and when you disarm, a second signal is sent. If the second signal is never received (ie. if a thief trashes your security system control panel), then authorities are dispatched.
Home Security System Components
Now that you have an idea of what types of home security systems are on the market, it's time to look into the actual components (sensors, etc.) for your house alarm setup. Note that, at a minimum, you'll need a control panel (for communicating with your alarm system provider and monitoring station) and door sensors (so a break-in can be detected). In most situations you'll also want to install at least one motion sensor.
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Control panel - a control panel is the brains behind your security system. It's used to communicate with your alarm system provider as well as your monitoring station. You'll typically install at least one in your home, but may install multiple control panels depending on the size of your house, and the different entry points you use to gain access to your home.
- Alarm system control buttons - every control panel will come with arm and disarm buttons. When disarming, you'll be asked for a unique PIN code to enter that will enable you to disarm the system. Typically, your system will also have entry and exit delays allowing you a fixed amount of time (typically 30 seconds to 1 minute) to enter and leave the home before the system is armed (upon leaving) or an alarm is sounded (upon entering and failing to disarm). You'll also be able to select a stay (arm doors and windows for sleeping at night) or away (arm all sensors as you leave the home) arming mode.
- Status buttons - some control panels will let you see a history of events that have been triggered, such as door and window openings, motion sensors being tripped, and of course, actual alarm events.
- Emergency buttons - control panels may include one press emergency buttons that will put you in touch with the local authorities, or send them out to your home, as quickly as possible. These include police, medical, and fire.
- 2-way calling - some control panels and alarm system setups will be configured to allow two-way calling with your alarm company. This will allow you to speak to your security system provider without picking up the phone.
- Door and window sensors - a typical setup will include door sensors for your exterior doors, as well as several window sensors. Usually these are the same type of sensor - they simply attach a transmitter to your door or window frame and a magnet to the door or window itself, so the alarm can detect if the door or window is opened. Note that these sensors will not detect glass breaks. See the glass break sensors below for more info.
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Motion sensors - motion sensors usually detect motion based on body heat in a 90 degree angle up to 45 feet away. The optimal place to install your motion sensor is in a corner, so the 90 degrees of coverage run along each wall, effectively covering the maximum amount of space. Additionally, it helps to install them at a height of 5 feet or lower so they can detect ground motion as well. Alternatively, you can install them between the wall and ceiling, pointing downwards at an angle to cover the room (this type of setup will typically involve screws, or a semi-permanent installation).
- Note that motion sensors can be used in lie of window sensors - as you'll be able to cover several windows with one motion sensor. The drawback to this approach is that if you arm your system in "stay" mode, typically only the door and window sensors will be armed.
- Another thing to keep in mind with motion sensors is that, depending on the weight of your pet (dog, for example), your pets might be able to trip your motion sensor. Ask your security representative about the specifics of your motion sensors and what they recommend. Typically, you should be able to confine your pets to areas that are not covered by your motion sensors while you are away.
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Glass break sensors - glass break sensors should be installed if you have large sliding glass doors, large windows, or simply want additional protection in the event that a thief enters your house by breaking the glass instead of opening the window. A glass break sensor will detect the unique frequency of glass breaking, usually up to 10 feet away - so you should be able to install one to cover at least two windows.
- Note that glass break sensors will not detect windows opening if the glass doesn't break (just as window sensors will not detect glass breaking). For a full solution, you'll need either both window and glass break sensor (for a window), or (we prefer this) a motion sensor to cover the area.
- Note that glass break sensors will sound an alarm if glass is broken, whether or not your system is armed. Ask your security representative for details on this. The idea being that glass shouldn't be breaking at any time, whether your system is armed or not.
- Security cameras - security cameras can be installed indoors and outdoors. You can combine them with interactive monitoring to keep an eye on your pets while you are gone; or to record video or your premises which can help law enforcement track down potential criminals or trespassers.
Arming Your Home Security System
There are two basic ways of arming your home security system: Stay (or "home") and Away. In Stay mode, the system assumes that you are home, and typically this will mean that motion sensors are disabled. In Away mode, the system assumes that you are out of the house, and will therefore enable all sensors. Note that glass break sensors are typically enabled at all times, even when your system is disarmed. After all, you typically don't enter your home by breaking in through the window, right? These are things to keep in mind as you decide on which components (sensors) to add to your system, and how many of each to add. As we pointed out, you can use motion sensors to cover large areas, including areas that normally might require a series of window sensors. However, if you arm your system in Stay mode, the motion sensors typically won't arm. You can always, of course, arm the system in Away mode when you're at home, but keep in mind that you'll want to keep yourself (and your family members and pets) away from the motion sensors so they don't get tripped.
Central Monitoring Stations
A central monitoring station is what your home security system is connected to. They are the people that are monitoring the activity in your home (when your house is armed), and that will contact you and dispatch the authorities in the event of a break-in.
Lots of the top alarm companies will go on and on about the number and quality of central monitoring stations (the station that take your alarm alert and pass it to local authorities), and the inferiority of central monitoring stations other companies use. The bottom line is that you want an alarm company that doesn't simply use a good central monitoring station, but does a good job of installing your system to your needs (or in the case of a self-install, helps guide you through the process), answers your security questions, and makes you feel comfortable with the service you are buying. You want your alarm system setup correctly and with adequate security measures (ie. doesn't allow cut phone lines) to begin with.
How Important is a Monitored Alarm System?
According to research studies, homes with a monitored security system are 2.2 times less likely to be burglarized, and business with a monitored security system are 4.5 times less likely to be burglarized. In addition, 85% of police chiefs recommend the installation of monitored security systems.
Front Point's Central Monitoring Station - Rapid Response
Front Point uses Rapid Response for their central monitoring (the center that processes your alarm event and dispatches local authorities). With a state-of-the-art 40,000 square foot headquarters facility in Central New York, Rapid Response Monitoring is listed by Underwriter Laboratories and certified by Factory Mutual. Rapid Response is one of fewer than two dozen Central Stations approved to monitor fire alarms in New York City. In addition to fire alarms, Rapid Response also monitors burglary, supervisory & medical signals, and offers GPS tracking/monitoring. Rapid Response performs monitoring of military, commercial, and residential accounts as well as provides answering service capability for its Dealers. Video, voice and data are processed by highly trained personnel to ensure error free handling of calls and signals. Check out the Rapid Response website for more information.
Summary - Best Home Security System
The best home security system, in summation, will have all of the following:
- Good Customer service - Do they answer your questions and try to address your needs (as opposed to theirs, and simply making money).
- Customer reviews - Do in-depth research to find out if your home security provider is getting good consumer reviews. In particular, it's important to keep in mind that with larger home security providers (such as ADT, Brinks, CPI, etc.), reviews will often be targeted at local authorized dealers, which means reviews will vary greatly depending on geographic location.
- Cellular system - We recommend you invest in a cellular system. The increased security and reliability are worth it.
- Interactive monitoring - it's a huge plus to be able to keep track of everything that's happening at home, while you are away. You can also use interactive monitoring to remotely disarm your house's alarm system.
- Central monitoring station - a reliable, well known central monitoring station that's not run out of someone's garage.
Our Pick - FrontPoint Security
Call: (888) 268-6273
Website: FrontPoint Security
FrontPoint Security wins top choice as our best home security system. Why? A combination of excellent customer service, reliable equipment, self-installation, and interactive monitoring all add up to create a solid and trustworthy security solution. But don't take our word for it, read this article, do your own research, and then make up your mind. When you're ready, you can call toll-free, (888) 268-6273, to find out more about FrontPoint and your options for your home security system.
Top Home Security Companies Adapt and Grow
One thing that helps security companies such as FrontPoint, Protect America, Life Shield, and some of the other smaller outfits grow and adapt to an ever-increasingly sophisticated criminal environment is their focus on DIY systems. The reduced effort allows them to focus their efforts on researching and developing new sensors and systems, and making sure all parts of the system are using the latest and most reliable components. They can also spend more time staffing and training customer service personnel - time that is typically spent on sales people by the larger security firms.
Comments Welcome!
Please comment below with your own home security experience. We want to hear all about it! Also, if you have any questions regarding security system providers, equipment, sensors, etc. ask away and we'll do our best to answer them. We have quite a bit of experience in the security system niche, which simply started with us finding the need to install and manage our own alarm system. So we talked to dozens of companies, took notes, tried out equipment, etc. etc. until we found a solution that worked for us. That doesn't necessarily mean it will work for you though, so make sure you do your own research and select a system and provider that you're comfortable with.
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Post a CommentCustomer service sure does matter if your home is broken into
Great article! I love the part about great customer service. Most of us don't really think about customer service until we need it, and by then it's too late to back out. I might be able to deal with poor customer service at a fast food restaurant, but when it comes to the security of my home and family, I want to know that I'm being taken seriously. I think it's ridiculous that we even have to have companies like this around at all, but if we have to have them, they need to take their job seriously.
One feature that I loved reading about here was the remote access. I've had a home that was robbed. I can't help but think of that now every time I leave my house. Of course, possessions can be replaced, so home security is more important to me when my family is actually home and might get hurt, but it would be reassuring to know that I can check on the security of my home even when I'm not there.
Landline phone connection is risky for home alarm systems
I like that the author asks the question about what should a good home security system include. I was slightly disappointed to discover that my Greek fire was nowhere to be found, but overall I feel that good recommendations were made. The minimum requirements included sensors for each exterior door, window sensors for windows that were not viewable from the street and motion sensors to cover large common areas of the home. Of course, this is a minimum recommendation. Personally, I would not be happy with just this. I would want sensors on all the windows and motion detectors throughout the home. Additionally, I would want the whole thing to be able to be controlled from my smart phone.
The article then talks about the various types of wiring and access available. The cheapest are those systems that are actually hard wired. The problem with these, of course, is that they are not very secure. Any thief could come along and simply cut the exposed wires and then you are out of luck. They also connect to a land telephone line, which may not be a bad thing but it is certainly not state of the art. The next step up is a wireless system, although this still uses a telephone line. Then there are cable based systems which relying on your internet connection for communication. Finally, the most state of the art system uses a dedicated two way cellular network. This is much more secure than your local cell phone network. Additionally, there is also a battery back up, so it is virtually impossible to disable such a system. If such an attempt was ever made, the system itself is smart enough to recognize this and would immediately dispatch help.
Self Install Alarm Systems could be a good option
Good article.
While this article is more of a review of the Front Point security system, there were also a number of great ideas in here which really made me start to think. The first take away I had was the idea of choosing a system which has a self install option. This way, the system can really be customized to fit whatever requirements you may have. It would also be a great way to include just the particular features you were looking to include. You may even be able to add stuff off the shelf, as it were. Of course, being a neophyte at this installation stuff, I am not even sure what kind of technical or mechanical skill would even be required to do this.
Another interesting thing is the fact that most burglaries occur through doors and not windows. This leads me to believe that even if you did not want to go the whole way and actually get a security system, you could start by reinforcing all of your doors. This led me to think a little about how I would do this. Maybe start by getting some new doors that were a little more break in resistant (is that even a word)? Another option might be electronic locks and a deadbolt or two. I also might start considering some good old fashioned Greek fire perched on a ledge above and rigged to drop when the door was unexpectedly opened with an excessive amount of force, but somehow I imagine that would be against the building code in my neighborhood! I guess that for now I might have to be satisfied with maybe just adding a few fake (but real looking) cameras in some very conspicuous places.
The author also points out something which I have always thought. That if you do not want to get a full blown security system, you should at least get a sign advertising a security system. Put it in your front yard. The name of the game here is pure deterrence. Statistics show that a sign like this will deter about 60% of burglars on its own. That sounds like cheap insurance to me. Personally, I would also try putting another sign or decal in my window.
Another really cool feature of many security systems these days is interactive monitoring. Actually, I think this is probably the top reason to consider such a system. Accessing your system remotely through your phone or PDA is really cool and very convenient. Turn your lights on and off right from your phone, set the system or even turn it off as you are about to walk in. You can even access your logs to see who has been in and out. Combined with internal motion detectors, this can really give you a ton of information about exactly what is going on in your home, even when you are hundreds or thousands of miles away. You can even add sensors to certain objects or areas that you want to closely monitor such as a cookie jar, or a computer room or home office.
FrontPoint replaced sensors for free
I just wanted to answer some of the rumors I've been hearing about equipment warranties and the varying policies between alarm system vendors. A couple of my FrontPoint (FPS) window and door sensors failed after 3 years (because I had been using them on my garage doors - turns out there's dedicated garage door sensors for this which I'm now using). Despite their being no official equipment warranty on these, Front Point called and said they'd be Fed-Ex'ing out brand new sensors at no charge.
In the 4 years I've been with FPS I have yet to experience a lapse in their terrific customer service.
Crime Rates
The only point that isn't factual in the article is that crime rates are on the rise. Crime rates have declined from a high of nearly 15 million in 1991 to 10.3 million in 2010. In fact, robberies are down to levels last seen in 1970. None the less, I think a good security system can give piece of mind, especially for ancillary features like smoke sectors and quick access to emergency personnel. (statistics source: http://www.disastercenter.com/crime/uscrime.htm).
Protecting yourself from thieves
Burglars are roaming these days. Many have been murdered and some sexually assaulted. Me and my family want to protect our home with security against such thieves. The systems you point out here really caught our attention. I would like to suggest these to my family.
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Denzel's
Remote cell disarm
I love the fact that I can arm/ disarm my system via my cell phone. It's so handy that I don't even bother with the Control Panel or keychain remote anymore. The only thing that would make this even cooler is if I was given the ability to program a button on my car dashboard/ rear-view mirror like I have setup for my garage doors.
DIY security
In my book a top security firm will give you the option of installing your own system. In my ten year experience with security systems, I've seen way too many installations botched. Unless a security representative takes a couple days and becomes intimately familiar with the construction of your house, they're bound to miss a couple "dead" spots that experienced burglars will be able to exploit.
Save yourself the headache and go with a system that you can install yourself. Who knows your home better than you?
Full alarm system DIY
I recommend the wireless alarm and monitoring system I purchased a few months ago, easy to install do it yourself, you purchase all you need as per your budget. It consist of a Panel and you choose the accessories and it's micro camera-sensors, then the system will send you a sequence of verification images to your mobile in case of triggered alarm, so you can verify immediately that you are home.
We have tested and good quality photo received took in darkness area.
And very important NO monthly rates, I'm very satisfied, good quality and fast delivery, I purchased it on line.
I let you know the brand name for you take a look on alarmas-tida.com.
Greetings
The home security market
Is currently being dominated by a few giant, old school companies (ADT, Brinks, APX, etc.). Companies like Protect America, Life Shield, and FrontPoint are the new breed of home security...but are they as reliable as the old? From what I can tell the basic problem with the old, brick and mortar systems from the larger companies is that the technology hasn't changed much over the years. The result? Thieves have learned to bypass the systems. I'm leaning towards smaller, more technologically efficient alarm companies, but I'm also hoping that they'll still be around ten years from now!
Control Panel backup
One thing that you definitely need to get with your alarm system is a control panel system that can't be disabled. In other words, the CP should send a signal when the house is breached (ie. door or window open), and another one when the system is successfully disarmed. This prevents the ability for an intruder to disable your home security system by smashing the control panel (old systems send a signal only when the "time delay" ends - you want one that requires a second signal, when the system is disabled, thereby preventing a smashed control panel from sending a disarmed signal).
Hope that makes sense!
Professional Security Services
Intruder home alarms and other types of professional security services will be a worthwhile investment to safeguard your property or your business. It is absolutely true fact that you are less likely to be burglarized if you have some professional maintained and fitted house alarm system or other type of modern security systems.
Commercial Door Repair
We repair and install sensors in Colorado all the time. If your door got busted up by a break-in, visit us at automaticdoordoctors.com to get your door repaired, and if you have questions regarding automatic door sensors.
Negative reviews
This is a great post, I like your suggestion about searching for negative reviews on the Internet. I used to look for positive reviews for something I was buying but found that the most value was gained from reading negative responses, like people clarifying that such and such isn't actually what it claims to be or a kettle which takes about half an hour just to boil despite it's fancy other functions.
People need to keep in mind, of course, that competitors can just as easily post negative reviews that are in fact false. I think if you spend enough time Googling and researching you'll get a fair overall picture of a company and its products. And then of course there's ResellerRatings.com, which I always check before purchasing a product (they didn't turn up ratings on alarm system providers however because I think they mostly focus on consumer products).
Home Security Systems
Smith and Wesson Security services provides advanced, customizable security solutions to homes and businesses across North America. We are committed to protect you and your loved ones with the best security products and service.
Take preventative measures for home security
It really does not have to take a lot of time to put into practice some preventative measures for your home security. No matter what type of monitoring video door intercom system you decide you use, there is at least one more easy item you can do that will make a big difference in the event of a tragedy. I trust it never happens, but in case it does you will be glad then that you took the time now.
Yes, take precaution and preventative measures before anything does happen. Make a video recording of all your electronics along with their serial number, make and model. Record anything that is of value to you. You could also be talking about where you bought it, how much you paid, or any other important information while you are video recording each item. Don’t just tape the big money items either. In just a few minutes you can walk through your house and make a recording of your valuables which then can be safe guarded outside your home in a safe deposit box, or in your fireproof safe.
Brinks Home Security
In order to protect the most valuable assets in your home, you'll want to go with none other than Brinks Home Security. Not only are they committed to providing exceptional protection, they are dependable and therefore a Brinks home security system is a wise choice.
Video cameras?
I love all the sensor options that are possible with a DIY home security system. One of the most important features I'm looking for is the ability to add a video camera - both indoors and outdoors. We live on a large piece of land, and it's often difficult to tell if people are approaching the house from the hillside due to heavy forestation. So I'd like to mount a wireless camera in a nearby tree. I'd also like to mount a couple cameras behind each of the main entries to our ranch.
Can you tell me which security companies offer wireless video surveillance?
Wireless video surveillance
- Live Streaming Video - online & via cell phone/PDA
- Motion & Alarm Triggered Video Clips (500 MB monthly upload limit per 50 MB storage)
- Archived Video Clips Storage Online (50 MB standard; 250/500/750 MB upgrades)
- 100 monthly text/email clips per 50 MB storage
- Receive instant Video Clips by Email, or by MMS to a cell phone / PDA
- 802.11 b/g wireless or ethernet connectivity
- 640x480 resolution
- 0.4 lux low-light sensitivity
- CMOS technology
- 4.09mm, F2.0 lens (i.e. 35mm wide angle)
- 5V Max power consumption; 6' power cord
- 1.1" (D), 3.5" (W), 3.5 (H); 4.3 oz
- Operating Temperature: 32 ° - 104 ° F
- WEP, WPA, WPA2 wireless encryption
- Adjustable motion detection settings
- Adjustable resolution and compression
- Convenient Privacy Button
- Direct Ethernet connection to router required
- Camera is weatherproof
- 0 lux @ F1.8 lux low-light sensitivity
- 4.00mm, F1.8 lens
- Operating Temperature: -4 ° - 122 ° F
- Adjustable motion detection settings
- Adjustable resolution and compression
- Dimensions: 5.9" x 2.3" x 2.3"
- Weight: 22.2 oz.
- Powered via 10' power cord or via Power-over-Ethernet injector
- Total distance between camera and router cannot exceed 300 ft.
- No-light infrared range is 30 ft.
- Live Streaming Video - online & via cell phone/PDA
- Pan and Tilt online camera controls for remote viewing of multiple locations from one camera
- Motion & Alarm Triggered Video Clips (500 MB monthly upload limit per 50 MB storage)
- Archived Video Clips Storage Online (up to 50 MB standard; 250/500/750 MB upgrades)
- 100 monthly text/email clips per 50 MB storage
- Receive instant Video Clips by Email, or by MMS to a cell phone / PDA
- Pan/Tilt Range: +/- 45° Pan and +22/-35° Tilt
- 20 Viewing position presets available
- 802.11 b/g wireless or ethernet connectivity
- 640x480 max resolution
- 1.0 lux low-light sensitivity
- 4.5mm, F2.0 lens (i.e. 35mm wide angle)
- 12V DC power consumption; 6' power cord
- 3.2" (D) x 3.3" (W) x 3.9" (H); 10 oz
- Operating Temperature: 32° - 104° F
- WEP, WPA, WPA2 wireless encryption
- Adjustable motion detection settings
- Adjustable resolution and compression
- Convenient Privacy Button
Very valid points raised
Very valid points raised within your article. It does sound as though FrontPoint are a good little security company. I too have found it difficult to scrutinize them nor have I found any negative reviews about them across the web. I would struggle to believe that any kind of "aggressive" sales strategy would work. Especially the way ADT went about it. What I would like to know is if they have a system for those with home automation.
Gift option?
Is there any way to order this security system as a gift? I have a kid that is moving into a somewhat "shady" area for her first post-college job, and while my daughter is very responsible as far as payments and money management is concerned, we're a bit worried about her safety. We can't afford to move her into the adjoining, "nicer" neighborhood, but would feel safer if we could give her a quality security system as a Christmas present.
Is there any way to order these things as gifts - ie. set up payments from our account, but have the system installed, configured, etc. at our daughter's address?
Gift options
Monthly Fee vs. Accessory Cost
I've heard that there are two basic "revenue" models as far as security companies are concerned. In the first, security firms make money primarily via a higher monthly fee. In the second, they make money by selling accessories, and are able to offer a lower monthly fee. Which ones does FrontPoint fall under? It seems that their monthly fee is very competitive, but that their accessories are a bit overpriced...
Alarm system and component pricing
Consult a security expert
Yes, it is true today's security systems protect our assets as well as our family members. But before we use these systems we should discuss our security needs with a professional security consultant.
Know your security setup
FrontPoint
FrontPoint isn't bad. We installed them in our house and are happy so far. I agree that the techs were fairly pleasant - they didn't show their sales pitch down my throat. At the same time, my guy almost sounded non-complacent, like it didn't matter to him either way. If I were FPS, I would want my guy to hype my system at least a little.
That being said, installation and activation was fairly painless. Now I'm just waiting for my city to send me my alarm system registration confirmation. Once that's done, I'll need to be careful not to trigger any false alarms (my wife getting up to let out the dogs, for example). So far, we've set it off just about every morning.
One really nice feature is that I'm able to adjust the volume of the beeps on the Control Panel so they don't blow our ears off (the panel is fairly close to our master bedroom). Even nicer is the fact that I can disarm it remotely before I enter the house (on my iPhone - there's an app!). That means I could theoretically kill the time lapse that happens when someone opens the door, effectively taking all time away from any burglary. If you're going to take this approach, however, I strongly recommend that you don't forget to disarm (because the alarm goes off instantly)! And trust me, the alarm siren is loud as heck and you can't (and wouldn't want to) lower its volume.
Interactive Monitoring
I've got a question on the interactive monitoring feature (alarm.com). How exactly does this work - you access a website on the Internet and are able to arm/ disarm your alarm system? Isn't that insecure? I don't want anyone else being able to access my system and potentially disarm it, go into my house, and steal my brand new flat screen TV!
Home security measures
As with any website, your password is only as secure as you make it. I don't think the thieves will make the connection between your website login and your home security company. If they're that sophisticated, they'll probably find a way in anyways. And if you've got that pimpin' of a pad that someone that high tech would want to break in, you can probably afford to hire an armed guard. Just sayin'
Choose a good password
My experience with alarm reps
Thanks for this article. You raise some very valid points. At first I thought the whole thing was biased a bit towards FPS, but after doing my own research I can fully back what you say. I had spoken with an ADT rep from Gaylord security, and the guy was a total @sshole. He went as far as to say I'd be putting my family in danger if I didn't order ADT. It was almost impossible to get him off the phone and by the end of the call he had his supervisor on there and everything and all I wanted to do was get off the phone. How can that possibly be a successful sales tactic in today's day and age?
FrontPoint, on the other hand, was friendly and laid back. My "sales" rep didn't push too hard, and even gave me the chance to think about it and call back. So that's what I'm doing now, but I'm leaving heavily towards ordering an FPS system. And like you said, I can't find a negative review on them! Can anyone?
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