The Design Perspective

Security system “opportunities” for new and existing homes
My Father-in-law tells a funny story how his daughter dented his 3-yr old Audi and told him “but this is a great opportunity to get it repainted like new!”

The FCC changes the rules on the wireless spectrum to take advantage of new technologies. While almost everyone has heard about the television antenna (Over-Air NTSC vs ATSC) changes, few may have heard about a similar change affecting wireless security system monitoring.

Wireless security system monitoring protects you from a burglar or assailant cutting the phone lines, keeping the alert messages from getting to the Central Station monitoring service. While we can easily monitor the phone line status and set off a local alarm siren if the lines are cut, your neighbors may not respond quickly to a siren.

This February the FCC is no longer allowed the old analog devices to operate, forcing people to upgrade to the new digital networks.

Like my wife, the daughter referenced above, we see this as an opportunity for you to swap out that old security system for one of our security/automation controllers!

Beyond reliable security functions and cost-effective monitoring, there are many conveniences we program into our controllers. Here are just a few:

Beyond reliable security functions and cost-effective monitoring, there are many conveniences we program into our controllers. Here are just a few:

• Easy arming and disarming with readable status display.

• Keep high-value areas like vaults, jewelry cases, or gun cabinets armed while the rest of the house is disarmed by assigning separate user codes to housecleaners, pet sitters, and even your kids.

• Assign a separate code for the pool cover and alarm.

• Simple text message alerts to your phone and/or email on any or all events. Know immediately when guests or kids have disarmed or armed the house.

• Simple text message alerts to your phone and/or email on any or all events. Know immediately when guests or kids have disarmed or armed the house.

• Client Favorite: Automatically close garage doors at night. We’ve added code so you can quickly see if the garages are closed via the indicator buttons on the panels and close them by pressing the button. Very useful when it’s time for bed and you’re arming the system from the Master Bedroom keypad.

• Small arming stations fit in the space of a decora light switch so you don’t need to see those ugly keypads on the wall.

• Remote access via the Internet or phone for arming, disarming, or opening the door for a guest.

• Self-Monitoring options (no monthly service for Central Station Monitoring) range from simple phone alerts, to text messages, to complete system status reporting. Look for a future article on FaciliMON, our upcoming house monitoring, control, and automation system.

• Easy to read history log so you can see what happened when.

• Self-Monitoring options (no monthly service for Central Station Monitoring) range from simple phone alerts, to text messages, to complete system status reporting. Look for a future article on FaciliMON, our upcoming house monitoring, control, and automation system.

• GSM Wireless remote monitoring works regardless if the phone or Internet is cut. Also resolves issues if you switch your telephone service to VoIP.

• Hybrid wired and wireless devices allow you to expand the system to add window monitoring, keyfobs for arming/disarming while opening the garage doors, toilet and washer leak detectors, sump pump alarms, etc.

• Monthly or weekly status signals ensure the system is always operating at peak performance.

• Complete integration with lighting controls and thermostats, so one button arming the system also sets the lights and saves energy.

Contact DistinctAV to schedule a review of your existing system or plans for your new home. A security system only provides piece of mind if you know it’s working!