Whether you're home or away, Security & Surveillance systems will help to keep your home safe. In addition to alerting you at home for monitored conditions, all the systems we sell can remotely contact you via either phone/cell/Internet. Most systems can also be remotely controlled via either phone/cell/Internet.

Security Systems -- The main components of a Security system is a wired or wireless controller, with various wired & wireless sensors/devices attached to it. The types of sensors include door/window contact, glassbreak, motion, smoke, flood, humidity, indoor/outdoor temperature, power out, and more. Some of our Security systems also support Lights, Thermostats, and Surveillance Cameras.

Surveillance Systems -- The main components of a Surveillance system consists of a camera, a recorder, a viewer, and a transmission medium.
When selecting a surveillance camera, decide which options are desirable for your needs. Indoor and outdoor, wired and wireless cameras are available. Some offer pan/tilt/zoom control, even from a web-connected computer, while others will transmit to a receiver connected to your monitor, TV, or VCR.

The main components of a Security system is a wired or wireless controller, with various wired & wireless sensors and devices attached to it. The types of sensors include door/window contact, glassbreak, motion, smoke, flood, humidity, indoor/outdoor temperature, power out, and more. Some of our Security systems also support devices such as surveillance cameras, thermostats, and lights.

The Security systems can be accessed & controlled (the type of control varies by system) from-home, as well as away-from-home. Remote access, control, and notification (when an event trigger occurs) is accomplished via telephone (landline, cell) and/or via the Internet.

The Security systems sold at this website come in three (3) main flavors, namely,

• Bundled, i.e., it comes with a base set of sensors and capabilities. You can add additional sensors and capabilities, but only those supported by the manufacturer of the system. Most have Remote Notification and Remote Control capabilities -- either bundled or as an add-on device. The aim of a Bundled Security system is to specialize in a an area with a limited set of capabilities. An example is the Sensaphone 400 system.
• Partially Unbundled, i.e., it comes with a base set of sensors, but it also supports a wide variety of add-on sensors, devices, and capabilities. An example of that is the SecureLinc Wireless Home Security System. The base system comes without Remote Control, but you can add a PowerLinc web interface device. It also supports a wide variety of Sensors, X-10 Lighting, and surveillance Cameras (via the PowerLinc add-on).
• Unbundled, i.e., you purchase a Controller, then you pick from a variety of sensors, devices, and capabilities that the manufacturer of the Security system supports. The ultimate example of an unbundled system is INSTEON, the GOLD standard of home security/home automation systems. For example, purchase a ISY-99i PRO Controller with INSTEON PowerLinc Modem (PLM) and you can control surveillance Cameras, Thermostats, Lights, and more. You'll also be able to read the status of your security Sensors.

The diagram below shows a remotely controllable security system, using an INSTEON network, the GOLD standard of home automation technology. The heart of the system, in this example, is a SmartLinc central Controller. (You could also have used a ISY-99i PRO Controller with INSTEON PowerLinc Modem (PLM) Controller.)

• The left & top side of the diagram shows the monitored/controlled sensors and devices, namely, a Panasonic surveillance Camera, lights controlled by SwitchLinc Dimmers, a 7-day programmable Thermostat, and a window/door sensor.
• The SmartLinc central Controller (at center) links up with your wired/wireless home computer network.
• You can then program and control your INSTEON Security System from-home and away-from-home.

In summary, when considering the purchase of a Smart Security & Surveillance system you'll have several choices. Each system has a list of capabilities, such as the type and number of Sensors/Devices it supports and the way it is programmed and controlled. If you are considering maximum flexibility at a reasonable price, consider Security systems based on INSTEON technology. INSTEON supports Security, Lighting, Thermostats, and whole-house automation. Most people start with Security or Lighting (there can be a strong relationship), then add on other functions later. Here is a list of INSTEON benefits:

• INSTEON, the GOLD Standard of home automation technology, is our best-selling home automation technology. INSTEON products provide remote control and automation to security/surveillance, lighting, appliance and home control applications of all types. It allows you to manage your home the way you want. Easy to install and set up, INSTEON offers the flexibility and dependability to make your life more convenient, safe and fun.


• INSTEON, is the first "dual-mesh" network that combines power line (ie., your home's existing electrical wiring) signals with wireless radio frequency (RF).


• INSTEON confirms every message to insure that messages are received error-free, automatically retransmitting corrupted messages to be sure that your commands are obeyed. In addition, every INSTEON device acts as a two-way repeater, so an INSTEON network actually becomes stronger and more reliable as more products are added.


• INSTEON stands on its own, but can also bridge to other networks, such as WiFi LANs, the Internet, telephony, and entertainment distribution systems. Such bridging allows INSTEON to be part of very sophisticated integrated home control environments.


• If you are interested in the technical details of INSTEON technology, click: Here.

If you wish to make Lighting part of your Security system, you can choose from a wide variety of INSTEON lighting devices (CLICK on the categories for more detail):

• Dimmers,
• Switches,
• Wire-in & plug-in Outlet modules,
• Timers,
• Hand-held Remotes,
• Keypads, and
• Access Points (a.k.a. Bridges)

The Dimmers, Switches, and the wire-in Outlet modules are wired-in replace your current switches, dimmers and outlets. If you have basic electrical skills, you can install these yourself. Before starting work on the replacement(s) make sure that you turn OFF the appropriate circuit breaker(s). If you are NOT comfortable to safely work with electrical outlets, call a licensed electrician. The Dimmers and Switches can, of course, control the lights that are directly connected to them. However, most people want to go beyond this and control multiple lights and appliances. To do so, you'll need to install additional devices, such as two (2) Access Points, Keypads, and Remotes. Once you have installed these, you've set up a lighting control NETWORK.