Category: Home Security

Video surveillance cameras are a critical component in any reliable home security system. They enable 24/7/365 monitoring of the interior and exterior of your property so you can detect the presence of intruders and help keep your family safe. You can even use your smartphone or tablet to view live or recorded camera feeds while you’re away from home.

However, you won’t receive the full benefit of your cameras if you don’t install them in the areas that present the greatest security risks. The following placement tips can ensure your cameras will provide maximum protection for your home:

1. Make the First Floor a Priority

Approximately 81 percent of burglars enter a home via the first floor, and about 34 percent come through the front door. Your security cameras should provide a clear view of the front and back door, as well other vulnerable ground-level areas such as the garage door and first-floor windows.

2. Place Cameras out of Reach

Ambitious burglars won’t be thwarted by a camera they can reach — they’ll simply disable it or even coat the lens with black spray paint! Installing your cameras at a higher location will keep them out of harm’s way and also provide a wider field of view.

3. Cover Secluded Areas

Nearly every property has at least one isolated spot that presents a significant security risk — it could be a ground-level door leading to a cellar, an off-street window, a back door that can’t be seen by neighbors or a detached garage at the back of the property. Make sure your camera placement strategy accounts for these hidden areas.

4. Don’t Forget the Basement Stairs

Some burglars will forgo the front or back door and attempt to enter a home through a ground-level basement window. Placing a security camera with night vision capabilities near your basement stairs will allow you to detect intruders who choose the underground route and provide around-the-clock visibility in this dark environment.

5. Protect Your Backyard

Backyards also present a heightened security risk, especially if you have kids or pets that play there. A security camera providing a view of the backyard will let you know if intruders — human or animal — have found their way onto your property.

5. Hidden Cameras for Watching Babysitters

If you’re a parent with small children, the installation of “nanny cams” gives you peace of mind by being able to monitor the babysitter and your kids while you’re away. Be sure to place these hidden cameras only in common areas of your home — living room, family room, etc. — and avoid private areas such as bathrooms or a bedroom for a live-in nanny.

Titan Alarm, Inc. Can Provide Expert Security Camera Placement Guidance

If you live in Arizona, Titan Alarm, Inc. can help you design a state-of-the-art video surveillance camera system that’s customized for your home’s layout. We have the expertise to identify and address the most vulnerable areas on your property. Contact us for more information and to arrange a free in-home security consultation today.

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

Did you know that you can connect a computer and alarm system to provide a monitored security solution for protecting your home? You can view live and recorded camera feeds on your computer on a 24/7 365 basis, so you can keep track of what’s happening in specific areas of your property. You can also easily manage your alarm system with your computer.

Video Surveillance System Components

Today’s video surveillance systems consist of four basic components:

• IP cameras – Internet Protocol (IP) cameras are rapidly replacing closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras as the home security technology of choice. Digital IP cameras transmit data over an Ethernet link and provide a higher-quality image, along with access to features such as digital zooming, simultaneous play and record capabilities and two-way communication, to name a few. You can also select wireless cameras that offer even greater placement flexibility.

• Network Video Recorder – A Network Video Recorder (NVR) is a software program that receives video streams from the camera and stores them on a hard drive or delivers them to the monitor for viewing. Assuming the NVR is connected to the same LAN network as your video surveillance cameras, you’ll be able to install it just about anywhere and still be able to capture, store and stream video feeds.

• PoE – Power over Ethernet (PoE) provides the power to your networked IP cameras via one Ethernet Category 5 or Category 6 cable. This eliminates the need to connect every network device to an electrical outlet.

• Monitor – Your desktop PC or laptop will serve as the monitor for your security system. It will function much like a television screen and enable you to view camera screens in various formats such as single screen or split-screen — the ability to view two or more camera feeds at once.

Note: When designing your video surveillance system, it is important to verify the compatibility of all components to ensure a seamless integration and peak performance.

How to Connect a Computer to a Security Camera

Successfully connecting your computer to your security cameras first entails choosing the optimum locations for camera placement. Most security experts recommend installing cameras above exterior doors and at vulnerable, out-of-sight areas on your property.

Once you’ve installed your cameras, you’ll need to complete the software installation by placing the software disc in your PC’s tray and following the commands that appear on your screen. Next, connect the security camera to your PC with an Ethernet cable — if you’re installing wireless cameras, you won’t need to complete this step, but you will have to properly configure your wireless router. The final step involves launching the software so that your cameras and computer can communicate with each other.

Contact Titan Alarm to Learn More About How to Connect Computers to Alarm Systems and Cameras

As Phoenix and Tucson’s leading home security solutions provider, Titan Alarm, Inc. can assist you with the design and installation of a high-quality security system in your residence. Contact us for more information and to schedule an in-home consultation — with no obligation — today.

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

Are home automation and home security the same thing? That’s a question we hear at Titan Alarm, Inc. a lot these days. Home automation and home security are terms that are often used in the same sentence, although they represent two different — but often related — concepts. Both home automation and home security have a significant impact on the lifestyle of the 21^st-century homeowner.

What Is Home Security?

Home security refers to the various devices and systems we use to protect our properties from intruders and provide an early warning in the event of hazards such as fire, smoke and carbon monoxide.

A fully integrated home security system can include video surveillance cameras, motion detectors, fire alarms, smoke detectors and advanced door and window locks.

The best home security systems feature professional off-site monitoring to spot the first sign of trouble on a 24/7/365 basis.

What Is Home Automation?

Home automation traces its roots to the mid-1980s with the development of electronic systems that could automate the operation of certain home features such as lights, audio/visual equipment and household appliances, as well as various home security devices such as locks and alarms.

However, these early home automation systems failed to gain widespread acceptance due to their high cost, unreliable performance and difficulty of installation.

The Advent of the Internet Leads to Advancements in Home Automation Technology

The dawn of the Internet Age in the 1990s ultimately led to the development and implementation of more efficient home automation technologies. Most significantly, the Web facilitated the use of wireless connectivity that made the installation of home automation systems easier — and much simpler for the homeowner to operate and maintain. Continued advancements in home automation technology have also made it more affordable for a larger number of property owners.

The Relationship Between Home Security & Home Automation Today

If you’re in the market for a home security solution today, the best providers offer the option to purchase systems with home automation technology referred to as “smart” technology. You’ll be able to operate your security system and other connected devices with your smartphone, tablet or Internet-enabled computer no matter where you are.

This introduces a whole new world of home security management possibilities. For example, you’ll be able to view live or recorded cameras feeds, trigger or respond to alarms or lock and unlock your doors even if you’re hundreds of miles away. You’ll experience greater peace of mind of knowing you’re always in total control of your home’s safety and security.

Contact Titan Alarm to Learn More About Home Automation and Home Security

If you own a home in the Phoenix, AZ area, the experts at Titan Alarm can help you understand the difference between home automation and home security. We can also design and install a state-of-the-art security system featuring home automation that will keep your property and family safe — and make your life so much easier. Contact us to schedule a no-obligation in-home consultation today.

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If you’re in the market for a security system for your home or business, you’ll need to determine whether a hardwired or wireless solution is the better option for you. A wired security system relies on older, but still highly functional technology that uses a series of electrical cords to connect the various devices to a central power source. A wireless security system that uses advanced Wi-Fi technology eliminates the need for wires or cords. In this post, we’ll explore the main differences between wired and wireless security systems.

Flexibility

An important difference between a wired and wireless security system is the level of flexibility. The need for plug-in connectivity can limit the placement of cameras and other system devices, which requires careful planning during the design phase and may impact the system’s capabilities.

A wireless system offers greater freedom when setting up the system, as you won’t have to worry about where to plug in your devices. Businesses that are planning to expand in the future should strongly consider a wireless solution.

Installation

A wireless setup is faster and easier to install than a hardwired system. The latter requires you to run wires to every camera, sensor or alarm in the system, which takes time and can make proper connectivity a challenge. You’ll also have to figure out how to hide the wiring so that it doesn’t create an eyesore or pose a safety hazard.

A battery-powered wireless system, on the other hand, enables the transmission of radio signals from the control panel to all devices.

Reliability

Wired systems tend to provide better reliability than their wireless counterparts. Because they use your home’s electrical source to supply the power, there are no concerns about interference that can disrupt signal delivery in wireless systems. Wired systems also feature battery back-up power that will kick in automatically during a power failure.

Wireless systems depend solely on batteries, and you’ll need to monitor them closely to ensure you don’t run out of juice and leave your home or business unprotected.

Cost

Because wired systems operate via older, simpler technology, they’re typically less expensive than wireless security systems. This can make a wired security system a better choice for budget-conscious home or business owners that can get by with a basic security solution. However, as wireless technology continues to evolve, it has become less expensive and more accessible to everyone.

Wired vs. Wireless Security System Monitoring

The best security systems include professional monitoring at a central monitoring station. System purchasers can choose between a wired connection via telephone or a wireless signal transmission to the station. A wireless connection eliminates the need for a landline — which many homeowners these days no longer have — and prevents concerns about intruders cutting the line before attempting to enter the building.

Titan Alarm, Inc. can help you understand the differences between a wired and wireless security system, so you can make the best choice for your business. Contact us for more information and to schedule a free consultation today.

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

Home security has come a long way since the days when cavemen used rocks, sticks, stones, branches and whatever else they could find to keep intruders and predators away from their humble abodes. Modern security solutions include state-of-the-art technology that allows homeowners to monitor their property and control the multiple system features and functions with their mobile device — even if they are many miles away. In this post, we’ll trace the evolution of home security over the centuries.

Security Then and Now

The origins of the modern home security system date back to the mid-19^th century and the development of the electromagnetic alarm. Patented by a Bostonian named Augustus Russell Pope, this rudimentary system consisted of electromagnetic sensors located in exterior doors and windows that triggered an audible alarm whenever a trespasser attempted to gain access to the home.

An important development in home security history followed in 1871 with the formation of American District Telegraph Corporation (ADT) in New York City. ADT created the first security system that featured central monitoring to alert police officers and firefighters of an emergency, which significantly reduced the response time to a home invasion or fire.   

Focus on Home Security in the Post-World War I Era

An increase in property crime following World War I led to a demand for home security solutions that offered a human touch. While many homeowners still used upgraded versions of the electromagnetic alarm to protect their homes, others chose to rely on the services of “door shakers.” These individuals would visit subscribers’ homes during the night to shake the doors to ensure they were locked.

The Evolution of Home Security Continues After World War II

Rapid advancements in home security technology continued during the second half of the 20^th century. In 1962, Canadian researchers published a comprehensive study that detailed the ability of heat and smoke detectors to provide an early warning of a fire — and save lives. This eventually resulted in the development and implementation of policies and standards for the use of residential smoke detectors and subsequently led to a dramatic decrease in fire- and smoke-related deaths.

The 1970s saw the introduction of the first video surveillance cameras for home security use. These cameras moved up and down a motorized track to provide images that were fed to a stationary television monitor. Many of these systems also included built-in security features such as intercoms and door lock switches.

The Development Home Automation and Wireless Technology

Home automation became the wave of the future in home security during the 1980s and continues to this day. Homeowners can now lock and unlock doors and windows, operate appliances and program thermostats with an app on their smartphone or tablet. The Internet Age has also fostered the growth of wireless technology that provides greater freedom and flexibility for designing a customized security system that meets their needs.

The continuing evolution of home security over the years has had an impact. According to the Bureau of Justice, residential burglaries decreased by 56 percent between 1994 and 2011, in large part due to the development of more effective security systems. And that’s enough to help any homeowner sleep better at night.

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The evolution of home automation over the past few decades has led to the development of the latest technology wave: the smart home. What is a smart home? Simply put, a smart home features a centralized computer system that enables residents to pre-program and remotely control the operation of appliances, security devices, electronic gadgets and even the interior temperature. The computer continuously monitors these functions and makes adjustments as needed.

What Can a Smart Home Do?

A smart home can automate various tasks that otherwise would require manual operation. For example, you can use your smartphone to turn up the air conditioning while you’re on your way home from work so you can enter a cool, comfortable home at the end of a long, hot day.

If you have pets, you can program feeders to dispense a precise amount of food at predetermined times while you’re away. You can even turn on the coffee maker before you get out of bed in the morning!

What Are the Benefits of Creating a Smart Home?

Convenience and an easier, more comfortable lifestyle are the most obvious smart home benefits. As with most modern conveniences, many people would likely find it difficult to go back to the “old way” after living in a smart home for a few months — kind of like trying to use a typewriter instead of a computer to write a blog post! The availability of smart phone apps makes it even easier to manage a smart home, whether you’re sitting on your couch or traveling hundreds of miles away from your house.

Besides the convenience, a smart home is usually a more energy-efficient home. For instance, because of the technology’s ability to sense your home’s internal temperature and automatically turn your home’s HVAC system on and off or adjust the thermostat based on your preferences, you won’t waste as much energy and end up saving money on your heating and cooling bills. The ability to time the operation of your lights can also reduce your electric bill.

Smart homes can also make life easier — and safer — for seniors who live alone. The technology can remind them when it’s time to take their medications, notify emergency services if they fall or become unresponsive and even turn off the water to prevent the bathtub from overflowing. Smart technology can help seniors live independently longer, while giving their loved ones additional peace of mind.

Smart Homes and Security

Many homeowners are attracted to smart home technology for the security advantages. For instance, you can use your smartphone to monitor feeds from your surveillance cameras on a 24/7 basis, no matter where you are. You can also program your lights to go on and off at designated times to make it appear your house is occupied while you’re away.

Contact Titan Alarm to Learn More About the Numerous Smart Home Benefits

There’s no doubt that the future of smart homes is bright. If you live in the Phoenix or Tucson, AZ area, Titan Alarm, Inc. can transform your house into a safer, more convenient smart home you will enjoy for years to come. Contact us to schedule a free consultation today.

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Drone technology is rapidly becoming a part of various aspects of our daily lives – including the way in which we secure our homes. Manufacturers such as Alarm.com and Sunflower Labs have unveiled state-of-the-art drone alarm systems that could revolutionize the home security industry and dramatically change the way we protect our properties from intruders and other safety threats.

How Do Home Security Drones Work?

A drone alarm system consists of a battery-powered drone, a small device weighing less than two pounds, and a series of sensors placed in strategic locations around your property. When someone approaches your home, the sensors use artificial intelligence to detect vibration, motion and sound. The sensors are so intuitive that they can distinguish between people and animals, as well as the patterns of regular visitors such as your mail carrier or UPS delivery person.

If the sensors detect unusual activity or someone lingering around your home for too long, they will send a notification to your smartphone. You can then dispatch the drone, which rests in a weatherproof “hive” on a deck, rooftop or other area of your property, to investigate. (Drone alarm systems equipped with sensors that automatically dispatch the drones without human intervention are also available.) The camera-equipped drone will then hover over the visitor at a height of approximately 30 feet and transmit video images to your phone so you can monitor the situation. If you don’t like what you’re seeing, you can immediately notify the local police department.

Other Valuable Drone Alarm System Features and Benefits

The drone alarm system’s ability to allow you to investigate the situation before deciding whether to call the police can significantly reduce the number of false alarms. Drones can also protect the entire exterior of the property, as opposed to many traditional alarm system options that are only designed to prevent unauthorized entry to the home. Because drones only fly when an incident occurs, there are few concerns about wearing out the batteries. Depending on the model, you can deploy a drone for up to 15-20 minutes, which is ample time to evaluate the situation and help you determine if you need to take further action.

Are Indoor Home Security Drones Available?

While the first incarnations of drone alarm systems can protect the exterior and perimeter of a property, they do not allow homeowners to see what’s happening on the inside. However, Alarm.com is addressing this issue by developing a home security system with drones that can fly indoors as well as outdoors. Before long, you’ll be able to use drones to monitor every inch of your property on a 24/7 basis.

Contact Titan Alarm, Inc. to Learn More About Drone Alarm System Technology

At Titan Alarm, we keep abreast of the future of alarm systems to deliver the most advanced home security technologies to homeowners in the Phoenix, AZ area. Contact us to determine whether a drone alarm system will provide the best security solution for your property, or to schedule a free in-home consultation today.

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Updated by Titan Alarm on October 31, 2018.

Are you in the process of choosing a security system to protect you and your family against, fire, burglary and home invasions? Are you having trouble deciding which features to include with your new system? With so many options on the market these days, selecting the right system can be a daunting challenge. However, every system should include a few basic features to meet the security needs of the 21^st-century homeowner.

What Are the Best Features for a Home Security System?

The best security system features include:

• Reliable alarms – High-quality burglar, fire, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are essential for providing the early detection and warning that can mean the difference between life and death. They can also deliver timely alerts to first responders.

• Video surveillance – Strategically placed security cameras enable you to monitor what’s happening inside and outside your home on a 24/7 basis. Cameras with recording capabilities allow you to explore footage, so you can review property activity at any time. Cameras placed in visible locations can also deter burglars, vandals and home intruders.

• Motion sensors – Motions sensors can detect movement in vulnerable areas on your property. They can trigger your alarms and cameras to deliver a more robust security solution. Sensors can also activate security lighting, which usually causes intruders to flee.

• Home automation/smart technology – The availability of today’s “smart” technology can give you greater control over your home security system’s features. You’ll be able to use your smartphone, tablet or laptop to perform functions such as viewing camera feeds, locking and unlocking doors and even operating your heating/cooling system and appliances, no matter where you are.

• Professional monitoring – Even the best security system features may not fully protect your home without proper monitoring. You should choose a system that comes with around-the clock observation conducted at a central monitoring station. Trained professionals will keep a close watch on camera feeds, alarms and other system notifications and immediately dispatch first responders if necessary.

• Built-in flexibility – Home security technology continues to evolve. Your home security solution should give you the flexibility to make fast, easy upgrades so that you will continue to have access to the best security system features on the market — without having to bear the hassle and expense of installing a brand-new system.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Security System Provider

Your selection of home security company is just as important as the system you choose. A competent provider will help you explore your options and ensure your system includes the right features for you and your family. It will also perform a proper installation and be there to provide timely maintenance and repair service when needed.

If you live in the Phoenix, AZ area, Titan Alarm, Inc. has the expertise to assess your property and design and install a system that meets your unique home security requirements. Contact us for more information and to schedule a free in-home security consultation today.

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Updated by Titan Alarm on November 5, 2018.

Did you know that about 300,000 household fires occur in the United States each year? Tragically, these fires result in approximately 3,000 deaths — many of which could have been prevented by a properly functioning fire/smoke alarm system. Fire alarms provide the early warning to residents that can mean the difference between life and death — law in virtually every jurisdiction also requires them.

As fire alarm technology continues to evolve, consumers have more options when choosing a fire alarm system for the home. Knowing how to choose a residential fire alarm system requires a fundamental understanding of the basic types:

• Ionization:

  Ionization alarms typically provide the fastest response to open-burning fires. This gives residents more time to escape fast-moving fires fueled by highly flammable sources such as clothing and paper. While ionization alarms feature heightened sensitivity to fire, they’re also susceptible to false alarms caused by cooking fumes.

• Heat:

  These alarms are the best choice for fire detection in kitchen and cooking areas. They’re designed to respond to an intense build-up of heat instead of smoke or fumes. However, this makes them a poor smoke detection solution for sleeping quarters and other living areas of the home.

• Optical:

  Optical alarms rely on infrared technology. These single-sensor alarms are a good choice for detecting a heavy volume of smoke from slow-burning, smoldering fires such as those produced by mattresses, furniture and television sets. On the downside, optical alarms are not known for their ability to detect heat.

• Multi-sensor:

  Multi-sensor alarms contain a combination of optical and heat sensors, making them the best all-around fire protection solution for a home. The sensors deliver signals to intuitive software built into the detector, which also helps to prevent false alarms. The biggest drawback to installing multi-sensor detectors is their relatively high cost.

The Importance of Fire Alarm System Interconnectivity

Most modern fire alarm systems are compatible to interconnectivity, meaning that each alarm can be connected with all the others in the house. Why is this important? When fire alarms are not connected, it’s possible that only the people in the room where the fire breaks out will hear the alarm. With an interconnected system, everyone in the home will hear the alarm simultaneously, increasing the odds of a safe escape for all occupants.

There are two methods for interconnecting fire alarms. A hard-wired connection entails running cabling between each alarm in the house to deliver the signals transmitted by the system. A hard-wired system can be extremely labor-intensive regarding installation and maintenance. Other alarms enable connection via radio frequency waves, which eliminates the need for hard-wiring.

Titan Alarm, Inc. Can Help You Select the Best System for Your Home

If you live in the Phoenix, AZ area and are having trouble choosing a residential fire alarm system for your home, Titan Alarm can help. We’re experts in home fire alarm system design and installation — we’ll ensure you select the best system for your needs and budget. Contact us to schedule a free home fire alarm consultation today.

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