Home Security Monitoring

August 23rd, 2010
Though that fingerprint locks, retina scanners and voice-activated locks only existed in Mission: Impossible? Actually, they’ve been a staple in high-end homes for at least 10 years, and the technology has now advanced to a state where it is dependable, well-featured and affordable enough for the average homeowner. However, home security monitoring with biometric locks is still relatively new to most homeowners- we go over 8 quick facts you should know about it here.
Biometric locks are easy to install and use
Some people assume that biometric locks are difficult to install or use. Actually, they work in exactly the same way as a conventional lock, and are installed in exactly the same way. You may want professional help with the software setup and usage; however this is generally very user-friendly and kept deliberately simply.
You can also do home security monitoring with biometric locks
Some software programs associated with biometric locks have the capability to not only manage different users, but log entries. Given that a small but significant percentage of robberies are committed by somebody known to the homeowner, this home security monitoring feature could be very useful.
Grease, dirt and sweat can affect the reading
Of course, if you have  anything on your fingers that changes the appearance of your fingerprints, it might interfere with the reading. You would simply clean your finger and try again.
Buy local, or ask plenty of questions
Many of the manuals for biometric locks are written overseas, and broken English is obviously not ideal for helping you understand an unfamiliar home security monitoring system. You can get around this by asking your sales consultant for an Australian-based brand, or simply by asking plenty of questions of the consultant to ensure you understand how to operate the lock.
False readings are highly unlikely
The chances that someone has enough points of similarity in their fingerprint to actually activate the lock without authorisation is extremely low; the chance that someone has those points AND wants to enter your house illegally is even lower!
Biometric locks need backup
Given the fact that biometric locks need electricity to work, they should have both battery backup and emergency key access available. Like your home security monitored alarm, you should get a model with inbuilt battery backup. In the case of an extended power outage, you can also get models with key backup. The keyed lock would only open the door if there were no power to the unit, however.

Though that fingerprint locks, retina scanners and voice-activated locks only existed in Mission: Impossible? Actually, they’ve been a staple in high-end homes for at least 10 years, and the technology has now advanced to a state where it is dependable, well-featured and affordable enough for the average homeowner. However, home security monitoring with biometric locks is still relatively new to most homeowners- we go over 8 quick facts you should know about it here.
Biometric locks are easy to install and use

Some people assume that biometric locks are difficult to install or use. Actually, they work in exactly the same way as a conventional lock, and are installed in exactly the same way. You may want professional help with the software setup and usage; however this is generally very user-friendly and kept deliberately simply.
You can also do home security alarm monitoring with biometric locks

Some software programs associated with biometric locks have the capability to not only manage different users, but log entries. Given that a small but significant percentage of robberies are committed by somebody known to the homeowner, this home security monitoring feature could be very useful.
Grease, dirt and sweat can affect the reading

Of course, if you have  anything on your fingers that changes the appearance of your fingerprints, it might interfere with the reading. You would simply clean your finger and try again.

Buy local, or ask plenty of questions

Many of the manuals for biometric locks are written overseas, and broken English is obviously not ideal for helping you understand an unfamiliar home alarm security monitoring system. You can get around this by asking your sales consultant for an Australian-based brand, or simply by asking plenty of questions of the consultant to ensure you understand how to operate the lock.

False readings are highly unlikely

The chances that someone has enough points of similarity in their fingerprint to actually activate the lock without authorisation is extremely low; the chance that someone has those points AND wants to enter your house illegally is even lower!

Biometric locks need backup

Given the fact that biometric locks need electricity to work, they should have both battery backup and emergency key access available. Like your home security monitored alarm, you should get a model with inbuilt battery backup. In the case of an extended power outage, you can also get models with key backup. The keyed lock would only open the door if there were no power to the unit, however.

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Top 10 Tips for Combining DVRs and Home Alarm Security Systems

August 6th, 2010

Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) are slowly becoming more and more popular. After all, if your home alarm security system was triggered and the attempted burglar got away, wouldn’t you want to know exactly who was responsible? Wouldn’t you want to be able to have the best chance of arresting them and getting them off the streets, even if your home was still safe? A lot of people would, and DVRs are the solution to the dilemma of having your house safe, but still feeling that there is somebody out there waiting to break in.   Here are our top 10 expert tips for using Digital Video Recording as a home alarm security system.

1. Leave the overwrite feature on
One of the prime reasons that DVR home alarm security systems don’t record a break-in when it occurs is that the disk was full, the overwrite feature was turned off and nobody reviewed the footage and changed the disk. The easiest way to ensure that your DVR can act as an effective home alarm security system is to simply leave the overwrite feature on.

2. Make sure you understand your system
Your security consultant will be delighted to explain how to use the DVR home alarm security system properly. Take notes while you’re talking to the installer, and don’t forget to ring up later if you think of a new question. Having a home alarm security system you don’t understand could well make it useless.

3. Set up motion detection and have your DVR monitored
A back-to-base home alarm security system monitoring company can track signals from a DVR as well as standard alarm sensors. If you don’t enable this capability, it’s like forcing your alarm system to walk around with one hand tied behind its back.
4.    Think carefully about the cost/quality continuum
While there are some exceptions, generally when you choose a cheaper DVR home alarm security system, you sacrifice a little recording quality. Remember, it is not much good being able to see that there’s a nondescript person, possibly male, breaking into your house. High-res video home alarm security systems are always preferable.

5. Consider getting an audio-equipped model
Did you know that each of our voices is completely unique? Our voice pattern is like our fingerprint – no two peoples are exactly the same. If your concern is making sure that criminals get prosecuted, audio recordings from your home alarm security system could provide you with indisputable evidence of a particular person’s guilt.

6. Be password smart
Use a difficult-to-hack password on your DVR system to prevent remote high tech hacking, or even on-site tampering. Use a combination of letters, numbers, and non-alphanumeric characters, and make it longer than 8 characters. Change your password often, just as you would for internet banking, etc.

7. Use a UPS
Uninterrupted power supplies help ensure that power surges and outages don’t allow loss of footage from your DVR. You can get these from computer shops, or ask your home alarm security system installer.

8. Keep it clean
Dirty lenses and bug-covered DVRs don’t tend to create nice clear images, worthy of making an arrest! When you change your smoke alarm battery at the changeover of standard time and daylight savings, make it a habit to clean your DVR home alarm security system lenses as well.

Home alarm security systems linked to a Digital Video Recorder really complete the picture to keep your home safe. Without the ability to find out who’s trying to break into your house, you’re leaving a crim on the streets to either return … or attack someone’s else’s house.

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Don’t Fake It Til You Make It – Reducing False Alarms on Your Security Alarm Monitoring

July 23rd, 2010

Faking it can be handy sometimes! Fake tanning, false names … even the false impression that somebody is home while you’re on holidays can all be exceptionally useful. However, false alarms on your security alarm monitoring are definitely not ideal – they take staff away from situations that may be potentially life- or property-threatening, and some monitoring companies will actually charge you for false alarms that exceed a certain number per year. Besides that, it’s just embarrassing to have a security guard turn up and question why you want to get into your house! So today we are looking at both the common and unexpected things that can create false alarms on your security alarm monitoring, and how to avoid them.

Lock your doors and windows before arming the system
It sounds basic – but many people seem to get the idea in their heads that when they have security alarm monitoring, all they need to do is arm the system. Often this leads to false alarms when kids’ friends or door-to-door collectors open up the door and yell to check if they’re home,  when a bird flies I through an open window, or when you forget that you armed the system because you didn’t have to unlock the door!

Don’t a pet to move around the house in a non pet-safe system
There are plenty of inexpensive, pet-safe security alarm monitoring systems available nowadays. However, you can’t assume that your new alarm is pet-safe. Ask your security alarm monitoring company about the alarm specs when they’re discussing the product options with you.

Turn your fans off
If you’ve chosen a motion-sensor security alarm monitoring system, rather than an infra-red triggered system, you’ll need to keep windows shut and turn your fans off when you arm the system. Balloons, loose papers and the waving leaves of houseplants are common causes of false alarms.

Leave your washing until you’re home
If you have glass-break detection facilities on your security alarm monitoring contract, the vibrations from a washing machine on spin cycle, or even a clothes dryer, can set the glass-break detectors off.

Leave your number
If you change any of your phone numbers, make sure Pacific Security Technology is on the list of people to notify of the change. If we don’t have a current phone number to check with you if a security alarm monitoring activation was accidental, we have no choice but to show up at the house.

Let us know about changing phone features
Sometimes changes in your phone line, such as adding a number, activating a broadband service, or activating a call waiting feature can cause your system to malfunction, either failing to alert the security alarm monitoring company, or creating false alarms.

If you want to test, let us know!
If you want to test out your security alarm monitoring system, show a friend or family member how it works, you are welcome to. All you need to do is inform Pacific Security Technology in advance, so that we don’t turn up with the sirens blazing!

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Video-Based Home Intercom Systems – Should I Get One?

July 15th, 2010

We speak to a lot of people that believe that video-based home intercom systems are overkill for their property. Of course, everybody has to consider the risks, costs and benefits of owning one in their particular situation … but we honestly believe that many people simply don’t understand the full range of advantages for people with video-based home intercom systems. We check them out here!

The main types of video home intercom systems include:
•Black & White / Colour
•Infra-red illuminated models for night-time vision
•Systems with high res LCD display screens
•Hands-free or handset models
Every good video home intercom system is also audio-equipped. You can both see and speak to anybody knocking at the door.

Knowledge is power
In this case, knowledge of exactly who is at your door is power! Of course, the standard, low-tech door peephole can be argued to give you ‘knowledge’ of exactly who is at your door, as well. The differences between a peephole and a video door phone include:
•The blocked light and muted noises from the other side of a peephole alerts the person out the front to the fact that somebody is home. Video door phones are much more discreet.
•Peepholes distort your view of a person considerably.
•Video home intercom systems can have a much wider field of vision, with wide angle lens models.

Keeping the display away from the door
When you install a video based home intercom system, you can install additional display handsets. Teach your kids that if they are home alone, they are to check who is at the door from one of the stations further distant from the door. Some shady characters will try to talk your kids into letting them into the house with pretty convincing sob stories. Teach your children to check on who is at the door from a distant home intercom system display, and if they don’t know the person, or they haven’t been in the house before, to simply ignore them.

Intercom Sydney

Convenience
Some home intercom systems also allow you to remotely unlock your door – so when somebody legitimate comes knocking, you can let them in from any corner of the hose where a handset is installed.

Recording capabilities
Many models of video home intercom systems are also equipped with a recording capability. You can press the record button while standing at the handset if you feel suspicious of any person that knocks at the door. Some systems can be set to monitor the front door while you are away.

Deflecting the determined!
If you live in an area where door-to-door preaching and sales are common, you’ll probably appreciate being able to easily deter the next person who ‘just wants to check that you have the best possible phone plan, and possibly save you a lot of money’! With a video home intercom system, you can’t get dragged into long sales pitches. For the salesperson who just won’t listen, escape is as easy as hanging up the phone!

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Common Questions About Back to Base Alarms Answered

June 24th, 2010

It’s a lovely feeling to be inside your house, alone, and yet know that there are people outside watching out for your safety and the safety of your belongings. That’s exactly what back to base alarms do; yet many people still resist getting them because of misunderstandings about how they work. We’re aiming to smash down the walls of misconception today – or at least, answer some of the common questions which might be stopping you from getting a back to base alarm!

Aren’t back to base alarms really expensive?
Definitely not! Especially if you look at the figures involved:
• You can get a back to base alarm system installed for around $700-$1000.
• Your lifetime chance of being burgled is about 1 in 3
• A back to base alarm usually puts some pretty hefty discounts on your home and contents insurance, of around $50 to $100 per year
• You can also confidently put the excess on your home/contents policy up to the highest level, saving $100-$200 per year
• If your back to base alarm prevents a break-in being completed, you will have instantly saved yourself the excess amount on your insurance policy – up to $500.
When you look at the potential savings, even top-of-the-line back to base alarms are not particularly expensive.

Okay, isn’t the monitoring service really expensive?
Monitoring costs as little as $1 per day. Monitoring isn’t just the icing on the cake for a home alarm system, it IS the cake. Many passers-by assume that even if an alarm is going off, ‘Somebody is already dealing with it’. Your neighbours may not always be home, and you wouldn’t want to give them any reason to put themselves in harms way, anyway. When you consider that your home insurance discounts won’t be as sizable without active monitoring, you can see how essential it is!

Can’t back to base alarms be hacked anyway?
No. If anything happens to the alarm other than being armed or disarmed in the standard way, your back to base alarm monitoring company will receive a tamper alert, and will attend immediately. Life isn’t like Charlie’s Angels, fortunately!

Will my pets set off a back to base alarm?
No, there are plenty of ‘pet-proof’ models available nowadays. Most of these infra-red equipped don’t cost much more than standard systems.

But you can’t use them at night when you are home anyway…
Actually, by creating ‘ones’ within the home that your back to base alarm covers, it is possible to cover only certain rooms, certain levels of the house, or selected pockets. For example, you could secure the entire house apart from the bedrooms, or the downstairs only.

What if the power goes out?
Battery backup exists on all back to base alarms, and the monitoring company will be alerted if the battery fails also. However, most battery backups are designed to last around nine hours … far longer than the average blackout!
Back to base alarms will pay for themselves in just a few years, in monetary terms. However, in terms of your peace of mind, they pay for themselves instantly. Nothing else will instantly help you sleep better, and feel more free to enjoy your life!

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10 Things You Should Know About Carbon monoxide house alarms systems

June 10th, 2010

When most people think of a house alarm system, it’s intruders of the physical, human, nasty sort that they want to keep out! However, one of the largely unsung benefits of house alarm systems is their versatility. Many house alarm systems can be rigged to alert the security company (or other public service department) of fire, smoke, or medical emergency. An even more insidious intruder to guard against, though, is invisible … odourless, and silent. Carbon monoxide leaks can be devastating to your family’s health, and luckily there are carbon monoxide house alarm systems to help you avoid them. Here are the top ten things Pacific Security Technology think that you should know about carbon monoxide detectors.

1.    Not everybody needs a carbon monoxide house alarm system. If you don’t use gas appliances in your home and don’t have a garage adjoining the house, the levels of carbon monoxide in your home should be zero. We always advocate being safe over being sorry – but by the same token, if there is nothing to guard against, the money spent on a CO detector will be wasted.

2.    Carbon monoxide comes from gas appliances like:
- Indoor furnaces
- Gas powered space heaters
- Gas ovens and stove tops
- Gas powered hot water systems
- Some clothes dryers
Electric appliances do not create carbon monoxide as a by-product.

3.    However, if you do have gas appliances in your home, you could already be suffering from low-level carbon monoxide poisoning. It produces symptoms similar to a cold or flu; people suffering from it are easily tired, have mild headaches, and sometimes feel inexplicably nauseous.

4.    Carbon monoxide is toxic to the body because it binds to the oxygen sites on your red blood cells, meaning that your tissues can’t receive their normal amount of oxygen. You can imagine what this would do to your body, especially to sensitive brain tissues.

5.    Many carbon monoxide house alarm systems perform self-diagnostics, and have a standard sensor lifetime of around 6 years.

6.    Your CO detector can be linked to your standard house alarm system, so that if CO is detected and the alarm is not shut off within a specified period of time, the fire department or security company will attend the scene.

7.    CO detectors should be placed between 5 feet above ground level, up to ceiling level. CO is slightly lighter than air.

8.    Many carbon monoxide house alarm systems have a multi-stage warning system, so you’ll know if non-critical levels of carbon monoxide are detected, and be able to head off a problem with your appliance before it occurs.

9.    Just like regular house alarm systems, you may be eligible for a discount on your home and contents insurance if you have a CO detector installed. They are considered an environmental sensor.

10.    If you have babies, young children, immuno-compromised or elderly people in the house, you may want to consider getting more than one CO house alarm system. These groups are more sensitive to the effects of carbon monoxide – CO detectors are usually designed to protect healthy adults.

For more information on how we can help you create a safer environment at home, call 1300 660 445 for a free consultation.

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Top Types of CCTV Camera Systems Reviewed

June 1st, 2010

CCTV camera systems are one of the gold standards in both home and business security. If banks, casinos and government institutions still depend on them for crime detection and prevention, it’s a pretty safe bet that they’ll work for your home as well! There are several different types of CCTV camera systems; within those types you’ll find anywhere from a handful to dozens of different products. Here we look at the broad categories of CCTV camera systems, and how to tell which will suit your home best.

Outdoor Cameras
Outdoor CCTV camera systems are constructed to deal with the environmental pressures of wind, water, dust etc. They have several features that help them survive life in the big bad world!

  • Discreet design
  • Weatherproof
  • Cannot be removed from its mounting or the wall
  • Cables are hidden
  • Tough lens glass

Many outdoor CCTV camera systems have features of additional camera ‘types’ – such as being high resolution, infrared capable, or able to record in colour – we’ll look in detail at these features below.

Indoor cameras
These are usually much less sturdy, but far cheaper than outdoor cameras are. While they obviously aren’t as vandal resistant, be aware that if your CCTV camera system is linked to your back to base alarm monitoring, your security company will be alerted if a camera has been tampered with. This makes indoor cameras the ideal, cost-effective indoor security solution.

Infra-Red Cameras
Some CCTV camera system of this type will pick up the movement of people even in zero-light conditions – although some systems need at least 0.1 lux of light to work. Infra-red cameras have a traditional camera lens, with additional infra-red detectors arranged around the lens in concentric circles.  Many infra-red cameras nowadays are pet-proof, so if you decide you want to install one indoors, there is no need to worry about false alarm calls to your security company.

High Resolution Cameras
In CCTV camera systems, ‘high’ resolution is around 750 pixels horizontally. ‘Ordinary’ resolution is around 350-500, and on micro cameras or pinhole cameras the resolution may be around 200-300; these are ideal for shorter distances and in constantly lit conditions. However, high resolution cameras can pick up motion up to 240 feet away – and if they are infrared equipped, they’ll be able to do this in complete darkness.

Wide angle cameras
You sacrifice some picture accuracy when you go for a wide angle lens, but you cajn gain up to 170 degrees of vision. Wow! If your CCTV camera system is monitored by your alarm security system company, wide angle cameras can be a good choice – your focus will be on early detection and prevention of burglaries, rather than on getting evidence to prosecute somebody after a break-in.

Micro Lens Cameras
Micro lens cameras can be especially useful in indoor situations; a great substitute for ‘nanny cams’, and completely unobtrusive. However, there is a definite trade-off between the capability of these CCTV camera systems and other more visible and conspicuous types. Micro-lens cameras most often come in black and white, usually need at least 1 lux of light to work (about the level of low street lighting). However, they do tend to be very low-cost compared to other CCTV camera systems, also!

You can also get a free consultation at Pacific Security Technology to help you determine the CCTV camera system type that will work best for you. Don’t sleep lightly for another night!

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Simplest Ever Ways to Keep ‘Burgs’ at Bay

May 25th, 2010

Unfortunately, the world is full of people that would prefer not to work in order to earn things … full of people that would rather take what someone else has earned than do the hard yards themselves. Some home security measures (alarm monitoring, CCTV cameras, window films etc) take a bit of initial effort to install and then work to protect you for a long time. However, even alarm monitoring can only go so far if you don’t keep home security at the forefront of your mind. Here are 8 everyday ways to keep burgs at bay!

Keep a Secret

Not letting people know what is in, or around, your house that could be stolen is an essential first step in remaining burglary-free. So:

  • Bring your bikes and tools inside
  • Keep your curtains shut
  • Don’t leave the manufacturer’s boxes from new TVs, stereos etc out in the street next to your garbage.

The Illusion of Occupation

Burglars look for times when they are certain people aren’t home to break in – so leave music playing, or a light on a timer that goes on and off, especially if you aren’t home at night when burglars have better cover. Ideally your car will be parked away off the street, so people don’t have that clue as to whether you are home or not to try and test out your alarm monitoring!

Bringing in the Keys

No matter how clever your hiding spot for the spare key is, there’s a good chance that a burglar with a bit of time will find it. Of course, alarm monitoring will ensure that even if they do gain entry, they have little time to do damage … but better safe than sorry!

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)

This is actually a research discipline! Its main concepts include:

  • Removing low shrubs in front of windows
  • Ensuring that tree branches don’t allow access to rooves or upper stories
  • Keeping all entryways visible to the outside
  • Using landscaping and design to clearly define your own space
  • Natural access control using thorny shrubs, rose bushes, high spiked gates, etc.

CPTED is an excellent addition to basic safeguards such as alarm monitoring, CCTV, etc.

Vacation Prep

So, you remembered your toothbrush … but did you catch all of the recommended security points for going on a holiday?!

  • Arrange to have your mail and newspapers collected
  • Leave some appliances on timers to give the illusion of occupation
  • Arrange to have your lawns mowed for an extended vacation
  • Have a neighbour move your car periodically, or park their car in your driveway

Preventive Security

In addition to alarm monitoring, Pacific Security Technology has a broad experience base in home security. Get a thorough security evaluation to help you spot areas that need to be fortified against intruders.

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Honeywell Alarm Security Systems

May 11th, 2010
Even if you’ve never had an alarm security system in your life, you have probably heard of Honeywell Security Products. At Pacific Security Technology, Honeywell alarm security systems and the accessories that go along with them are some of our biggest sellers. Today we are looking at the alarm-based components of the Honeywell range, and what’s helped the company become one of Pacific Security Technology’s most popular brands.
Honeywell alarm security system control panels
Honeywell make both wireless and wired control panels, but they only have a single model of wireless system, along with three different models of wired control panel. Their Lynx wireless control panel combines the functionality of:
control panel, keypad, siren, dialer, two-way voice system, and speakerphone.
This alarm security system also has some neat optional extras, like a family message centre (throw away the post-it notes!), a quick-exit feature that lets you leave the house for a short time without doing a full arm and disarm, and alarm and reminder announcements.
The three Honeywell wired systems have some pretty neat features as well – there are flexible function keys that allow for one-touch arming, the ability to control the system from any touchtone phone, a graphic display of event logs and the exit countdown, and the ability to program alarm security system arming and disarming.
Door and window contact transmitters
These are a very useful addition to alarm security systems, and Honeywell has quite a wide range. We find that the recessed mini transmitters are wonderful because they simply aren’t visible … the only people that will know it is there are your family members. Honeywell’s other standard non-recessed transmitters are ultra-slim and very unobtrusive. Many customers choose the wall transmitter which has arm/disarm functions as well as light and garage door controls on its panel.

Motion sensors
Your alarm security system control panel will be pretty useless without a motion sensor! Honeywell has a few basic motion sensors, with features like:
• The ability to surface, flush, or corner-mount the unit – whatever suits your home best
• Completely silent relay – if you’ve ever been annoyed by the clicks that other systems can make, you’ll appreciate this feature!
• The ability to temperature-compensate – the sensor would actually only activate within a certain range above or below body temperature to minimise false alarms
• Heat/cold  tolerance
Keypads
Honeywell have really leaped ahead of other companies into the 21st century with their range of keypads – you can choose from keypads that are:
• Wireless (so you can carry them round the house with you)
• Graphics-based and have menu driven prompts – these are really easy to use!
• Voice-based – the control panel will speak to you
Honeywell’s products used trusted technology, and focus on user-friendliness. Pacific Security Technology can help show you how they’ll protect your home – grab a free alarm security system consultation today!

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