Intruder Alert Systems Info and Guide

When home security systems were first conceived, they were basically limited to doors and windows. If they were opened while the system was armed, an alarm would sound. Sometimes the alarm would activate at a remote location. Installation was quite expensive and involved a significant amount of wiring. Over the last twenty years or so, modern technology has taken home security to a new level.

Today, many new homes are being designed with security systems in mind. With the advancements in PC’s and video and audio panels, many home security units can be wired right in to these existing systems. If this option doesn’t seem possible, there are many home security systems that come equipped with wireless components.

Installation of wireless systems is sometimes easy enough for you to do it yourself. They are also set up in a way that you can add to them as your funds become available. You could start with the obvious, such as main doors and windows, and then add on and upgrade as you go. Always start with the most vulnerable areas first.

Adding a security system to an existing home is much easier if you go with wireless components. Especially since running wires will probably involve getting inside the walls. It’s just not worth all of the extra work involved when you consider tearing out a wall and having to rebuild and refinish it. Now your project becomes much more expensive, as you will probably need to hire a professional just to put your house back together.

Newer systems have the capability to alert you no matter where you are. You could be at home, work, or somewhere else and be alerted via cell phone. Many systems are still linked to professional security companies that will contact the proper authorities when an alarm is activated. Now, however, you can be alerted at the same time the company is, or even forget the security company and respond to activated alarms yourself.

Video systems have also evolved quite a bit in the last several years. In addition to the timer features, they now come equipped with motion detectors and tracking capabilities. You can also get them with a thermal imaging feature as well.

This feature is nice since most burglaries take place at night, when the effectiveness of standard video cameras is at it’s lowest. Thermal imaging can detect body heat, using infrared receptors and recorders. That makes the intruder visible no matter how well hidden he thinks he is. Some of these systems are able to track the movement of the intruder using motion or sound sensors.

The technology in these systems is light years ahead of the older versions. Sometimes the resolution provided by these systems is as good as regular video. In some cases, the footage can be used as evidence when identifying and prosecuting burglars.

Vibration detection, thermal imaging and computer controlled systems are just a few examples of how far home security systems have come over the years. With the number of options out there, you should have no problem finding the system that best suits your specific needs as well as your budget. As always, though, when it comes to the safety and security of your home and family, price should not be your first priority.