ADT and any other security system recommendations? (Austin: loans, new house)

[general101]

We got our first home in austin and planning to get a good home alarm system. House prewired for security. $30-$45 monthly budget.

ADT is the only company I have heard of. Probably due to the signs we see in lot of places. They seem to be asking a 3 year contract (quick connect plus) which we would want to avoid. The other plans like family plan have a very installation cost. Any input on ADT service in general? Too many online, not sure what to trust - would love to hear from someone here.

Any other recommendations? There seem to be too many when we search. I am interested in Preferably ones with shorter/ one year contract options and large like ADT ( and of course good ones).

Thanks for any input.

[sezzam]

Just thinking aloud: Would it be cheaper to purchase a wireless alarm system at Amazon.com or such (~$300 including a few motion sensors)? The system can be programmed to call 911, the local fire department, and other numbers. Assuming a phone line is already available, the monthly cost will be $0.

Would love to hear the pros and cons.

[sanmiguel]

Time Warner has recently entered the home protection market here in Austin. I haven't checked closely into it yet but am concerned about the two year commitment required. Although I am already a TW subscriber for cable/internet, I want to have the option to switch when Google arrives next year. I don't know if the TW home security system will play nicely with Google broadband. Time will tell.

[scm53]

We got a company with our new house. HATE THEM! Can't wait for our contract to end. When it does, going to these guys - Smith Thompson. You own your system, no contracts, and a $17/month fee. Unlike most, they can deal w/ a VoIP phone. Also, you are still monitored when the power is out as their reporting is cellular data, battery powered.

As far as a dial up, you are taking your chances. If you are in the city, you have to have a permit. Your fourth false call costs you $50, your eighth, $100. In addition, if the city tells you that your system needs deactivation, you have to be able to do it w/in twelve hours. Just my luck I'd be out of town. Worth $200/yr. to not have to deal with any of that. If you will notice, all of the Amazon sellers say they "call a contact person", not 911. There is a reason.

Good luck.

[stan4]

I like ADT.
I like the Pulse system.
Set up to let you use cameras all over your house and access all your stuff from your phone.
Various companies offer this now.

[AustinGuy]

Once you are off contract, ADT will continually raise your monthly price by $3 (approx) quite frequently. I've got very basic service, and my ADT price is now up to close to $50 a month, but I've been too lazy to switch since I plan on moving and don't want to get locked into a 3 year either.

[CptnRn]

There have been several previous discussion threads on this topic. sloan was highly recommended by numerous people. I do not believe they require a 3 year contract if you pay for the equipment up front.

From the FAQ it sounds like they bill annually, no contract required, also "We provide you with a full assessment and system pricing without cost or obligation".

I made a note as I currently have ADT and am thinking about changing. They are currently charging me $135 every 3 months. When I changed over to AT&T Uverse, I had to replace the original AT&t alarm panel and dialer as it would not work with the Uverse phone system. That cost me around $250 as I recall.

[woodinvilleguy]

Originally Posted by CptnRn

There have been several previous discussion threads on this topic. sloan was highly recommended by numerous people. I do not believe they require a 3 year contract if you pay for the equipment up front.

From the FAQ it sounds like they bill annually, no contract required, also "We provide you with a full assessment and system pricing without cost or obligation".

I made a note as I currently have ADT and am thinking about changing. They are currently charging me $135 every 3 months. When I changed over to AT&T Uverse, I had to replace the original AT&t alarm panel and dialer as it would not work with the Uverse phone system. That cost me around $250 as I recall.

That is correct, Sloan is $10 a month but you pay for the whole year at once. I would steer clear of ADT.

[Gorfml]

Meh...we don't even lock our doors...

[GodSaveAmerica]

WOW,

In New York I'm billed $31.75 every three months for alarm monitoring.

Why does it cost so much more in Texas ?