September 09, 2013 by Lisa Montgomery Imagine using your smartphone to see who’s at your front door while you’re thousands of miles away. Or hearing a unique beep when a door or a pool gate opens. Or having your home’s lights turn off automatically when you leave. Many of these “smart” home features are possible with security systems. They aren’t just boring, mundane systems limited to arming and disarming an alarm and providing video feeds from surveillance cameras. Connect a security system to your home’s lighting, electronic door locks, thermostats, motion sensors and driveway sensors, and the Internet—and you can start enjoying the benefits of true home control and automation . When programmed by a custom electronics (CE) professional, a security system can react to the information it receives from connected devices such as motion detectors and window sensors. For example, when the system gets a “tap on the shoulder” from a water sensor in the basement, it can respond by sending you a text message and flashing the kitchen lights. Another text could go out when the electronic door lock is unlatched or a surveillance camera detects motion at the front door. Here are 10 of the smartest devices to consider adding to your security system. Be sure to consult with your CE pro to ensure your security system supports these accessories. Surveillance Camera The best thing to happen to surveillance cameras is the Internet. Almost every manufacturer makes an IP (Internet Protocol) model, which lets you view—and […]

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