Video Surveillance

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Top eight tips and hacks to negotiate with the security system companies in Kansas City!

When it comes to home security, investing in a reliable security system is essential. However, purchasing a security system can be a significant expense, which is why negotiating with security system companies can be beneficial.

Here are eight tips and hacks to help you negotiate with security system companies in Kansas City:

Research the market: Before approaching security system companies in Kansas City, it’s essential to do your research. Check out the local market and gather information on the different security systems available in Kansas City. A solid understanding of the available options will help you negotiate better deals and make informed decisions.
Ask for multiple quotes: Don’t settle for the first security system quote you receive. Instead, ask for various quotes from different security system companies. This approach will enable you to compare prices, features, and warranties and negotiate the best deal.
Be ready to walk away: Don’t be afraid if you’re unsatisfied with a security system company’s offer. Walking away from a deal can be an effective negotiating tactic. It communicates that you are serious about finding a good deal and unwilling to accept anything less.
Consider the long-term cost: When negotiating with a security system company, it’s essential to consider the long-term cost of the system. It includes the installation fee, monthly monitoring fee, and other recurring expenses. Ensure you understand the system’s total cost before agreeing to any contract.
Leverage your existing security system: If you already have it installed, leverage it to negotiate a better deal. Tell the security system company that you’re considering switching to a new provider and see if they can offer you a better deal to keep your business.
Bundle services: Bundling services can be an effective negotiating tactic. If you’re interested in other services, such as home automation or video surveillance, ask if the security system company offers these services and if they can bundle them with your security system.
Negotiate the contract terms: When negotiating a security system contract, pay close attention to the terms and conditions. Negotiate words that don’t work for you, such as cancellation fees, contract length, and early termination penalties.
Be polite and professional: When negotiating with a security system company, be courteous and professional. Remember that the company representative you’re dealing with is a person; treating them can go a long way in getting a good deal.

In conclusion, negotiating with security system companies in Kansas City can be daunting, but ensuring you get the best deal possible is essential. Do your research, ask for multiple quotes, consider the long-term cost, leverage your existing security system, bundle services, negotiate the contract terms, and be polite and professional. With these tips and hacks, you will be well on your way to negotiating a great deal on a reliable security system.

Ten reasons a smart home in Kansas City is an intelligent and innovative solution!

Smart homes are becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide, and for a good reason. Technological advancements allow homeowners to automate their homes to create a more comfortable and convenient living environment.

This article will explore ten reasons why a smart home in Kansas City is an intelligent and innovative home solution:

Enhanced security: Smart homes can provide homeowners with enhanced security features such as smart locks, security cameras, and motion sensors. You can monitor your home remotely and receive alerts if any unusual activity occurs.
Energy efficiency: A smart home in Kansas City is an eco-friendly solution that helps to reduce your energy consumption. You can control your energy usage more efficiently with automated lighting and temperature control.
Improved comfort: Smart home technology offers several features that can improve the overall comfort of your home. For instance, with automated thermostats, you can set your home’s temperature from anywhere using a smartphone. You can also remotely control your home’s lighting and other appliances, allowing you to customize your home’s environment to your preferences.
Convenience: Smart homes provide homeowners with a high level of comfort, making their lives easier and more comfortable. You can control your home’s features with voice-activated assistants with simple voice commands. You can also schedule routine tasks, such as turning off the lights, so you don’t have to worry about them.
Improved accessibility: Smart homes can be customized to accommodate people with disabilities or mobility issues. For instance, you can install smart devices that can be activated with voice commands or hand gestures, making it easier for people with physical limitations to control their home’s features.
Health and wellness: A smart home can promote a healthier lifestyle by monitoring your sleep patterns and helping you maintain a healthy diet. You can install smart appliances that help you prepare healthy meals and use smart fitness equipment to track your exercise routines.
Entertainment: Smart homes can provide you with a more immersive entertainment experience. You can connect your devices to a central hub, allowing you to access all of your entertainment options from one place.
Increased home value: Installing a smart home system can significantly increase your home’s value. Smart homes are in high demand, and more buyers are looking for homes with advanced technology features. It means you can sell your home at a higher price than other homes that don’t have smart home systems installed.
Remote access: With a smart home system, you can remotely control your home’s features. It means you can turn on the lights, check the security cameras, or adjust your home’s temperature, even if you’re not there.
Customization: Smart homes can be customized to meet your specific needs and preferences. You can choose which features you want to install and how you want them to work together. It means you can tailor your smart home to meet your lifestyle needs, making it an ideal living environment for you and your family.

Conclusion paragraph:

In conclusion, a smart home in Kansas City is an intelligent and innovative home solution that can enhance your lifestyle significantly.

With all of these benefits, it’s clear that investing in a smart home will be a good investment in the long run. There are high returns if you install such a system for your home!

Seven points that favour your decision to invest in the security companies in Kansas City!

Kansas City is one of the most vibrant cities known for its rich history, culture, and attractions. However, with any city comes crime. Investing in a reliable security company is essential to protect your family and property.

Here are seven points that should influence your decision to invest in one of the many security companies in Kansas City:

Professionalism: Professionalism is the first consideration when investing in a security company. The security companies in Kansas City are highly professional and experienced. They have been trained extensively in all security aspects, from installation to monitoring services. By investing in these companies, you can rest assured that they will provide you with high-quality service that will meet your security needs.

Cost-effectiveness: Cost-effectiveness is another point to consider when investing in a security company. Since so many different options are available, you can easily find a plan that fits your budget. Security companies often offer competitive rates, so you won’t need to break the bank to get adequate protection for your home or business.

Comprehensive plans: Security companies in Kansas City typically offer comprehensive programs that include installation and monitoring services. It means that no matter what kind of system you need to be installed or monitored, these companies can provide it for you quickly, efficiently, and at an affordable price!

Customized solutions: If you want more than just a basic plan, many security companies also offer customized solutions tailored to your needs and budget requirements. It includes motion sensors, surveillance cameras, panic buttons, alarm systems and more! With this level of customization available through these providers, you can be sure that your home or business will be secure at all times, no matter what!

Quality equipment: Another factor worth considering when choosing a security company is the quality equipment they use for their installations and monitoring services. Most providers use only top-of-the-line equipment with advanced features such as wireless technology and voice recognition software ensuring maximum reliability when it comes to protecting your property 24/7!

Quick response times: Security companies are also known for their quick response times when responding to emergencies or suspicious activity on your property, which could make all the difference if something were to happen onsite! When selecting a provider, ensure they have an established record for responding quickly and efficiently during times of crisis or danger so that help can arrive as soon as possible!

Long-term support: Finally, many security companies also offer long-term support options after installation so that you never have to worry about whether or not your system is working correctly again! From regular maintenance visits to customer service lines open 24/7, it pays off big time. Invest time researching potential providers who prioritize customer service before purchasing any product or service from them!

Conclusion:

Investing in one of the many security companies in Kansas City has several benefits, including professionalism; cost-effectiveness; comprehensive plans; customized solutions; quality equipment; quick response times; and long-term support options after installation. With all these factors taken into consideration – investing in one of the local safety firms has become an easier decision than ever before – allowing Kansas City residents peace of mind knowing their properties are protected by reliable professionals year-round.

Is it a reasonable choice to invest in the Kansas City security systems? Here are three essential reasons!

The safety and security of your home and family should always be a priority. When it comes to protecting your home, investing in a security system is one of the most thoughtful decisions you can make. Whether you’re looking for a basic home security system or something more advanced, there are plenty of options available in Kansas City.

Here are three reasons you should consider investing in Kansas City security systems for your home.

Greater peace of mind: Kansas City security systems for your home can provide greater peace of mind knowing that your home is protected from intruders and other threats. With a monitored system, you will receive notifications when someone attempts to enter your home without permission. It allows you to take action if necessary, such as calling the police or activating an alarm. Some systems also include video surveillance, enabling you to monitor activity around your property 24 hours a day.

Improved home insurance rates: Installing a security system in your home can also help reduce your homeowners’ insurance costs. Many insurance companies offer discounts for homes with monitored systems because they are less likely to suffer theft or damage due to an intruder or natural disaster. Before making any decisions, you must check with your insurance provider about which types of systems qualify for discounts and how much money you could save by investing in one.

Remote accessibility: Modern security systems have evolved far beyond simple alarms and locks. Thanks to technological advancements, many companies now offer remote access control via mobile devices, allowing users to monitor their homes from anywhere using only their smartphone or tablet. It means that you can keep track of what’s happening at home even if you are on a vacation or business trip, giving users unprecedented control over their property no matter where they are located geographically.

Three tips and hacks to get the best results from the home security systems in Kansas City:

Make sure your security system is always turned on. Many homeowners make the mistake of thinking that their security system is always active when it’s only armed when they remember to activate it. Keep your security system turned on at all times for the best protection.
Remember to change your passwords regularly. As with any other online account, you should change your home security passwords regularly for maximum protection.
Adjust your sensors so that they’re always within reach. Make sure you don’t constantly have to reach up or down to hit your sensor buttons – adjust them so they’re within comfortable reach.

Conclusion:

A quality security system can provide peace of mind knowing that your home is safe and secure both while you’re there and away on vacation or business trips. Investing in one may also save money on homeowners insurance rates and give users increased control over who enters their property and when via remote accessibility features offered by many companies today. Suppose you live in Kansas City and are considering investing in a new security system for your home. You should consider these three reasons before deciding about Kansas City security systems for your home!

Burglary Rise among Indian Households in Overland Park

We have seen a number of news reports and have heard from many of our clients, that there has been an increase in burglaries and home invasions with members of the Indian community as the victims. This is clearly a disturbing trend and the goal of this posting is to provide some ideas to help everyone be a little safer, especially as the holidays approach. As is always the case, be mindful of your surroundings and anything or anyone that seems out of place. Safety usually starts with what we refer to as the three-D’s, Deterrence, Denial, and Detection.

Deterrence means to make yourself a less desirable target:

Make it look like you are home, even when you aren’t
Have security signs and decals posted so would-be intruders know the house is protected
Keep home well lit and keep doors and windows clearly visible
Keep valuables out of sight

Denial means making it harder to break in:

Always keep doors and windows locked
Put deadbolts on exterior doors
Put sticks in tracks of sliding doors and windows

Detection:

Consider an monitored security system to rapidly alert you and police in the event of a break-in
Consider a video camera as a deterrent and an aid to apprehension and prosecution
Also keep an eye on neighbors houses for unusual activity

For more ideas, you can request a free copy of our home security checklist or contact us for a free in home security assessment.

Article by Tony Thurnam g+

Mega-Pixel Security Cameras

Video surveillance has made tremendous advances in the last five years. One of the significant advances is in IP video surveillance. IP or internet prootcol has revolutionized video surveillance in several different respects.

Quality. IP cameras are able to achieve resolutions of 8 mega-pixels or more. That is higher than high-definition TV and 100 times the standard resolution (320×200) that many CCTV systems support. This resolution is extremely valuable for two types of applications. First, any application where detail is important, like point of sale, facial recognition and licence plate recognition will benefit from the ultra high resolution. Second, One IP camera can provide the same coverage as more than 10 traditional cctv cameras in applications where large areas are to me monitored like warehouses and factories.
Simplicity. IP cameras can utilize existing IT infrastructure for connectivity. This reduces the expense and speeds installation. Many can also utilize POE or Power over ethernet so that separate power is not even required by the cameras.
Analytics. IP cameras also benefit from advanced analytics. That means that complex processing can be done like tying cash register transactions to video, tracking people and vehicles, reading license plates, and much more.
Evolution to IP. There are several products that are helping client migrate to IP. Hybrid DVRs can terminate a combination of IP and analog security cameras so that you can leverage your existing investment and tailor the system to leverage the benefits of both technologies. Cat 5 transmission is now possible on analog cctv cameras which means that you can use ethernet cabling for analog cameras today and then reuse it for IP cameras in the future.
Cost. The cost Of mega pixel systems continues to drop and is now between 2 and three times the cost of traditional systems, but with far greater performance, depending on the application.

In conclusion, IP cameras are a remarkable tool for many applicaitons, but traditional analog cameras are rugged, reliable, and cost effective, so they’ll likely be around for years to come.

Home Security Cameras

Kansas City homeowners are becoming evermore proactive about protecting their homes and families. One step in this evolution is the use of video surveillance. There are 4 main reasons that people choose video surveillance:

Deterrent: Security cameras are an excellent deterrent. Most trespassers and would-be intruders want to avoid being seen at all cost. The presence of security cameras sends a strong signal that security is taken seriously at that home and that the cameras are probably just the first line of defense. The risk of being apprehended is certainly enough of a deterrent to discourage many intruders.
Apprehension: Security cameras are also an important tool in apprehending wrong-doers. Some clients who have an ongoing problem with crime prefer to use covert cameras to catch the perpetrator in the act so that they can be prosecuted. This is often a case in stalking scenarios, or ongoing disputes. In the latter case, often vandalism is being done at night and the home owner wants to prove who is doing it.
Peace of mind: Being able to check in on your home while you are away offers a great deal of comfort to some. Perhaps making sure their pets are OK or just to make sure that everything is normal. A camera outdoors even gives one the ability to watch the kids playing in the yard from a TV, computer or smartphone.

Part of the reason for the surge in popularity is the dramatic drop in prices as well as the introduction of smart-phone and internet access to these systems. A traditional system will be composed of a digital video recorder (DVR), a power supply, and cameras. The DVR will normally have 4, 8, or 16 inputs on it where the camera cables are to be connected. It then has a hard drive, just like a computer, on which the video is stored. There is usually an ethernet port so that the video can be viewed over the internet as well.

Selection and installation of the security cameras is what determines the value of the surveillance system. There are many different factors that influence the selection of security cameras. Some of the factors that effect camera selection include the lighting, resolution, distance, mounting conditions, temperature, and vandalism risk.

Security camera selection and installation are where the complexity lies and often relying on a video surveillance consultant and a professional installer can help produce the desired results.

A new security camera solution that is gaining popularity is called hosted video. With hosted video surveillance, there is no need for the DVR. Instead, the video clips are stored on the internet (Cloud) each time a selected event, such as motion is triggered. The recording can also be triggered by security system events such as opening a door or disarming the system. Such a feature would be valuable for making sure that latch key kids arrived home safely. You could have a video clip emailed to you each time the door was opened while you were away to know who was coming and going. This video/security integration is also available on the traditional DVR based systems described above, but require outputs from the security panel to be wired to the DVR to trigger.

The video clips are stored on the internet and can even be automatically emailed. For small systems, this is very economical because the home owner avoids the expense of the DVR. Many of these cameras also can be connected via ethernet or Wi-Fi, to make installation even easier.

Seniors Monitoring Solutions help Loved Ones Stay in their Homes Longer

A topic you are going to see covered frequently here is that of “Aging in Place.” There are many organizations that define this phrase, but to me it is the application of a variety of solutions with a goal of helping seniors live longer, happier, and safer lives within their own homes. Home security systems can be extended to provide a great deal of support toward this goal.

Their are several considerations that infuence ones ability to stay at home. Things like wellness and mobility are obvious factors in determining one’s independence, but many adaptations are possible with thoughtful design.

One area that needs to be addressed is making sure that the individual can get the help they need when they need it. There are many different circumstance that can force one to need assistance and a monitoring system should be put in place that addresses as many of these as practical. Regular home visits by trained caregivers is one valuable measure. Modern technology can offer several powerful yet very affordable solutions as well.

Medical pagers that give the ability to summon help are another useful tool. The Life Sentry pager is unique in that a push of a button can connect the user to a certified EMT that can access their situation and dispatch the appropriate help. The advance here is that the conversation can take place right over the pendant which can be worn outdoors or in the shower. The previous versions of such devices required that the individual be able to get all the way back to a centrally located base station in order to communicate with the central station.

In home activity tracking is an exciting new area that allows family members or caregivers to monitor the activity within the home to assess whether a departure from the norm warrants action or at least a phone call. Email alerts can be sent as the individual moves from room to room, opens the medicine cabinet, or leaves the house. This allows their loved ones to have peace of mind that things are normal and to determine when things might not be. The monitoring doesn’t stop there though. It can also alert authorities and family members of fire, carbon monoxide, or intrusion threats.

Video surveillance is another technology that has gained an enormous amount of momentum in the residential market lately. Low prices and remote viewing over the internet and smart phones have made this a popular addition to a home’s electronic security. Again, the value is one of providing the peace of mind that comes with knowing everything is OK.

Another important adaptation that allows individuals to stay at home longer is the removal of barriers to everyday living that may exist within the home. These might be areas that are not wheel chair accessible. I had the pleasure of speaking with experts at Lifewise Renovations at their showroom, where they showed me how various remodelling techniques are helping individuals stay in their homes longer. One of the things that struck me, was that many of these adaptations, while very functional, are practically invisible, so people can implement these universal design concepts at any time.

You can learn more about these concepts or request a consultation at Shield Security Systems.