Home Alarm Company recommendations?

[OZMDD]

When we purchased our home last fall, it came with an "owned" alarm system that was monitored by Monitronics. This system uses the phone line to communicate with the monitoring company. My wife wants us to look at what options are out there and if newer technology is worth the investment.

Questions:
1) If I am using a VOIP home phone provider, will the old phone-line-connected alarm function over a VOIP connection if I want to stick with it?
2) Does anyone have personal experience with a provider that is either exceptionally positive or negative?
3) Are the new online/remote-activation technologies worth the cost?
4) Are wireless systems more vulnerable than hard-wired? Are they easily "hacked" or can the sensor's be fooled or disabled by typical thieves?
5)Are basic plans any better of a value than full-featured plans, or is it really just about simple alarm monitoring?

TIA

[motorollow]

IMO alarm systems are almost worthless. I have one just because the wife wants it. They just keep the honest people honest. Just put up a sign in front and stickers kn the doors and windows. And keep your gun handy.

[OZMDD]

Impressive, thread drift on post #2. Without engaging in a gun debate and statistics on the number of people injured by their own firearms, can you offer input on the questions above?

[sammm]

We've been with Protection One for several years and have been happy with them. I recently went VOIP at home, and now have a cellular alarm connection (provided by them) that costs around $10 month more. The upside of cellular is your alarm is active even if your phone lines are cut (which would leave your alarm useless).

We had a wireless system at our house in Arlington since it was added by us...it worked fine, but I prefer hardwired so there's no batteries to change.

[Flyin96M]

I've had Brinks and ADT in the past and they sucked and kept bumping up their fees. I switched to Smith Thompson two years ago and I have been very pleased with them. Customer service is top notch and they have lower monitoring fees than the other guys $16.95 per month with no contract. Most alarm systems don’t work with VOIP but they offer cellular communication for no additional monthly fees. Just buy the equipment $100 and you are good to go. http://smiththompson.com/

[tailchaser]

I will only chime in on 1 and 4. If you're ditching the phone line, you'll want to go with an Internet monitored system or a cellular system, depending on the level of security you want. Cellular is better... no lines to cut. On 4, with a modern wireless system, it's not going to be hacked by anyone that couldn't hack a wired system. The sensors are probably more vulnerable than the communications lines either way, but neither are likely to be whipped unless someone has targeted YOUR home specifically.

[OZMDD]

Great info. Thanks!!

[motorollow]

Impressive, thread drift on post #2. Without engaging in a gun debate and statistics on the number of people injured by their own firearms, can you offer input on the questions above?

Everyone remember NO THREAD DRIFT on OZMDD's posts!

Back on topic, ADT does suck and will raise prices. I also have Smith and they are OK. I have VOIP through Verizon Fios and my alarm service works through it fine. If you use any other VOIP service it may not work without a lot of hassle.

[OZMDD]

:) I can live with thread drift, just prefer to avoid a hot-button topic.

Thanks for the input. Flyin96M, pm me your referral info to get your free month.

[TexasStig]

Everyone remember MO THREAD DRIFT on OZMDD's posts!

I like Pie. It's been monitoring my belly for a couple of years now, with no issues. Not sure how effective it would be during a break-in though.

[Flyin96M]

:) I can live with thread drift, just prefer to avoid a hot-button topic.

Thanks for the input. Flyin96M, pm me your referral info to get your free month.

WooHoo!! I love Free!! PM sent.

[goofygrin]

Smith Thompson http://www.smiththompson.com/

Free cell monitoring, $17/month. Can't beat it.

Been with them for years.