Home security measures have been necessary throughout human history, with different cultures using various ingenious inventions and methods for home security.
Ancient examples of home security could include:
- Geese as alarms
- Domesticated guard dogs
- Motes
- Tripwire alarm bells
- Community night guards and more
Electronic home security systems saw rapid development post the First and Second World Wars. However, while video surveillance has been around since the 1940s, it would take a few decades to come onto the consumer market.
Since the 1980s, home security systems have become more affordable and popular, and today we see home security driving the smart home automation market.
While hardwired CCTV and alarms are still used, smart technology has revolutionised the quality and capacity of home security systems. Smart technology can either be networked via ethernet or, more recently, be set up wirelessly.
One of the biggest advantages of a smart home security system is the level of access and control it provides the homeowner over their home alarm systems and smart camera set-ups.
The rise of smart home automation and security
Smart security technology runs off a home’s WiFi signal or ethernet network. Once all devices are connected, the entire system can be accessed and controlled via one application. This main command app can then be accessed via a remote smart device, like a smartphone, laptop or tablet, or a central home hub.
In legacy systems, motion sensors and reeds on doors and windows would set off an alarm and strobe and potentially send a signal to a security monitoring provider, which comes at a cost to the homeowner.
Although legacy security systems did provide added security, the homeowner still had little control over their home. In the case of fire or breach, adequate protection would depend on either the performance of a security monitoring company or the pro-activity of a concerned neighbour who would call law enforcement or emergency services—smart security provides a more reliable solution.
Smart home security alarm
With smart security, the power is placed in the hands of the homeowner. Rather than being reliant on a loud alarm and recorded security footage, smart home automation allows homeowners to access all cameras and security zones live and in real-time 24/7, from anywhere in the world they have a reliable internet connection.
Smart security also provides the ability to set up push notifications when the security system is activated, allowing them to view their home, trigger panic alarms, or call the police if they witness a breach while away from home.
The versatility of smart home alarm systems and security
Smart technology has provided a significant upgrade to legacy security technologies. Although smart home security devices may seem similar to their predecessors, they offer much higher quality performance and more capabilities.
Surveillance cameras
Smart cameras provide more functions and options than legacy CCTV, including:
- 24/7 remote access and control from anywhere globally
- Ultra high-definition footage (no more grainy mugshots)
- Long-range, wide-angle, night vision, covert, nanny cam, and PTZ (pan, tilt, zoom) capabilities
- Face detection
- Number plate capture and recognition
- Built-in motion detection
- Two-way intercoms
- and more
Smart home security cameras provide the kind of security traditionally reserved for facilities like banks, government buildings and military complexes.
Now everyone can get the peace of mind that comes with advanced security technologies at a much more cost-effective price than legacy CCTV.
VOIP intercoms and smart doorbells
Other popular smart devices that may be included in the security camera category are VOIP intercoms and smart doorbells. These devices can feature high-def cameras, motion sensors and two-way communications, providing even more control of your home security while away from your property.
Smart motion sensors
Legacy motion sensors generally only provide one function: to alert that movement has been detected in a zone, trigger an alarm, and potentially notify a security monitoring provider.
Smart sensors, however, provide a wide range of other functions, including:
- Advanced smart motion detection
- Trigger audible and silent alarms
- Light level detection
- internal and external light activation
- Advanced pet detection and sensitivity
- and more
Likewise, fire and smoke sensors have also had the smart-tech upgrade, with certain smart sensors providing a range of other utilities, including:
- Temperature data
- Advanced smoke and fire detection
- Water and flood detection
- and more
Never before have homeowners had so much control over their home fire and break-and-enter security.
Smart access control
Smart access control takes the deadlock to the next level by allowing people to unlock and lock integrated doors via an app. Not only can this provide added peace of mind that your home is secure, it also allows access and security for kids after school and secure access to friends and family.
In addition, it also provides access to delivery personnel that you can monitor and communicate via your smart camera system, VoIP intercom, or smart doorbell, keeping your home and packages safe.
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Other smart home security devices
When you are away from home, there are signs professional burglars will look for to determine if a home is currently occupied, including:
- Curtains that haven’t opened or closed in days
- Unkempt gardens that are normally tidy
- No lighting activity for days on end
Smart home automation can negate some of these signs throwing off the prying eyes of would-be thieves:
- Smart curtains
Smart curtains run off an electric motor which can be controlled via your remote device, allowing you to open and shut your curtains throughout the day.
- Smart irrigation
Although you may still need to hire a gardener for trimming and mowing, active irrigation can act as a deterrent.
- Smart lighting
Being able to control all your internal and external lights makes your home look as occupied as normal, a great way to deter opportunistic thieves.
Experienced criminals will also keep an eye on your mail and bins, so it may still be wise to ask neighbours, friends, or family to take care of these tell-tales while you are away for business or pleasure.
Call SmartHomeWorks for smart home alarm systems
Our SmartHomeWorks team draws from decades of combined smart home automation experience and strives to remain at the cutting edge of smart home security technology.
We provide integration of world-class smart home alarm systems Sydney-wide and have a comprehensive portfolio that includes some of Australia’s most impressive smart home integrations.
For more information about our smart home security system integration solutions, call (02) 8197 1133, or send your inquiry and contact details via email to design@smarthomeworks.com.au.
