Do you want your cable company or your phone company to be your security company @ADTStaySafe

7 Jun 2012 · 2 min

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This content was created by Robert Siciliano. This content was uploaded by Robert Siciliano. This is a YouTube news segment (WBZ News) titled "Do you want your cable company or your phone company to be your security company @ADTStaySafe" published 2012-06-07. It's a multi-speaker report by Paula Ebben about remote home-security services—principally Comcast's Xfinity Home and a similar Verizon offering—featuring a customer (Katie Sullivan Stafford), on-screen examples (children arriving home), reporters/narrators (multiple speakers), and commentary from security expert Robert Siciliano and another security commentator. The piece describes system features (wireless cameras, motion sensors, remote control via smartphone/laptop), pricing details (Verizon ~ $10/month plus equipment starting around $220; Comcast $40/month plus equipment; basic camera ~$100), and raises concerns about whether cable/phone companies can match traditional security firms. It closes with the expert recommendation to ensure systems are connected to local police.

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Keeping a closer eye on your family. The new alarm system watching every inch of your home. Keeping your home and your family safe. Tonight, a look at security systems using technology in new ways.
And now you can keep an eye on your home even when you're not there. But as Paula Ebben shows you, this may not be for everyone.
The pool, we have the front door, we have the kitchen. Katie Sullivan Stafford of Comcast doesn't get just her cable from her employer. Now she's getting a home security system too. It's called Xfinity Home Xfinity Home, and it allows her to keep tabs on her house and her kids over the internet.
So not just home security, but a solution to kind of watch and monitor the family as well.
5 wireless cameras and a motion sensor are strategically placed around the home, letting this Somerset mom know in an instant who's going in or out. Xfinity Home provides a completely customizable security system. Here's Sophie coming home. Katie has the system set up to send her a text message as soon as the kids get home from school or even a night out.
This would be Emma coming home from prom. We know that that was 1 AM. That was curfew on the dot.
Using a smartphone or a laptop, customers can remotely change camera settings, arm or disarm the alarm, switch on lights, even adjust the thermostat, all while away from home. Comcast isn't the only cable company jumping into remote home monitoring. Verizon offers a similar service for $10 a month plus the cost of the equipment starting around $220. Comcast customers pay $40 a month plus the cost of equipment. The most basic camera sells for $100.
It is, in my opinion, irresponsible not to have a home alarm system.
Security expert Robert Siciliano relies on a traditional home security system. He questions whether a cable company can match their expertise.
Security companies over the years have done a really good job of perfecting the art of the home security installation. Whether or not you want to have your cable company or your phone company be your security company, I'm not quite sure that's in your best interest.
Katie says having remote access to her home provides peace of mind. I just find it extremely convenient. A high-tech way to keep a constant eye on the family. Paula Ebben, WBZ News.
Now, if security is your main concern, the experts say to make sure any system that you buy is connected to the local police department.