Comcast Home Security?

Quattro Pete · Jul 24, 2012

Comcast is a new player in the home security arena, but they include a number of features in their monthly plan that traditional home security monitoring companies charge extra for.

Does anyone have any experience with the actual home monitoring aspect of the Comcast service? Another words, are they quick to notify you if there's been an alarm event and notify authorities if they can't get a hold of you? I hope it's not like their standard customer service line where you have to wait a long time to speak to someone.

JHZR2 · Jul 24, 2012

Sounds like a waste to me. Standard Comcast rip off, I'm sure.

Because it generally is super easy to cut any wires entering the home. Calling telephone and cable wires isn't all that difficult.

Unless they can instantly verify and report the cable line has been disconnected, I have a hard time desiring the service.

2004tdigls · Jul 24, 2012

all home security alarms can be defeated by cutting the cable or telephone lines, the only option is to have a cellular back up dialer

Quattro Pete · Jul 24, 2012

Comcast includes cellular backup if the main line is cut or otherwise inaccessible.

jdeare · Jul 24, 2012

All I can say is I hope they use different operators than the ones on their customer service lines.

Quattro Pete · Jul 24, 2012

Just found out that to get out of the 3-year agreement, you'd have to pay $1,100 early termination fee. Ouch! I think I'll pass.

JHZR2 · Jul 24, 2012

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Comcast includes cellular backup if the main line is cut or otherwise inaccessible.

But having cellular backup costs extra even on home security. Probably seven dollars plus per month.

Quattro Pete · Jul 24, 2012

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Comcast includes cellular backup if the main line is cut or otherwise inaccessible.

But having cellular backup costs extra even on home security.

Cellular backup is included with the Comcast offering. It does not cost extra.

oggb · Jul 24, 2012

If Comcast's home security is anything like their regular customer support I'd run far, FAR away.

"Yo man I understand yo situashin 'n all but I cant do nuffin to help you over dis phone, grab yo gun, dawg!"

PandaBear · Jul 25, 2012

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Just found out that to get out of the 3-year agreement, you'd have to pay $1,100 early termination fee. Ouch! I think I'll pass.

case closed

JHZR2 · Jul 25, 2012

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Comcast includes cellular backup if the main line is cut or otherwise inaccessible.

But having cellular backup costs extra even on home security.

Cellular backup is included with the Comcast offering. It does not cost extra.

At $29.95-49.95/mo, you definitely are paying for it.

The $29 plan is not good value considering what it consists of.

Quattro Pete · Jul 25, 2012

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
At $29.95-49.95/mo, you definitely are paying for it.

The $29 plan is not good value considering what it consists of.

I'm currently paying $40 for ADT which is based on cellular communication.

The plan from Comcast that is available to me is also $40 and includes cellular backup. Comcast also includes mobile access with remote arm/disarm capability. ADT requires you to purchase a separate more expensive package for the same. Even if I add remote climate control, video monitoring, or lighting control, the monthly maintenance fee on Comcast stays the same whereas on ADT it skyrockets. But anyway, I think I can live without all these extra add-ons, so I'll pass.

rjundi · Jul 25, 2012

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Comcast includes cellular backup if the main line is cut or otherwise inaccessible.

But having cellular backup costs extra even on home security. Probably seven dollars plus per month.

Having cellular costs you nothing in a pay per use situation or 911. I imagine Comcast eats this in a local deal.

rjundi · Jul 25, 2012

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Sounds like a waste to me. Standard Comcast rip off, I'm sure.

Because it generally is super easy to cut any wires entering the home. Calling telephone and cable wires isn't all that difficult.

Unless they can instantly verify and report the cable line has been disconnected, I have a hard time desiring the service.

The security aspect may be a waste to you. However my mother's home was saved by an ADT fire alarm when her attic had an electrical fire. The idiot previous homeowner did their own wiring on a bathroom light.

It does lower insurance premiums having a service but obviously not the full cost.

Nick R · Jul 25, 2012

Well no expert on the comcast security, but if it's anything like our Intelligent Home, it includes cellular backup, cameras, motion sensors, window and door sensors, thermostat control, remote light control, for $30 a month plus the one time installation cost. And they do have a dedicated security center, it doesn't go through the normal call channels. And that is actually very competetive when you consider what comes with a normal home security sysem for about the same price. This includes a touchscreen table for local control, and you can access it, including live camera feed, from a mobile device or computer connected to the internet. That's TWC Intelligenthome, anyway. Not sure about comcast.

Quattro Pete · Jul 25, 2012

Originally Posted By: Nick R
That's TWC Intelligenthome, anyway. Not sure about comcast.

Sounds very similar to Comcast, except Comcast charges more for it.

http://www.comcast.com/homesecurity/features.htm

Does TWC force you into a 3-year contract and includes a hefty ETF?

JHZR2 · Jul 25, 2012

Originally Posted By: rjundi
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Comcast includes cellular backup if the main line is cut or otherwise inaccessible.

But having cellular backup costs extra even on home security. Probably seven dollars plus per month.

Having cellular costs you nothing in a pay per use situation or 911. I imagine Comcast eats this in a local deal.

The structure in the aplication i am involved with it does cost, but the total is far less per month than Comcast.

The_Jeff · Jul 25, 2012

Comcast could easily have a trade deal with a cell phone company esp if they provide fiber backbones.

It's a logical progression of home automation. You can do it cheaper yourself, but I could see them blocking you from running a "server".

Quattro Pete · Jul 25, 2012

Originally Posted By: eljefino
Comcast could easily have a trade deal with a cell phone company esp if they provide fiber backbones.

They do. They already partner with Verizon to provide quad-play. I'm pretty sure they also use Verizon to provide the cell backup for home security purposes.

rjundi · Jul 26, 2012

Originally Posted By: eljefino
Comcast could easily have a trade deal with a cell phone company esp if they provide fiber backbones.

It's a logical progression of home automation. You can do it cheaper yourself, but I could see them blocking you from running a "server".

You can run a accessible server inside your home with a dynamic DNS service. I have for years now(basically laptop) using this>>> http://dyn.com/dns/

We use it with home automation at our family's vacation home, as a "security system". Mostly temperature monitoring and also to control the heat as it is wonderful to show up to a 65F home for hours not 50F in the dead winter.

Comcast Home Security?

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