Home security goes mobile

In the multibillion-dollar home-security industry, being state of the art means offering mobile apps, Internet-based remote access and expanded video monitoring. Other innovations beyond the set-it-and-forget-it systems of the past include applications that allow homeowners to turn lights off and on and even adjust their thermostats while they're away.

About one in five homes have some type of security system, providers say, and many insurance plans offer discounts after installation.

In traditional systems, a homeowner would simply set the alarm before leaving the house or going to bed at night. In case of activation, the monitoring station calls the home and maybe a backup number. If no one can be reached, police or fire departments are called.

Don Boerema, chief marking officer for Florida-based ADT, the largest player in electronic security, with $2 billion in U.S. residential business alone, agreed that customers will increasingly demand "lifestyle" add-ons in the future.

Plus, he said, it's become more affordable due to falling prices of technology and the relative ease of installing wireless hookups.

Comcast took over a traditional home-security business from Time Warner in 2008 and last year upgraded the system to make the newest in alarm technology available to customers throughout its service area, which runs from The Woodlands to Galveston. The company, which does not discuss subscriber figures, charges $29.95 for a basic Xfinity package after installation and a preferred package for $10 more, with video available for an additional $5.

The preferred package includes a touch-screen control pad for inside the home and full access to a Web portal for remote operation. The system can be connected to smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors, video cameras or lighting- and thermostat-control equipment for an additional cost.

ADT began comparable services last October, offering its ADT Pulse for a monthly fee of up to $57.99. Spokesman Bob Tucker noted that one Houston-area customer uses the remote-access system to turn on his home hot tub during his hourlong commute home from work.

Protection One's high-end system, known as e-Secure, starts at $45.95 per month.

Installation fees for the providers range from $49 to $399, depending on the type and amount of equipment that come standard.

He called the industry "very resilient" and said investors believe in its future. Last year, three of the biggest alarm companies - including Protection One, with 65 locations nationwide and annual revenues of around $350 million, and Brinks, which was acquired by ADT - were sold and analysts predict there could be more consolidation this year.

A January report from Global Industry Analysts confirms the negative impact of the economic slowdown, but contends that the market now appears poised to grow worldwide due to increasing concerns over burglary and terrorism and the falling costs of evolving technologies.

Boerema said ADT's portable cameras allow customers to move them around the house, as needs change. For example, he said, a parent may want to monitor a baby's room while the child is sleeping but move the camera to the family room while the baby sitter is over. When retiring for the night, homeowners could train it outside the front door.

Boerema said ADT's portable cameras allow customers to move them around the house, as needs change. For example, he said, a parent may want to monitor a baby's room while the child is sleeping but move the camera to the family room while the baby sitter is over. When retiring for the night, homeowners could train it outside the front door.

Weck, who is 42, said he is not opposed to having a video camera in his home. Rather, he said, he couldn't justify the additional expense at this time.