CSEM, SWITZERLAND: The new ViSeLink system is a mobile security system fit for both individual consumers and companies. The ViSeLink vision sensor technology provides real-time recognition of still and moving objects in any light conditions and can send image analyses and security alerts and responses.

From BusinessWire Press Release:

The low-cost ViSeLink system allows original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to develop application-specific image analysis and response systems for stand-alone or embedded products in security and surveillance, home medical care, building and home automation, and industrial markets. The ability to rapidly identify visual data and to transmit results and responses via Bluetooth to a base station, laptop or nearby cell phone extends the application of the system to a broad range of markets not previously utilizing vision technology.

“ViSeLink is a good example of how companies are creatively combining CMOS image sensors with other technologies such as wireless to develop exciting new products,” said Chris Crotty, Senior Analyst at market research firm iSuppli. “CSEM has positioned ViSeLink effectively to fill the fast growing demand for low-cost imaging in security and other applications.”

“The challenge with vision sensing historically has been identification and timely transmission of different types of key data,” said Dr. Christian Enz, vice president of the microelectronics division, CSEM. “The ViSeLink system offers OEMs a unique, easy-to-adopt and interactive vision sensing platform that can increase safety and productivity by communicating standard and emergency data from a variety of locations in a site without the need for a broadband connection or cables.”

GUARDCOM, MAINE: One more problem for burglars and one less problem for residents: cutting the phone lines just won’t work anymore!

A Maine security company has developed a new wireless home security system that uses the cellular phone network to get help. This way, even if burglars cut your phone lines, alarm signal will still get through to the security company’s control center!

You can get the GSM radio technology set up as an alarm system in minutes and not have any installation needed!

From PRWeb Press Release:

The system consists of a small console which is about the size of a laptop computer. It is set on a table and plugged into a wall outlet. Wireless motion sensors are hung on walls using simple hooks, and a siren is plugged into another outlet. In 5 minutes or less the system is up and running. There is no need to drill holes, or run any wires. The system is also simple to use. The alarm user is given a small wireless key which is very much like the wireless keychain remotes that are used to lock and unlock the doors of an automobile. Bob boasts, “There are no complicated keypads with code numbers to remember, just press on or off, it is that simple.”

He went on to say that simple alarm systems have been around for years, but for the most part they were mostly ineffective ineffective, because they just sounded a buzzer or a horn to try to scare away a burglar. “A bad guy is not going to be scared off by a buzzer that sounds like a smoke alarm. What we have done is put the latest alarm technology and cellular telephone technology together, and set it up to work in the simplest manner possible.”

In US, home security has always been a concern. Break-ins have been increasing and the crime has become a common reality. In UK, surveys were conducted and home security companies like ADT has found that more and more residents are becoming aware of the possibility that burglaries and break-ins can happen to anyone.

From: Norwhich Union

The poll of more than 600 people across the UK revealed that 69% of people felt the risk of personal attack by intruders had increased over the past decade.

Over one-fifth of these (21%) kept an item of sports equipment such as a cricket bat or golf club to hand, while 20% had a household item such as a rolling pin or frying pin ready to use to defend themselves. Worryingly, 7% even admitted to keeping a knife or gun to tackle burglars.

ADT said that official crime figures published in January had shown that the number of residential firearms robberies had increased by 46% last year to 645 cases in England and Wales. This was up 204 on the previous year and four times the level recorded in 2000/01.

The increase in burglaries have even caused some residents to keep weapons in their midst in case a break-in occurs while they’re home. Authorities would rather have them avoid confrontation and ask for help than to make a mistake and risk their lives.

At the same time, reformed burglar Michael Fraser, who featured in BBC series To Catch A Thief and Beat The Burglar, warned homeowners not to take on criminals.

“Far too many people are willing to take matters into their own hands, which is the most dangerous course of action,” he said. “Burglars are not to be trifled with - under no circumstances should people attempt to confront them.”

He added: “Homeowners need to think seriously about this matter and if they are forced into a situation where they are burgled whilst at home, they should lock themselves in a room and call for help.”

Basic home security habits are also being reinforced by the experts.

Both the British Crime Survey and police recorded crime figures have shown considerable falls in domestic burglary since figures peaked in the early-mid 1990s - down by around 50%.

The BCS has also shown that basic security can considerably reduce the chances of being burgled. Households with no security measures were almost ten times more likely to have been victims of

burglary than households with simple security measures such as deadlocks on doors and window locks.

ADT’s Helen Wylde said: “People are concerned about protecting their families and possessions - yet the rest of our research reveals some worrying details about the nation’s home security habits, for example over a quarter of respondents agreed they don’t always lock their back door.

“Homeowners should also be aware of some of the other impacts of burglary such as emotional distress, which can often have a lasting effect. We would advise all homeowners to take this issue seriously and act sooner, rather than later.”

And while homeowners are becoming more and more conscious of the rising crime, IT players in India find this as a great opportunity to invest in home security technologies.

From The Economic Times:

AHMEDABAD: Rising incidences of house break-ins, car and mobile thefts have opened up opportunities for the information technology players.

Companies providing innovative integrated IT-based security solutions are witnessing huge orders for IT-enabled security gadgets. And, the client list is getting bigger by the day. Recently, Ford India has approved a gadget developed by a Mumbai-based IT firm.

The companies too are getting innovative to capture a larger share of the pie — from developing gadgets that can sound alarm or send alerts on SMS or via e-mail, whenever their is a house break-in or a car/mobile theft.

OnGuard is better known for its innovation of padlocks and bolts meant for the power sports vehicles and cycling market. Surprisingly though, the company’s padlocks have been increasingly sold and is still booming in the home security market instead. Their number one padlock BeastPadlock 5101 is especially optimized in this market since it is quite suitable and compatible with the homeowners.

As expressed in Newswire Today:

OnGuard’s number one padlock, the BeastPadlock 5101, suits this market to a “T”, providing a level of security you just don’t find with traditional household padlocks. Its dual lockdown deadbolt locking mechanism offers second to none holding power while the unique OnGuard M-cylinder provides optimum resistance against physical attack and picking. For all its power, the BeastPadlock 5101 has a softer side with a double rubber coating on its crossbar and a protective vinyl coating on the casing to minimize scratching.

This added security surely implies that the citizens are giving their homes maximum security. One of the best tactics to secure your home after all is to add more layers of security in your home and have a little improvisation. Adding the BeastPadlock 5101 is a smart move!

These gadgets are on the rise.

And it’s no surprise! Cameras and home surveillance have proven themselves extremely helpful for residents who have trouble keeping outsiders out of their property.

A recent incident with one resident from Bartonville encountered problems with people trashing around his property and vandalizing it, he installed a pair of cameras to find out who did it and deter them from entering his property again. He made no secret to his neighbors that he had installed cameras.

The usefulness of the cameras became very apparent when the resident took a footage of a neighbor’s plight with robbery. Someone had broken the window of the neighbor’s car and took off with some of their stuff. with the caught footage, the cops were able to arrest the two robbers responsible.

There are a lot of reasons why people would prefer to have their own surveillance cameras. On reason implied above is that it can deter and help solve crimes. Other reasons include watching over babysitters, repairmen, housekeeper, etc.

Even stores and shops use cameras and surveillance methods. With these needs rising, home security companies also include cameras in their security packages.

Many are curious as to how home security companies monitor homes with the security systems that they offer. Luckily, for this writer, I’ve found an article from Journal Now about the general flow of how the home security companies do it. I specifically cite the following quotes for their significance with why home security systems are needed:

When a customer’s alarm system is triggered, Lindstrom said, the company will first call the house — or any other numbers provided by the homeowner — to make sure the alarm wasn’t set off by accident. If there is no answer, or if the owner answers but is away from home, the company will call the police or fire department.

… some parts of a security system are armed and disarmed by the resident; some are monitored by the company around the clock. Smoke detectors, carbon-monoxide detectors, flood and temperature alarms, for example, are monitored whether or not the homeowner has activated the system.

And why are wireless home security systems more preferred by customers?

“The most popular systems we sell are wireless systems because of the ease of installation,” he said. “With wireless systems, there is no drilling holes or running wires.” The wireless detectors and the main alarm panel have a battery backup so that they will function even when the electricity is off. “Most have a 24-hour backup battery,” he said. “And two hours before the battery dies, the system will call you and tell you it’s running out of power.”

You can read the whole story in Cellular link to the monitor good idea for security system, written by Jay Romano in Journal Now.

Yes, the home security business is booming… and it’s not just the security providers and those who sell security devices. Another sector of home security has come up and is increasingly successful with their services.

JC Special Operations Group offers assistance and advise to its clients regarding security in their homes. They make a tour of the house, both inside and outside, and give evaluations and advices on the type of security measures to employ.

From: The Midweek Business News

Officials from the JC Special Operations Group offer a home security service in which they will tour the exterior and interior areas of a client’s home to determine whether it is an easy target for criminals. They then advise residents which steps to take to help make their home less appealing to burglars.

“We, actually, spend a lot of time in your house finding everything out to help make your home or business safer, as opposed to just somebody coming and saying you need an alarm system or to put something on your window,” Joe Cosentino, president of JC Special Operations, said.

Cosentino also gives some of his advice on the article (from the link above):

Cosentino said residents may make their home more secure by installing longer screws in their dead bolts, applying laminate over their windows and making sure the exterior of their home is well lit during the evening hours. He said residents also should install a security system in their home.

Cosentino said residents also should limit the amount of trees and landscaping around their house. He said homes that have a lot of trees usually are easier targets for burglars.

uControl continues its expansion, now heading over to Texas to provide more home with their premiere home security service (through broadband, and cellular and phone lines. Testimonials regarding their service have been optimistic and positive.

From: uControl Press Release from PRWeb

“uControl provides back-up connections so my alarm system is always monitored,” said Harley Jebens, a Dallas resident who switched to uControl after burglars broke into his home and cut his telephone line to disable his security system. “Unlike other alarm companies, uControl notifies me if one of the connections goes down and immediately switches to another connection to keep the security system working.”

uControl continues to provide home security service that will help keep people connected while staying safe. They give home security solutions for broadband, VoIP, and cell phone homes.

Almost one out of four U.S. homes, or 26 million homes, has a security system, according to Parks Associates. Of these homes, 80 percent have broadband and nearly 15 percent use only VoIP or cellular phones instead of traditional phone lines. uControl’s presence in the Dallas and San Antonio areas will allow customers to have premier home security options through local access to uControl sales offices and representatives.

“As the frequency of home security breaches continues to increase, it is becoming even more crucial for homeowners to make safety a priority,” said Jim Johnson, founder and chief executive officer of uControl. “Our mission is to give customers a better security system that is compatible with broadband, VoIP and cell-phone-only homes - at a reasonable price.”