Next-gen systems, like this one from InGrid, cost less than traditional security systems and include more features.
(click for image gallery)

Customize to your Heart's Content

As befits their DIY-, IP-, wireless-, GSM-, and Web-enabled ethos, the typical next-generation security system is not only more redundant than a traditional system, but costs significantly less.

"The average dealer-installed security system in 2008 was about $770-$800," said Ablondi. Whereas for DIY, "it's about $180 for the average security controller," and while that doesn't include the sensors, adding a grab-bag of wireless sensors and a motion detector should still keep the bill under $400. Of course, "if you have a large home with 37 rooms and you're putting window monitors on all of that," he said, expect to pay more.

Another perk: add extras anytime you want. Options include additional controllers (to make the system easier to use and more difficult to bypass), specialized sensors, keychain fobs to wirelessly activate/deactivate the security system (think car clicker for the home), extenders for greater range, and even wireless video cameras. "We have three cats and my wife loves to check on them with her cell phone. We have a camera pointed at the couch where they sleep," said InGrid's Stilp.

More Is Better

"Today, peace of mind or safety is the core reason people buy a home security system, and at the end of the month, if the home security company has done a good job, nothing has happened," noted Paul Dawes, CEO of iControl.

"Traditional systems, when they're armed, they do one thing: if alarm goes off, it calls the station," said Mary Knebel, VP for marketing and business development at Alarm.com. But with next-generation, Internet-enabled security appliances in the home, those functions are just... boring.

Rather, the dominant next-generation security system ethos seems to be "more is better." Meaning, "it's not just about burglary," said Stilp. One of InGrid's most popular features, for example, is the weather report, as well as severe weather warnings. Meanwhile, uControl said it will offer a Flickr widget, making its touch-screen security console double as a digital picture frame in its downtime.

Furthermore, all next-generation systems work even in a disarmed -- or not (professionally) monitored -- state. For example, said Knebel, "we can push notifications that the front door sensor sees that little Susie got home from school at 3 o'clock, we can alert someone who has a second home there was unauthorized access, a power outage, or a water alert, we can relay temperatures in data centers and restaurant freezers. So there's a lot of non-alarm data that's very meaningful."

Monitoring for the absence of expected activities can also be quite useful. For example, Ablondi said such a system could monitor the home of an elderly relative, with a notification set to alert you if the motion detector doesn't detect any movement in the home by noon. "It could be comforting for people who are concerned about elderly parents, and perhaps let them live in the home a little longer and not need so much care," he notes.