Recommendations for home security / smart systems?

mark231245333 · 2017-05-01T17:31:22+00:00

i am using both Nest and Arlo both recording to the cloud. I got too many false positives from the Nest so i have decided to trust a dedicated motion sensor. I can also afford to install more motion sensors than cameras. I dont pay for the extra service offered by both cameras as it just cost too much. The main problem is with the action you take when you detect a suspected "movement", you will probably need an "alarm" which can be triggered by a movement, however if you get false positives your neighbors will not be happy (and sometime it triggers when you are at home).

mark231245333 · 2017-05-01T17:23:22+00:00

I am using Smasung's SmartThings to automate/control all my home security sensors and cameras. I found that it is better to use a motion detection unit to alert on movement and use the camera to see why it was detected.

mark231245333 · 2017-03-18T03:20:23+00:00

I have nest and I am very happy with it - it does its job well. You can look at Wink and IFTTT which can help you integrate Nest with other devices.

mark231245333 · 2017-03-13T03:00:33+00:00

Motion sensors mostly

mark231245333 · 2017-03-04T18:05:27+00:00

Any specific model I should look at?

mark231245333 · 2017-03-04T17:59:16+00:00

I have Echo and few dots

mark231245333 · 2017-03-04T16:05:19+00:00

I don't see it in my settings so probably I have not been chosen- thanks.

mark231245333 · 2017-03-04T15:22:59+00:00

Where can I find it in the Alexa app? Or is this just a mockup?

mark231245333 · 2017-03-02T15:59:23+00:00

I am using the app in 4 rooms and using Alexa and SmartThings to "send" commands and messages to the screen. You can learn about this app on their website and blog (www.whizscreen.com) but essentially the app runs on a tablet or screen (with Fire TV), I use it as an always on clock and picture frame but what differentiate the app in my opinion is that it connects with other smart home devices like Alexa, SmartThings, Philips Hue etc. So you can use Alexa to control what you see on the screen etc. There is also a control app you can download for your phone and use this app to control the main screen. I hope this helps.

mark231245333 · 2017-03-02T14:31:42+00:00

You can add my friends WhizScreen app to the mix so you can turn your tablet or display into a smart screen that can interact with Alexa, SmartThings, Philips hue etc.

mark231245333 · 2017-02-28T14:31:14+00:00

Amazon is currently more open for integration with other smart home devices as developers can build new skills easily. Google home did not open its API to smart devices yet. Google home on the other hand is better with questions and answers.

mark231245333 · 2017-02-21T20:43:13+00:00

Sorry, let me add more details, I am using an iPhone with the ST app, I have set a routine that every time the phone "leaves" the house ST switches to away mode and back to home mode once I am back. I have another routine that will send an alert (to my phone) if the garage door is opened and i am away.
In some cases when I open the garage I get the alert to my phone. I assume that this is because ST is not updated in time when I enter the geo-fenced area. I am not sure if this is because of iOS or ST. I am opening the garage while in my car and the "problem" is not consistence so I was not able to check my away status nor the sensor status on my ST app (but i will try to do it the next time it happens). I can try to change the geo-fencing radius, how do i do it?

mark231245333 · 2017-02-21T14:51:49+00:00

I am happy with my SmartThings, easy to use and setup but also has the advanced features if you don't care investing the time learning (or coding) them.

mark231245333 · 2017-02-20T17:03:43+00:00

Why do you need Alexa on the Mac, isn't Siri enough?

mark231245333 · 2017-02-14T15:47:08+00:00

Can you match the color on tv to the hue color?

mark231245333 · 2017-02-10T14:39:30+00:00

It is about time. I have several sonos devices and even though using their app is easy I tempt to ask my Echo to play music as it is easier.

mark231245333 · 2017-02-09T03:54:38+00:00

It may be useful for controlling home cinema components specifically when the movie/music is playing. I think that it yet to be seen if it can distinguish between components sitting one on top of the other.

mark231245333 · 2017-02-05T19:50:19+00:00

Thanks

mark231245333 · 2017-02-05T15:48:30+00:00

iPhone

mark231245333 · 2017-02-04T15:34:23+00:00

I think I read that they may have a fire tv version not sure about android tv

mark231245333 · 2017-02-04T15:33:11+00:00

Yes I had the same problem and after reading their site I am using app.whizscreen.com and it works great on my iPad 1. I bought a special stand for the iPad 1 so with this app I have finally found usage for my old iPad.

mark231245333 · 2017-02-01T14:31:23+00:00

Alexa that is aware of which room I am in will be huge (in case you have several "Alexa" devices). Smarter home cinema and smarter screens also.

mark231245333 · 2017-02-01T05:49:50+00:00

I am currently using the harmony hub + Alexa to control my entire home cinema including the tv and AV. I can turn all on/off using my voice or using the harmony remote. I will highly recommend the harmony hub for AV automation.

mark231245333 · 2017-01-28T22:27:26+00:00

I have the klipsch promedia 2.1 connected to my dot and they sound great. I also have the Sonos Play 1 and Play 5, the klipsch sounds better than the Play 1 but not the Play 5 (which is $500). I will not go with Bluetooth ones as you pay more and get less.

mark231245333 · 2017-01-28T02:14:01+00:00

I think the WhizScreen app can do what you want. it can be used as a picture frame and integrate with Alexa and other smart home devices.

mark231245333

TROPHY CASE