InGrid touts "first" all-digital home protection system

InGrid has announced what it claims to be the "first all-digital home protection system" which it says not only "makes traditional home security systems obsolete," but even has the potential to "unleash a multi-million dollar revenue opportunity for broadband service providers in the future." While that remains to be seen, the system certainly looks to at least have the goods to keep your house relatively safe, including 24/7 monitoring from Guardian Protection Services, website access and control, and e-mail and cell phone alerts to warn you of potential dangers. The kit itself (which you install yourself) consists of a console, handset and base unit, along with sensors for your doors and windows, and a key chain remote to arm and disarm the alarm. You'll also have your choice of "Basic" or "Home" kits, the former of which runs $200 and covers 1,500 square feet, while the later will cover a full 2,500 square feet for $300 (additional sensors can also be purchased to cover larger areas). Of course, the kit won't do you a whole lot of good without the monitoring service, which you can expect to $30 a month for.

[Wwhat @ Oct 2nd 2007 1:25PM]

I never quite got that email/cellphone concept, someone burgles your house and you are suppose to do what with the email? get used to the thought of arriving in a place that was possibly robbed?

[Javi0084 @ Oct 2nd 2007 1:32PM]

If you are on vacation I guess you can call a relative to go check things out, after the police show up and do their part of course.

[Mr. Tips @ Oct 2nd 2007 2:14PM]

what you're supposed to do with the message is know NOT to walk into a house that may have an armed individual in it. or to have your own weapon drawn if you're carrying.

[Wwhat @ Oct 2nd 2007 5:31PM]

I live in a part of the world where people, including burglars, don't all carry guns, (known in america as 'the rest of the world :P), and my point was that if you are so far away that you need emails to be alerted it is probably long past the time that the burglar left.
Seems more logical that the mentioned security firm checks it out, and possibly contacts you though, sending relatives might not be ideal.

[Mile @ Oct 2nd 2007 9:15PM]

Canada is not the "rest of the world".

[Wwhat @ Oct 3rd 2007 4:51PM]

Who mentioned Canada?

[bob @ Oct 2nd 2007 1:54PM]

This whole "digital" thing as far as marketing jargon has always bothered me. I always envision soccer moms buying toilet paper or something because it says digital on the package. I think I'm just bitter at how f-ing cruddy my digital cable looks.

[staniel @ Oct 2nd 2007 1:57PM]

haha, yea. Kinda like the HD thing. Let's slap an HD label on EVERYTHING!!!

[Deven @ Oct 2nd 2007 2:31PM]

Digital to me just feels less secure...

[jsully @ Oct 2nd 2007 6:01PM]

Only if it comes from Microsoft! ;)

[ethana2 @ Oct 2nd 2007 6:42PM]

Yeah really. I'm used to being in complete control. I have the code. I own my hardware. Digital to me simply means that its not completely useless.

Security sensors need to be peripherals. And if VoIP protocols today aren't good enough for police, we need one that is- because VoIP is better sound quality than cell phones /and/ landlines, and better price, too. VoIP is the future of voice communication, plain and simple.

[Nelson @ Oct 2nd 2007 3:10PM]

Can this system be used without the monthly service? Think car alarm for my house, except a whole lot louder. I just need something that I can install myself, doesn't use wires, and I can have window and door alarms. I just want something that's going to wake me up with a noise at night if something happens.

Or if anyone knows of any suggestions of kits that are already like this, let me know. Thanks.

[BoneJob @ Oct 2nd 2007 3:14PM]

I wish the many home automation/home security companies would get together, make some truly fantastic stuff, and then offer it at reasonable prices.

Oh, and then rinse/repeat and make things backwards compatible.

[LeeH @ Oct 2nd 2007 4:30PM]

I just called them to ask a bunch of questions.

1) The system is worthless without monitoring and cannot be used in standalone mode

2) There's not a separate siren component--everything except the handset and the door/window sensors sounds a siren when the system alarms

3) It looks like the prices quoted in the summary include a 1-year monitoring contract; for total month-to-month, increase the purchase price by $100. The monthly cost is always $29.99. For 2- and 3-year monitoring contracts, discount $100 and $200 from the article summary prices, respectively.

[Radio Matthew @ Oct 2nd 2007 4:47PM]

Isn't it supposed to read "expect to PAY $30 a month for"?

[Russ @ Oct 2nd 2007 7:07PM]

so remember to turn off the power at the fusebox next time you burgle a house..

[Ohhai @ Oct 2nd 2007 10:45PM]

*First digital security system, come one...not even their marketing people can make this claim with a straight face.

*I've seen one of these at a trade show and they're very cheap looking and flimsy feeling. The phone part of it has this lame plastic cover that covers the "panic" button on the handset. It looks like it will fall off the first time you set the phone down on a table. I can't wait until my 3-year-old presses the panic button on the phone when the babysitter is watching them, fun times for all.

*Seriously, I have to buy a new phone to get security? I'm pretty sure most people already have a phone in their house, or are trying to get rid of their phone and go all mobile.

*Most serious burglars have advanced tools like wire cutters or scissors. These advanced tools can be used to cut phone lines, which in this case also takes out the broadband (DSL) for much of the population.

[gogarty @ Oct 3rd 2007 1:44AM]

Since it's Internet connected, and based on their design description, it seems that it can email without monitoring. I might like one, but don't need an anonymous, off shore, 3rd party involved.

[gogarty @ Oct 3rd 2007 1:47AM]

Since it's Internet connected, based on their design description, it seems that it can email without monitoring. I might like one, but don't need an anonymous, off shore, 3rd party involved.

[Sra @ Nov 10th 2007 2:28PM]

What about the BT Homesafe from UK?
http://www.techpin.com/in-england-people-will-use-their-own-broadband-internet-connections-to-protect-their-homes/
It is a system based on IP and has CCTV support. From what i read, you need to have broadband Internet connection to control the system over the Internet remotely.
For $550 ... i think it is cheap enough.

[Scott @ Nov 11th 2007 1:16AM]

First? Not so much. I've had a digital system from Bell Canada since the start of the year, that works over digital wireless (so no line cut issues). It can be used standalone if you want and has all the same features.

[Dan @ Jan 17th 2008 10:04PM]

Hi Scott,

Can you point me to Bell Canada's web site and show how a residential client can buy such a system?

Dan

[Choda Monkey @ Jan 17th 2008 10:09PM]

Well it was bellhomemonitoring.ca but they're shutting it down. Just when they got it working nicely. Very disappointing.

[Brent @ Mar 28th 2008 1:24PM]

Ohhai...read details on the system before making assumptions that it can be easily thwarted by a thief. This is directly from Ingrid's site:

"InGrid uses digital, encrypted wireless technology in multiple devices (some can be hidden) throughout the home (and even a neighbor’s home). This network of devices stays in constant communications so there is no single control panel for a burglar to disable. In addition, InGrid connects directly to high speed Internet, the telephone line, even a neighbor’s telephone line. Soon, InGrid will also connect directly to a cellular network, creating an additional layer of redundancy. Therefore, a single cut telephone phone line or cutting the broadband connection cannot disable the system."

To me the benefits are this:

There are no wires, so if you move, you take the system with you. This is great for people in apartments or condo's that may eventually move to a new location.

You can monitor the system through any internet connection.

Built in redundancy in case someone tries to bypass the system. The thief would have to find and disable all the units in the house to beat the system, cut your phone line, disable broadband, then go the neighbors house (or anyone elses house) and cut their phone line too (which is your line backup), then disable your cell phone connection....good luck with that.

$30 per month is nothing for home security, plus the accessories like the phone, etc are high quality and not cheap like other manufacturers that think they have a product close to this.