Anyone done one yet?

Home security, locking dead bolts on doors, cameras?

I had some kids come by yesterday selling Vivint. What else is out there that allows you to do all of this from your smart phone?

Any DIY kits out there?

 

i actually worked for vivint for a summer, not a bad system at all, although i'm not sure what else is out there

 

Considered it but don't have the money. I have looked around but couldn't tell you the brands.

 

I have worked for vivint for a couple years now. The only company with a better system is control 4, but they are crazy expensive. I have worked for multiple alarm companies(monitronics, adt, pinnacle, etc). Most are mediocre at best and have poor customer service. If you don't get vivint, make sure you get a 2gig system for equipment. Response times as tested and/or advertised are an important factor.
1)Vivint 8-11 secs
2) monitronics 28secs
3) adt 2-3minutes.
2way voice and cellular monitoring are important no matter what company you go with.
The best reason to go with vivint is for the innovation. Look up the vivint innovation center. They are always trying to stay ahead of the curve. They actually funded the startup of 2gig technologies who is the best equipment provider in e industry. Now they are going to be building their own even better equipment.
A basic system from vivint should include the following:
Touch screen panel from 2 gig
Cellular monitoring
2way voice
Tornado warning
Smart phone app
You will get a combination of free equipment usually about 5-10 sensors from the following options: smoke sensor, carbon monoxide, motion, glass break, door/window sensors, keyfob, lifealert pendant, door bell, etc.
That build costs 49.99/month the equipment is free install is free activation is $0-198 depending on credit score and how much equipment you need.
Energy management:
Smart thermostat(similar to nest)
12CFL lightbulbs
Plug controller for lamps or other plug in devices
57.99/month 99-198 activation depending on credit and needed security
Security plus:
Automated door lock (1)
Camera (1)
60.99/month 99-198 activation depending on credit and needed equipment.
Full oackage:
Energy management+security plus
68.99/month 99-198 activation depending on credit and needed equipment

As far as DIY goes I only know of a couple companies who do DIY systems.
Protect America is a terrible one with GE equipment
Front point is better but also uses GE equipment.
X10 is the only home automation I know of that is truely DIY.
Lots of fly by night groups out there. I am pretty knowledgable on this topic so I can answer every question you have.

 

By the way we are coming out with a viper alarm setup for your vehicles that will integrate with your home alarm, smart phones, and other Internet enabled devices. I may even jump on as a sponsor if it is popular enough.

 

got it hooked up last night, so far we've been happy with it. quick response

 

I have control 4 in my house. love it

 

Congrats you will love it.

Holy shiz you do? I can't imagine what you spent on it. What all features do you have built into it?

 

Will I be able to order the alarm and install it myself? I know some alarm companies will only let you have it installed by a professional.