
Each time we update our reviews, we also update our scores based on how customers currently perceive the products. We do this by extensively researching user reviews at retailers
such as Amazon, Best Buy, Home Depot and Lowe's. When we test, we borrow some of the DIY security systems
from their manufacturers and buy others. Although we may reach out for technical support or for clarification on a particular feature, the companies have no input on our testing practices and we don’t share our results or rankings with them before publishing our reviews. As we researched this topic and security systems in general, we reached out to Jamie Vos, vice president of the Electronic Security Association ESA for his thoughts on DIY systems. He emphasized professional monitoring for security systems: “If you receive a text alert, you may not be in a condition to respond and you may not hear an alarm. At that point, you have lost valuable response time, whereas a professional monitoring station can automatically alert first responders. ”We also contacted Kirk MacDowell, a board member with the Security Industry Association SIA and president of MacGuard Security Advisors Inc. He said a security system can act as a central heartbeat in the home. “Devices such as locks that can be opened remotely, home light control and thermostats that can raise or lower temperature are all tied into one convenient app and then tied into the alarm, making the operation seamless. ”How we tested DIY home automated systems For each new DIY security system, we test in two areas: user experience and ease of installation.
What was once considered
paranoid is now not just expected but in some cases a given.

Cox Silver Bundle with Homelife Discount months 13 24 Note: Most
promotional prices cannot be combined with promotional prices for other services. The regular rate for this service may apply if another promotional service is added to your cart. Offer expires 09/30/2019 and is available to new residential customers in Cox service areas. Offer is only available for new
subscriptions to Cox Contour TV and Internet Ultimate service. Bundle rate increases $20/month for months 13 24. Equipment fees extra. After promotion period, regular rates apply. Prices exclude additional equipment charges, inside wiring fees, additional outlets, taxes, surcharges including video Broadcast Surcharge $10. 00/mo. and Regional Sports Surcharge $9. 00/mo.