Thursday, December 24, 2009

Why Pick Skylink Home Surveillance Systems?

By Chad Varner

When you're investing in security, you have to keep in mind what you're trying to accomplish. If you're going for home surveillance systems, then all you really need is a ludicrously loud siren - something loud enough to wake you and your neighbors up in time to call for help.

If you're trying to keep your business secure, then you're going to have to rethink what you're buying. Most businesses are surrounded by other businesses; if you're closed, the other stores are, too. No one will be around to call the cops.

Skylink declares their SC-100 model to be perfect for home and business, but from what I've seen it's not reliable enough to be anything more than one of many home surveillance systems.

But the question remains: does it even measure up to that standard? By looking a little closer, we can develop a conclusion of our own.

Easy Installation, Simplicity of Use

Many home surveillance systems can be as expensive as $200, maybe even more. The Skylink SC-100 is only $115, by comparison. Its alarm rings at 120 decibels, which should be plenty noisy to scare off most intruders. It's easy to install, as well: you simply put motion sensors on your doors and windows. These sensors then run the alarm when exposed to movement. The alarms are pretty sharp, so very few movements will be undetected.

Skylink's "rolling code" feature keeps down the instances of false alarms, but doesn't always work. A passing car could still set off the alarm and freak you out at night.

Weak And Easily Removed

There are a few major setbacks beyond the basic ones we've pointed out above. The worst offense has got to be the fact that this product is so bare bones. An alarm is all you're getting when you buy this one, and it's just as touchy as any other system. To open your windows or doors, you're going to need to punch in a passcode to temporarily disable the alarm. This is bound to wear on your patience very quickly.

Another major issue is the fact that thieves know that it's just as easy to uninstall. Although some people hide these alarms in places where it won't be easy to pull off the wall and break it, that also means it could be harder to hear. Your best bet is to place it somewhere hidden, yet still audible.

Conclusion: Spend A Little More, Get A Bigger System

Low prices usually equal low quality, and this product is no exception. An alarm just by itself usually won't deter the more determined intruders, especially if they are cunning enough to disable your alarm. In other words, don't just get the Skylink. As one part of a bigger system, it could be useful.

Why not spend a little more money and get something that will actually do what you want it to do: protect your house and its contents. Can you really put a price on the protection of your family?

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