I'm a newbie to the home automation and home security world and the google searches are coupling with my ADD issues to slow progress. I'm hoping someone here can give me a couple of quick pointers to get me moving in a productive direction.
Here's my situation:
Specific questions:
Here's my situation:
- 1970's split level home
- Hodgepodge wiring
- No landline
- DSL cable modem
- Avoid adding more monthly fees (willing to spend a little more up front to achieve this)
- 2-4 video cameras for front and back of the house
- 5 door and 5 window sensors
- Front and back door motion sensors
- Email or sms notification of activity
- Archival of video activity (based on motion, window or door sensors) to web account (exp: dropbox)
- Zwave (or similar) control of lights to create lived in look when away
Specific questions:
- Is it a bad idea to lean on something like HomeSeer or Vera 3 and a series of zwave door/window/motion sensors for all my security needs? If so why? (is there a lag in response time? not robust enough? expensive sensors?)
- For the cameras, is it generally recommended to use something like blue iris or zoneminder? Why? (I haven't seen any specifics on the HS or Mi Casa Verde sites regarding how they use and store incoming video)
- Is there a recommended way to use something like HomeSeer or Vera 3 to auto archive camera data? (either native or by triggering blueiris or zoneminder)