X-10 Security...bad idea?

[aslamma]

Check out Skype with subscription. It's very cheap.

I did a quick search in Google to find a USB phone adapter and I found the product that allows you to hook up Elk to Skype.

But there's a catch: You must have your computer on (with USB connected) and stay connected to the Internet.

Grayson, actually I think I looked into that a bit earlier..perhaps you mentioned it another thread. Yeah, it is quite a catch to have it hooked to your computer. I could hook it to my HTPC which is near the entrance...but I generally don't feel it is 100% reliable. Also, can't they just kill everything from your breaker box? Mine is right at the entrance.

I am just wondering if I should apply the old KISS principle here and opt for something like this:
https://nextalarm.com/products.jsp;jsession...41905FB088219A6

 

[AutomatedOutlet]

Hey, thanks for the tip. This is another option to consider. Maybe I have totally misunderstood something though. If I have a land line can the Elk call me directly or does it still have to go through a service like nextalarm?

Yes, it can call you directly.

 

[CollinR]

You might reconsider good old Honeywell, they already have these concerns addressed. If you don't use the Elk's automation side that is, otherwise a vista10se with a 6150RF and wireless keypad would do. Unfortunately the automation panel is more $ then the M1G and doesn't support all of the technologies the Elk does.