Industry News and Discussions Posts

We have very recently seen many customers looking for security systems that support the Apple HomeKit platform. Although the options are still rather limited, you can absolutely find a great HomeKit Security System. Today, we are going to discuss the options that are currently available.

If you aren't familiar with Apple HomeKit, it is the premier smart home and automation platform for iOS users. The market is filled with HomeKit devices that you can include with a HomeKit network. Once you have properly configured your HomeKit network, you can then control your devices remotely using Siri voice commands on your iPhone. You can also create HomeKit Smart Scenes to have your devices activate automatically based on a schedule or with predetermined events.

Integrating your security system with your HomeKit network opens up the door for some extremely useful automation functions. You can have devices on your network automatically respond to actions on your security system, such as arming/disarming or going into alarm. As your security system will likely be an important fixture in your home or business, it is likely that you will want to have your HomeKit devices respond to the events on your alarm system. That is why having a HomeKit Security System is so useful.

At this time, there are only two (2) security systems that support the Apple HomeKit platform. We are very hopeful that more systems will join this elite club in the near future. But for now you have the choice of two systems. Of these two, we highly recommend one over the other. But we will discuss both of these alarm panels so that you can learn all about the HomeKit System options.

Honeywell Lyric Alarm System

The Honeywell Lyric Alarm System is currently our top pick as a HomeKit Security System. This is a very powerful alarm panel that includes support for 128 wireless zones, a built-in 7-inch full-color touchscreen, integrated WIFI, support for encrypted Honeywell SiX Series Sensors, and backwards compatibility with Honeywell 5800 Series Sensors. The panel connects with the Resideo AlarmNet Servers for monitoring service and access to the Total Connect 2.0 platform.

What's great about the Lyric is the fact that the system offers intuitive end user programming. This means that the end user can easily set up their own security system, without needing to hire an installer. You can quickly and conveniently make programming changes to your Lyric System when needed, and you can save a huge amount of money by setting up the system yourself. With a new Lyric Panel, you will have access to the default Installer Code (4112) to make your own system changes whenever you want.

You will also find that it is incredibly easy to set the Lyric up with your Apple HomeKit network. In order to activate HomeKit on the Lyric, you must get the system monitored by an alarm company. Any of the monitoring plans offered from Alarm Grid are perfect for this. You can even use a monitoring plan that is IP only, as opposed to a cellular monitoring plan. Although cellular monitoring is always recommended for optimal reliability, many users use IP only monitoring plans to keep expenses as low as possible.

Bottom Line: The Lyric is the best HomeKit Security System of 2020.

DSC Iotega

At first glance, the DSC Iotega looks like an exceptional HomeKit System. It supports 128 wireless zones, and you can use PowerG Sensors, which are arguably the best in the security industry. The Iotega is also currently the only HomeKit Alarm Panel that can be used with the Alarm.com service, which many experts view as the go-to monitoring and automation platform. In those aspects, the Iotega fills some unique niches that are left unfulfilled by the Lyric.

But the Iotega has some glaring weaknesses. The system's biggest issue is that it offers no local end user programming. You cannot program the system without the help of a monitoring company. Any time you want to make a change to the system settings or add/edit/delete a sensor, you will need to contact your alarm company for help. This includes situations where you are just making a minor settings adjustment. The Iotega is known for being notoriously inconvenient in that aspect, and this limitation rightfully turns many potential customers away.

The aesthetics of the DSC Iotega are also a weakness. The system is just a simple black box with a numeric touchpad that appears when activated. There is no touchscreen, and all commands are made with numeric entries. This can be very non-intuitive for new users, and understanding the system is often very difficult. DSC does offer a touchscreen keypad for the Iotega, but most users prefer getting a system that already has a touchscreen built-in.

There are times where (unfortunately) the Iotega is the best option. PowerG Sensors offer a better wireless range than anything that is available for the Lyric. And if you need to build around the Alarm.com platform due to something like existing Alarm.com Cameras, then you may be tempted to get started with the Iotega. The fact remains that this is currently the only one of the HomeKit Alarm Systems that can be used with PowerG Sensors and Alarm.com.

Bottom Line: Only use the DSC Iotega as a HomeKit System in extremely niche scenarios.

If you have any questions about the Honeywell Lyric, the DSC Iotega, or any of the other products on our site, please reach out to us. We are also happy to discuss our monitoring services if you have any questions or concerns. The best way to reach us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. We maintain support hours from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Alarm.com users have a lot to look forward to in the coming days. The security and automation platform is expected to soon release updated versions of its Android and iOS mobile apps. Additionally, updated weather text messaging features are now available for the Qolsys IQ Panel 2.

Whether you use the Alarm.com Android App or the Alarm.com iOS App, you should expect to upgrade to a new version in the coming days. The new Alarm.com Android App version is 4.10.16, while the new Alarm.com iOS App version is 4.11.1. Once available, the Android version can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store, and the iOS version can be downloaded for free from the Apple App Store. You likely have a section on your phone where you can update your existing app, or your phone may perform the update automatically if enabled.

There aren't many major changes coming to the Alarm.com Mobile App with this update. However, it is still strongly recommended that you download the latest version, as some stability and performance issues have been addressed. Additionally, the new app versions feature a brand-new dashboard card and screen for shade automation control. This is great news for Alarm.com users who use Z-Wave shade controllers, such as the Somfy ZDMI or Somfy ZRSTi, which are both compatible with certain Somfy curtain motors. In previous app versions, curtain motors were controlled from the same card and screen used for smart lighting.

In other news, Qolsys IQ Panel 2 users can now receive updated weather-related text message alerts from Alarm.com. This update provides improved clarity for existing weather descriptions to ensure that end users can better understand their local weather forecasts. Weather texts are sent in English, though improved translations for Spanish and French are also available from Alarm.com.

The Alarm.com IQ Panel 2 weather text alerts are available for any Qolsys IQ Panel 2 or IQ Panel 2 Plus System running Firmware Version 2.4.0 or higher. The system must be connected with Alarm.com, and the Weather to Panel Service Package Add-On must be applied to your account. If you do not have this feature applied, talk to your alarm monitoring provider about having the feature added to your account. Alarm Grid customers can have this feature applied at no additional charge to their existing monthly monitoring fee.

If you don't have access to Alarm.com, then now is a great time to get started. You will first need a security system with a compatible Alarm.com Cellular Communicator. Right now, our most popular Alarm.com Security System is the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. This system comes dual-path ready right out of the box with a built-in Alarm.com Cellular Communicator and a WIFI card. This is important, as you will not need to add a communicator to the system. You will also need a compatible monitoring plan to access Alarm.com. Alarm Grid customers can choose from any of our Gold or Platinum Level Plans (Self or Full). More information is available on our monitoring page.

If you have any questions about Alarm.com or our monitoring service, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. We are happy to answer any questions you might have and assist you with getting set up with a security system to meet your unique needs. Remember that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Alarm.com users have another reason to be pleased, as the platform's Google Nest integration has made its triumphant return! Customers can once again include their Google Nest Thermostats in with their Alarm.com accounts. We're sure that many Alarm.com users are extremely excited!

In order to complete the Google Nest integration on Alarm.com, you must have the feature enabled on your Alarm.com account. This is something you will need to contact your monitoring company about. If you are monitored through Alarm Grid for Alarm.com service, then you can email us at support@alarmgrid.com to have us apply the integration. If you are not yet monitored with Alarm Grid, then you can check out our monitoring page here.

Once you have the feature applied to your Alarm.com account, you can manually add your Nest device through the Alarm.com website. After logging-in, choose Settings, followed by Add Device. Then choose Thermostat, and select Google Nest Thermostat. You will then begin the installation, during which you must provide your Google account information to complete the integration. It may take a few minutes for Alarm.com and Google to both update so that the feature works as desired.

It is important to understand that only a limited selection of features can be performed for a Google Nest Thermostat through Alarm.com. The integration allows for control of the target temperature, thermostat mode, fan mode, and scene thermostat control. Unfortunately, the integration does not allow for any Alarm.com rule-based automation features, scheduling for thermostat and fan schedules, battery level reporting, or advanced configuration settings including Eco Mode display. All thermostat schedules will need to be configured through the Google Nest platform like before.

If you are still looking for a viable thermostat option for use with Alarm.com, then we personally recommend the Alarm.com ADC-T3000 Smart Z-Wave Plus Thermostat. The ADC-T3000 will offer more features and a more complete experience than what is possible with any WIFI thermostat used with Alarm.com. We like to steer our customers towards Z-Wave thermostats whenever possible, as they tend to integration more nicely with security systems. But if you already have a Google Nest Thermostat and are happy with its performance, then integrating the device with your Alarm.com account is an excellent option.

Remember, if you need us to enable the Nest feature, or if you have any questions about the feature or our monitoring plans in general, please email us at support@alarmgrid.com. Keep in mind that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

We're back with another weekly video recap! This time, we have four (4) new videos to show-off. All of them were uploaded right at the end of the week. Good for our video team for rallying! There are three (3) videos with Joe, and one (1) with Jarrett. Let's take a look at the videos!

Overview - Alarm.com Video Analytics

Joe bows before providing a helpful overview of Alarm.com Video Analytics. This is a feature offered with most of the newer Alarm.com Security Cameras, and it is something you will definitely want to take advantage of if you use Alarm.com for video monitoring. By using Video Analytics, you can have Alarm.com alert you for suspicious activity, while ignoring routine events that don't warrant your attention. Please note that you will need to have the feature enabled by your monitoring company that provides you with Alarm.com service.

Using a Honeywell 4219 Zone Expander on a VISTA-50P

Joe explains how you cannot use a Honeywell 4219 Zone Expander with a Honeywell VISTA-50P Security System. The Honeywell VISTA-50P is a polling loop system that can support addressable V-Plex Polling Loop Sensors when a compatible polling loop zone expander is added to the system. Only compatible polling loop expanders can be added to the VISTA-50P. You cannot add a regular hardwired zone expander like the Honeywell 4219. The Honeywell 4219 is for VISTA Low P-Series Panels only. Compatible polling loop zone expanders for the VISTA-50P include the Honeywell 4208SN and the Honeywell 4208U.

Demonstration of Glass Break Simulator

Joe shows you how to use a glass break simulator to test your glass break sensors. A glass break sensor will activate upon hearing the low-pitched "thud" of an object striking against glass, along with the high-pitched "shattering" of glass breaking. By using a glass break simulator, you can properly test your glass break sensors, without having to actually break any glass. This is the best way to test your glass break sensors. The glass break simulator Joe uses in this video is the Honeywell FG701.

Disabling the Internal Siren on a Qolsys IQ Panel 2

Scrublord Jarrett takes time out of his busy schedule to show you how to disable the siren for your Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System so that it no longer activates. This will affect the system's internal sounder, as well as any external sirens you have added to the system. By disabling the siren, your Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System will not make any sounds during alarm events. In order to disable the siren, you will need to know either the Installer Code or the Dealer Code for the system. These codes are 1111 and 2222 by default, respectively.

Alarm.com users now have a new feature at their disposal, as a special full-screen two-camera mode has been added to the Live Video page on the Alarm.com customer website. By accessing your Alarm.com account through the website, you can take advantage of this all-new viewing experience.

As you can see from the picture above, we have already tested this new feature to great success. We tested the dual-camera full-screen viewing option using the Alarm.com ADC-V723 Outdoor Camera (the top picture) and the Alarm.com ADC-V522IR Indoor Camera (the bottom picture). Both of these Alarm.com Security Cameras support the robust and powerful Alarm.com Video Analytics package. Although we don't believe that ADC Video Analytics is a requirement for using full-screen two-camera mode, we still highly recommend getting ADC Cameras with Video Analytics support because its tremendous benefits.

The new two-camera mode allows both displayed cameras to be live-streamed in HD quality, without any sacrifice or compromise in terms of picture. This is the perfect feature if you are wanting to monitor two cameras in your home or business at the same time. Additionally, Alarm.com has retained its other viewing modes, including 2x2, 1+3, full-screen, and theater modes. And of course, you can still set a single camera to its own exclusive full-screen if desired. But it's nice to see Alarm.com giving its users additional viewing options.

Remember, you need to have an alarm monitoring plan with access to Alarm.com video services to take advantage of this new feature. Alarm Grid customers can choose between a Platinum Level Monitoring Plan (Self or Full) or our Video-Only Plan. If you have any questions about this feature, or if you want to learn more about our monitoring plans, please reach out to us by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. Remember that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Alarm Grid will soon begin charging sales tax for monitoring service in the state of Utah. The state has recently passed new tax revisions that require our company to apply sales tax for monitoring service in Utah. Alarm monitoring service was previously non-taxable in the state of Utah.

If you live in the state of Utah and receive monitoring service from Alarm Grid, then you may notice a change to your monthly bill. This is due to a change in state policy, and it is entirely out of our control. We appreciate your understanding, and we apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause.

Remember, Alarm Grid does accept tax exempt certificates. If you have been approved for tax exempt status in the state of Utah, then you should make sure to send us the latest copy of your tax exempt certificate as soon as possible so that we know not to apply sales tax on your next monitoring bill. For more information on our policies regarding tax exemption certificates, please review this helpful post.

If you need to send us a copy of your tax exempt certificate, you should email support@alarmgrid.com and include a scanned version of the certificate as an attachment. This is also a great contact email if you have any questions about your monitoring bill or any of our products or services. Remember that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Last week, we featured a list of the Top 5 Worst US States for Fire Safety. We received some positive feedback from the post, so we decided to present you with the five safest states in that same category. By doing this, we hope to make everyone to be a little bit more aware of fire safety.

Before we present our list, we have a few things that we want you to keep in mind. Living in one of these states does not make you or your family immune to fires. You must have a plan in place for dealing with a fire in the event that one occurs in your household. The best time to take action is before any serious damage or loss of life occurs. A good place to start is by getting a monitored security system with programmed smoke and heat detectors for fire-safety. Make sure that your system and sensors are working correctly, and remember to test them regularly. Always put your system on test mode before testing to prevent any false alarms and potential fines.

Also, work with all members of your household to ensure that everyone follows proper fire safety practices. This includes any children in your household, as well as anyone who is elderly, hard of hearing, or may have trouble moving. Put a proper fire-safety plan into place, and make sure that everyone in your household is aware of that plan and how to follow it. You may even want to hold regular fire drills in your household or enlist help from your local fire department by contacting them on their non-emergency phone number for additional ideas and support. And make sure to check out our post on the top ten (10) causes for house fires so that you can understand how most fires occur and what actions can be taken to prevent them.

If you saw our previous post on the five (5) worst states for fire safety, then you will already understand our methodology. Our list represents the average number of fire-related deaths per million people per year across the years 2013 thru 2017. The statistics we are using were reported by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA). This represents the newest NFPA data that we were able to find. We believe that this data presents a pretty accurate picture of current fire safety, even though it is technically a few years old at this point.

The table below shows the five (5) US states that have the lowest average number of fire-related death per million people per year for 2013 thru 2017. Just like last time, we have included earlier groupings of years in the graph. While it is interesting to look at how these statistics have changed over time, please understand that these five states made this lists exclusively because of their 2013 thru 2017 statistics. With that out of the way, let's take a look.

Based on this information, the five best states for fire safety are:

• 5. Massachusetts
• 4. Colorado
• 3. Hawaii
• 2. California
• 1. Utah

Before breaking down this list in fine detail, it's very good to see that fire-related casualties do indeed suggest a downward trend over time. Four of these five states have seen their average annual rate of fire-related deaths be reduced by at least half their NFPA-reported statistic since 1981. And when looking at Massachusetts, the figure has been cut down to less than one-third!

Massachusetts was the only state in the Top 5 to not get its average annual fire-related death rate under six (6) deaths per one million people. The state came very close with its rate of 6.1. Still, keeping the average number of fire-related deaths to just 6.1 for every one million legal residents is pretty remarkable. And what's more promising is that the figure has the potential to go further down.

The only state without a clear downward trend on this list is Hawaii. The Aloha State posted the lowest figure in the entire study, with just 2.8 deaths per million people on average from 2008 to 2012, only to see that figure nearly double to 5.3 deaths per million people on average from 2013 to 2017. Still, that 5.3 figure is good enough for third place in the entire country.

Some observers might be surprised to see California anywhere on this list, let alone being landing second place for fire safety. The state has a notorious reputation for its wildfires, and they seem to be an annual occurrence for the region. It's important to consider that this list is strictly measuring loss of human life in determining these rankings. While California certainly has its ongoing issues with wildfires, it's clear that the state has done an excellent job of ensuring the safety of its citizens when dealing with these natural disasters, at least when covering the years 2013 thru 2017.

Congratulations to Utah for having the lowest average rate of fire-related deaths per million people for 2013 thru 2017. The state had just 4.6 fire-related deaths per million people on average for these years. However, Utah has reported lower fire-related deaths in the past, so it's anyone's guess whether the figure will go up or down the next time this information is collected.

Remember, these states made this list not because fires don't occur in their areas, but because its residents know how to take proper action when fires do occur. Knowing what to do in the event of a fire is equally as important as preventing fires in the first place. And never forget that while most of your possessions and your home can be replaced, the lives of those around you cannot.

If you are looking for top-quality residential fire monitoring, then Alarm Grid is happy to help you get started. We encourage you to reach out to us for more information by emailing support@alarmgrid.com, or by calling (888) 818-7728. Keep in mind that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. Our experts can help you determine the perfect system for your household, and we can work with you to choose the best life-safety accessories for your needs. We look forward to working with you and your family to help you remain fire safe.

At Alarm Grid, one thing we take very seriously is fire safety. Our security systems integrate with smoke and heat detectors that trigger fire alarms when activated. Most residential users can use central station monitoring to receive automatic dispatch in the event of a fire alarm.

Although fire safety is important no matter where you live, statistics show that some areas experience higher rates of serious fires than others. We decided to look into this a little bit further to determine the five (5) worst US states for fire safety. Not only are these statistics rather interesting, they can also be quite eye-opening if you live in one of these states.

Our method for determining the worst US states for fire safety was quite simple. We just took a look at the average number of fire-related deaths per million people per year for the years 2013 thru 2017, as reported by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA). This is the newest NFPA data we were able to find. Although this data is a few years old, it should still be quite accurate in determining the biggest offenders for fire safety.

In the table below, you will see the five (5) US states that have the highest average number of fire-related deaths per million people per year for 2013 thru 2017. You will also see earlier groupings of years in the graph. We won't focus too much on the earlier years, but it is good to see that fire-related deaths are generally decreasing. All of these states have experienced at least 11 fewer fire-related deaths per million people per year on average when comparing the years 1981 to 1985 with the years 2013 to 2017. That in itself is a good sign that these states are improving their fire safety.

Based on this information, the five worst states for fire safety are:

• 5. Alabama
• 4. Alaska
• 3. Arkansas
• 2. Mississippi
• 1. West Virginia

We understand that this is an overly-simple ideology for ranking states based on fire safety, but it is still interesting nonetheless. And just because your state is on this list doesn't mean that you should get discouraged. Whether or not your household or business practices proper fire safety techniques is up to you, not the rest of your state. Therefore, you should do your part to prevent yourself and those around you from becoming another unfortunate statistic in this dataset.

To keep your home or business as safe as possible, you should start by making sure that the building is properly outfitted with smoke detectors. It is recommended that you have at least one smoke detector on each floor. There should also be a smoke detector inside of every sleeping area and inside any large central area. Great locations for smoke detectors include bedrooms, hallways, living rooms, and any big room in a business. You may also use standalone heat detectors in areas that are not suitable for traditional smoke detectors. These include bathrooms, garages, kitchens, and basements. Remember to test your smoke and heat detectors at least once per month and change their batteries regularly. If your smoke and heat detectors are enrolled with a monitored alarm panel, then make sure to place your system on test mode first to avoid false alarms.

We also strongly advise viewing this post we made last year about the top ten (10) causes for house fires. Understand how fires are caused, and take the proper actions to prevent them. Make sure that every member of your household or business is as fire safety conscious as you are. You should hold regularly scheduled fire drills in your home or business. Get everyone involved, and make it a group activity. It is crucial that you have an action plan and that everyone else in your home or business understands and follows that plan. You may even want to reach out to your local fire department on their non-emergency number to see if they can help you maintain fire safety.

Remember, fire-related deaths are something that you and those around you can prevent. But you need to take action beforehand. Once you lose someone to a fire, you can't bring them back. Let's work together to make this decade the safest yet. If you want to learn more about fire-safety or our residential fire monitoring services, then you can always reach out to us by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. Remember that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to helping you remain fire safe!

With 2019 now on its last days, we thought it would be a nice time to go back and look at what the security industry experienced this past year. As usual, we were there for it all, and we have so much to look back on. We hope that you enjoy this comprehensive year in review from Alarm Grid.

January 16 - Qolsys Releases the Qolsys IQ Hardwire 16-F

Qolsys made some big waves in January with their IQ Hardwire 16-F. This product is the first wired to wireless converter to support 2-wire smoke detectors. The module can also function as a wireless siren relay for a hardwired siren. The IQ Hardwire 16-F works with most 319.5 MHz wireless systems, including the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus w/ Legacy Qolsys & Interlogix Daughtercard.

January 24 - Gabe from Security Baron Reviews the Honeywell Lyric Controller

We were delighted in January when Gabe from Security Baron gave a comprehensive review of our Lyric AT&T LTE 3-1 Kit. This is a compete system kit that includes a brand-new Honeywell Lyric Controller, three (3) VERSA-2GIG Door/Window Contacts, a Honeywell SiXPIR Motion Sensor, a Honeywell LYRICLTE-A AT&T LTE Communicator and a Honeywell LT-Cable for providing power.

February 7 - Privacy When Disarmed for Total Connect 2.0

Total Connect 2.0 introduced a helpful new feature called "Privacy When Disarmed", which stops Total Connect IP Cameras from recording and capturing clips while a user's system is Disarmed. This feature is perfect for users who don't want to receive frequent notifications that occur from camera activity while they are on-site. Only Honeywell HD Cameras support this feature.

February 18 - Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Facial Recognition

Firmware Update 2.3.0 brought a major boost to the IQ Panel 2 and IQ Panel 2 Plus Systems, as users could now use the panel's built-in camera for disarm photos and facial recognition. The user can set up Alarm.com text and/or email notifications whenever an unrecognized face disarms the system. This feature is great for receiving alerts about possible suspicious system activity.

February 20 - MAC Prefix Update for Honeywell SiX Sensors

Honeywell SiX Series Sensors for the Honeywell Lyric Controller received an updated MAC prefix. This meant that they were only compatible with the system's latest firmware version. This is another reason why it's important to always keep your system running on the latest firmware. For more information on the latest Lyric Firmware, please check here. Please also review how to update the firmware.

March 20 - Lyric Firmware Update MR8

Resideo released Firmware Update MR8 for the Lyric System. The update brought a few changes to the system. The WIFI indicator in the panel's upper-left corner will now show a red X if IP connectivity goes down. SiX Series Sensors now have a shorter RF transmission supervision interval. And the SiX Programming Menu now shows every enrolled SiX Sensor for easy access.

March 21 - Verified Response Repealed in San Jose, CA

The city of San Jose, CA repealed its verified response policy. This makes it easier for a central station operator to send out authorities during an emergency event. This was a big win for Alarm Grid monitored customers who receive central station monitoring service from Criticom. We hope that more cities will follow the lead set by San Jose in repealing verified response laws moving forward.

March 27 - Honeywell LYNXTOUCH-MSD Updater Tool

Resideo released the Honeywell LYNXTOUCH-MSD Updater Tool, which is used for updating the firmware version of a Honeywell LYNX Touch Panel. At first, the updater tool was only compatible with the Honeywell L5210 and Honeywell L7000. However, it was later reworked to support the Honeywell L5200 as well. Honeywell L5200 panels updated using the tool will be seen by AlarmNet360 as L5210 panels moving forward. Updating to the latest firmware can be important for using an LTE radio.

March 28 - No Activity Alerts from TC2

Total Connect 2.0 made it easier to monitor your loved one with their new "No Activity Alerts". This feature allows users to receive text and/or email notifications whenever no system activity occurs within a set period of time. The feature can be very useful for monitoring a loved one who may have trouble getting around. If you receive a "No Activity Alert", then you know to check on them.

April 1 - Alarm Grid SiXTH Sensor

Our April Fool's Day joke was a big hit, as we announced our very own SiXTH Sensor for the Honeywell Lyric Security Panel. This sensor uses a Device Type of "Paranormal Detector" and a special Response Type of "Bruce Willis". It will alert the security system as soon as it detects any otherworldly paranormal activity. Begone other-dimensional spirits!

April 9 - Honeywell LTE-IV Available

This was a big day for Honeywell VISTA System users, as the Honeywell LTE-IV became the first-ever dual-path LTE & IP communicator available for these panels. The Honeywell LTE-IV provides connectivity with AlarmNet360 through both the Verizon LTE Network and through a wired ethernet connection. A Honeywell LTE-IA with service from the AT&T LTE Network & IP was later released.

April 10 - First Look at Resideo ProSeries 7" All-In-One Plus

Alarm Grid had a great time at ISC West 2019. The biggest news during the event was the unveiling of the upcoming Resideo ProSeries Panel. This yet-to-be-released system represents the next generation in security technology. Alarm Grid expects some big things out of this panel once it is made available. We hope that it will be released sometime in 2020.

April 12 - Interview w/ Jeremy McLerran of Qolsys

Another big moment during our ISC West 2019 experience was interviewing Qolsys Director of Marketing Jeremy McLerran to pick his brain about the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System. The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus is still our top security system as of the end of 2019. Being able to check out the Qolsys booth and the rest of ISC West was a great experience, and you can expect more in 2020.

April 25 - Alarm Grid Mini Window Stickers

Our mini window stickers quickly became a fan favorite! We have had larger window stickers available for quite some time. But we got many requests for smaller window stickers that are easier to place. And now we have mini window stickers. You can get adhesive-backed mini stickers in single, 5-packs, and 10-packs. Adhesive-front stickers also come in single, 5-packs, and 10-packs.

May 15 - Tennessee Ends False Alarm Fines for Monitoring Companies

Tennessee Governor William "Bill" Lee signed a law that stops local governments from fining alarm companies for any false alarms that occur. Additional, local Tennessee governments can no longer charge monitoring companies for alarm permits. Only end users can be charged for excessive false alarms and for alarm permits. This makes it easier for monitoring companies to provide service.

May 21 - Total Connect 2.0 Update 2.12.4

Resideo updated Total Connect 2.0 to version 2.12.4. This update made it possible to see the current status for smart home devices across multiple locations. Users who use Total Connect 2.0 across multiple residences and/or businesses really appreciated this update, which made it easier to quickly check the status for their programmed home automation accessories.

June 18 - Lyric Firmware Update MR9

Lyric Firmware Update MR9 is still the system's latest firmware version as of the end of 2019. This firmware version made it possible for the Lyric System to support the Honeywell LYRICLTE-V Verizon LTE Communicator, which was released later in 2019. End users can check out the release notes for MR9 if they want to learn more about the latest firmware for the Lyric Alarm Panel.

June 26 - End of 3G Activations

The security industry made great strides in 2019 in helping end users make the transition to LTE communicators. AlarmNet began stopping 3G communicator activations on Wednesday June 26, 2019. Alarm.com followed suit and stopped allowing 3G activations after Sunday June 30, 2019. Users looking to get started with cellular monitoring should make sure to get an LTE communicator.

July 19 - Alarm Grid's 7th Birthday

Alarm Grid celebrated its 7th anniversary as a company on Saturday July 20, 2019. Our team enjoyed the occasion a day prior by partaking in some "team-building" exercises. We thank all of our customers for their continued support throughout the years, and are looking forward to continuing to offer exceptional alarm monitoring service in years to come.

July 30 - 2GIG GC3e Released

2GIG had a great year in 2019 by releasing their much-anticipated 2GIG GC3e System. This panel brought back all of the same great features of the original 2GIG GC3, along with the added support for encrypted sensors. In addition to the GC3e, 2GIG also released the new 2GIG GC2e a couple of weeks prior. The 2GIG eSeries Encrypted Sensors were released shortly after the 2GIG GC3e.

August 28 - Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge PRO 2

The Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge PRO 2 was a great addition to the Alarm Grid smart home lineup. This central hub allows users to integrate their Lutron Lighting Devices with the Alarm.com platform for greater flexibility in designing a truly interconnected home. In addition to Alarm.com, the Lutron Caseta Smart Bridge PRO 2 can also be used with HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home, Nest, and more.

September 3 - Hurricane Dorian Scare

Alarm Grid was forced to close its main headquarters for a day due to Hurricane Dorian being in close proximity. Thankfully, the storm missed our headquarters, and our remote offices picked up the slack while our main office employees weathered the storm. Our thoughts go out to everyone in the Bahamas who was adversely affected by this powerful and deadly storm.

September 5 - Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Firmware 2.4.0

Firmware Version 2.4.0 for the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus was very exciting, as it brought some great new features to the system. These new features included improvements to the panel's general user interface (UI), global arming for system partitions, Alarm.com Smart Scene control, enhancements for IQ Remote Keypads, home automation updates, and so much more.

September 18 - Alarm.com Wellness Sensors

Alarm.com began offering its own lineup of wellness sensors designed for use by elderly and mobility challenged users. This lineup included a bed sensor, a chair sensor, an emergency call button, and even a wellness camera. Alarm.com soon followed this up with their very own wellness platform that is available for users of the Alarm.com security and automation platform.

September 20 - Interlogix to Shut Down Alarm Business Following 2019

Interlogix shocked the security industry by announcing that they would cease their operations in North America at the end of 2019. The company had just released its new Interlogix Simon XTi-5i System and its own lineup of Interlogix Encrypted Sensors. Alarm Grid and Alarm.com plan to continue supporting any existing Interlogix Systems for monitoring service.

September 20 - Qolsys to Begin Manufacturing IQ Panel 2 Plus in America

We were really excited to learn that Qolsys would begin manufacturing their Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus System in the United States. This was made possible thanks to the new partnership between Qolsys and Foxconn Industrial Internet (FII). The IQ Panel 2 Plus will be assembled at the FII facility in the Wisconn Valley Science and Technology Park in Mt. Pleasant, WI.

September 25 - Honeywell Home 6290W Touchscreen Keypad

Honeywell VISTA users received a fresh new keypad option with the release of the Honeywell Home 6290W Touchscreen Keypad. The device features a beautiful 7-inch touchscreen display that makes it easier for new users to operate a VISTA System. The full-color menus, clean design, and responsive touchscreen controls, make the keypad an absolute joy to use. WIFI capability allows it to take advantage of OTA Firmware updates.

September 27 - Qolsys IQ Hub & IQ Router Announced

Some of our biggest news for the year came at the 2019 Qolsys Summit when Qolsys announced both the IQ Hub and the IQ Router. The upcoming IQ Hub Alarm System should make top-quality home security accessible to more users than ever before. We also love the attached high-end speaker that turns the panel into a full-blown music player with the Alarm.com Sonos Integration.

October 1 - Honeywell Home VISTA-21iPLTE Released

The Honeywell Home VISTA-21iPLTE is the successor to the Honeywell VISTA 21iP. This new wired panel supports special plug-in LTE communicators, such as the Honeywell LTE-21V, that can be used without disabling the panel's built-in IP communicator. This way, you can unlock dual-path connectivity for your Honeywell VISTA-21iPLTE System with just a simple plug-in module.

October 4 - DSC PG9936 PowerG Smoke & Heat Detector

DSC released the new DSC PG9936 PowerG Smoke & Heat Detector, which is the replacement to the older DSC PG9916. The DSC PG9936 will work with any system that supports PowerG Sensors, including any version of the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus, and any DSC PowerSeries NEO w/ added wireless transceiver. The sensor supports one-go-all-go connectivity for PowerG Smokes.

October 15 - In-Wall Z-Wave Dimming Switches from GE

Alarm Grid began offering two (2) new in-wall Z-Wave dimming switches from GE. The unique aspect of these new in-wall dimmers is that neither one requires a neutral wire. The new GE Z-Wave Dimmers include the GE 14299 Z-Wave Plus Dimmer and the GE 45717 Z-Wave Classic Dimmer Switch. These switches make it easier for older homes to get started with smart lighting.

October 25 - Alarm.com ADC-V723 Outdoor Camera

Alarm.com unveiled their new flagship outdoor camera with the ADC-V723. The ADC-V723 supports 1080p recording capabilities with High Dynamic Range (HDR) for clearer and more detailed video captures. Its 117° field of view allows the device to cover a larger area than other similar cameras. Alarm.com also later released their new flagship indoor camera, the ADC-V523.

October 29 - Alarm.com Smart Z-Wave Plus Water Valve

Another big release from Alarm.com was the Alarm.com ADC-SWV100 Smart Water Valve. This Z-Wave Plus Water Valve is compatible with nearly any alarm panel that supports Z-Wave devices. The smart water valve is specifically designed for use with the Alarm.com Water Management Add-On Package that makes it super easy for Alarm.com users to monitor their water usage.

October 31 - New Alarm Grid Headquarter Sign

Alarm Grid celebrated the Halloween holiday by getting a new sign for its main headquarters. The workers putting up the sign did a great job, and we're thrilled with the end result. We're certainly proud of our office, and we are happy that we can help it stand out a little bit better. And of course, we want to thank our customers who helped make this possible.

November 1 - Alarm Grid Halloween Celebration

We also had quite the Halloween bash inside our office as well. We had some tasty treats, and we put up some fun decorations to get into the Halloween spirit. Some of our team members decided to dress up. Jarrett won our annual costume contest with his T-Rex costume. Congratulations Jarrett. We are hoping for an equally fun Halloween celebration next year in 2020.

November 13 - Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus Firmware 2.4.2

Firmware Version 2.4.2 for the IQ Panel 2 Plus represents the latest firmware version as of the end of 2019. The update fixed various issues that affected the IQ Remote and certain PowerG Sensors when used with the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus. We recommend upgrading to the newest available firmware as soon as possible for optimal system performance.

November 28 - Alarm Grid Thanksgiving

Alarm Grid team members had a nice Thanksgiving break in late November, as we all got to spend the holiday with loved ones and friends. Like always, we're grateful to our customers who help make all of this possible. We even made a special Happy Thanksgiving holiday video for everyone to watch. Please check it out when you have a chance!

December 20 - Reduced Pricing On IQ Panel 2 Plus PowerG Kits

Alarm Grid was able to reduce the prices on all of its Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus PowerG Kits just in time for the holidays. This was thanks to a reduction in cost for the DSC PG9303 Door/Window Contacts, which are included in every kit. Our Qolsys IQ Panel 2 Plus PowerG Kits provide everything you need to get started with alarm monitoring. We have 12 kits to choose from!

December 23 - Top 100 Most & Least Burgled US Cities

We capped off the year by presenting lists of the Top 100 Most and Least Burgled Cities in the United States. Homes without alarm systems are 300% more likely to be burglarized than homes with security systems. Additionally, 4 out of 5 convicted burglars admit to checking if a home has an alarm system before committing a burglary. You can view our full burglary infographic here.

We hope that you enjoyed keeping up with the Alarm Grid Home Security Blog in 2019, and we look forward to continuing in 2020. If you ever need to reach us for help or assistance, you can email support@alarmgrid.com or call (888) 818-7728. Remember that our support hours run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. Check our blog for holiday hours. We look forward to hearing from you!

At Alarm Grid, we provide top-quality monitoring services for users throughout the United States. Obtaining a monitored security system is important no matter where you live, as crime can occur anywhere at any time. But there are some areas where protecting your home is even more crucial.

*Icons made by Nikita Golubev & Freepik from www.flaticon.com

With the unpredictable nature of burglaries, we urge everyone to protect their homes and keep their families and possessions safe. The best way to do this is by installing monitored security systems. This is even more important if you live in an area where burglaries occur more frequently.

To find out the areas where burglaries are most common, we constructed a list of burglaries per capita. Our methodology was simple. We used FBI crime data from 2018 and took the number of burglaries in a city and divided it by the city's population. We then multiplied that by 10,000 to get burglaries per 10,000 residents. Only cities with a population of 10,000 or higher were included in our list.

With that out of the way, here are the Top 100 US Cities for Burglaries Per Capita:

If you want to learn more about keeping your home and your family safe, we invite you to reach out to us by emailing support@alarmgrid.com. We will check your email at our earliest convenience and reply back as soon as possible. Remember that our support hours are from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

Note: This post was done in conjunction with our Top 100 Least Burgled Cities in America list. You can download and use a unmodified version of our "100 most and least burgled cities in America" infographic as well.