iControl Advanced Starter Kit

Reviews of the iControl Advanced Starter Kit

• 8.0

  CNET Review

  May 3, 2007

  The Good: A relatively affordable, do-it-yourself home monitoring system that allows you to view your property remotely via the Web, turn appliances and lighting on and off, and receive e-mail alerts or text messages when motion sensors are activated. The system was easy enough to set up and tech support was excellent when we ran into glitches. System can be easily expanded with additional components such as water and heat sensors and smoke and thermostat controls.

  The Bad: Enabling live video is a little tricky to set up and may require a call or two to tech support. The Web-based monitoring service is pretty user friendly but there's still a little room for improvement. On top of the initial investment for hardware, you have to pay a monthly service fee of $14.95 a month or $150 for the year.

  The Bottom Line: While it may not be able to completely take the place of a professionally installed home security system, the iControl Advanced Starter Kit is a relatively affordable way to monitor your home from afar via a personal Web-based portal that includes a live video feed.

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