Electronic Alarms and Home Security Devices - Different Manufacturers: General comparisons?

There are so many different alarm manufacturers out there, that my research sems like it never ends. Each company also seems to offer a very wide range of prouducts.

I'd be very interested in some feedback on the various systems out there; Ademco, ITI, Napco, DSC, Caddx, etc.

What are some of the similarities and differences? Are some better than others for certain applications?

Thanks in advance!

The major brands all have pretty similar features in any given panel capacity range. They vary widely in user/installer ease of use.

I personally like Caddx/Networx the best. The keypads are interchangeable, they all program and operate the same, there's just more options as you go up the model line. They use simple code arm/disarm, and there are a lot of modules to expand the capabilities of the systems. They are not the best choice for a DIY unless you have a little knowlege of this type of installation.

The ITI Concord, especially the express are pretty similar, the express has wireless built in, and seems to be pretty DIY friendly.

Ademco is, to some degree, an industry standard. A lot of the branded systems (ADT, First Alert, etc) use modified versions, so there are a lot of them out there. They are not especially easy to set up for a DIY, because their manuals are organized a little oddly, and each panel model programs differently. They do have one of the best wireless packages.

DSC makes very good panels. I have, however found them a little sensitive to voltage transients (in a thunderstorm prone state, that's an issue). Their old wireless devices used to have problems, the newer ones are said to be much better. Their panels don't share components between model lines, and their programming runs a bit arcane initially. If you read the manual well, it makes sense, though.

The Napco panels are not bad, I've not had to work with many, but they seem solid. I'd have to look at one of the current systems to tell how DIY friendly they are likely to be.

Many thanks for your comments!!! It really helps.

There are so many different manufacturers and systems that it is hard to sort through it all. Your comments helped to narrow the field.

Thanks again!

I myself prefer the GE/ITI Concord Express system (or Concord Hybrid/RF system, if you want more features.) The programming is extremely easy, so it can be installed by pretty much anyone. Most of the Concord systems also come with wireless receivers built-in - the Concord Express has 16 wireless zones, and the RF systems have 16 or 32 zones, your choice.)

Other than that, I would say go with an Ademco Vista system. They are a little more cryptic programming, but much much easier than the DSC systems.

Good luck!

Just my 2 cents....I have worked with Radionics,FBI,VEREX and Vista. The people I work with that have Vista at home love the fact that you can program it from the keypad you can dial into it by phone and arm or disarm if needed. You don't need a special programer/ programming tool like you may need with other systems. Simple and user friendly is a must with things like this, if it becomes complicated for the tech how would a consumer figure out how to use it. Thus many numerous kinds and type of system. :o