Advanced security systems allow peace of mind 'on the go'


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SALT LAKE CITY — We’ve all had those moments: we’re on our way to work or even on vacation and wondered if we locked the back door or forgot to turn off the lights. Home security systems are getting more sophisticated, and can now help give some extra peace of mind.

New alarm systems not only help people keep tabs on any unusual activity at their home, but they are making everyday living more convenient.

“We've also built in the home automation capabilities where now you can control your lights, control your thermostat, you can control video cameras, and view video cameras and all of those devices work together seamlessly,” said Xfinity Home Vice President Dennis Mathew.

Comcast began rolling out its wireless Xfinity Home system in 2012 and now is available throughout Utah and in Comcast-served area across the country. Ray Child has the system in his home in South Jordan, and said it helps him keep tabs on everything via his PC, tablet and smartphone.

“I can't tell you how many times whether it's a trip across town or across the country where I’ve had that ‘ah-ha’ moment where I didn’t turn on my security system," Mathew said. "I can be driving down the road and say, 'I really want those lights on,' so I can remotely turn on the lights.”

This particular system also will control your home heating and cooling system. The “Eco-Saver” feature will track your heating and cooling habits, and over time, automatically make adjustments to make the system run more efficiently and plot out the data month by month.

“It's going to understand your heating and cooling preferences, plus the footprint of your home,” Mathew said. “How long does it take to heat up or cool down.”

“It and gives me a seamless climate control system. It learns what my habits are,” Child said.

Previously, home security was simply using a key to lock your doors. Now that front door can be locked or unlock with a simple swipe of your palm or fingerprint over a sensor.

Mathew said the system allows peace of mind: knowing that the kids are home from school or knowing that the babysitter arrived on time.

“And of course the most popular is pets," Mathew said. "People love to watch their dogs and cats make sure they're safe.”

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UtahScience
Keith McCord

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