
For the second consecutive year SDM’s Industry Forecast Study cited DIY security providers as their greatest competition in the coming year, with 33 percent of respondents choosing DIY companies as their No. 1 competitive threat. National/global security companies followed, at 28 percent of respondents. However, wireless phone providers/broadband providers fell to 7 percent as a perceived threat, down from 11 percent last year. In all cases, it seems dealers and manufacturers alike view competition as untapped opportunity, a philosophy that also factors into the healthy optimism this year. Welsh has similar observations: “We have 5,000 security dealers we work with and
they had a great year. We are hearing that the DIY systems are addressing a different
segment of the market. They are not necessarily cannibalizing the market. is a legitimate segment that is growing but we haven’t seen it be a significant factor for the small and medium guys. Even with the cable and MSOs that have taken share, I think that perhaps it is more at the big guy level. ADT and Comcast are going back and forth while the independent security dealers win business by being local and being a part of the community.
The larger screen also makes the system setup process much easier, since you just pair all the components using easy step through menus on the display. Each component has a small button you press to pair it with the system. Once you do, the keypad will walk you through the naming process. You no longer need to consult the user manual for setup instructions. Up to four SimpliCams will work with the system though the company promises support for an unlimited number of cameras in the near future. Setup is easy and
consists of entering your wireless network details and scanning a QR code in the app.

It can also be
integrated with other security devices from other brands, and you can even operate it using Amazon's Alexa. A backup battery in the kit ensures that even in the event of a power failure, the Ring kit will continue to run for up to 24 hours, using your cellular network to keep connected. As mentioned, there is no need for a subscription plan, though there are contract free Ring Protect Plans available, for either $3 or $10 a month, which allow you to store more video using the Ring app, as well as access member benefits and discounts on additional security product purchases. These might be useful if you plan to buy other equipment from Ring, such as its video doorbell, sirens, smoke detectors, cameras, and more. You can sign up for Ring Alarm Security Kit hereImage Credit: CanaryImage credit: Canary2. Canary All in OneThe plug and play approach to home security$41 View at Amazon$79.