Was your home pre-wired for an alarm or any other automation when it was built? If not, then you probably need to look at the wireless systems. Some also have video capability and other options, but it varies by vendor. Most have an option for wi-fi connectivity to support thermostats and other automation, and you can add 4G modules if you don't have a home phone to connect to the alarm company

I am using a Honeywell Lynx 5200 system as an alarm, but have not added on modules for thermostat control, water sensors, etc. Honeywell supports Z-Wave devices, which means you can buy a wide variety of home automation devices (door locks, lights, etc.) to control. The newer Honeywell 7000 series supports local video viewing from multiple cameras, and supports more sensor interfaces than my older model.

If you think remote video viewing is an option you want (to watch your house when away), the Honeywell does not have very good support. However, most alarms that offer remote video require a vendor-owned server that you login to view the video. The video is being streamed to their server and you are viewing it from there, so there is usually a fee.

Alarm monitoring companies offer services to support multiple brands of alarm systems. However, monitoring fees vary widely, and sometimes there are local police requirements. For example, some police departments require alarm permits from the city, or have fees if they are called too frequently for false alarms. Having someone come in to clean your house or check on it while out of town gets more complicated when false alarms may incur a fee.

Bruce

So you have a few different options. At the high end you have control manufacturers like Control4 and RTI that can control anything and everything in your home. You purchase the equipment from an authorized dealer and he installs it and programs it for you. Stuff they can control would include: all your TVs and associated gear, lights, shades, heating/cooling, security system, surveillance cameras, pool, sprinklers etc. What makes the home "Smart" is programming all these systems so they work together to enhance your lifestyle. At the middle to lower end would be a security based home automation system via an alarm.com dealer or similar type of company. They would install a wireless security system in your home along with any other lighting, surveillance or other control you might want. You can get that security panel monitored or just monitor it yourself. You would then use one app to control your lights, security system, heating/cooling, etc. and pay the monthly fee in order to use the single app. Audio/Video would be excluded from this option so you would need an independent solution for that. At the very bottom would be just making sure your purchase "smart" devices that have their own app. Get a Nest Thermostat and you can use its app to set schedules. By a Sonos speaker and you can use its app to play music. Collect a series of apps and use them together as it suits you. Hopefully that helps.

This message was posted on 3 different forums at the same time today. I would not open it.

JDS, when you see such obvious spam, click on the little flag to the far right and report it.