RoamCon Wants to Literally Put Your Home at Your Fingertips
So here's the deal: we install a DVR, place cameras throughout your house, and connect them to the recorder. Next, we'll hook up all your lights, security, and even if your appliances (if you want) to a Control system. Lastly, and this is the pièce de résistance, we'll set everything up so that you can control it from a smartphone or PDA (or your laptop, if again that's what you want)!
At least that's the impression RoamCon would like to give you. Of course, they won't highlight how much you'll have to spend for the equipment and the rewiring of your house. Nor will they mention the potential risk: someone finds out how to access your home's control system, and it's basically all his. But it would be cool to check up on your house once in a while, even if you're halfway around the world, so that you'll know everything's as it should be.
But, like in anything else, the final decision's up to you. Check out Roamcon's website for more details.
Thanks to Mobile Magazine for the heads-up.
Jonathan Darby
October 27th, 2006 at 7:13 am #
Thank you for the comments. We totally agree with you that there is a risk that someone else could have access to your home if for example you lost your mobile phone. We advise all users on the security of the system.
We also acknowledge that a complete system with remote everything is eye wateringly expensive but we are only into selling the CCTV, DVR and enabling software.
I am responsible for the Marketing of RoamCon and would value feedback.
Again many thanks Jonathan Darby
Rico
October 27th, 2006 at 10:48 am #
Hi Jonathan, thanks for dropping by.
Regarding not publishing your prices, I understand that you guys provide a very customized service; I’m sure your clients have very different needs that makes standardized costing a little difficult. And I also understand how wiring an entire house can be expensive. May I humbly suggest though that Roamcon give sample quotations for “basic,” “intermediate,” and “full-featured” services. That way, people will have a better idea of how much they need to spend.
As for security concerns, I wasn’t implying that preventing unauthorized users from gaining control is impossible. But I think also an explanation (which can be brief and unrevealing of proprietary information) on how RoamCon keeps everything secure will help prove the viability of its services.
I’m sure these will be made available to people who contact you guys directly. Yet I think that providing more specific information on your website (for casual visitors to see) isn’t necessarily harmful; it may actually generate more interest for RoamCon.
jonathan darby
October 30th, 2006 at 6:15 am #
Hi Rico, Thanks for your note and comments. I will look to integrate the answers into the site over the next week or so.
Pricing, as you rightly observe is a problem. The basic box, 4 cameras, cabling, a router, and mobile connectivity can all be set up for less that £2,000.00. Installation, again of a basic system would be £200 to £400 or a couple of days work maximum. The complications come with size i.e. more cameras and channels, and size of property, long cable runs to gates etc. Finally there is the internal fabric of the location. Therefore, as a rule of thumb in a high value home we say £2000 – £3000 per camera installed for a complete system. I actually think we still offer value for money when you see people who spend £20,000 to £40,000 to install centrally controlled lighting into a 2 bedroom penthouse flat!
With regard to security, I will review what we say. We have various guidelines for users that we don’t want to disclose but you are right we can talk about some elements to reassure potential customers. Clearly we have to protect from both the casual thief or joker who might find a lost phone and the more determined thief/hacker. Fortunately the casual thief is unlikely to know what security system is installed or who to access it via phone or internet.
Anyway, you comments have been helpful and I will update you when they are integrated into the site.
Best regards Jonathan
Rico
October 30th, 2006 at 10:42 am #
Welcome back Jonathan. Thanks for providing the specific info on pricing. And spending at least 20,000 pounds for only central lighting sounds quite exorbitant indeed! Hopefully my comments were truly helpful. Thanks once again for being open to discussion, and good luck.
PS: Visual aids (like charts and figures) may also be useful. It will help people visualize exactly what Roamcon is offering.