Piper Home Security Review

Piper home security falls squarely within the newest trends towards devices that provide all-in-one features, incorporating home automation and video monitoring within a single apparatus. Though just a passive security camera in appearance, the Piper device also has a motion detector, siren, and microphone, with a battery backup just in case. Whenever Piper detects a loud noise or unexpected movement, it automatically sends a video to the connected app on the homeowner’s phone. If the primary contact cannot be reached, Piper also has the option of notifying additional numbers. The camera can tilt, pan, and zoom, giving the user a large degree of control over what it can capture and view remotely. Additionally, the device has a quad view which allows users to see four different shots of the room in question. Piper can also record certain events when programmed to do so, such as whenever it detects a loud noise, someone enters the room, or a door or window opens. Finally, thanks to its connectivity with Z-Wave technology, Piper can be used to turn lights and appliances on and off remotely. The smartphone app allows users to track and verify temperature and humidity. One drawback to Piper is that it doesn’t offer the option of professional monitoring--leaving calling emergency personnel up to the contact. While this can reduce the amount of false alarms sent to emergency personnel, it can also mean a delay in calling the appropriate agencies. The lack of professional monitoring, while a monthly cost-saver, might also mean that the homeowner will lose the potential homeowner’s insurance discount that comes with a monitored system. Though the app can support up to five Pipers, thereby offering greater convenience and coverage to people with large homes, this can become just as costly as a more conventional, professionally installed and monitored system.