Revolution and Evolution: ESA Examines History of Home Security

Irving ,Texas (PRWEB) January 30, 2014

In recent years, home security has shifted away from simple control panels and deadbolt locks into cool, coveted high-tech gadgets that compose items on many homeowners wish lists. While the Jetson era hasnt arrived just yet, the technology behind modern smart homes would likely be enough to blow the minds of our ancestors.

But, todays security systems arent simply the product of technological developments of the past few years; the groundwork for smart security systems was laid generations ago. To understand how home security evolved into what it is today, the Electronic Security Association (ESA) takes a look back at the past.

The first home security systems

When World War I ended, an increase in crime followed. As a result, Americans became sensitive to security needs and were eager to find ways to protect themselves and their property. Additionally, many insurance companies began offering premium discounts to alarm subscribers. These events produced a consumer demand for alarm systems.

During this time, homeowners may have subscribed to a service called door shakers a group of night watchmen who would shake subscribers doors each night to ensure they were locked. More advanced users may have installed an alarm system that used electromagnetic contacts fastened to doors and windows, which were connected to a battery and bell. These systems were monitored by a central station that sent a guard to the residence when the alarm was triggered.

Fast forward to today, homeowners have traded in door shakers for automated, sophisticated systems. Now, to ensure that doors are locked and the alarm is set, users simply log in remotely via a web-enabled device and check the status of their homes. They can lock doors, arm the system, or adjust the thermostat with the touch of a button.

Video surveillance evolves

In 1949, George Orwells book 1984 was published and the notion of video surveillance became an eerie concept. While video surveillance technology was developed in the 1940s, it wasnt until the 1970s that it was used in homes as a security measure.

An early model of an advanced video home security system included a large motorized camera that moved down a track to view the exterior of the home through four peepholes mounted in the front door. The video camera transmitted grainy images of visitors to a stationary television monitor that also served as the control panel where the homeowner could remotely control the cameras movements.The panel, which was located in a separate room away from the camera, was equipped with security features such as an intercom to communicate with visitors, a door lock switch and a button that could activate the alarm at the central station that monitored the residence.

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Revolution and Evolution: ESA Examines History of Home Security