CES Home Security/Management Round-Up Part 2: Swann

We continue our security round-up from CES with a look at other components that make up a full security system for the home. We start with Swann (www.swannsurveillance.com).

Swann is a global leader in security monitoring solutions and I.T. peripherals targeting consumers through retail channels. Swann prides itself on its ability to design and develop surveillance technology that is innovative yet cost effective. The company's products are mainly do-it-yourself systems with easy-to-follow plug-and-play instructions, full after-sale technical support and retail-friendly product packaging aimed at home, office and small-to-medium retail users. In other words, perfectly tailored for the Trender community.

I got a full tour of the Swann booth by Vice President for North America Guy Pithie. I was struck by the breadth of their product line. Just to give you an idea of some of their products:

There is the standard day/night vision model, the C-510R Color & Infra Red CCD Camera (above). And you have your underwater camera (think pool safety).

For your safety and convenience, you may want to check who is at the door with the DIY Color Video Doorphone.

And if you want to make James Bond jealous, why not add to your system a range of spycams including a clock radio with hidden spycam (to check on the babysitter or the cleaners?) or my favorite, the PenCam DVR.

For those of you who passed up spending $1000-$1500 for the review bumper camera on their SUV or minivan, Swann has an easy-to-install low cost alternative.

At the very least, I encourage you to take a look at Swann's simulated security cameras. If you think about, more than half the deterrent of having any kind of a security system is to scare off would be home invaders when they see the equipment. If they still don't care after realizing they are spotted, then you have bigger problems on your hands. But in most cases, the fake cameras should do the trick.

Most of Swann's products above can be purchased at Radio Shack and other retailers, range in price from about $50 to $200, and can be installed by all but the most inept of us.