Insight Home Solutions FAQ
What is Blu-Ray?
Blu-Ray is the next format for High Definition (HD) movies and other data storage, it is replacing the DVD. Blu-Ray can hold over 5 times the amount of information of a typical DVD therefore providing superior sound, surround sound instead of just stereo, and video at 1080P. The name is based from the type of laser, blue-violet in color, which is used to read and write the disc.
Do I need to buy a HD TV to use a Blu-Ray player?
The short answer is no, but make sure you read on. Blu-Ray provides HD at 1080P, which is a higher quality format then the other HD options. However if you do not have a TV that can display this format, what you see will be downgraded to a level that your existing TV and cables (even if you have the correct TV and player without the right video cables you still will not be able to view 1080P) can support. Therefore unless you have a TV that can display the HD format there is no gain to buying a Blu-Ray player.
Can I use my Sony PS3 as a Blu-Ray player?
Yes, the Sony PS3 (Playstation 3) is a Blu-Ray player, DVD player and CD player amongst the other things it does.
Security FAQ
Q. Are there any charges for False Alarms?
A. This depends on your local police jurisdiction. Usually the police departments only charge if the false alarms become a regular occurrence.
Q. How can I help to prevent false alarms from my alarm system?
A. False alarms can be reduced by becoming familiar with proper arming and operation of your alarm system. Train everyone who uses your system. Testing your system on a regular basis; monthly or weekly is suggested. Be sure all devices are properly mounted and are clear of dust and cob-webs. In instances where a door or window contact is going into alarm it could be caused by the door not closing properly or by a weak door magnet that needs to be serviced.
Q. How long will it take for my alarm signal to reach the monitoring station?
A. This will vary based on your systems communication format. Typically the signal is received in less than a minute.
Q. Why does my system go into alarm status as soon as it is opened?
A. Be sure the door you are entering is the door you requested for delayed entry / exit. Typically only one door is given delay. If you are now entering through a different door, delay will have to be added. Also be sure the system is not being armed in the instant mode which will not allow for any re-entry. If you are entering from the correct door and your system is not arming instantly then there could be a malfunction with the door contact and service may be required.
Q. What are your response procedures for my alarm?
A. Once a signal is transmitted to the Central Monitoring Station it is verified to the premise, if appropriate verification is not received, the police or fire are dispatched and the customer's contact list is called
Q. Who do I call when my alarm goes off?
A. Typically, the monitoring station will call the premise before there is opportunity for someone to make an outgoing call. However, you may call the monitoring station toll free. The number for the monitoring station is provided on your id card that would have been left with you at the time of your installation.
Q. Does the homeowner have to be available to respond when the alarm goes off?
A. Some jurisdictions do require a key holder respond when they are dispatched. It is not always possible for the police to give the monitoring station a resolution. Actual response by a key holder is best.
Q. Can a power surge cause the system to alarm?
A. It is possible for you to experience an alarm from a strong surge. The equipment we install has been designed and tested to resist False Alarms during power surges.
Q. My alarm went off and no one called me.
A. In some cases a dialer delay may be active on your system. If this is the case you may have turned your system off before the signal was transmitted. Another reason may be an interruption in your phone service which prevented the signal from being transmitted. The signal history can be checked in the monitoring software to see if the signal was received.
Q. Why did you call the police department first on a Panic alarm?
A. Police are dispatched first on Panic alarms.
Q. How long do I have to disarm my system before it goes into alarm?
A. Normally the entry delay is set to 45 seconds. The effectiveness of the alarm is dependant on this time being as short as possible. This time can be configured based on your need.
Q. How many of my doors have entry delay?
A. This is normally determined by the installer and is kept to a minimum. We recommend only one door be given delay; however, more can be programmed to suit the customer's needs.
Q. Can my alarm be reset from the monitoring station?
A. No.
Q. How do I reset my system after an alarm?
A. Enter your four digit user code twice. The first time will silence the alarm and the second time will reset the system.
Q. Will the system reset itself after the alarm goes off?
A. The siren is programmed to stop after 5 minutes or at whatever time the installer has set. During Fire Alarms the siren does not silence until the panel is reset. Once the siren does silence the system is still armed and able to activate if another event happens.
Q. Where is my panel located in my home?
A. The exact panel location does vary form house to house. Typically they are placed in a closet, laundry room, or equipment room. The panel will be housed in a tan box mounted on the wall. If your home was wired by our Home Integration Team, your panel will be housed in your structured wire panel. If you have our wireless system the control panel is integrated in with your main keypad.
Q. I was notified by the Central Station of a Low Battery. What should I do?
A. Did you lose power before you received the call? If so how long was the power out? In most cases the battery should maintain the system for 8-24 hours. If the power was out for a longer period of time the battery should automatically recharge. If the battery does not recharge properly you will be notified again in 24 hours. If you did not lose power or the power was off only a short period, the battery should be replaced.
Q. What happens during power outages?
A. The battery will continue to operate the system until power is restored or the batteries are exhausted.
Q. How long will the battery last when the power goes out?
A. Battery life depends on the size of your system. In most cases a system will stay active for 8-24 hours. Even though your alarm keypad may show “low battery” your system is still functioning. The Low battery state occurs once the battery voltage drops by .5 Volts. The battery is just “low” – not dead.
Q. Will the battery need to be replaced after a power outage?
A. The batteries are designed to recharge after being drained. In the event the battery does not properly recharge a message will be displayed on the keypad. In this case the battery will need to be replaced.
Q. Do people on my call list need keys?
A. Not necessarily, but it is a good idea for someone to be able to gain access to the house in the event of trouble or if the system should malfunction.
Q. Do people on my call list need my Pass Code?
A. This is your choice. In order for them to stop an alarm or get any information about your account they will need this information.
Q. How do I bypass a zone or device?
A. Enter your four digit user code followed by the bypass key (6) and the 2 digit zone number you wish to bypass. Sequence must be entered continuously or the sequence will not be accepted.
Q. What is my Pass Code? Can you give it to me over the phone?
A. For your protection, Pass Codes are given out over the phone only when appropriate identification information is received.
Q. What does duress code mean?
A. Duress codes should be used only when the system has to be disarmed under a "stressful" situation. When a "Duress" alarm is sent to the central station, police are immediately dispatched without alarm verification.
Q. What is my duress code?
A. Please call us for more information.
Q. What happens when I press the panic or fire alarm buttons on the keypad?
A. If you hold down the panic or fire alarm buttons on the keypad for 1 to 3 seconds, an alarm is transmitted to the central station, and emergency services are dispatched immediately. An alarm received in this manner cannot be canceled.
Q. How do I change my user code for the keypad?
A. Please refer to your user manual for these instructions. You will have to have your "Master Code" in order to perform this function. Your "Master Code" is recorded in your user manual.
Q. Will the System accommodate multiple user codes?
A. Yes. All systems installed today have the ability to program more than one user code. Depending upon the type of system you have, the total number of codes may vary.
Q. Can I update account information while I am away from home?
A. With the proper Pass Code, your account information can be updated by calling our nearest business office.
Q. Can I remove the door contacts while remodeling or changing doors?
A. Door contacts can be removed. It is recommended that a technician remove them from the system so that other devices can be used during a remodel. If the door is being replaced, special care should be given to the wiring during this time. Charges may apply if a technician is sent.
Q. Do I need to remove motion or smoke detectors while painting?
A. You should be able to paint around detectors - DO NOT PAINT THE DETECTORS. If you wish to take them down you should schedule a service call.
Q. How can I test my Glass Break detectors?
A. In order to properly test a glass break detector a special piece of test equipment is required.
Q. I have call waiting on my phone line. Can that affect my service?
A. No. Your alarm system is designed to seize your phone line in order to call the Central Monitoring Station. It will then release the line in order for the monitoring station to call for verification.
Q. Which devices can be activated while I am at home?
A. Any type of motion sensor should not be armed in the area you are sleeping. If motions are armed in other parts of the house, your system will have to be disarmed before leaving the sleeping quarters. In most cases this has already been programmed for you. You can use the STAY mode while sleeping or are in the house. This feature turns off all interior devices and keeps your perimeter armed. The AWAY feature arms every device in the system and assumes you are leaving the house.
Q. What is the range for Keyfobs and panic buttons?
A. The standard range for these devices is 200ft. This may vary depending upon your area, your surroundings, or the strength of the device's battery.
Q. Why does my smoke detector beep?
A. Smoke detectors beep when batteries become low. You will also get an indication at your keypad as well.
Q. Will the smoke detectors work when system is disarmed?
A. Yes. It is not possible to turn off smoke detectors.
Q. Can I receive notification of my alarm being armed or disarmed?
A. Yes. The information can be delivered to you on various time intervals or it can be e-mailed at various time intervals. Call our nearest office for pricing information and to have this feature enabled.
Q. I hear a beeping in my home. Can it be the alarm system?
A. Yes. If your system is beeping it will be heard from the keypad and a code will be displayed. If nothing is being displayed, then beeping may be coming from another source within the house. A common source is battery powered smoke detectors that are not installed by the alarm company.
Q. How often should I test my system?
A. Your alarm should be tested once each month. Be sure to test each zone.
Q. How can I test my security system?
A. Call the Central Monitoring Station and request your account be placed on test. You will need your Pass Code. Arm your alarm and wait for exit time to expire. Now you may activate as many devices as you wish. Allow siren to sound for at least 30 seconds. Disarm the system; you will have a zone number displayed for each zone you activate. This same information should have been received by the Central Monitoring Station. In the event a zone does not appear, re-test the system. Each zone should be tested once each month.
