I recently installed the Digital Life system in my home to replace a GE Simon3 system that was over a decade old. I really did it to get better control of the device remotely.
The GE system was able to control a few lights since it had built in X10 support. I purchased & installed X10 switches for some lights and was able to schedule them to turn on and off using the alarm. Additionally, the lights would turn on during the 45 second exit timer, which was extremely helpful. Finally, if the alarm was triggered, the lights would flash and remain on even after the siren timed out- alerting us that there was an emergency before we even walked in the door.
All of this was built into the GE panel, and there was no additional monthly cost. It really had nothing to do with the monitoring service and I programmed it all myself (using the manual, of course).
I'm a bit annoyed that AT&T's system requires that I not only re-purchase the switches, etc. (since it uses Z-Wave instead of X10), but they add a $5.00 monthly charge to use the automation features. It seems silly that they'd charge for what others offer in the market for no recurring cost.
My question to those that have installed Digital Life is, do you find it worthwhile to pay an extra $60 per year for the lighting control? I'm considering installing an Insteon HUB in my home to give me the same remote control of my lights that I'd get w/the Digital Life system, but it won't be tied to alarm events. I would, however, be able to schedule lights to turn on & off, create scenes, etc. Insteon has an app & doesn't charge monthly fees. Also, I already have some Insteon controlled lights in my home that operate by remote. Finally,the HUB that I'm looking at is also X10 compatible, so I'd be able to keep the existing switches as is without having to replace them.
I welcome any thoughts that you may have.
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