Zoom Telephonics, Inc. announced its new ZoomGuard product line, a low-cost line of customer-installed, customer-monitored wireless sensors and controls. With annual service starting at $9 and a basic system costing $79, ZoomGuard dramatically reduces the cost of home protection, monitoring and management. The wireless system is quickly and easily installed by users. When something goes wrong, alerts are sent via the Internet to family members, neighbors, or even security specialists chosen by the user. Alerts can be sent as smartphone messages, SMS text messages, voice calls, e-mails, and even through Twitter or Facebook. The ZoomGuard approach has many advantages over a central monitoring company. The customer gets more complete information, more flexibility in handling problems, monitoring by trusted parties and not service company strangers, a lower chance of costly false alarms, and much lower cost. If the user moves, the ZoomGuard system moves easily to the new location. ZoomGuard uses multi-function monitors and controls. The system can report on motion, door/window/drawer opening and closing, water leaks, humidity levels, temperature, light levels, the presence of carbon monoxide or combustible gasses, and electrical power consumption at an AC outlet. Remote and programmable control is provided for central heating and air conditioning and for electrical equipment up to 16 Amps. A smoke detector attachment works with installed smoke detectors to provide remote reporting and alarms. The complete ZoomGuard product line currently includes: The battery-powered Multi-Sensor M monitors motion, temperature, water, light, and door/window/drawer entry. A button can be used to arm and disarm the system or as a panic button. Suggested retail is $39.99. The battery-powered Multi-Sensor H monitors humidity, temperature, water, light, and door/window/drawer entry. A button can be used to arm and disarm the system or as a panic button. Suggested retail is $39.99. The AC Power Control + Power/Gas/Temperature/Light Sensor plugs into an AC outlet and provides remote switching for a power strip, air conditioner, heater, alarm, or other device rated at 16 Amps or less. It also monitors power consumption, temperature, light, carbon monoxide, and combustible gasses. Suggested retail is $49.99. The Smoke Detector Companion sends remote alerts when a Smoke Detector is triggered and also detects humidity, temperature, and light. It can also be set up to sound a loud local alarm if a ZoomGuard system detects specific problems. Suggested retail is $49.99. A Thermostat provides remote or local monitoring and control of a residential heating and/or air conditioning system. Suggested retail is $49.99. A ZoomGuard Starter Package includes an Internet Link and one Multi-Sensor M. Suggested retail for the Starter Pack is $79.99 and this includes three free
months of service.