If you find that you have way too many remote controls in your house, you are not alone. Many people have separate remote controls to control each piece of electronic equipment they own, whether it be a TV, cable box, satellite receiver, DVD player, etc. Fortunately, there is a simple solution that can solve the problem of having too many remotes controls; it’s called a “Programmable Remote Control.” This remote control can be programmed to operate more than one piece of equipment at a time and can simplify the activities you do with each piece of equipment. Each activity programmed in is clearly listed making the remote extremely user friendly.  These new programmable remotes can even make your life more convenient as they can control your lighting, thermostat and with some you can view your front door camera. This will make the system you spent hundreds or even thousands of dollars on even more convenient and efficient!  Remember this is a tool to simplify your experience with the technology you have purchased. Still have questions about programmable remotes and how they can simplify your life?   California Built-In System is holding an open house focusing on Programmable Remote Controls November 7, 2009.  Invites can be viewed on the web site www.californiabuiltins.com , just click on the picture of the remote control or call for details 209-239-1413.

In almost all instances, there should be no problem with your alarm when you switch your phone service provider. There are a few items that need to be addressed to ensure that the transition is smooth.  First, your security panel has to have a digital dialer/communicator. Second, the service technicians who install the new phone service may need to rewire some of the phone jacks to ensure proper connection to the alarm system. 

Most security panels today will already have the correct dialer/communicator as part of the system.  The technician that visits your house should have the basic understanding of telephone wiring needed  to be able to properly hook up your security panel in the same way that it was originally connected. 

It may be that you have a security system that is NOT connected to the phones for your monitoring. If this is the case, you need not do anything.  These alarm systems use a type of cell phone format to communicate to the monitoring company.  If you are unsure of which method your security system communicates to the monitoring company, the company that installed your alarm or your monitoring company should be able to provide you with that information.

A final scenario would be if your security system is not connected to any kind of monitoring company. If this is the case your security system is not affected by the phone lines and you don't need to do anything when you switch phone service providers.