Here you will find inspiration and advice for your security and home automation goals. We archive interesting ideas and products that you seek. This blog also serves as a forum for discussion and posing questions to our staff.  Finally, it is written with the intent to enhance your life.

As experts in Knoxville security camera installation, we would like to discuss a hot topic in the field: IP vs. Analog cameras. What's the benefit of one versus the other? This quick YouTube video clearly shows the differences between the two technologies. We discuss the benefits of both after the jump.

iSS would like to welcome our new office administrator, Brandi, to the team. She is a Knoxville native and recent graduate from the University of Tennessee, where she received a BA in communication studies and a minor in psychology. She has a passion for meeting and connecting with others and making every kind of communication encounter a great one. In her free time she enjoys gardening, cooking, photography, and Seaside, Florida.

Feeling frustrated with your home or business Wi-Fi system? The Pakedge W6 family offers a variety of advanced wireless products that can deliver the networking solution you’ve been looking for. The W6 wall-mount desktop, W6R rack-mount, W6C in-ceiling/in-wall, and W6O outdoor wireless access points can be mixed and matched to provide endless installation options for any sized network. The W6 family provides long range stability and reliability for smartphones, laptops, tablets, and home control. Regardless of how you choose to use the Pakedge W6 wireless Wi-Fi system, rest assured that you won’t be seeing this anymore…

Vacation season is in full swing! The car is packed and the hotel is booked, but is your home ready to be left behind? The Insurance Information Institute states that the majority of home break-ins occur during July and August. Don’t let a few simple mistakes cost you. These easy tips can save you big and keep you worry-free on your next adventure.

It’s that time of the year again and the kids are heading back to school. It may mean restored peace and quiet for you at home, but also nervous jitters about sending your little ones off alone. With tons of new advancements in home surveillance technology and even GPS systems that track your children on the go, there are many options for protecting your young ones when they go back to school.

With so many different companies offering security systems, home automation, sound, lighting control, and custom home theaters, it can be a little overwhelming when you begin your search for an installer. You may have found someone to do the audio, but you still need someone to do security cameras. Or maybe you found a company that does media rooms, but you still need to get a fire protection system. You will probably feel like you’re getting pulled in so many directions that you’ll want to abandon your projects altogether. Fortunately, by selecting one company that is licensed and trained to do all of the above home upgrades, you’ll be saving yourself time, money, and lots of headaches for several reasons.

I don't know about you, but I'm always looking for ways to add more protection to my home. After I came home to an attempted break-in, I decided my alarm system wasn't going to be enough. Better safe than sorry, right? I explored several options, but eventually settled on the 2GIG Image-Sensor. I loved that it had wireless connectivity because seriously, who likes a bunch of wires all over the place? Plus, this bad boy features PIR motion detection that captures pictures in color or with IR illumination night vision so I don't have to worry about missing out on anything late at night.

Tis the season! Before you pack up the kids and head over the river and through the woods it's important to make sure you're leaving your home secure and out of the eyes of thieves. Almost 400,000 break-ins occur in the US during November and December, according to the FBI. The last thing you want to worry about during the holidays are burglars. Fortunately, home automation is a great tool to keep your home safe and sound while you're away enjoying the holiday season.

For several years, the talk in access control has focused primarily on smart cards. While the technology is great, it hasn't caught on quite as much as the security industry expected. Now there's a new technology trend in town and it's causing quite a bit of buzz.

With the new year in full swing and winter beginning to melt away (finally), we are getting a better view of the top design trends on the horizon. Let's take a look at the list!

DIY projects are everywhere these days. Maybe you're even planning your own project this weekend. There is nothing wrong with repainting the kitchen or starting that vegetable garden you've always dreamed of. Go get 'em weekend warriors!

Some projects, however, should be left to the professionals...

Spring has sprung and we couldn't be more excited for warmer temperatures and longer days. For many homeowners, the changing season means spring cleaning time. Just like your kitchen and closet could use a good scrub down, your security system could use some attention as well. Here are some tips to keep your system functioning at its best:

Mass marketing security only provides the homeowner with a very basic and ineffective alarm system. Security companies like ADT will provide you with “peace of mind” but never security.

We have all heard the term DIY. Many DIY projects can be fun, creative, and a good way to show off a new hobby. Then you have those other DIY projects that are major fails! Trust me, I have had those a time or two. One DIY project that I have never understood why anyone would attempt to do is Home Security.

When it comes to protecting our families, we all want to have our bases covered. Knowing how to react ahead of time to any situation is the best way to remain safe. With home security and automation, you can truly protect your family from any situation that may arise.

Spending time with family and loved ones is what Christmas is all about. You may have to travel this holiday season and leave the comfort and security of your own home, but with a whole home automation system you do not have to worry about a thing.

In our previous blog we provided some 'winter tips' to prevent frozen pipes. If you haven't read it, please do....it is suppose to be a chilly Valentine's weekend and next week! Now, these tips may not be 'winter tip' related, but they are some GREAT tips to help prevent thefts and break-ins to your home.

Now, if you have not read Part 1, we urge you to do so....These are some awesome tips to help prevent thefts and break-ins, and we want to make sure you have them all!

Tip 6: Stay Vigilant

While it may seem like a symptom of paranoia, keep your identity and any travel plans on the down low. For instance, only put your street address on your mailbox. Give away your last name, and someone could find your phone number, work place and other stats with a few mouse clicks. Before you jet off to a nice vacation, try not to openly talk about it in public because a sinister stranger could be taking note.

 The desire to have home automation is often a complex decision for any homeowner. Some may want their home to showcase exceptional technology or to entertain guests. While others may want a powerful experience that helps to ease the actions of their everyday lives. However, most commonly, users of home automation systems want one thing: to feel safe and secure in their homes.