Alarm Company Video vs. Do It Yourself

rk911 wrote:

sealevel ram wrote:
Considering putting one of those video surveillance systems around my home, the kind you can monitor on your computer.
Anyone have experience with the alarm company kind or the ones you can buy on Amazon and install yourself?
Haven't compared prices. Looking for experience.
I know that the alarm company (ATD) can instantly call the authorities, etc. and will cost more with the monthly charge. Already have a home contract.

I wouldn't assume that an alarm company will "instantly" call the authorities.

Full disclosure: I already have a house system through ATD. We can instruct them to call whomever we choose, police, us, or a neighbor.
I am asking for experience using this kind of system with added video OR a stand alone video unit.
Thanks for all the replies so far.