Monitor Plus Security System (DC821)

[HA Dave]

So what is this? A new product?  http://www.x10.com/promotions/dc821_ed_free_0621.html

It looks interesting... although I can't figure out its actual cost (monitoring fees). No wait... it is $19.99 a month..(or is it?) image attached.

[Brian H]

The comparison chart near the bottom of the page. Seems to show $19.99 a month.
The whats included box is even more confusing.
Click on the consoles users manual and it gets you the DS7000 manual even though the sales page shows someting different.

OH the ever present On Line Chat thing pops up real quick also. 

[HA Dave]

Click on the consoles users manual and it gets you the DS7000 manual even though the sales page shows someting different.

The Icon remote is/was a fine addition to the X10 line of products. I like the idea of a new [monitored] security product. At about half the cost of the "as seen on TV brands" the DC821 could be nice... even if the changes turn out to be mostly cosmetic. I LIKE seeing new X10 stuff!

I hope they also have a new not nearly so lame alarm sign as well.

[dave w]

So what is this? A new product?  http://www.x10.com/promotions/dc821_ed_free_0621.html

It looks interesting... although I can't figure out its actual cost (monitoring fees). No wait... it is $19.99 a month..(or is it?) image attached.

No It looks like the same old "ORCA" monitoring station. Orca has been around since the late '90s.

http://www.hometoys.com/htinews/jun97/articles/x10.htm

I don't know why X10 does not push the monitored station. I wonder if ORCA is more reliable than the "Help, I've fallen and I can't get up" Life Alert folks. (Lots of bad press about them).

[Dan Lawrence]

So what is this? A new product?  http://www.x10.com/promotions/dc821_ed_free_0621.html

It looks interesting... although I can't figure out its actual cost (monitoring fees). No wait... it is $19.99 a month..(or is it?) image attached.

No It looks like the same old "ORCA" monitoring station. Orca has been around since the late '90s.

http://www.hometoys.com/htinews/jun97/articles/x10.htm

I don't know why X10 does not push the monitored station. I wonder if ORCA is more reliable than the "Help, I've fallen and I can't get up" Life Alert folks. (Lots of bad press about them).

"Looks like"  According to the link posted, it IS the same old "ORCA" monitoring station.

[Brian H]

There where two DS8700 manuals in the download area. Took a guess on the "New Improved" Choice. 
ftp://ftp.x10.com/pub/manuals/dc8700p-om.pdf

[HA Dave]

I hope it isn't the old ORCA unit. I had one of those... I had such poor luck with it... it didn't even make it spare parts box. I never did get it to work right.

[Brian H]

The manual I downloaded for the DC8700P indicated ORCA Monitoring.

The date in the manual is not very current, but we know X10 doesn't always have current manuals for devices.
For awhile the MT12A Minitimer page gave you the old MT10A manuals.

[HA Dave]

The picture in the current advertisement.... looked different that my old ORCA unit.

[dave w]

The picture in the current advertisement.... looked different that my old ORCA unit.

I'm really confused now. However this is a normal state so I am comfortable. 
The picture in
http://www.x10.com/promotions/dc821_ed_free_0621.html
looks like the original ORCA monitored station to me.

Brians manual:

ftp://ftp.x10.com/pub/manuals/dc8700p-om.pdf

is the one I don't recognize. Is the DC8700 in the manual the one you have?

[HA Dave]

The one I bought... in 06(?).. was the pro2000 Unit (see attached image). Now the newer unit (?) seems shorter and doesn't appear to have the smoke colored plastic door in the front (see "now" image attached).

[Brian H]

Did they indicate the monitoring service was ORCA?
Maybe they redesigned the console to work as I understand the older ones didn't function correctly.

[HA Dave]

Did they indicate the monitoring service was ORCA?
Maybe they redesigned the console to work as I understand the older ones didn't function correctly.

It looks like it could be a redesign (to me). I just re-viewed the ad(s) again... and can't find ORCA mentioned anywhere.

[Dan Lawrence]

Better get new glasses.  This was copied from the ad: "Now let's talk about how the system works. When the system is triggered, it will sound a built-in alarm siren, flash any X10-enabled lights indoors and out and instantly call the ORCA 24-Hour Monitoring Station. The monitoring station will then call your home to confirm if there actually is an emergency situation or if it was a false alarm. If there is no answer or if it does not receive the correct password from the person answering, the monitoring station will call the local police and up to three other people you specify. (If you wish, you can ask the monitoring station to only call your contacts and not the police.)

With ORCA Monitoring Services, you can rest assured you are in good hands. The Support Center operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week to give customers access to alarm information, product support and monitoring services. ORCA's Customer Security Specialists are extensively trained both in the classroom and on the job, and undergo certification that exceeds industry standards."

[Brian H]

Yes I now see ORCA plainly mentioned, but don't remember if I saw it the first time I read it. 

Now how about the warranty inconsistencies?
Says one year normal X10 warranty and you can get an extended one for a fee.
But the chart says as long as ORCA monitoring is in effect there is a Life Time Replacement of equipment.