As far as the security system itself goes, phone techs make better installers. They tend to know how to fish and bury the wires better while trying to stay away from the high voltage noise generating stuff. The main unit requires programming like a KSU and all systems can be programed via a laptop now. What keeps most away, is definitely the insurance. Here in Ontario, it is getting harder to find an insurance company that will take you on. On top of that, if you do fire alarms, you have to be certified and even a higher insurance. I have my certificate, but the liability makes me stay away from the fire aspect.

CCTV has come into play big time now. Hardware prices have dropped and using DVR to record is the norm now. Everyone wants to be able to go online and view their CCTV system remotely too.

Access control is also very popular now as well. It's nice when the installer knows the phone system so he can integrate it. The problem with access control is that installers must follow building/fire code. You could actually be locking someone in a burning building without the proper safety releases. I see way too much of this happening and it too, screams liability.