Quint-Play? Home Security Ringing Cables' Bells

Everything old is new again? For years, there’s been talk and some interest in MSOs launching home security offerings. Some have even done it. But Tues’ announcement from Time Warner Cable that it had hired someone for the new post of vp, home security and monitoring, product management seems to signal a renewed interest in the potential revenue generator. Time Warner’s not a stranger to home security. It has launched the service in some divisions, but now it’s looking to make improvements and roll the product out to other markets. TW brought in 20-year cable vet Judith Allen for the gig. Allen most recently operated her own consulting firm, but she previously did stints at MediaOne, Century Comm and USA Network. Operators’ interest in delving into home security has grown in recent months as they look for new rev opportunities (such as wireless), and as growth slows for data and video. Plus, the technology has improved. A home security session at last week’s CableLabs Summer Conference was reportedly well attended, and startup 4HomeMedia was a popular presenter at the forum’s "Innovation Showcase," according to CableLabs execs. 4Home, which picked up a "Best of Innovations" award at CES, demo’d a 4-screen interface that lets users manage security from their TVs, mobile phones, PCs or touch panels. Several home security vendors also exhibited at CableNET at May’s Cable Show, including Alarm.com, NextAlarm.com and uControl. TW’s understandably tight-lipped on home security plans at this point. "Time Warner Cable has had a successful but modest presence in home security for over 15 years," said Peter Stern, evp, product management, Time Warner Cable. "Technological advances now make it possible for Time Warner Cable to offer even more compelling home security services, and I can think of no better person to lead our expansion in this area than Judi Allen, with her experience and exceptional track record in the cable industry."