Verizon rolled out a “home monitoring and control” package in October, offering many of the same features the local guys offer, like mobile access to surveillance systems and temperature and lighting control. The only difference: Verizon provides them under $1,000, although a monthly service charge of at least $9.99 is included.

Likewise, ADT Home Security’s new Pulse system allows existing customers to arm or disarm their home’s security system, change the climate and lighting, and screen surveillance video of their home from a smartphone or tablet.

But many in the home automation industry argue that the cheaper alternatives offered by larger companies as value-added solutions are watered down, lower-grade versions of what they offer. Panos Anassis, president of Plainview-based Audio Video Invasion, said the monthly subscription services are limited in their offerings and don’t scale effectively.

“They can interface one or two thermostats and a few light switches, so it works in houses up to 2,500 square feet,” Anassis said. “Anything above that you really need a unified system to connect all of the devices.”

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