Testing DMP XTLPlus / Virtual Keypad Vs Alarm.com & Honeywell
DMP has a strong presence in commercial intrusion alarms, but not in residential. However, the company's XTLPLus wireless combo panel and Virtual Keypad system aims to address the gap, and is DMP's competition to smart home platforms like Honeywell Lynx, 2Gig, and Alarm.com or Total Connect 2.0.
We bought and tested an XTLPlus system and remote Virtual Keypad management app to see how well it works. For the test, we connected the DMP alarm panel with a Securecom cloud camera, and several Z-Wave devices together to see how well it works:
The tested system included:
- DMP XTLPlus Panel with integrated Z-Wave and Wireless Touchscreen Keypad
- Securecom Indoor IR Cube Camera
- GoControl Z-Wave Thermostat
- Several other Z-Wave devices including sirens, toggle switches, and light bulbs
This adds to our existing Alarm.com Test and Total Connect 2.0 Test in our ongoing smarthome testing. Inside, we detail our findings on how well the system operates, where it is weak, and how it compares to other connected systems.
Key Test Findings
Our test results show DMP's smarthome panel and service is a good performer in several key areas, including:
- No User Configuration Needed: This is big, being that DMP is a dealer installed system. After the system is initially installed, users do not need to configure or re-configure devices or connected systems. Once added, devices stay added even if temporarily unplugged or moved, unlike other 'smarthome hub' systems.
- Broad Wireless Sensor Options: DMP uses the same wireless sensors in XTLPlus that its commercial panels use, and unlike most consumer systems, over 10 types are available for a variety of applications including recessed contacts and several PIR motion models.
- Solid App and Browser Controls: Regardless of whether on the app or the web portal, remote management of the system included the same features and management tools. Unlike some smarthome platforms that include some features only in the app or only in the browser, DMP's Virtual Keypad is the same feature-wise for both. While appearance differs cosmetically, interface controls are easy to find, buttons are in logical spots, and only a few minutes of familiarity is needed before being comfortable with the system.
- No Missed Alarm and Event Notifications: Our test shows at the most basic level, both the XTLPlus hardware and VK software is fundamentally reliable alarming and alerting users remotely. At no point in our testing did a local event fail to notify users 'via the cloud' by VK's app or browser.
However, the test showed repeated weaknesses that could be big problems for prospective customers:
- Low Resolution Video: One of the biggest weaknesses of DMP's Securecom video is 720P max resolution, fixed focal cameras (Edit: Up to 1080P is supported in May 2018) and basic categorized video clip storage. Compared to entry-level video surveillance kits with better video management features, better clip identification, and higher resolution models, DMP's Securecom video is weak.
- Troublesome Z-Wave 'Classic' Enrollment Process: Adding Z-Wave devices to the platform/panel often takes more than one attempt. If devices are Z-Wave Plus / 5th Generation Z-Wave, enrollment is generally reliable, but only the newest and proportionally few devices support it compared to existing Z-Wave 'Classic' standards. In our test, we found older devices have difficulty getting the panel to recognize them, sometimes taking several tries, unlike other smarthome hubs.
- No Video Doorbell: DMP also lacks the 'killer app' video doorbell of Ring or SkyBell that are supported by Total Connect, Alarm.com, and Vivint. While the company has announced it will release a doorbell, the availability date is not publicly set and the current platform does not support 3rd party devices.
Solid But Not Strong Threat To Alarm.com Or Total Connect
One of the most interesting aspect of DMP's offering is 'high security' supervision and encryption of the system's wireless sensors. In terms of vulnerability, DMP uses a 2-way wireless supervision uncommon in residential alarm systems that leave them vulnerable to jamming as described in How to Hack an ADT Alarm System.
However, unlike Honeywell, DMP is strictly dealer installed typically focused on commercial markets and the system is not available through distribution. Nor is it compatible with 3rd party, non-DMP panels, like Alarm.com. Additionally, DMP lacks the consumer brand recognition of either, especially Honeywell.
The combination of limited dealer exposure, unfamiliar brand name, and DMP 'proprietary' use means both XTLPlus and the VK remote app will have limited uptake in the larger residential alarms market. DMP recognizes this and has repackaged the XTLPlus system for residential focused dealers as Secura. See the section below on this for more details.
DMP XTL Plus Combo Panel Overview
In terms of hardware, the XTLPlus uses a small (~4" X 6" X 2") master panel that is wirelessly connected to a touchscreen programming keypad and system sensors. The image below shows the system. The keypad can either be hardwired to a wall or has an option to be desk displayed on stand legs and powered via Mini-USB wall transformer:
The entire system is smaller than comparables from Honeywell or 2Gig combo panels. Unlike most offerings, DMP separates the main control panel and the keypad into different devices that are wirelessly paired, but can be wall mounted in the same footprint as existing wired keypads.
The image below shows these three systems in a size comparison:
Uses Commercial DMP Sensors
Unlike most residential systems that use specific consumer, limited wireless sensors, DMP uses the same commercial wireless sensors that it's high-end XR series uses. More than 15 sensor types are compatible, including sirens, multiple PIR motion styles, and recessed contact models.
We tested multiple surface mount types, pet-immune PIR, and external sirens and experienced no issues or malfunctions in operation:
Home Automation Controller
Aside from the intrusion system, DMP touts the XTLPlus as an 'automation hub' with integrated Z-Wave radio, able to integrate to and control non-security devices like Thermostats, Lights, Freeze detectors, and Smoke/ Heat Sensors. These devices are controlled primarily through the panel's interface just like the alarm system.
While connecting older Z-Wave 'Classic' devices sometimes required two or three attempts, our testing showed the Z-Wave hub to be reliable and consistent in control of connected devices with no extended lags or dropped connections to end points.
Virtual Keypad Overview
The software used to control the automation and remote management aspect of the system is called "Virtual Keypad". The app is available for iOS, Apple TV, and Android. Using the app requires a cellular communicator module and monthly service fees, usually at $10-$15 per month, but offers remote use and visibility of the DMP alarm system, and any associated 'smarthome' Z Wave devices and DMP's cloud video service.
The system is also available in web portal, including the same functions, features, and general layout of the app. The app and portal is 'white labeled' rebranded for the reselling dealer, so despite specific dealer logos (Dealer logo redacted here), this is the standard DMP layout:
Limited Camera Selection
The platform works with specific DMP Securecom cameras, NVRs, and encoders. The equipment is OEMed by Hikvision and all camera models are limited to 720P resolution and fixed focal lensing.
Camera models are limited to an IR minidome, IR bullet, indoor only IR cube and PTZ models. Focal ranges are not supplied on specsheets, but they are all wide FoV, short lengths typical of fixed consumer models.
We tested the IR Indoor Cube model. We tested the camera using both WiFi and wired connections to a local router, typically 20' - 30' away from a 802.3b/g/n router passing through multiple walls. The connected camera exhibited with no noticeable differences in either configuration.
While the Indoor Cube camera includes IR LEDs, performance is poor and generally exposed 5' - 7' from the center but dark on the FoV edges. Overall, the combination of low resolution, fixed lenses, and vulnerable cube form factor means the camera must be place close to targets in potentially risky locations indoors.
The example below shows that while video is displayed in a large thumbnail in the browser or app, video management of multiple views is limited to one view at a time and clips are arraigned chronologically in storage and are not filtered or searchable by event:
Manual recordings, limited to 20 second clips, can be triggered and stored in the 'Cameras' tab but are not otherwise specially noted or searchable.
The sample clip below illustrates typical resolution and video quality of DMP's Securecom camera line:
Central Station Monitoring Still Required
DMP Virtual Keypad is an add-on service allowing systems to be remotely accessible on smartphones and web, but does not replace requirements for central station monitoring. The platform provides remote management for intrusion and home automation of devices like lightbulbs, thermostats, and door locks.
However, alarm monitoring is usually separate and mandatory aspect of a DMP dealer installed system. The station and terms of monitoring are the prerogative of the installing dealer. VK is not a central station monitoring system.
App vs. Browser
Both DMP web and smartphone interfaces are similar, differing primarily on color scheme. Essentially if a user is familiar with one interface, they will find other versions similar, simplifying system navigation. Screen shots of both are included below, first the phone app:
And then the browser portal. Note nomenclature and button controls of the app are the same for both:
Z-Wave Thermostat & Device Integration
To test the 'smarthome' connectivity, we installed a Go Control Z-Wave unit and connected it to an XTLPlus. The performance and connection of the thermostat with VK was reliable, and sending a command once was sufficient, even after long periods of inactivity:
The image below shows the interface of the thermostat in the web portal:
In general, connection reliability of thermostats and Z-Wave lights and switches was equal in either web and app with neither interface working 'better' than the other:
System Pricing
Pricewise, XTLPlus is only marginal higher and roughly competitive when contrasted with offerings like 2Gig or DSC, with XTLPlus generally costing 15% - 25% more. However, DMP is a dealer-limited brand, and channel controls are are fairly tight with few factory products listed in the 'grey' market or online. Buying DMP requires using an installing dealer, and tech support is limited those in that channel.
Because DMP dealers typically do not offer heavily amortized '$99 move in specials', DMP's system is mostly appeals to higher-end residential and commercial customers rather than the low-end 'door knocker' systems sold by many national alarm companies.
A list of comparable systems and prices are:
- DMP XTLPlus, ~$550
- DSC Touch, ~$400
- Qolsys IQ2 Panel [link no longer available], ~$500
- Honeywell Lynx Touch L7000, ~$450
Competitor Offerings Contrast
From a recurring cost perspective, DMP VK connected systems (~$25 - $50 per month) run less expensive than competitors like Alarm.com and Total Connect 2.0, with a typical average bill of $30 - $70 per month. For both Alarm.com and DMP VK, those amounts may exclude additional central station monitoring based on dealer, and subtract between $15 - $30 monthly.
Specific alternatives to VK include two common options:
- Alarm.com: From a functionality point of view, ADC can operate with a number of 3rd party panels, and features higher resolution cameras and video doorbell support. However, DMP offers more wireless sensor types, partition support, more alarm points, and uses 2-way supervision of sensors that ADC systems generally lack.
- Total Connect 2.0: Honeywell's substantial advantage over DMP is compatibility with 10+ intrusion panels models focused in the residential market and widespread distribution through ADI and online, including many thousands of previously installed systems. Given Honeywell's substantial marketshare in resi security, brand recognition is higher and perceived consumer risk is lower than DMP.
XTLPlus vs. Secura
While XTLPlus is focused / directed / targeted at residential customers and small business, DMP's residential market penetration has been modest. In response, DMP has reconfigured XTLPlus and the VK app into a product called Secura for new residential-only focused dealer channel.
The pivot is a response to the commercial focus of typical (commercial) DMP dealers, and their limited residential market exposure. The Secura platform is especially tailored for the residential market, and Secura dealers are channel excluded from selling it to commercial customers:
While the hardware is the 'same panel in different form factor plastic and with a different Secura-styled app', the systems and their limitations/strengths are essentially the same with roughly equivalent pricing.
However Secura includes a residential focused D2D program, with a dedicated sales app and CRM system in a Residential Sales & Marketing Dealer Program, heavily geared toward sales training and door to door sales, atypical of traditional commercial DMP dealers.