Client asked me to recommend a security provider for a spec residential project where I am doing the automation, and I recommended someone I'd worked with before. However, that provider is now pretty adamant about putting in place a configuration of sensors that I think will be a bad user experience.

Specifically, instead of using glass break sensors on windows, he wants to use what he's calling "virtual blinds." These are motion sensors that cover a plane parallel to the window on the inside of the house and are triggered if the plane is broken by an object. The plane runs only a few inches from the window's surface.

My concern is this: if the "virtual blinds" are only enabled for AWAY mode, then the client is vulnerable to break-ins when home (which the client agrees is a bad thing.) And, if they are enabled for STAY mode, then there will be nuisance tripping (which the client doesn't seem to have a strong opinion on at this point.)

Am I standing on solid ground if I push for glass break sensors instead of these "virtual blinds?"

First thought is the customer isn’t protected if the window isn’t closed or locked by the glass break sensors. Is there an adjustment on the virtual blinds for the depth to eleminate false alarms? Maybe a combination of both depending on window locations and potential of false alarms.

Sorry, to clarify, the windows and doors will all have contact sensors. The glass break sensors or virtual blinds are in addition to that.

Screens are a great option. Pricey though.

The option he's after sounds more like a very narrow infrared sensor rather than a glass break sensor (which I would never recommend).


There IS a limit on what you're doing in the home mode, and this virtual blind thing is well past it in my opinion.

Does the virtual blind tolerate a feline jumping up on the window ledge?

What kind of window treatment will the windows have?

That's a good question. Currently TBD.

Security vendor says that the "virtual blind" is tighter to the window than an actual blind, but I'd have to imagine an actual blind would have to be reverse roll if used with the virtual blind. Even then, seems like a virtual blind is asking for trouble with regard to false alarms.