(start a rumor monday...)

security system makers to follow cell phone business
ring tones are big money. from mp3s of popular songs to midi versions, cellular phone companies have generated significant amounts of revenue by selling ring tones to their customers. and other companies have taken notice.

in fact, several security alarm manufacturers are now offering their own version of ring tones to suscribers. adt fire and security systems, one of the united states' leading security providers, is currently offering a ring tone special to new customers. "ring tones aren't just for cell phones anymore," a spokesperson for the company said. "one of the biggest complaints we get is how dissonant our alarm sounds are. now, with the ring tone feature, people have a greater choice in how their system sounds when it goes off. we're even offering bose speakers so customers and burglars alike can get the full effect of the song. people have really been receptive."

from 50 cent's "p.i.m.p." to original recordings of "ocean waves" and "the mating call of the humpback whale," adt security system buyers now have a variety of choices when it comes to their alarm system. upcoming versions will allow homeowners to create a sort of "break-in playlist." "just like people program special ringtones when someone is calling from a particular phone number, our new technology will allow you to program a song for every room in your house," the spokesperson continued. " so, if someone is trying to break into the bathroom window, you might hear bobby darin's 'splish splash'; if he or she tries one of your bedroom, she might hear the isley brothers' 'between the sheets.' it's really up to the customer."

up and coming bands have also expressed interested in working with security companies. at a discounted rate, bands who've yet to sign a record deal can get their songs heard in hopes of gaining more exposure. though the technology is still quite young, there is already a success story. a top a&r record executive signed the rock band, fish sticks after hearing their song (which will appear on their debut album) while visiting a relative. "all i know is i woke up to glass breaking somewhere in the house. obviously that shook me a little. but then i heard this really soothing guitar riff, and i started thinking to myself, 'who is that?' the next day at breakfast, i asked my cousin about it, and he told me about these new ring tones. i made a few calls, and the rest is history. those crooks might've gotten away with my rolex, but i've got a new band. and they're gonna be stars."

along with featuring "unsigned hype," adt is also in the process of creating a special edition of their security system--much like the u2 ipod, which was released in conjunction with the band's latest album. though they've yet to solidify a band, adt's spokesperson claims that the rolling stones, r.e.m., and thompson twins are all interesting in the project. both sides hope to secure a deal by fall.

though downloads are currently 7.99 per thirty day usage, adt hopes that prices will come down a bit once more people start choosing the service.



eh. so i'm off a little. sue me. if this were a tv series this would be a rerun.