Home burglar alarms are in electronic form. One simple setup of an alarm system includes a sensor which is connected to one or more control units. When the sensor is triggered, the control unit seeks for a way to announce the home burglar alarm.
Basically, alarm systems can either be hardwired or wireless. The wired systems are usually used with sensors, smoke detectors for example, which demand power for reliable operation. Wired types come with the advantage of detecting tampering. The only problem is that wired systems are very expensive to setup. On the other hand, wireless burglar alarm systems are easier to set-up. Instead of wires, they utilize transmitters. Wireless systems require constant supervision and maintenance to ensure efficient operation. If for example, the sensors or batteries have not been constantly checked, the system may not perform at its peak.
Alarm monitoring is employed in systems with a remote alarm output. In such systems, the control panels are always connected to predetermined monitors and they are setup and configured in different methods. One includes a direct connection of the system to a responder, or a central station, such as a police quarters. But this kind of configuration is becoming less popular because it costs a lot. Direct monitoring connections can usually be found only in Local Government institutions, State, or school campuses where there is a dedicated security.
The more conventional alarm systems makes use of Public Switched Telephone Network, or PSTN. This configuration features a digital phone dialer unit which will dial the central station, which in turn will announce the alarm. The monitoring system can identify the physical location of the sensor that has been triggered with the use of certain programmed encoders. Most alarm control panels are designed with backup dialer ability that can be used when the primary PSTN route is not functioning well. The secondary dialer can be connected to a separate phone line (or an encoded radio, mobile phone, or internet interface gadgets) to entirely evade the PSTN. This is because if the primary lines have been tampered with, alarms can still be raised with the use of redundant dialers and early warnings of pending problems can be advised.
If the building is located in a remote area, PSTN service may not be feasible and channeling a direct line may be too expensive, there is still a way so your security can be monitored. And that is by using wireless phones or radio networks as the principal communication line. The use of the Internet as a main communication method is still a very big issue within the alarm monitoring business. This is because an alarm signaling method needs to observe urgency and immediacy, and the authorities are doubtful of the quality of service of public internet.
When monitored, the alarms and speaker phones permit the central station to communicate with the owner, or even with the intruder. For monitored burglaries, the speaker phones let the central stations to convince the prowler to back off and give up as police units have been sent off.
Considering some factors, such as the location of the zone triggered and time of the day, the alarm monitoring center may perform various actions automatically. Some instructions they may initiate include calling the police stations, fire department or ambulance. They may also choose to check if the alarm is true. Some systems come also with video surveillance to capture the actual acts of intrusion or other emergency cases on tapes.
With numerous reports of break-ins, robberies and other crimes happening all over various neighborhoods across America, who won’t be worried of the security of their homes? Even if you can replace the items that might be taken from you, you’d never know the extent of harm that these intruders can do. So in order to keep you away from these problems, make sure that you install a security system in your premises.
The most convenient of the home burglar alarms are the wireless type. It is because you don’t have to bore holes in your wall just to set up the alarms. This way, you also don’t have to disfigure your whole house just to secure your properties. Wireless burglar alarms use radio waves to send and receive signals. The system is composed of sensors, which are distributed all through the house, and a control panel which receives signals to monitor the activities of the house when it is turned on.
In order for you to fully understand the functions of a wireless burglar alarm, the following are components that make this security system works:
The control panel also serves as the brain of this security system. Basically, it is situated in a secured place such as a closet or the basement. It is the one responsible for monitoring the signals which are sent by the motion sensors. When the control panel detects an intruder or any illicit activity, it produces an alarming sound. A sophisticated version is connected to a remote security personnel office to summon for aid.
Next, there is the keypad. This switch is used in order to activate or deactivate the alarm system. It also contains the code that must be kept confidential for the family. When the alarm is used by night, it is also designed to be illuminated. It could be fixed to one-touch setting so that it will be easy to arm and disarm it.
Another of its components is the magnetic contacts which are placed in the zones to be protected. They can be positioned in windows and doors, the openings in the house where the thief could possibly pass. When the keypad is armed, the magnet shall detect the opening of its zones. So therefore, the alarming sound is then activated.
The wireless burglar alarms also contain contact sensors which detect any motion in their covered area. When the family is not around in the house, this alarm is activated. These sensors are usually located in places where there is no expected human presence. Once any of the sensors detect a movement, then it sets off the alarms.
Now, you may be completely convinced of the advantages of mounting burglar alarm in your place. But then, the question is that how much will it cost you? Good news! There are free security systems in the market! And you can also be sure that they are best in quality.
The free security system is usually awarded by large security firms which survive even just from monitoring revenues. They own the monitoring system which also serves as the source of profits. You will own the systen, with highest quality, and even pay for the monthly monitoring fee. Also, the home owner will post their yard sign of the security company to serve as an advertisement. The ad plays for both security and commercial purposes.
With a free wireless adt alarm secured all over your house, you can then sleep with no worries. And you are driving your intruders away without having to do a thing. Keep your home burglar free.
Have you ever felt that your simple door sensors might just not be enough for you to feel safe against thieves? Are you thinking of buying other security gadgets to protect your home from unwanted visitors? Or perhaps you are considering an upgrade to the latest anti-burglar devices in the market?.
Really, what are the best home burglar alarms to buy?
You can make most of your cash if you buy burglar alarms in wholesale. In a wholesale package, burglar alarms of different types are sorted to serve your security needs. Most sellers of alarm systems give you more options with their offered packages.
The most common wholesale adt alarms systems include the following devices:
Control Panels
If the human body has the brain, your alarm system has the Control Panel. The Control Panel is the main processing body of the system. This is where the AC power, keypad, siren, and other elements of the security system are interconnected.
Keypads
In simple terms, keypads are connected to the main control. It displays the status of the burglar alarm system. Other features are available depending on the model of the keypad. Actually, there are four different kinds of keypads that you can select. These are:
* LCD Alpha English Hardwired
* LED keypads
* Fixed display wired keypads
* Wireless keypads
Motion Detector
Motion detectors are very useful if no one is around at home. They are pretty futile if you’re at home. This gives you a little assurance that your home is safe even if you are away.
Motion detectors are most commonly placed where the biggest area of the house floor can be seen.
Usually, they are installed facing the backside of the house. You may also decide to mount another detector in the hallway of the second floor. For additional security, you can set-up another unit in your bedroom.
Glass Break Detectors
The glass break detectors are usually placed throughout the first floor and the basement. These devices serve as your primary protection for your door switches and windows.
Glass break detectors depend on the sounds that they “hear”. They can easily react to sounds that may have potential threats. “Smart” models have excellent standards for sensitivity as well as immunity to misleading or fake alarms.
Outdoor and Indoor Siren
You have a wide selection as to where to place your sirens at home. Most people prefer fixing them in the attic vents, wall vents, under the eaves of the roofs, or a tall building side wall. You may also choose to put them above the closet or tall furniture, in the basement, and bedrooms.
When setting up a siren, just make sure that it will be out of reach of anybody who may try to remove it. But then, if it can really be accessed, ensure that the unit has a built in siren tamper. The alarm will automatically set off in case somebody tries to move the unit from the place where it is fixed.
Smoke Detectors
Some wholesale packages of shop alarms are not just dedicated in handling intrusion, but as well as fire.
These type of devices are available in wireless or hardwired versions. Some alarm systems are made of combinations of the two.
Other optional accessories include backup batteries, transformers, voice dialers, and wireless receivers.
There are many different associations in the United States alone. Each association represents different sectors or field of specializations. One of the many associations is the NBFAA or the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association.
It is worthy to note that the NBFAA has served for about 60 years already. It supported the varying needs of the industry, the society, the nation, as well as its members. This association is also the biggest professional trade organization in the United States; and it represents, enhances, and promotes the development and growth of electronic life security and safety. Many members of the NBFAA have benefited because of the association provides products, development tools, timely information and services to foster business’ property and growth.
Being an advocate, the association helps in increasing awareness about electronic safety, integrated systems, and security. They are engaged in different activities like trainings and media programs, especially the ones which support new technology. Public safety is one of the many considerations that NBFAA is much concerned about, together with financial stability, recognition, and commitment.
You might wonder who the members are; most of the members are from the different sectors of the industry; sales, installation, manufacturing, monitoring, and service. This enables the association to address different issues and concerns of the whole industry.
More or less 70% of these companies which are involved in life/fire safety systems, video surveillance, access control, shop alarms, and monitoring are all members of NBFAA. And these companies serve millions of commercial and residential customers which makes it easier for the association to identify the changing needs of the community and the nation.
Because it has proven to stay very long in the market, the mission of the association is always carried out effectively, and that is to promote, support, and represent the whole industry for growth and empowerment of businesses.
The following are its five components in order to fulfill the association’s mission statement:
1. Government relations allow NBFAA to keep a close watch for various legislations regarding public safety, electronic life security, and the home burglar alarms systems industry. This is always done on the local as well as the state levels. NBFAA provides monthly reports and conveys information to its members throughout the United States.
2. Information about different industry affairs are also provided to its members which includes issues on technological changes and other environmental issues that has a great impact on the businesses.
3. Public relation is also a very important component. NBFAA exert their efforts to reach consumers and other constituents to establish a good communication and ensure homeland security and public safety.
4. Standards have a vital role in the industry, and the association provides its members with useful information pertaining to the different status of current standards and aids in the creation or development of on-going standards.
5. There is also a professional development through the National Training School, which was founded in 1985 by NBFAA was able to meet the changing needs for trainings on electronic life. Now, the NTS still offers trainings, but the programs are more diverse and competent. Thousands of students are able to complete and get certification after attending at NTS.
NBFAA is a very good example of a non-profit organization which helps the entire adt alarms industry and its consumers. Organizations such as this should be supported and given recognition. NBFAA still has a lot of people to serve, and it has a very good chance to stay for a long time.
How does the importance of automotive burglar alarm system abreast with the cliché not to drive the car when drunk? Because being unsecured and being drunk can both cost life and money.
When you buy your car, you most certainly can’t drive it without any other electroni gadgets such as the car stereo. This means that aside from the net cost of the car, you spend some more dollars to adorn it. Well, though you may, but you don’t actually fear the idea of losing your car. The equipment that you install in it are more vulnerable and appealing to burglars because they can easily be sold compared to the automobile.
Sad to say, it has already become a steady flow of income for some. You never know who among the people are burglars, and there is no way that can change the fact that they live through this means. And they are just waiting for the right moment to attack. Their precious moment is when you least expect them, when you are most occupied and your car is sitting helpless.
The least thing that you can do is securing your automobile and lowering the chances of your car being a target. But unlike the yard sign that you post in your house to deceive burglars, it may not quite work with your car. And the best thing that you can do is to actually install an automotive alarm system.
Another expenditure? Yes. But will you dare compromise your valuables and even your own safety just for a little amount? Consider this, at times, you will be rushing to work and it will not be impossible to accidentally leave your handy gadgets in the car. Its always when the day is already over that you will realize what you’ve left. Once the car is not secured, then your mind will neither be.
But if you have installed a security system, you will have less to worry about all day. There will surely be authorities to take care of your automobile’s intruders when they set off alarm of your automobile. There will be a security system that will take charge when it is impossible for you to do so.
Comparable to automobile tires, the home burglar alarm is as well a necessity. It is not a mere luxury as some people find it. And subsequently, they change their perception regarding its importance when they have been burglarized. It is when they lost their valuable belongings and no one could point out who the perpetrator is. Other than these, there could be limitless possibilities of unfortunate events that you can encounter when unsecured.
When installing a vehicle home burglar alarm, always ask the company agent first on how the structure functions. This way, you can maximize the purpose of the burglar alarm. It is always imperative that you are oriented of the details of its system. The automobile has comparatively less openings than a house, so it is less complex to mount the sensors in its windows and doors. The magnetic contacts that are mounted on these openings sets the alarm when any of the doors and windows is forcedly unlocked. With the remote control in your pocket, it is easy for you to activate and deactivate the system.
For automobile owners, the automobile home burglar alarm is a primary consideration. Although the system may cost you a decent amount, your safety is something you cannot put a price into.
The home security systems that are considered very important today are home burglar alarms. What is very exciting is that there are DIY (Do It Yourself) kits which provide easy installation for many home owners.
However, it is necessary for individuals who are going to use a home burglar alarms system to know and understands its basics. Burglar alarms are sensors capable of detecting someone who enters your home. Then these sensors take actions such as make loud piercing noises, call the police, make valuables safe as much as possible, and do other safety measures.
Generally, these home burglar alarms are hard-wired in the walls of your home. This is done to keep it intact preventing it from being removed or disabled. In this manner, the alarm will be easily triggered when tampered. However, the mechanisms which activate or deactivate it vary widely. It could use a more common key and Personal Identification Number (PIN) or even hi-tech fingerprint systems.
Most people prefer DIY burglar alarm system kits as they are not that expensive. These systems can be wireless or wired as mentioned earlier. These are capable of setting off audible alarms whenever an intruder moves or breaks into the house.
These systems are available in two types. It can be either a closed or an open circuit. If the alarm has an open circuit design, the alarm works whenever its circuit is closed. Take for example when a window or door is opened, the circuit is completed setting off the alarm. If the alarm has a closed circuit design, the alarm works in opposite ways. When a window or door is opened, the circuit breaks setting off the alarm.
These home burglar alarm systems kits can include (a.) {single premise alarm systems which provide specific features such as door alarms, heat or smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and others~single premise alarm systems that provide specific features such as heat or smoke detectors, door alarms, carbon monoxide alarms and others} (b.) local alarm systems which creates sounds when intrusion takes place (c.) Telephone dialer alarms which can dial a specified phone number when the alarm is triggered (d.) monitored security systems which are monitored constantly by an alarm company
Always remember that there are existing home security systems rated as much more advanced equipment. Some salesman could play on the fear of people for crimes in order to sell them their latest alarm system that are controlled by computers, complete with expert installations which are expensive, and monitoring center open 24-hours on a monthly basis subscription. As a potential buyer, you should also weigh different options when purchasing DIY alarm systems kits. Sometimes it can be very luxurious yet unnecessary.
There are some people who thought of different ideas to cut down their costs on getting burglar alarms. Their DIY burglar alarm system is made from an alarm box which resembles a real burglar alarm box installed outside their house. This could prevent all hassles and expenses of obtaining the real alarm system. Nevertheless make sure it actually looks real since you cannot fake experienced burglars. It is a rule to make it a secret or else your efforts would be useless.
Remember, it is not the features of the burglar alarm system that is making the difference. The secret of using this home security device is keeping the burglars away from your home. The burglar’s tendency is to avoid alarm boxes outside your home since they will unlikely expose themselves to great troubles.
It was during the eighteenth century that burglar alarm made its name as a mode to identify who entered a certain passageway, such as doors or windows. Nowadays, home burglar alarms are not solely used as an indication for possible entrance or exit of unwanted visitors.
home burglar alarms are also used to alert emergency authorities such as fire stations, police stations, hospitals and local government that a crisis is happening and that immediate help is needed.
The availability of home burglar alarms in your place is a practical and functional option which can provide you utmost protection. There are various types of burglar alarms that are available on the market which you can choose from. The following factors may be grounds for you to decide on a specific burglar alarm:
Installation
For convenience purposes most people opt for do-it-yourself burglar alarm packages. By having so, they will be able to save money from the installation fee. On the other hand, there are some who desires to hire a professional to install their burglar alarm system. The main reason for choosing such option is for an assurance that the work will be properly done.
Location
Nowadays, you have the choice where to install your burglar alarm – walls, doors, windows or ceilings – name it and you can have it installed in your preferred area.
Add-ons
Everyday people think of new creations to complement what has been made available. The burglar alarm for instance is but an ordinary alarm then. However, as time passes by additional features are added to enhance the standard burglar alarm.
Sensors can be made available. Sensors alert the alarm’s control panel whenever the sensor has been crossed. Moreover, there are add-on gadgets to detect movements and sounds. As the name implies, the motion detectors can identify movements and the sound detectors can distinguish odd sounds around the place. Motion detectors are often used in seldom-visited areas in a home or in an establishment.
Other factors may be considered before you purchase a burglar alarm. What you need to do is look for a respectable and highly regarded manufacturer of security equipments. It is best to undergo a company background check to ensure that you are in good hands.
The governing rules for having a burglar alarm which you prefer are another aspect that you might want to look into. Are the burglar alarms being offered to you legally accepted by emergency units in your area? Do you need to personally register your own burglar alarm or the company where you bought it will take care of the matter? Those are some of the important queries you need to clarify.
Ademco is one good example of a company which caters good-quality security equipments. The company offers different types of electronic security systems, fire alarms and most especially burglar alarms. The equipments they have are both efficient to use at home and for business purposes.
The Internet is actually a very good venue to conduct your research about burglar alarms. Relevant information will be made available to you by surfing the net. Features, prices and other considerations are most likely apparent in every security equipment company’s website. On the other hand, if you wish to have face-to-face interaction to gain immediate answers, you have the choice of visiting the nearest establishments that specializes in distributing security equipments. Once you did your research, then you can always decide to own a burglar alarm of your choice.
{Today, even the safest neighborhoods are unsafe from thieves~Nowadays, even the safest neighborhoods are not safe from thieves}. Whenever there is an opportunity for them to enter a home undetected, they take it. {They do this to steal from you in order to gain some money~They do this stal your valuables from you in order to gain some money}. However, there are times that some people suffer more than having their things stolen. {There are times that burglaries also resulted in other serious crimes, such as homicide or rape~Worse, there are times that burglaries are resulted in other much serious crimes, such as rape or homicide}.
The thought of someone entering your home without you knowing about it can make anyone cringe. {This is why you should take the necessary steps in making sure that your home and also your family is protected from crimes like this~This is one important reason why you should take the necessary steps in making sure that your house and your family is safe and protected from crimes like this}. It is important that you should install a security system that can prevent these crimes from happening to you.
{One of the most effective ways that you can do in order to secure you,~One of the most effective ways in order for you to secure you,} your family and your home from burglary and other crimes is by installing a home burglar alarm systems. {These systems can effectively thwart off any criminals who have a dark motive to enter your home and steal from you or commit other more serious crimes~These systems can effectively thwart off any thieves or criminals who have a dark motive of entering your home and steal from you or even commit other more serious crimes}.
There are different kinds of alarms that you can install in your own home. One is do-it-yourself home burglar alarm kits and others like more sophisticated alarm systems that require professional alarm companies to install it for you. There are alarms that are activated once someone opens your door and other passages without disabling the alarm first and there are motion sensor burglar alarms that are activated when someone is moving around a particular area of the house.
There are even alarms that will automatically call the proper authorities once it is activated.
If you have pets, you have to talk to the home burglar alarm dealer about it first in order to prevent your pet to activate the alarm when they are moving around your home. They can provide you with a variety of burglar alarms that are tolerant to your pet’s movements in order to not let them accidentally activate the alarm.
You have to consider the fact that burglar alarms are one of the best tools that you can install in your home to constantly monitor it for illegal activities. There are alarms that come with cameras and sound recorders in order for you to have eyes and ears even when you’re out of your house. This is also a great tool to monitor your babysitter if you have any. It will tell you if they are indeed performing the job you hired them for.
Before you get a home burglar alarm, it is important that you should first consult with an alarm company. {Since there are quite a number of alarm companies that claims to provide the best alarm systems, you should check their reputation and the company’s background~Since there are so many alarm companies that claims to provide the best alarm systems, you can check their reputation and the company’s background first}. Hire the company or purchase an alarm system from a company that is reputable and is used by a lot of people.
These alarm systems are proven effective and are recommended to most people. However, you also have to make sure that you have the budget for it as some alarm systems can be quite expensive, most especially if it is made from state of the art technology.
Choose an alarm system that will be able to effectively monitor your home and is also in range of your budget. But then , you should always consider the truth that no matter how expensive a security system may be, it is always a great investment that you will make for the safety of your family. Besides, you don’t want to purchase cheap alarm systems that don’t work. Get the best possible alarm system by shopping around and asking your friends and family who have installed one in their own home about it.
On September 26, 2006 in Lawrence, MA, a very unusual story spread in the news. The story was about an old lady who encountered a burglar inside her house. According to her story, she was awaked by a stranger wearing black clothes and carrying a curved knife in his hand. The burglar never demanded for anything big from her except for an amount of $40. The victim resisted and said that she does not have any money and forced the thief out of the house. The story becomes unusual because it seldom happens that a burglar leaves a home without getting something or even kills the resident.
Good enough that this 85 year old lady was not hurt by the burglar and her home was not destroyed at all. The old lady could have been killed by the burglar; her daughter who was sleeping that time may have also been harmed. The old lady then admits in an interview that after that incident, she no longer had peace of mind and felt that she is no longer safe in her own house.
{Not all burglary incidents are as clean and harmless as the story~Not all burglary incidents are as harmless and clean as the story}. Most of the time, such incidents are too destructive that it does not just harm property but also life.
If the old lady could have installed a burglar alarm system in her house maybe the burglar may have been captured by the police. Also, she could have locked her bedroom immediately before the burglar broke into it.
Home burglar alarms are very important security instruments. The importance of these instruments is not just limited to securing property and life but also giving peace of mind to residents.
These instruments are more commonly used in stores and other business establishments. In fact they were designed to be mounted in such establishments. Nowadays, Home burglar alarms kits are already available for home installation.
Here are ways on how to acquire burglar alarm kits for residential use:
• Know the physical attributes of your home. Particularly, take note of the entry points in your home like windows, doors, basement exit, fire exits, etc. When these entry points are integrated with the alarm system, you will have a higher chance of detecting unauthorized entry.
• Look for security companies that offers home burglar alarm system kit installation. Checking the police department for lists of companies is a more effective way of looking for a security company that is trustworthy. Upon finding several prospect companies, ask for a written quote and invite them for a home inspection.
• There are several types of alarm systems. In many cities, there are alarms that do not make sounds but can detect movements and can alarm the police directly. There are also alarms that sounds very loud to let you and the neighbors know of an illegal entry and can drive away thieves. The next type is the telephone relayed alarm that when an illegal entry is detected, the system dials the police or the security company’s number and plays a recorded message alarming the latter that something wrong is going on. These three are just some of so many types of burglar alarm systems. Look for one that you deem most suitable for your home and your location.
• Create a good physical plan on where you want to put the control panel, the keypad and other necessary components included in the kit. The control panel is basically a switch that turns the alarm on and off. Also ensure that this important component is installed in the most strategic location.
• You may also choose the general alarm. There are alarms that do not just detect movements but as well as temperature changes, flood, smoke, etc.
The term “burglary” is used to refer to a house breaking, a crime associated to thievery. Because of this, a man named Edwin Holmes spearheaded the inventing and installing of the first home burglar alarm system in the world in the year 1858.
This invention was first introduced in Boston, Massachusetts. The first home burglar alarm can be associated to a simple machine; a spring is being freed on the window or a door’s opening, then through this, the electrical circuit is closed.
Then, as time evolved, the home burglar alarm evolved along with it. Today, several types of burglar alarms are available in the market, but those alarms are not only good to signify a break in, they can also be used in alerting the fire authorities for the occurrence of fire.
The fire burglar alarms today are founded in the form of electronics. It has sensors which are attached to the control unit through hardware with low voltage or to a narrowband RF indicator, and then it is hooked up to announce the alarm, this works to gain some response.
The fire burglar alarm is helpful in alerting people inside the building for a possible fire. Through this, people are being notified that they need to look for a safe place. This also alerts the closest emergency personnel, thus, preventing the spreading of fire.
In addition, smoke and heat detectors can trigger the fire alarms. They are normally set to determine the level of smolder or heat that may indicate a fire. The alarm can be in the form of a loud bell or with the flash of lights intended for people who have hearing problems.
There are a number of different forms of fire alarm systems being offered in the market. If you are planning to buy one, try to search for the best one by surfing in the Internet. You can also search for a manufacturer or dealer in your local area. There are fire burglar alarms that are designed for the utmost safety and security for your home or any of your establishments by simply combining with it intruder alert systems.
The price of the equipment may come in two systems—purchased or leased. Since the systems need to be installed, it can also be added with a charge of one-time installation fee. The costs of the systems begin at about $20 for basic types and may go up to $ 20,000 for the upper-class types.
For home utilization on the other hand, it is already sufficient to have the basic method with monitoring. This will only range to about $100 to $300.
In addition to these, there are also monitoring fees given to the local fire units since the system also alert them. Although these will not be expensive, these may only be about $30 each month.
Although the equipment and its installation, including the regular fees for monitoring, sounds to be heavy in the pocket, this are still considered as valuable investments.
These costs are nothing compared to the costs of the damage a fire may cause, or even worse, the point of losing the lives of people in a fire, hence the investments for fire alarms are worth it.
Still, there are other points to consider. The systems of fire alarms need to be tested yearly to ensure that it is properly functioning. But before doing it, notify the fire authorities of the testing to be conducted to prevent them from coming out needlessly.