The year 1941 was dominated by war-themed headlines, the attack on Pearl Harbor, the opening of the National Gallery of Art, the invention of Cheerios breakfast cereal, and a yearly predicted salary of $1,750 for the average American. However, 1941 also saw the advent of a theme that would subtly influence how our culture developed today – the broadcast of the first-ever television commercial. Watchmaker Bulova paid a staggering $4.00 to have a 10-second advertisement before the baseball game between the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Philadelphia Phillies. The jingle “America runs on Bulova time” was accompanied by a picture of the USA, as well as a clock.
Today, television advertisements make up a large part of our popular culture. The cost of a 30-second spot on CBS during the superbowl costs a staggering 2.6 million dollars, while a prime-time commercial spot on Network TV costs an average of $140,000. As far as home security, commercials have evolved a lot over the past few years. Monitored home security companies have been utilizing more advanced technology, improved customer service assistance, all-inclusive package contracts and other important tools. Now, more people than ever are choosing to install a monitored security system in their home, since the technology has become both effective and affordable. However, it’s still interesting to take a look back at some memorable home security advertisements.
Disclaimer – These advertisements are posted for entertainment purposes only.
Brinks Home Security – First Date
This commercial has a theatrical performance by a woman as she’s preparing for her first date, and is suddenly confronted by a burglar. Many home security commercials use this similar “home alone” concept for their advertisements.
Brinks Home Security – Just to Be Sure
With older (and more responsible) children, it’s common for parents to leave them home alone during a “date night”. This interesting commercial advertises how a particular home security system can be useful in this type of situation.
Broadview (Brinks) Home Security – The Ex
Though some women don’t want to admit it, many females have had to deal with a jealous ex-boyfriend. When you’re a single woman living alone, home security is extremely important. This commercial takes this concept in an interesting direction.
Be An Apx Alarm Salesman
This amusing commercial is designed by Apx Security, as an advertisement to encourage the hiring of sales representatives for their products.
Protection One – Amorous Dog
It’s best not to put all of your trust in a dog as your only option for home security, especially if he’s not fixed!
Cat and Dog Foil Burglars (Pet Food Commercial)
These intelligent animals are able to incapacitate and contain unwanted intruders in their home.
Stop’em With a Schlage (1995)
This vintage commercial is for Shlage locks, and displays how some of their locks are difficult for burglars to break (with an interesting musical score).
Woman Barks Like Dog – Schlage (1995)
Apparently, when your date faints, impersonating a dog is a great way to scare off potential burglars! This commercial was aired by Schlage Locks in 1995.
Hardees Home Security Spoof
How would you feel, if there were old ladies in your kitchen baking biscuits? This spoof was aired by Hardees to advertise their new “home-baked” biscuits.
Burglary Commercial By 8th Grader
This video is apparently a school project made by an 8th grade boy. The production value is surprisingly good!
Burglars Choose a Sony TV
This commercial was aired by a local electronics dealer, as an advertisement for their products.
Burglar Finds Chips (Doritoes Commercial)
This funny commercial was broadcast by Doritoes during a Superbowl game. However, it’s probably not recommended to use Doritoes as a burglar-deterrent.
ADT – Always (2001)
This 2-minute advertisement was created around 10 years ago, as an advertisement for ADT Security. The interesting thing about this commercial is that is primarily text-based, and a bit long for TV advertising. It could have potentially been used as an employee training video.
Alaska Pirate Burglars
This silly local TV commercial was made for Aurora Satellite and Security, a company that is based out of Fairbanks, Alaska. The burglars in this video have an interesting resemblance to pirates!
