AT&T Digital Life offers legit security specs, plus competitive home automation functionality. Inventing your own automation programs reminds you why sci-fi writers dreamed up the smart home in the first place.

Between the mandatory 2-year contract, potential costs and contract renewals for upgrading equipment, and a hefty initial setup fee, many people might have trouble justifying the expense.

AT&T Digital Life offers a compelling alternative to the modular approach to smart living. If you're already planning to install a professional security system, AT&T Digital Life offers comparable rates. And if you can justify the extra expense,...