They used to just reach out and touch someone. Now AT&T is looking in on that someone as well. The company just announced a new home monitoring service, which allows subscribers to peek in on their homes in real-time via a computer or cell phone.

You’ll need to plunk down $200 for the equipment, which includes a video camera, motion sensor, a router, and two power/outlet modules. Additional cameras cost $100 to $180. Extra sensors are about 20 bucks each.

As an added bonus, you can also check on your lighting, temperature or whether your living room is full of water. Of course, you can’t do anything about those things, but it’s nice to know, isn’t it? Just so you aren’t constantly checking in a paranoid state, the system can be programmed to send emails and/or text messages if an out-of-the-ordinary event occurs.

The service is currently available for $9.95 per month. If you want to use your cell, that could cost you another $10 to $20 on top of your allotted minutes.

• $199 for start-up package
• $9.95 per month
• Video varies at 3 to 7 frames per second
• Supports 4 cameras, 32 sensors
• Compatible with any Web browser
• Cell service only with Cingular Wireless (additional fees required)

Rachel Cericola - Contributing Writer

Over the past 15 years, Rachel Cericola has covered entertainment, web and technology trends. Check her out at www.rachelcericola.com.