Also known as baby cams or video baby monitors, a baby monitor camera uses a video camera to capture live video of your baby. A transmitter is mounted together with the camera, which transmits to the receiver unit held by the parent. The video feed from the camera is fed continuously to receiver unit, to deliver live video footage to the receiver unit.
2 Kinds Of Receiver Units
The live video footage can be viewed on a color LCD screen that comes as a complete package as a video baby monitor setup. The package includes:
- Transmitter unit with a tiny embedded camera to be put right beside where the baby is.
- Hand-held receiver unit with LCD or Digital screen is around 2-5 inches and is handheld and portable. Most receivers will also display sound levels with LED light indicators, and have the option of turning the video feature off and on, while still hearing audio.
Alternatively, simply hook up your baby monitor camera with your computer or TV screen with the necessary wiring for a large screen view of your baby’s room. The second option is cheaper as it excludes the LCD hand-held unit.
Wireless Or Wired?
Baby monitor cameras come in both wired and wireless models. Which one you pick depends on the expected usage, if it’s to be fixed in a couple of fixed locations, then a wired system should be perfect for you. If there is considerable flexibility of location and mobility is required, then it makes sense to install a wireless system. The cameras can be placed in locations like the baby crib or playpen area.
Night Vision Mode
Most baby monitor cameras today come equipped with a night vision feature. Infrared LEDs are attached on the camera’s front to increase lighting and visibility, to better allow a user to see the baby in a dark room. These infrared LEDs are unlike visible light can and does not disturb or irritate baby. Video baby monitors equipped with night vision mode will automatically switch to this mode in the dark. Baby monitors continue to evolve and now also can utilize features such as night lights and built-in lullabies. These are special features available only in some models
Full Audio & Direct AC
Many of these also feature full audio. Some of the top day cares are using these baby cams to allow parents to check in on their youngsters from the office. Direct AC mains connection cables can be used to power the camera as well, in case the batteries run low, so no worries about losing touch with the baby in case of power cut-offs. In case of any repairs, replacements or maintenance is to be carried out, ensure you follow the manufacturer’s manual and directions on troubleshooting. Ideally most brands will provide you with some kind of a warranty and service contracts. Make sure you follow instructions so that these are not rendered null and void.
Plug & Play
The only installation required when setting up a Color Baby Monitor system is simply plugging the unit in. There are no complex setup steps to follow, and the unit begins working immediately
Transmission Range
A video baby monitor can transmit its color picture up to an approximate range of 350 ft. To put that into perspective, that is longer than a football field! With this range you will have no problem receiving a crisp, color image of your child from anywhere in your home.
Recommended Brands
Leading manufacturers of video baby monitors include Graco, Fisher Price, Summer, Philips and more. These companies also make audio baby monitors, which don’t offer the advantage of video but are usually cheaper and far more clear in sound than the old-fashioned audio monitors.
However, when it comes to true peace of mind, nothing beats clear audio and video of your child in real time. Whether you are downstairs or at work, checking in on your child in this way can help ease your separation anxiety or any concerns about the care your child is receiving.
While some models can be quite expensive, ranging in the hundreds of dollars, there are monitors that are under $100 which offer video capabilities. It all depends on what features you want in a baby monitor and how much you are willing to spend. You can purchase a baby monitor camera in baby stores and even online, which offers you a more convenient way to browse products and compare features and prices.
Minimizing Baby Monitor Interference
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