Summer Infant Day & Night Handheld Color Video Monitor with 1.8" Screen - Silver Review.
"Excellent Multi-purpose Monitor" 2006-08-14
By elviswoman (Dallas, TX United States)
We are expectant parents and purchased this monitor for our nursery from a local store after carefully reviewing the return policy. We purchased the one with the silver faceplate which seems to be the newer improved model on the market. When we got it home, we ripped it out of the box and decided to test it rigorously, and we made our two dogs our test subjects. Also, we live in an older house, so we expected issues with electrical interference. Here are our findings:
1. We were able to see our entire kitchen both in light and in the dark although the picture was somewhat grainy in the dark. We could see our dog's eyes and teeth from a distance of about 15 feet away from the camera in both conditions.
2. We took the receiver all over the house, used it in our home office, next to our refrigerator, by our cordless phone while in use, and the reception was great with occasional static pops.
3. We were able to take the receiver outside about 20 feet around the perimiter of the house with no interference.
4. We conducted similar tests placing the camera unit in other areas of our house and had no problems.
5. Sound quality is astounding, my husband could hear me talking on the phone in another room and could hear my breathing sounds between my verbal responses on the phone.
We have had this camera for about two months now and are confident it will be of great value when our baby gets here. We had one dog that kept pottying in front of our fridge and we busted him with this camera. So overall, for the money, it is a great value and can serve many different purposes. I would highly recommend it to anyone with babies, pets, elderly or disabled persons to care for. We are very happy with this purchase.
EDIT, July 2008:
This product is STILL working great for us two years later! We lost the AC adapter to the handset while we were on vacation and we ordered a replacement from the manufacturer-they did not charge shipping and we got it within a week of ordering. I am pleased with the support given for this product as well as the product's performance. Again, I highly recommend!
"Best thing I own right now for my girl" 2005-10-22
By D. Pegalis (Metro DC)
We have a 3 month old right now. She was colic and had to sleep in our bed for the past 9 weeks. We now have her in her crib. I can put the handheld part next to my bed and watch her at night. What is really great is that at night when you hear noises that sound like she is waking...you can look at her on the screen and see..nope she is still asleep! We take it out to our hottub and can watch her too.
The color isn't too great on it but it is great anyway.
The only thing I wish is that the screen wouldn't get too hot while it stayed on and when it is running on batteries that the you could get the screen to constantly stay on.
I wish I could also buy another handheld too to keep in another part of the house.
"Awesome!" 2005-10-09
By Pennie (FL)
We just exchanged the Safety First Video monitor for this one. It's not that the other monitor was a bad one, it's just that this one suits us so much better. I like the fact that the receiver is compact and contains the video picture as well as being portable and having rechargeable batteries. The ability to hook it up to your TV (with a simple plug in cord) is a really neat option too! The camera with this unit has a wider range of adjustability than the Safety First model too, which works much better for us with the location of the high shelves in his room. I would definitely recommend this monitor! It brings peace of mind knowing that your child isn't trying to climb out of the crib!!
"Excellent Reception and Clarity!!!!" 2005-11-20
By N. Yuen (San Jose, CA)
My husband and I received this as a shower gift and after trying all the other video monitors out there, this was the ONLY monitor that gave us a CRYSTAL CLEAR picture! We tried the Mobi Cam which got good reviews for clarity in a "wired" household but we were suprised and disappointed with all the interference and static we saw on the monitor (even from 10 ft. away). We were amazed that this Summer system was cheaper and provided better quality out of all the ones we tested (Safety 1st and Mobi Cam). Highly recommended, especially if you have a "techie" household :)
"This is THE monitor!" 2006-05-25
By Tiana (Texas)
I always read these reviews before making a purchase. They always help me make the best choice but I have never written one myself. This warrants a rating in my opinion. And here is why:
I orginally had the Safety First Video Monitor but I did not like it at all. When I would be on the phone, cell phone or cordless, the interferance was so bad that I could see nothing but static on the screen. I use the time when my son naps to catch up on phone calls. There is NO interferance with this monitor.
The Safety First system had a very large monitor. It was not portable and gave off too much light at night. This is handheld and has great range. PLUS, it has a recharable battery. Now, I don't know about all of you, but to me, this feature is profoundly attractive considering between the swing, bouncer and all the other gadgets and guizmos, I should buy stock in Energizer.
I know some mentioned that the monitor was a bit small, and this is true. However, I find that it is not a problem for me at all and the picture quality is great. I can see my little man in his crib and tell if the noise he is making is just him stirring in his sleep or if he truly needs me. I can also hear him breathing over the monitor. Which puts me at ease.
Also, some mentioned that the monitor would get a bit of static from time to time but if you repositioned the handheld unit, it would cease. I have encountered this, but it is so easily remedied that it is not even an issue for me.
I purchased the Buyer Protection Plan from Babies R Us which cost me $24.99 and covers the unit for one year. If anything happens to it I will be sent a check for $160.00. $25 insurance for a fairly pricey item seemed a good investment for me.
If you are a new parent, I highly recommend this item. I don't know that my son and I would do as well if I couldn't actually see him while he was sleeping without having to go in his room. (Picture actually seeing your baby's chest rising and falling and knowing he his breathing.) This item is a bit expenisive, but I truly believe it is worth every penny.
I hope this helps!
By elviswoman (Dallas, TX United States)
We are expectant parents and purchased this monitor for our nursery from a local store after carefully reviewing the return policy. We purchased the one with the silver faceplate which seems to be the newer improved model on the market. When we got it home, we ripped it out of the box and decided to test it rigorously, and we made our two dogs our test subjects. Also, we live in an older house, so we expected issues with electrical interference. Here are our findings:
1. We were able to see our entire kitchen both in light and in the dark although the picture was somewhat grainy in the dark. We could see our dog's eyes and teeth from a distance of about 15 feet away from the camera in both conditions.
2. We took the receiver all over the house, used it in our home office, next to our refrigerator, by our cordless phone while in use, and the reception was great with occasional static pops.
3. We were able to take the receiver outside about 20 feet around the perimiter of the house with no interference.
4. We conducted similar tests placing the camera unit in other areas of our house and had no problems.
5. Sound quality is astounding, my husband could hear me talking on the phone in another room and could hear my breathing sounds between my verbal responses on the phone.
We have had this camera for about two months now and are confident it will be of great value when our baby gets here. We had one dog that kept pottying in front of our fridge and we busted him with this camera. So overall, for the money, it is a great value and can serve many different purposes. I would highly recommend it to anyone with babies, pets, elderly or disabled persons to care for. We are very happy with this purchase.
EDIT, July 2008:
This product is STILL working great for us two years later! We lost the AC adapter to the handset while we were on vacation and we ordered a replacement from the manufacturer-they did not charge shipping and we got it within a week of ordering. I am pleased with the support given for this product as well as the product's performance. Again, I highly recommend!
By D. Pegalis (Metro DC)
We have a 3 month old right now. She was colic and had to sleep in our bed for the past 9 weeks. We now have her in her crib. I can put the handheld part next to my bed and watch her at night. What is really great is that at night when you hear noises that sound like she is waking...you can look at her on the screen and see..nope she is still asleep! We take it out to our hottub and can watch her too.
The color isn't too great on it but it is great anyway.
The only thing I wish is that the screen wouldn't get too hot while it stayed on and when it is running on batteries that the you could get the screen to constantly stay on.
I wish I could also buy another handheld too to keep in another part of the house.
By Pennie (FL)
We just exchanged the Safety First Video monitor for this one. It's not that the other monitor was a bad one, it's just that this one suits us so much better. I like the fact that the receiver is compact and contains the video picture as well as being portable and having rechargeable batteries. The ability to hook it up to your TV (with a simple plug in cord) is a really neat option too! The camera with this unit has a wider range of adjustability than the Safety First model too, which works much better for us with the location of the high shelves in his room. I would definitely recommend this monitor! It brings peace of mind knowing that your child isn't trying to climb out of the crib!!
By N. Yuen (San Jose, CA)
My husband and I received this as a shower gift and after trying all the other video monitors out there, this was the ONLY monitor that gave us a CRYSTAL CLEAR picture! We tried the Mobi Cam which got good reviews for clarity in a "wired" household but we were suprised and disappointed with all the interference and static we saw on the monitor (even from 10 ft. away). We were amazed that this Summer system was cheaper and provided better quality out of all the ones we tested (Safety 1st and Mobi Cam). Highly recommended, especially if you have a "techie" household :)
By Tiana (Texas)
I always read these reviews before making a purchase. They always help me make the best choice but I have never written one myself. This warrants a rating in my opinion. And here is why:
I orginally had the Safety First Video Monitor but I did not like it at all. When I would be on the phone, cell phone or cordless, the interferance was so bad that I could see nothing but static on the screen. I use the time when my son naps to catch up on phone calls. There is NO interferance with this monitor.
The Safety First system had a very large monitor. It was not portable and gave off too much light at night. This is handheld and has great range. PLUS, it has a recharable battery. Now, I don't know about all of you, but to me, this feature is profoundly attractive considering between the swing, bouncer and all the other gadgets and guizmos, I should buy stock in Energizer.
I know some mentioned that the monitor was a bit small, and this is true. However, I find that it is not a problem for me at all and the picture quality is great. I can see my little man in his crib and tell if the noise he is making is just him stirring in his sleep or if he truly needs me. I can also hear him breathing over the monitor. Which puts me at ease.
Also, some mentioned that the monitor would get a bit of static from time to time but if you repositioned the handheld unit, it would cease. I have encountered this, but it is so easily remedied that it is not even an issue for me.
I purchased the Buyer Protection Plan from Babies R Us which cost me $24.99 and covers the unit for one year. If anything happens to it I will be sent a check for $160.00. $25 insurance for a fairly pricey item seemed a good investment for me.
If you are a new parent, I highly recommend this item. I don't know that my son and I would do as well if I couldn't actually see him while he was sleeping without having to go in his room. (Picture actually seeing your baby's chest rising and falling and knowing he his breathing.) This item is a bit expenisive, but I truly believe it is worth every penny.
I hope this helps!
