Design and Features
The High-Def Digital Monitor consists of a base unit and a parent unit. Both units are white and slim. The base unit has a little stand and the parents unit has a belt clip.
Also included are two A/C power packs and three rechargeable AAA batteries.
The monitor features an on/off button, + and - volume buttons, low battery and out of range indicators and a pager system so you can find the parent unit if you’ve misplaced it.
Performance and Drawbacks
The High-Def Digital Monitor uses digital technology to provide clear, interference-free connection, irrespective of what type of technology you use around your house. We tested this monitor in the most technology-laden house we could find (Julia’s; full of boys toys) and no matter where we moved the units the sound was always buzz and static free.
You can use two at a time and they won’t interfere with each other and this monitor also guarantees privacy with no ability for neighbors to drop into your home uninvited via your baby monitor.
It’s easy to charge up and the batteries last a reasonable time but any rechargeable unit will lose power over time. That is why it’s good design to have batteries you can replace rather than an inbuilt one. The base unit does not use batteries and needs to be plugged into a socket all the time.
It’s pretty logical to use with a minimum of buttons. If the power is getting low or you get out of range, the parent unit will flash to let you know. Because it doesn’t make a sound you may miss it, especially if you are sleeping (or sleepwalking).
You know that saying; 'you can't please all the people all the time'? Some parents have complained that at its lowest level the sound is too loud and others that at its loudest level the sound it too low. I found that all you need to do is move the base unit around to get the right level of sound for you.
This monitor has quite a long range. We have a three story terrace and it worked fine from top to bottom, then out in the back yard, out in the street, to the end of block, down to the shops ... The sound cut in and out the further that I got away from the base unit but I could still get a clear enough signal to follow the dad and toddler conversation that was going on while I was buying potatoes.
The Hi-Def Digital Monitor is a few quibbles away from being perfect. It doesn’t have a docking station. This is not going to make or break a quality product but it is something that would be useful. If I were using this product regularly I’d prefer a docking station.
If there is a power shortage the parent unit will beep to let you know but the base unit will not switch itself back on. You need to go into your baby’s room each time to manually turn it back on. If you live in an area that experiences power shortages regularly this may be annoying or disruptive to your baby’s sleep.
There’s some flashing light action happening with the High-Def Digital Monitor, in both your and your baby’s room. If you find this light too bright at night you might need to stick something over it.
If your monitor is not charging properly make sure you have removed the tiny bits of plastic film over the battery points.
Conclusion
Even though it’s in the higher price bracket the High-Def Digital Monitor is a best buy baby monitor because it provides clear quality sound in almost every circumstance. It's better to pay more and get it right the first time than waste money and time getting there in the end.
About Safety 1st
Safety 1st is a brand well known for its baby safety products. They are part of the US company, Dorel Industries which also owns other well know baby brands including Quinny, Mother's Choice, Go Safe and Bootiq.
