- The screen on the parent unit is bigger than most handheld video baby monitors.
- You can tilt, scan and zoom the camera remotely, from the handheld unit.
- The handheld unit lets you move around instead of sitting and watching a TV-sized screen.
- The color video is a nice feature in the right conditions.
- The color video option may not work well if baby's nursery isn't well lit.
- The long-range reception isn't great. It's best for under 100'.
- The night vision lights on the monitor unit flash, which some parents find annoying.
- Handheld color video baby monitor with listed 350' range (may be less depending on household interference).
- Digital audio, 2.4Ghz video.
- 2.5" video screen on handheld parent unit.
- Requires 3 AA batteries.
- MSRP $199.99.
The remote pan, tilt and zoom options on the Summer Infant Best View Handheld Color Video Baby Monitor are fantastic, and this is the only video baby monitor that I know of that allows all three camera movement functions from a remote. Some other monitors zoom, and maybe move side to side, but if you want to tilt the view, you often must do that by hand, possibly disturbing baby in the process. Having full control of the camera by remote is an outstanding feature of this monitor.
The digital audio reception is excellent. You'll get clear sound with no static and the assurance of privacy. The video portion operates on the 2.4 Ghz frequency, so there is potential for interference with other household products that use the same one - a router is a likely suspect. Try separating the problem products if this is an issue.
The range is listed at 350' for the Summer Infant Best View Handheld Color Video Baby Monitor, which I think is a bit of a stretch. The reception is great under 100'. You may still have good reception beyond that, depending on interference, but it's probably best not to consider this a super-long-range baby monitor.
