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Usage
Monitor baby with video, up to 30 feet away with audio that is nearly unusable.

Price $144.95

Summary

This audio and video baby monitor broadcasts video up to 30 feet. Audio was almost unusable at any range. Strong interference occurs in homes with a wireless devices. Power cords can be connected to the wrong units!

The Good

• Video quality
• Night viewing

The Bad

• Power cords can be attached to the wrong unit
• Audio is poor
• Channel-changing is difficult

Full Review

Setup

The 4UCam Dancing Daisy Kid-Cam requires plugging in the baby unit. Be sure to use the AC cord labeled “Camera Only!” Connecting the wrong power cord can damage the unit and may be a hazard. The parent unit comes with a rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery that is easy to install. It is very important to make sure all cords stay out of the reach of the baby to avoid a strangulation accident!

Batteries and Charging

While the parent unit requires only a 3-hour charging, the charge lasts only 2 hours, which is very limited. Be sure to use the AC cord labeled “Receiver Only!” Connecting the wrong power cord can damage the unit and may be a hazard. The baby unit must be plugged in.

Range

Like all monitors tested, the advertised range far exceeds the real-world range. This unit advertised 300 feet on the package. But a one-page insert noted the optimal indoor range to be 15-60 feet. We found the range for video to be very good up to 30 feet (with static). Audio range was poor and difficult to assess due to low volume. Changing channels did not improve range or reduce interference. Strong video and audio interference occur in homes with a wireless router, if a 2.4Mhz cordless phone placed within 10 feet of the parent unit, or other electronics are in the home.

Audio Quality

The audio quality is very poor and volume is very faint, even when no electronics were on.

Performance and Features

The features by themselves rate higher. But more importantly is the performance or the product, which is flawed.

Features:

• Baby unit has infrared sensors that enable night viewing, works well
• Parent unit has 2.5″ color LCD screen, for viewing the baby
• Controls for volume and brightness
• Video output jack (cord included) for viewing video on TV
• Audio output jack with ear phone for listening
• Channel selection, but difficult on baby unit
• Belt clip for portability
• Flip-out stand, that is not very stable when the power is connected

Design

While having a kid-friendly appearance, the functionality of the 4UCam Dancing Daisy Kid-Cam is very poor. The clamp on the baby unit could limit placement options. Channel changing is done by way of positioning 2 tiny “switches” on the back of the camera. The non-unique connectors, though labeled, are a poor design that makes an error likely.
The kickstand to hold up the parent unit is frustrating to use. When the power cord is plugged in, the unit falls over to the side meaning you have to look at a tilted screen.

Manufacturer Specifications

Parent units: One
Frequency: 2.4GHz
Channels: Four
Range: 300 feet (with no obstructions or interference)
15-60 feet indoors

Buywise.Com Range: about 30 feet for video, audio is unusable at any distance.

Category: audio and video baby monitor

Parent Unit Included? Baby Unit Included?
Power Options Batteries (Rechargable)
Power cord Yes
Yes Power cord Yes

Review Date: June 30th, 2008

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