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Usage
Audio (with ‘voice lights’) up to 100 feet

Price $189.95

Summary

This audio baby monitor has an excellent feature set, good range, and very little static. We would have rated it higher if the audio volume were better.

The Good

• Signal Privacy
• Extended range
• Nice Features
• Battery backup power for baby unit

The Bad

• Audio quality
• Battery charging procedure
• Menu settings

Full Review

Setup

This monitor comes with a useful “Quick Start” guide. Setup of the Philips Digital SCD589 involved plugging in the baby unit and installing the battery in the parent unit. A synching procedure is required between the baby unit and the parent unit. This involves pressing the power button on each of the units for 2 seconds so that a channel link is established. 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

The parent unit is supplied with two AAA NiMH rechargeable batteries that require an initial charging of 16 hours (with power off) before first use. The charge life of 8 hours is reached only after four successive drainings and rechargings. The red charging light stays lit even when batteries are fully charged, which is poor feedback. However, a battery icon in the display shows one, two or three bars to indicate power reserve. When recharging is needed, the unit beeps and shows no bars in the icon. The parent unit can also be plugged into AC power. The baby unit uses four non-rechargeable AA batteries (not included) as a backup to AC power.

Range

We found the range good up to 100 feet. The parent unit has a very faint background buzz, but very little static when exposed cordless phones, cell phones, computers or routers.

Audio Quality

The audio quality is poor and the volume low. Adjusting the microphone on baby unit does not seem to improve the low volume.

Performance and Features

The Philips Digital SCD589 has the most baby-friendly features of the models we tested. The box displays a “guaranteed zero interference” due to a technology called “DECT”. Our unit had a buzzing sound so the claim seems a bit misleading. However, this unit was not worse than other “DECT” monitors like the Graco iMonitor.

Features:

• Push-to-talk button on parent unit allows parent to talk to baby
• Sound indicator lights provide visual display of baby’s sounds
• Controls for volume, night light, and lullaby tunes that play for baby
• Display with power reserve, nursery temperature, lullaby selection
• Belt clip for portability
• Soft night light for baby
• Battery backup power
• Microphone sensitivity setting

Design

The parent unit is small and light, and the baby unit stands well on its base. The controls and displays are helpful, but we found the menu system confusing for setting some features.

Manufacturer Specifications

Parent units: 1

Frequency: 1.9 GHz DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunication)

Channels: Not specified; Customer Support unsure

Range

• 900 feet in open air

• 150 feet indoors

Buywise.Com Range:100 feet

Category: digital audio baby monitor

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

Review Date: June 2nd, 2008

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