subject: Analog vs Digital Baby Monitors: Why You Should Choose Digital [print this page] Baby monitors are mom and dad's best friend when it comes to helping watch their baby. These products also help ensure the safety of the child.
In the past, baby monitors were basic devices that were simply a transmitter and receiver system. The units were wired and transmitted audio from the baby's room to the parent's bedroom. Fortunately, as technology has progressed, so have baby monitors. Today, digital baby monitors are the most popular type sold as they provide parents with increased functionality and greater freedom to move around the house.
As with any technology, digital baby monitors have both advantages and disadvantages. Here are a few:
Advantages of Digital Baby Monitors
Digital baby monitors, as the name implies, use modern digital technology. This gives them an edge over older analog models in terms of clarity of sound and video, as well as increased functionality. Analog simply can't compete with digital. Digital receivers are also more sensitive to sound. By this, I mean the units can pick up more subtle noises than the analog models.
One problem with analog monitors is the fact that neighbors and other people close by can inadvertently pick up the monitor signal and listen to it. With the digital models, you maintain privacy by using secure channels. The biggest problem with analog baby monitors is range. The mobility of the parents is greatly reduced since they always have to be mindful of the range. With digital monitors, the range has improved dramatically, allowing parents to more easily work and move around the home without worrying.
Disadvantages of Digital Baby Monitors
Like everything else, digital baby monitors do have disadvantages. One of the more controversial topics concerning digital monitors is the possible health risk. Since these digital devices make use of signals like electromagnetic waves, some parents believe they may cause health problems to babies. There isn't any conclusive evidence to support this claim, but it is recommended that parents keep the monitors 8-10 feet away from where the baby is sleeping.
One other consideration is price Digital baby monitors, particularly the ones that offer video, can be more expensive. This is expected since the technology is so much more advanced when compared to analog. For many parents, this may be a problem. However, the quality you receive from digital makes the investment well worth it.
Digital baby monitors offer the clearest reception, increased functionality, and are much better than the older analog versions. It is highly recommended that you purchase the model that best suits your family's needs.
Analog vs Digital Baby Monitors: Why You Should Choose Digital
