Baby monitor businesses are investing in improved performance and health-friendly aspects.

Aiming to increase product value, China suppliers of baby monitors are intensifying practicality and safety.

Manufacturers are switching from analog to digital models as the latter boasts minimized signal interference. It also offers more security as the camera system can be routed through an encrypted Wi-Fi network. Further, suppliers are adopting 1.9GHz digital signals rather than the traditional 2.4GHz RF since the former screens disruptions more effectively.

The latest releases are multifunction as well. A number of baby monitor transmitters are fitted with temperature sensors that relay the information back to the receiver. Other products play lullabies or even double as two-way radios.

In terms of viewing range, new models have remote tilt, pan and zoom options to widen parameters. Upscale units may utilize infrared night vision, which works up to 15m.

Moreover, releases can support several cameras, allowing parents to check different locations simultaneously. Shenzhen LYD Technology Co. Ltd offers a receiver that connects directly to a computer via a USB port. The device records up to four videos at the same time.

As regards safety, more manufacturers are switching to cordless units amid heightened awareness of strangulation risks. This is in response to reports of infants getting tangled in the lines. The wire-free technology, however, has its drawbacks as studies indicate that models may send out harmful radiation similar to that of mobile phones. As a precaution, users are urged to turn off the devices when not needed or keep them 3ft away from children.

Mainland China-made baby monitors generally adopt nontoxic ABS shells. ICs and sensors from Taiwan, Hong Kong or the US are generally 50 percent costlier than local kinds.

The majority of releases are A/V-ready. They utilize 1.5 to 2.5in LCDs, with a few using 7in TFT versions. CMOS image sensors are widely employed. Lithium batteries are the typical power source, although rechargeable ones are available.

The devices can support RM, RMVB, 3GP, ASF, AVI, MOV and MPEG-4 formats. Sound files in MP3 and WMA, and photographs with JPEG and EXIF extensions are also compatible.

Prices depend on the materials, components and functions. Low-end units are $30 to $60, and adopt ABS shells and 1.5 to 2in LCDs. Models utilizing 2.4GHz analog and digital signals are offered.

Midrange releases are $61 to $100, while the most upscale exceed $100. Both are digital, using 1.9 or 2.4GHz. They come with temperature, two-way radio and musical functions. High-end versions boast VOX and up to 15m night vision features.

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