Baby monitors

	RDI offers model RDI-CMD2828L, which has a 2.4-inch LCD monitor and a two-way audio function.

China suppliers of baby monitors continue to enhance the performance and reliability of upscale models. Through this, companies hope to prop up export sales amid projections that demand will continue to slow in coming months.

Efforts on audio and video models focus primarily on improving the clarity and sensitivity of products.

More makers are adopting DECT systems, which have better reception and less interference compared with analog versions. Because signals are processed digitally, the units can weed out unnecessary input from other electronic devices that use similar bands.

In addition, the latest releases work on higher frequencies. Although 2.4GHz designs are popular, 5.8GHz versions are preferred as they use a channel that is less crowded. The former is more prone to static noise and feedback because most phones and appliances operate on the same wavelength. In contrast, older models communicate via UHF bands as low as 446MHz.

The newest products also come with multiple channels. This feature provides increased clarity, as it allows users to choose a frequency with the least amount of interference.

For video monitors, various upgrades on the cameras and display screens are being implemented to enhance image quality.

The latest releases in this particular line adopt CMOS cameras with 360 or 420TVL resolution. They use 2 to 2.5-inch LCDs that feature 960x234 pixels. Conventional 480x234/380x240 LCDs or CCD image sensors may also be employed.

Some makers are coming out with video receivers that have larger LTPS TFT-LCDs. Jinlitong International Co. Ltd offers a 7-inch model, which can display individual or simultaneous live feed from as many as four transmitters. The brightness, contrast and sharpness of the images can be adjusted.

CMOS cameras with IR sensors for night vision are also being produced in greater numbers. Allowing parents to observe babies under low-light conditions, such units have auto-exposure and white balance functions.

Companies are also widening coverage. Currently, audio sets can work at open-field distances of up to 2km, while those with video have a 300m range.

Night vision models usually operate within 5m, although 7 to 10m variations are offered as well. Further, the newest video monitors can support up to eight manual or auto-switching cameras to cover more areas in the house.

To sustain buyer interest, makers are also increasing the functionality of products.

The latest transmitters are fitted with thermal sensors to monitor room temperature, while the receivers have LEDs that are activated by motion or sound.

Movement sensors are another option, with a pad that is placed underneath babies while they sleep. A sound alarm is triggered whenever the units do not detect any motion or breathing. Some designs can check body temperature as well.

The newest baby monitors feature a talkback function that allows babies to hear their parents’ voices. The device also has nightlights and prerecorded melodies to help babies sleep.

An increasing number of models can be integrated with DVRs to serve as a CCTV receiver and transmitter. These come with a built-in SD/MMC card reader for external memory drives.

The units may also be used as a multimedia player. Supported file formats include WAV, MPEG3, MPEG4, ASF and AVI.

Product prices start at $50 and can exceed $135 per set. Generally, digital baby monitors are 30 percent more expensive than analog designs.

Differentiation depends largely on the ICs and sensors, which account for 60 percent of manufacturing outlay. The former component is usually procured in Taiwan, South Korea and Japan. ICs from US-based Zoran and Texas Instruments cost 25 percent more than those from other suppliers.

In the next six months, the companies interviewed for this report will retain current prices to bolster competitiveness.

To support this plan, most makers are reducing expenses for raw materials and components. For instance, they substitute Li-ion batteries with LiMH versions, which are cheaper. Auto-switching transmitters with wider pan and tilt angles are likewise being used in place of multiple cameras.