Baby Monitors - Digital vs. Analog
Baby monitors send images and sounds from the baby (transmitter) unit to the parent (receiver) unit over a designated radio frequency in either an analog or digital format. When choosing a baby monitor, compare the advantages and disadvantages of analog and digital wireless systems to determine which format best meets yours needs and expectations.
Analog and digital systems vary in three primary areas:
- Price
- Performance
- Privacy
Analog Wireless Technology
Analog technology converts voice and images to electronic pulses that travel on a designated radio frequency. The signal travels between the transmitter and receiver, but it is not a secure connection. Anyone in the area can listen in or view your signal if they happen to have a baby monitor, cordless telephone, or radio scanner that is set to the same frequency.
- More affordable
- Adequate range
- Good voice quality
- Susceptible to interference from household electronics
- Risk of eavesdropping as signal is not encrypted
Top Rated Analog Audio Baby Monitors
| Brand & Model | Technology | Frequency | Max Range | Channels | Parent Units | List Price | Shop Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analog baby monitors are more affordable, but signal is susceptible to static and eavesdropping. | |||||||
| Graco Ultra Clear II (2M02) |
Analog | 49 MHz | 500 ft | 2 | 2 | $40 |  |
| Sony BabyCall (NTM-910DUAL) |
Analog | 900 MHz | 800 ft | 27 | 2 | $70 | |
| Fisher-Price Long Distance (P3115) |
Analog | 900 MHz | 800 ft | 4 | 1 | $40 | |
| Safety 1st Crystal Clear (08026) |
Analog | 49 MHz | 600 ft | 2 | 1 | $20 | |
Digital Wireless Technology
Digital technology converts voice and image analog signals into digital packets using binary code, a machine language that represents information in ones and zeros. This format effectively scrambles the signal as it travels on a designated radio frequency between the transmitter unit and receiver unit. Since the transmission is encoded, it is nearly impossible for the sounds and images to be intercepted by others. Digital technology offer greater privacy and security as well as an increased range of transmission and higher-quality signals.
- High-quality audio and video
- Increased range of transmission
- Less susceptible to interference from other electronics
- Secure signal eliminates chance of accidental eavesdropping
- Usually more expensive than analog wireless
Top Rated Digital Audio Baby Monitors
| Brand & Model | Technology | Frequency | Max Range | Channels | Parent Units | List Price | Shop Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital format offers superior signal clarity and privacy. | |||||||
| Philips Avent Basic (SCD510) |
DECT | 1.9 GHz | 1000 ft | 120 | 1 | $120 | |
| Philips Avent w/Screen (SCD520) |
DECT | 1.9 GHz | 1000 ft | 120 | 1 | $150 | |
| Graco Digital Imonitor Mini (2M13) |
Digital | 900 MHz | 2000 ft | 6 | 1 | $100 | |
| The First Years True Choice (P400) |
Digital | 2.45 GHz | 1000 ft | na | 2 | $85 | |
Digital Baby Monitors & Radio Frequency
Digital baby monitors scramble the signal to provide a secure connection, but operate across the same radio frequencies as analog monitors. Although digital baby monitors are less susceptible to static and interference than comparable analog models, there is still the potential for conflict with other wireless devices that operate across the same frequency.
Most wireless baby monitors operate on a 49 MHz, 900 MHz, or 2.4 GHz frequency, but this does not pre-determine whether or not the signal format is being transmitted as analog or digital.
Only the newer baby monitors that use 1.9 GHz frequency, also called DECT (digitally enhanced cordless telecommunications) technology, are digital formats that are resistant to interference.
Newest Option: DECT Baby Monitors
Philips SCD510 DECT
DECT technology is the latest platform available for wireless devices, including baby monitors. DECT, which is an acronym for “digitally enhanced cordless telecommunications,” refers to the new 1.9 GHz frequency that was approved by the FCC in 2007 for voice-only communications.
Baby monitors using DECT technology are digital systems that provide superior sound quality and enhanced security. Since they operate across the newer, less-crowded 1.9 GHz bandwidth, they offer zero interference from other wireless systems. The digital format encrypts the audio and video transmissions, providing a secure and private connection between the baby and parent units.
