BabyPing Video Monitor

Bottom line

The BabyPing Video Monitor includes a camera monitor and a free application that allows parents to interface with the monitor via iOS devices including the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. Users like the BabyPing camera and say the application is intuitively designed. However, there are many reported issues with wireless connectivity and software glitches. Be prepared for tech headaches with this monitor.

Clarity

An excellent camera that requires a solid Wi-Fi connect. According to reviewers and users, the BabyPingVideo Monitor's video image is sharp and clear with excellent night vision that has up to a 12-foot range without brightening the room or disturbing the baby. Users and reviewers also have good things to say about sound clarity, and they like the monitor's Smart Filter that cuts out background noise.  

To transmit sound and images, the BabyPing has to connect to your mobile iOS device using your home wireless network in conjunction with the BabyPing app. This is where reports on the BabyPing's performance get mixed. Users and product testers report that it can be challenging to maintain a consistent connection to the BabyPing camera, particularly if the wireless network is unreliable. One testing organization found that their multiple parent testers repeatedly lost connection, despite having a high-speed, broadband service. Users echo these complaints about dropped connections and signal interference with the Wi-Fi network itself. One particularly tech savvy user, who liked the camera but not the software, went ahead and wrote a new application that she says works much better.

Finally, users report a time lag between when the image was taken and when it appears on the screen. The time lag can be as short as 1 to 3 seconds or as high as 4 to 10 seconds.

Ease of use

Easy to use when it's working. Most reviewers and users say the BabyPingVideo Monitor interface is simple and straightforward to use with well-designed menus and buttons that allow you to snap an image, switch between audio and video monitoring, and power down. The BabyPing features audio and vibration alerts that run in the background of your iOS device so that baby monitoring doesn't have to interfere with phone calls or other iOS device apps. The program can also run constant audio/video streams, but reviewers warn that constant monitoring through the program runs your device's battery down quickly. Another nice touch is the Smart Filter, which cuts out white noise during audio monitoring.

Most users report a relatively simple setup. You do have to connect the camera directly to your wireless router initially via Ethernet cable. After the initial connection is established, the camera should connect wirelessly. Reviewers also like the wall mount bracket, ball and socket design for positioning and cable clips that keep cords out of harm's way.   

Lifestyle features

Good at-home monitor, not so good for travel. Because the BabyPingVideo Monitor requires a grounded connection to the Wi-Fi signal upon initial setup, it is not the easiest monitor to use away from home. Each time you set up the monitor, you will need to connect it to the router where you are -- which may be a challenge at hotels and other public locations. Finally, apart from good clear audio/video monitoring, the BabyPing doesn't come with a lot of bells and whistles -- there is no talk back to baby intercom, lullaby mode or nightlight.   

Customer service

Keep your receipt. We did not find any customer service complaints about BabyPing. The camera itself carries a one-year warranty. Proof of purchase is required -- so don't lose your receipt.