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MobiCam Digital DL Audio Video Monitoring System

*Est. $150

Reviewed

December 2012

by ConsumerSearch

MobiCam Digital DL Audio Video Monitoring System

Pros

Simple to set up and use
Decent video quality
Can be streamed over the Internet

Cons

Poor range; static issues
Small screen size
Requires nine batteries for wireless

Where to Buy

for $96.87

Our Analysis
Specs
28 Amazon Reviews

Bottom line

The MobiCam Digital DL Audio Video Monitoring System is one of the lowest priced video monitors, but users say that it is plagued by constant static, requires too many batteries and is unreliable. Those issues, paired with a short 90-day warranty, make the MobiCam a poor choice for any budget.

Clarity

Plagued by static. The MobiCam Digital DL Audio Video Monitoring System uses a 2.4 GHz digital frequency (the same used by Wi-Fi routers) that the company claims is secure, noise free and reliable. However, expert reviewers and users say the MobiCam is plagued by constant static and interference that can become so loud that you won't hear a baby through the noise. A product tester who compared the MobiCam to a variety of other monitors said it came in last place on almost every test performed, including range testing and interference challenges. In an open field, the connection was lost within 212 feet. This same tester said the monitor's small screen size (1.8 inches) combined with poor image quality made it impossible to tell whether a baby's eyes were open or closed. Finally, while the MobiCam has a voice activation mode, users say there is so much other noise caused by interference that the benefit of this feature is pretty much voided.

Ease of use

Not worth its weight in batteries. One of the few positive comments about the MobiCam Digital DL Audio Video Monitoring System is that it is relatively simple to use and set up. This is quickly offset by other issues. The monitor requires nine batteries for wireless operation, which are sold separately. You can purchase a set of rechargeables for the parent unit, but users say battery life is terrible. Those who use standard AA batteries will find themselves replacing the batteries frequently, and the cost of the batteries ups the price of the overall system. Parents also point out that it does not have a wall mount option, which can make finding a viewing angle difficult. The camera doesn't pan or tilt, posing a further impediment to getting a good view.

Lifestyle features

Video streaming and multicamera capability. The MobiCam Digital DL Audio Video Monitoring System can be expanded to up to a four camera system, and it can also be used as a wireless webcam system. MobiCam also offers Anywhere Lite Software (*Est. $25) that allows on-the-go remote monitoring with PCs, smart phones and other mobile devices. The camera is compatible with Skype, Windows Messenger and Google. The MobiCam also has an A/V output line that can record the monitor on a DVR and show the images on a TV for an extra-large view.

Customer service

Short warranty. Given the number of user complaints about quality, interference and product failure, the MobiCam Digital DL Audio Video Monitoring System's 90-day warranty doesn't cut it.

Where To Buy

Mobicam DL Digital Monitoring System

(28 reviews)
Buy new: $129.95 $96.87 18 New from $92.00

In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping

Our Sources

1. Baby Bargains

Review Credibility: Excellent The Baby Bargains book and website offer buyer's guides and ratings on a comprehensive selection of baby gear. The authors say they conduct hands-on testing and interviews with parents, manufacturers and retailers before reaching conclusions. Parents posting to Amazon.com say this is the best baby-gear book available, with plenty of current info and lots of attitude, including sections aimed at steering consumers away from unnecessary features. Baby Bargains offers a roundup of top audio and video based baby monitors and provides coverage of specific baby monitors and overall brand performance.

Review: Chapter 7, Monitors, Denise and Alan Fields, Version 9.1, 2012

2. ConsumerReports.org

Review Credibility: Excellent In this report, the editors at ConsumerReports.org compare nine audio monitors and three audio/video monitors, and they summarize their findings. Monitors were tested for interference, ease of use, battery life and range. The MobiCam Digital DL Audio Video Monitoring System is one of the tested models.

Review: Ratings: Baby Monitors, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, Not dated

3. BabyGearLab

Review Credibility: Excellent According to BabyGearLab.com, the MobiCam Digital DL Audio Video Monitoring System doesn't have a lot to offer beyond its low cost and its easy-to-operate video monitor. They say that it performs poorly relative to competing monitors on product tests that include range and interference challenges. They also note its small screen size with poorer than average image and sound quality.

Review: MobiCam AV Review, RJ Spurrier, March 28, 2012

4. Babble.com

Review Credibility: Very Good Babble.com names the MobiCam Digital DL Audio Video Monitoring System as the best value monitor in its 2012 roundup. They say that the digital monitor technology performs well with a wider-than-normal LCD screen and adequately clear video. They like that the camera and monitor are portable, that the monitor has a voice activation mode and that you can connect the MobiCam to your computer. They say that while the video isn't as clear as higher end models, it gets the job done in an easy to use format that is attractively priced.

Review: Babble Best 2012 - Baby Monitors, Michelle Horton, Not dated

5. Amazon.com

Review Credibility: Very Good The MobiCam Digital DL Audio Video Monitoring System receives an average rating of 2 out of 5 stars based on 141 reviews with high number (82) of 1 star reviews. The MobiCam is negatively reviewed for constant static, lots of interference despite adjustments and changes, a difficult to position camera and poor to faulty night vision capabilities. There are a number of reports of total and recurrent product failure.

Review: MobiCam Audio Video Baby Monitoring System, Contributors to Amazon.com, As of December 2012

6. Target.com

Review Credibility: Very Good The MobiCam receives a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars based on 159 reviews, and the feedback is patchy at best. Parents who like this monitor are grateful to have video monitoring at a low cost. Even favorable reviews mention issues with static that can sometimes but not always be resolved. Most parents say the static gets so loud that it makes the audio portion of system nearly useless. And there are multiple reports of product failure outside of the camera's short, 90-day warranty period. Finally, parents say the battery life is short, and it ends up adding cost.

Review: Mobi AV Monitor, Contributors to Target.com, As of December 2012

7. StyleBakeryMom.com

Review Credibility: Fair This mom blogger selects five of her top baby monitors. Four of the five are video baby monitors. The MobiCam Audio Video Baby Monitoring System earns the best value spot for video monitors. It is unclear whether these products were independently tested.

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