VTech has been known to create amazing educational toys that we love, but it also manufacture cordless telephones and digital baby monitors. The Vtech Safe and Sound Digital Audio Monitor (DM221) is a more affordable variant of the Safe and Sound Full Color Video and Audio Monitor (VM321) also by VTech Communications for those who opt to just hear the baby’s sound and be alerted of his needs.
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DECT 6.0 Digital Technology
The VTech Communications Safe and Sound Digital Audio Monitor provides crystal clear transmissions that only the tiny baby sounds are heard. And because it is digital, it eliminates those white noise usually heard on analog devices. These are achievable because of DECT or Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications 6.0 Technology. It is a universal standard which originated in Europe for cordless phones. It is the same for homes and offices and now VTech applies it on its baby monitors as well. The DECT 6.0 operated in 1.9GHz frequency and does not allow communications with different brands. This enables the baby monitor to not pick up from other cordless phones, cellular phones, or even the internet. Also, it is therefore having a secure transmission that nothing between the Baby and Parent Unit will hear.
Extended Range
The VTEch Safe and Sound Digital Audio Monitor has up to 1,000 feet of range which allows you to go and about with your house work and still comfortably and safely hear the baby. You will also be able to place the Parent Unit on the farthest corner of the house to hear tantrums or sibling fights when you are busy on another room.
Talk-Back Intercom
The VTech Safe and Sound Digital Audio Monitor has the ability to have two-way communications. They are transceivers. Not only will you hear a baby through the Parent Unit, but you will be able to talk through it to soothe the baby while you are in a different room or even if you are outdoors. The digital baby monitor actually doubles as an Intercom.
Vibrating Sound Alert
The VTech Communications Safe and Sound Digital Audio Monitor will let you hear your baby through his actual voice or turn the Unit’s volume down and be alerted with through either vibration or sound alerts like a cell phone. This is handy to enable you to get better sleep and not hear all the unnecessary sounds like your baby stirring and turning on the bed or hearing the sound machine.
Five Level Sound Indicator
There are five levels for the indicator (LED) on the Safe and Sound Digital Audio Monitor to indicate different sound levels in the baby’s room. You have to turn down the volume off first and the Parent Unit will beep when there are baby sounds.
Page Feature on Baby Unit
For forgetful parents who do not know where they placed the Parent Unit, they can push the Page button on the Baby Unit of the Safe and Sound Digital Audio Monitor. It will then continuously beep until you press any key from the Parent Unit for it to stop. It is the same function like other VTech cordless phones.
Nightlight on Baby Unit
If you will look at the loop on top of the Baby Unit of the Safe and Sound Digital Audio Monitor can be turned into a nightlight or set when it detects baby sounds. It has a soft yellow orange glow that is not too bright to wake the baby but enough to calm and comfort an awaken one.
Belt Clip
You will be able to carry the lightweight VTech Safe and Sound Digital Audio Monitor around while doing your chores or look after another child outdoors this summer and still be able to hear the baby inside his room. This is possible with the use of a belt clip just like any other small cordless phone or cell phone. Just keep in mind of the range and test it out first on how far it can go. There is the signal icon on the LCD screen that will indicate whether you have good range.
Rechargeable Batteries
The Rechargeable batteries come along with the Parent Units of the Safe and Sound Digital Audio Monitor, again to be able to carry it around with you. The 2.4V 750mAH NiMH batteries are said to last for 18h. It is better to charge them well before the first use and not over charge them daily so that the batteries will last longer. New batteries can be purchased separately for $24.95.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Lightweight
- Great sensitivity and amplifies inconsistent noise
- Digital and uses DECT Technology
- Secure Transmission
- Not interfere with other signal sources such as wireless phones, cell phones and wifi
- Can play lullaby songs in the Baby unit
- Can be set to vibrate, sound alert, or hear the baby
- They are both transceivers, Ability for a parent unit to talk to baby unit
- Has a nightlight
- Uses rechargeable batteries for Parents units
- Backlit display on the Parent Unit
- Inexpensive
Cons
- No Battery back-ups for the Baby unit
- Short range for volume
- Short actual battery life, needs to charge often
- 100-120V ac power requirement, cannot be used in other countries with 220V standard
Consumer Ratings
The VTech Communications Safe and Sound Digital Audio Monitor with Two Parent Units was rated as 4.4 over at Amazon and 68% of consumers think it is a 5. It has been in the Best Sellers list ranking #99 in Baby category and #6 in Safety Monitors category. While the VTech Communications Safe and Sound Digital Audio Monitor with a single Parent Unit was rated as 4.3 as well. It has also been in the Best Sellers list ranking #26 in Baby category and #2 in Safety Monitors category.
Safe and Sound Digital Audio Monitor’s Price
The VTech Safe and Sound Digital Audio Monitor comes in two packs. First is the standard single Parent Unit which usually costs $39.95. And the other is offers two Parent Units which usually costs $59.95. During this post was made, they are both on sale over at Amazon at $29.75 and $49.75 respectively, giving you 26% and 17% savings. Click the Order button below to get the latest deals for the Safe and Sound Digital Audio Monitor.
Conclusion
The VTech Communications Safe and Sound Digital Audio Monitor may not be perfect in terms of their battery and volume aspects, but it is packed with features that are well better or competitive with much pricier baby monitors. It is great for detecting tiny sounds a baby can create or the loud territorial rages of siblings could muster. It is a good option for parents to invest on or even gift it for families who need it.