E-thos 5.6" Family Video Baby Monitor with Internal Camera review
3.7
In a nutshell
A relatively straightforward expandable video monitor system
What we tested
- Ease of use
3.5
A star rating of 3.5 out of 5. - Sound and/or picture quality
4.0
A star rating of 4.0 out of 5. - Signal range
3.5
A star rating of 3.5 out of 5. - Design
3.0
A star rating of 3.0 out of 5. - Durability
4.0
A star rating of 4.0 out of 5. - Worth the money
4.0
A star rating of 4.0 out of 5.
3.7
Pros
- Clear picture and sound, easy to set up and use, expandable system, can also be used with PC or TV
Cons
- No night light on baby unit, instructions cover several models and are confusing
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At first glance the E-thos 5.6" Family Video Baby Monitor with Internal Camera is a simple video monitor. But with the option to expand and the ability to record, it offers more than most.
With its slightly chunky baby unit and mini TV parent unit, this has the appearance of a high-tech piece of equipment – and there are plenty of features to keep gadget lovers happy. If you’re intending to expand your family, this is a good option as you can add extra cameras (to a maximum of four) and thus be able to keep an eye on all of your brood. The scan function on the parent unit means you can flit from one to another effortlessly. As well as watching your little one/s, you can also plug this into your TV or PC and record images.
This analogue monitor offers four channels, and the Signal System Shield (SSS) ensures privacy and security of transmission. You can also adjust the brightness on the screen, a feature not seen on many video monitors.
What we love
As a simple video monitor, this is simple to use, and gives a clear picture and sound, even when the automatic night vision is in use. Your baby’s skin may look a strange colour, but you can see him clearly!
The screen is the size of a small photo, so it’s neither obtrusively big nor too small.
It can be used in either voice-activated or camera mode. In the voice-activated mode, the screen will go blank unless there’s a noise in the nursery - an alarm will also sound to alert you to this. In camera mode, the picture remains even when your baby’s sleeping soundly. At just under £100, this offers great value for money.
What to watch out for
If you set this up without the instructions, you’ll probably get it right intuitively, but look at the manual to find out how to use any of the extra functions and you’ll be confused. The instructions cover a variety of models, and are set out very confusingly, so approach with caution.
The camera can only be adjusted up and down, and not remotely, so be sure to get it honed in on the cot before putting your baby to bed. Only the camera can be used with batteries, so this system won’t be any use in the event of a power cut.
There’s no nightlight on the baby unit, and neither unit is particularly attractive. While it’s nice to be able to record your baby while he sleeps, it’s a function with limited use – and you’d probably get as good a video/picture from your digital camera.
Who is the E-thos 5.6" Family Video Baby Monitor with Internal Camera best for?
Gadget-loving, expanding families.
MadeForMums verdict
A useful video monitor that’s good value, easy to set up and use, though the instruction manual is confusing. It offers the option to expand the system as your family grows. Added functions such as the ability to record are of limited use, so don’t buy it just for that.