I originally was going to purchase a video monitor for my son's nursery but opted for these monitors instead. I am very happy that I didn't spend the money for an expensive video monitor since these work great. I have had absolutely no problems with reception or volume with these monitors and they are very durable as well. We have a very large yard (1.5 acres) and have had clear reception even when I am out on the perimeter of the yard. I have dropped them repeatedly and gotten them wet and they just keep working! If you choose not to have the volume on a louder level when you are sleeping the lights on the monitor will still wake you up if your little one is making even the slightest noise. The only issue I have had with these monitors is that they really go through batteries more than what I would consider normal. I do have to charge them regularly regardless if I have just put in a new battery. They are still great monitors and I have been very pleased with them.