Summer Infant Secure Sounds Digital Monitor Review

I purchased the Secure Sleep Video Monitor solely for the fact that it has a temperature readout. Even though there were no reviews on this product, I previously had a Summer video monitor so I figured this one would be the same quality. Here's the problems I had with it:

1- I have found the temperature readout to be unreliable. For example, I have my thermostat set at 74 degrees. The monitor says the room is 78 degrees and another thermometer in the room says that it is 74.6 degrees. I can see there being some difference in the readout but 4 degrees is quite high. So I can't depend on the temperature displayed on the monitor because I know it is saying it is much hotter than it really is. The whole reason why I purchased this particular monitor was because of the temperature readout feature. I worry about SIDS and one risk factor is the temperature of the baby's room being too warm. I cannot rely on the Summer monitor temperature display. I think that the heat from the camera unit makes the temperature to read warmer than the room actually is. (Just a guess).

2- The temperature readout constantly changes- and as much as 4 degrees. I was watching the temperature reading on the monitor and it said it was 80 degrees then in an instant it said 76 degrees then it went back and forth from 76 to 77 and even 78. At times, the monitor temperature can change 5 times in a matter of seconds. I can see if it was changing between 2 temperature readings but 4 degrees is quite a difference- especially in a non-drafty room.

3- Audio is not great. I was able to hear my baby breathing with my old monitor and I could even hear noises outside the baby's room. With the Secure Sleep Video Monitor, I can barely hear the soother playing in the crib. The audio capabilities are very limited.

4- Constant buzzing. There is a constant buzzing/hum. I saw in the instruction manual that there will be buzzing but I was not expecting this! The buzzing muffles all the other noises and makes it hard to hear her.

5- Color Video? During the day, I cannot see color in the video monitor. I tested it and put a blue dress and a pink outfit in the crib and the pink outfit looked white and I could see just a little blue. Not much color at all. And that is with the lights on and the window open.

6- Video quality is not great. The picture doesn't get grainy, it looks like it reflects too much light. When I look at my baby's face, it looks like it is shinning so I am unable to see her facial features. This is at night in the dark by the way. I don't know what is causing this. There is no other light in the room but her face looks so bright that I cannot see her well.

I was not impressed with this monitor at all. Wish my old one hadn't broke. I would recommend trying a different video monitor than this one!