By Claire Reilly
Sony is set to diversify its product portfolio and challenge the likes of Uniden and Philips with the launch of a new video digital baby monitor—the first of its kind for the Japanese AV brand.
The NTM-V1 digital video baby monitor features a 2.3-inch full colour display as well as adjustable volume controls, night vision, 2x digital zoom and a warning alarm that sounds when the battery is running low or the range exceeds 100 metres.
Its advanced features also include temperature sensors that alert parents if the baby’s room is too hot or cold, and four LED sensors that detect movement to notify parents when the baby is stirring.
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Speaking about the brand’s first ever baby monitor was Abel Makhraz, marketing manager of personal audio at Sony Australia.
“The new Sony digital video baby monitor is the next best thing to actually being in the room with your baby allowing parents to not only hear but also see their little one up to 100 metres away,” said Makhraz.
“Giving parents the clearest possible connection to their baby, the full colour LCD and automatic night shot deliver clear images, day or night.”
The baby monitor will be available from electrical retailers, Sony stores and Sony's online store for RRP $299.95.
Comment
As retailers and suppliers alike struggle with the collapse of the flat panel TV market, the traditional behemoths of the audio visual category have begun diversifying their product line-up to help maintain margins.
Whitegoods, small appliances and new cooking products have all taken on greater significance in the product line-ups of brands such as LG, Samsung and Panasonic, but at the recent International CES in Las Vegas, Sony was sticking to its traditional strengths in home entertainment and audio products.
It remains to be seen whether the move into baby accessories is the first of many steps towards diversification for the Japanese brand. Cordless phone brand Uniden entered the baby accessories space, in part, as an attempt to stay strong amidst falling demand for land-line phones, while Philips’ Avent brand of baby products represents just one part of the Dutch brand’s broad product range.