Trouble with Night Vision (Motorola MBP20 Baby Monitor) Does the monitor require pitch dark conditions to work?
1459753
The unit doesn't simply see into darkness: it still has to have some kind of light reflected back to it in order to see anything. That's where those little dots around the camera lens come in. They're infrared lamps, and they're really nothing more than little flashlights, except they're sending out a wavelength of light we can't see with the naked eye. Take the best, most expensive night-vision goggles used by any of the top military units in the world, and they won't see a thing in the dark without their accompanying infrared lamps. Take another look at the lamps around the lens on the baby unit - they're incredibly tiny and not very powerful (the MBP20 is a pretty bare-bones model, after all, despite all the touted features). Picture a very tiny, weak, regular flashlight and imagine the feeble light THAT would put out in a dark room, and you'll understand why Motorola had to put four of the IR lamps around the lens instead of just one. So that's the science. Now for the actual suggestions. Low-tech and cheap: Find a way to move the camera closer to where the action is. If you're trying to use the night vision feature then you're obviously trying to watch your child while they sleep, and the camera doesn't have to take in a wide field of vision. Just try to position it closer to the crib or bed. High-tech and relatively cheap: You can purchase an additional (and much more powerful) IR lamp for around $40 online, and you can also probably find one in your local sporting goods or home security stores. Your child will still be sleeping in total darkness, but the MBP20's infrared camera will be able to see much, much more. This won't make the video screen on the parent unit any larger, but it should maximize what you can see. Good luck! .
26732
I can confirm that its not good with low light even though the specifications states up to 1 lux. I have a rather bright night light in the baby's room and the camera feedback is black.
568655
If you are using it indoors in low light, try the HD setting in the SCN mode. I did that and got a pretty good shot of an infant (no flash).
1125819
I have not had great success with the new macbook pro. The extended monitor goes black and I have to unplug the cable and reattach to get the extended screen back up again. The extended monitor is a PB278Q ASUS. I don't know if the cable is the problem. Apple support told me that they only support dual dvi with their adapter for 2560 x 1080.
1403633
Screen is in color, except when using night vision where it shows up black and white.
1586685
Sounds like you are having trouble with the night vision IR. Call zmodo 800 line. They are very good. Sounds to me like the camera may have been damaged in shipping or something. It should definitely see in the dark.
506015
No it doesn't light up. That was why I bought this monitor! It has really good night vision.
1445581
I had the same problem with this baby monitor. I returned it for the same model, and it happened again after a few weeks. I decided at that point to exchange it for a different brand baby monitor (Angelcare).
2116416
We have no issues with night pics. Video worked great for awhile, but I'm am filing complaint today. Both cameras are good for pics only at this point. Not happy.
30348
No, It does not. I dont like that about this, but also consider, our eyes really shouldn't be looking at a laptop in the dark ;) - so its probably best that way anyways lol
2259967
Have you gone to system preferences -&gt; displays when the Sanyo is plugged in? The Mac may recognize the monitor but hasn't fully synched with it. I'm not super techie, but I have had to set the preference on my Panasonic for best video and sound. After that it sets up correctly.
2162664
Thanx Bryce. Does it have night vision or is it compatible with it? And if the latter then what is the best setup to achieve it?
1696933
I can't answer that question right now. I do know that my unit is dark and does not emit any disturbing display light whatsoever.
180897
Yes, night vision DOES work while being powered via POE. That is how I use it.
836477
Yes, it goes to red first,mbut have to cycle through the rest to turn off. I guess you could close your eyes before switching to preserve night vision.
1309367
You could use an external night vision light and it would be great. Any units that have the light inside the dome could have that issue.
148147
It has nv mode all it does is dim the dot so its not over powering at night. It's not actually nv with ir.