Advice on Video Monitor Brands in Order to See Kids Playing in Our Basement

We just bought the new Summer Color 7" Flat Screen monitor with hand held audio strictly for the same purpose you are asking about. I really like it so far because it has a large screen with audio that can sit in my kitchen and then if I decide to go upstairs I can take the audio handheld with me. It also has the option of adding a second camera (not out yet though, but soon. I called Summer) that you can switch back and forth to see different rooms. It would be really nice if it came with a handheld video monitor also. The cost was about $220 from Babies R us.

We actually had bought some video surveilance cameras from Sam's Club. They did not cost that much. You get two cameras along with the part that you plug into your television. We used it in our child's room for when he was younger. The reception and picture is much better than a baby monitor. You can also mount them in different parts of the room.

When our son was born, we bought the Summer hand held video monitor from Target. It was about $180, but well worth it! Several friends and family members have now purchased one as well. Our bedroom is on a different level than our son's, so it saved us sooooooooooooo many trips in the middle of the night because we could see that he was OK, just re-positioning or finding what he wanted to snuggle with. I know there are some out there that have the feature where you can use them like walkie-talkies and talk to the kids, but I haven't been able to find them anywhere or get info on how well they work. Our next baby is due in Aug and we are planning on buying another Summer hand held like we have now. I know you can find them at Target and Babies R Us.
We also used the monitor on our dog when we found he was digging in the yard and we were able to catch him in the act and put a stop to it!
Graco has a new one out too, the iMonitor. Haven't tried it or heard from anyone that has used it, but it looks a little less bulky.
Hope this helps!

My best friend received one 5+ years ago when she was pregnant with her first child. She had to return though, because it interfered with their wireless network. Is this still the case, or have video monitors improved since then? I'd like to know for when I have my own babies (I'm the mother to my 9 year old step-son)

We have a Summer video monitor (hand held) also and LOVE IT!! Well worth the expense. The warranty is great too -- you could return it up to a year (I think) if it breaks and they'll send you a new one free (and they'll pay for shipping and handling.)