Night Vision Technology Explained

Ever wondered how PetView lets you see your pet clearly in complete darkness? The answer lies in the fascinating world of infrared technology—the same science used by everything from TV remotes to astronomical telescopes.

What Is Infrared Light?

Infrared (IR) light is a form of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths longer than visible light, but shorter than microwaves. While humans can't see infrared light (our eyes only detect wavelengths between about 380-700 nanometers), cameras with special sensors can capture it perfectly.

The infrared spectrum is divided into three categories:

Near-infrared (NIR): 700-1400nm — Used in night vision cameras like PetView
Mid-infrared: 1400-3000nm — Used in thermal imaging
Far-infrared: 3000nm-1mm — Used in astronomy and military applications

How PetView's Night Vision Works

PetView uses active infrared night vision, which works through a simple but elegant process:

The 3-Step Process:

1️⃣ IR LEDs Emit Light

Built-in infrared LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) emit near-infrared light at approximately 850nm wavelength. This light is completely invisible to both humans and pets.

2️⃣ Light Reflects Off Subjects

The infrared light bounces off objects in the room—including your pet—and returns to the camera, just like a flashlight would work, but invisibly.

3️⃣ Camera Sensor Captures the Light

PetView's CMOS sensor detects this reflected infrared light and converts it into a visible black-and-white image you can see on your phone.

Can Pets See Infrared Light?

This is one of the most common questions we get, and the answer is reassuring:

Dogs: Research published in the journal PLOS ONE (2014) found that while dogs have some sensitivity to near-UV light, they cannot see infrared light. Their vision range is approximately 315-700nm—stopping well short of the infrared spectrum.

Cats: Studies show cats have similar limitations. While they have excellent low-light vision (thanks to their large corneas and reflective tapetum lucidum), they cannot perceive infrared wavelengths.

💡 The Bottom Line

Your pet won't see any light from the night vision camera, so their sleep won't be disturbed. They'll have no idea they're being watched!

Why Black and White?

You might notice that night vision footage is always in black and white, not color. Here's why:

Color vision requires multiple wavelengths of light—red, green, and blue combine to create the full spectrum we see during the day. But in pure infrared illumination, there's only one wavelength present. Without multiple wavelengths, the camera can only capture variations in intensity (brightness), not color.

The result is a grayscale image where brighter areas reflect more infrared light and darker areas reflect less. This is actually advantageous for night viewing because:

Higher contrast makes movement easier to detect
Less data processing means smoother video
Eyes (which are highly reflective in IR) stand out clearly

The "Demon Eyes" Effect

If you've ever seen night vision footage of animals, you may have noticed their eyes appear to glow brightly—sometimes earning it the nickname "demon eyes." This is completely normal and actually helps you locate your pet in the frame!

The effect occurs because both dogs and cats have a layer of tissue called the tapetum lucidum behind their retinas. This layer reflects light back through the retina to improve night vision. When infrared light enters their eyes, the tapetum lucidum reflects it directly back to the camera, creating that distinctive glow.

PetView's Night Vision Specs

IR LED Wavelength

850nm (invisible)

Night Vision Range

Up to 30 feet

Auto Switch

Yes (light sensor)

Pet-Visible?

Tips for Best Night Vision Quality

Avoid direct reflective surfaces — Mirrors or windows facing the camera can create IR glare
Position within 30 feet — IR light diminishes with distance
Keep the lens clean — Dust or smudges scatter IR light and reduce clarity
Avoid backlighting — Other light sources (even dim ones) can confuse the auto-switch

The Science of Seeing in the Dark

Night vision technology has come a long way from its military origins in World War II. Today, it's small enough and affordable enough to help pet parents like you stay connected with your furry friends around the clock—without disturbing their precious sleep.

📚 References

• PLOS ONE (2014) - Visual abilities in dogs
• Journal of Vision - Spectral sensitivity of domestic cats
• IEEE Spectrum - History of infrared imaging
• Veterinary Ophthalmology - Tapetum lucidum function