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Calling, viewing
Ever since the Jetsons, the concept of video phone calls has been a fantasy.
Although there have been several video phone devices on the market over the
past decade, high prices and poor image quality have prevented them from
succeeding.
Well, now the fantasy is about to become a reality.
Several manufacturers have introduced devices that connect to a television
and allow users to make and receive telephone calls while looking at the
person on the other end of the line.
The most noteworthy so far is the C-Phone. About the size of a cable box, the
device includes a tiny color camera and rests on top of a TV set. It connects
to your TV, a telephone line and, of course, a power outlet.
To make it work, simply dial a phone number on the unit's remote control.
The remote's microphone, which acts like a speakerphone, lets the entire
family in on the call. The sound plays back on your TV's speakers. (Of
course, the party you are calling needs to have a similar device.)
When the call has been answered, a press of a button starts the video portion
of the call. Because video and audio are transmitted along standard phone
lines, the quality is less than perfect. In fact, the video image is less than half
the frame rate of that of a standard TV, which creates a staggered effect.
The C-Phone will sell for an initial price of $350, and customers will be
charged $20 per month to maintain the service. It will be available in limited
quantities as early as February. For more information, call 1-888-274-6631.
Another company entering this arena is 8x8, with its VC-100 model. Like the
aforementioned unit, it connects to a TV and phone line. But, unlike the
C-Phone, the VC-100 must be connected to a telephone for the audio portion
of the call.
Both of these units use the H.324 protocol, which means that they are
compatible. The VC-100 will be available via an infomercial next month and
will be in stores this year, selling for around $500. For more information, call
1-888-VIEW8X8. |
