It seems that videophones have long been talked about, but in the past they simply haven’t delivered. They have been too expensive and complicated. Enter the Beamer, a new videophone that uses regular analog telephone lines with no additional monthly costs.
Vialta, the company that created the Beamer is much like Apple computers in that it handles the product design, the software, and the hardware. Performing all these functions in-house has allowed Vialta to create a slim, high-tech looking device that could vie with the iMac for great design and implementation. The stylist 6-by-8-inch blue and silver LCD screen looks like a desktop picture frame.
The Beamer surpasses most other gadgets I’ve seen in the ease-of use category. Plug any regular telephone and telephone line into the Beamer, plug it into the electrical outlet, and you’re done. Almost all home telephone systems will work. Only office-type PBX phone systems are incompatible.
A Beamer must be available at both ends for the videophone conversation to work. Vialta wisely packed the Beamers in pairs. A box containing two Beamers is retailing at $500. Again, with good forethought and design, Vialta packages the two Beamers in one large box, but inside, each one is packaged separately in individual sturdy boxes so that one could be easily mailed to the person you want on the other end of your Beamer connection.
To connect with the Beamer, you simply call another person who has a Beamer connected to their telephone. To start the video, just press the start button on the side of the Beamer. This is a good feature, so if you are having a bad hair day and don’t care to be seen, you are in complete control.
In my testing, the video transmission was about the same quality as a Web cam over a dial-up connection. It was sometimes choppy and slightly blurry, but the person on the other end was definitely recognizable. Occasionally, but not too often, the audio became garbled. The quality of the telephone lines seemed to make a big difference. From my home, where I have telephone lines that have been patched many times over the years, the video was not as clear as it was from my office, which has newer wiring. Inter-state calls were clearer than most intra-state calls, probably because faster digital lines are usually used in inter-state calling. The Beamer can be used for international calling with the addition of a simple electrical adapter, as needed.
To place a Beamer phone call, just call as usual and make audio contact with the person on the other end. After you press the start button, a female voice announces, "Beamer is now connecting the video for your call." It then takes about 30 seconds for the video connection to be made. During that time, you can see yourself on the screen, just in case you need to comb your hair or straighten your tie. Then you will see and hear the other person. A small button on the side of the Beamer lets you alternate between seeing yourself, seeing the other person, or seeing the person on the main screen, with yourself in a small square at the bottom of the screen. Other buttons were available for adjusting the brightness of the LCD and for adjusting the balance between picture sharpness and fluidity of movement. Video transmission is much more agreeable when both you and the other party stay relatively motionless.
The Beamer also has a snapshot button. When you press it, a still image of whatever is in front of the screen when the button was pressed will show up on the other person's screen. This replaces the live action video until the button is pressed again.
The Beamer is not for everyone. Yet, it certainly has a place in today’s communications. It fits well as an adjunct to the telephone, especially in computer-free homes. With no monthly fees, it’s a one-time investment. Feeling guilty that you haven’t made the trip to see Mom & Dad lately, or missing out on the growth of that grandchild? Well, Beamer to the rescue!
