These pros and cons should help you make the decision to buy a video phone and which one to buy. Clearly, the pros outweigh the cons. Video communication is here now and it is the way of the future. It will be the choice of the majority of the world. This is a tsunami coming towards us faster than you think. Remember how quickly other high-tech trends have happened.

Something to keep in mind is that it is a new technology. Like any other new technology, there will be wrinkles and problems. If it is your intention to purchase a video phone, then this list below is intended to help you avoid regret and disappointment. My goal with this article is to enlighten you on this new idea and also make sure you choose the right phone.

Cons:

  • If the Internet goes down, the connection is lost. Videophones work on voip (voice over internet protocol)
  • Most require a wired Internet connection; very few have WiFi capability.
  • Emergency calls to 911 require you to inform the operator of the location of the emergency.
  • Image quality can vary greatly depending on the model
  • The reliability of the network (connectivity) you choose can vary dramatically (picture freezes)
  • Some models run very slow (frames per second), which results in very poor video quality.
  • Some models have very poor response time (lag time, not lip-synched)

Pros:

  • See the person you are talking to.
  • Video communication is the way of the future
  • Creates a vastly improved “presence”
  • Positive impact on relationships
  • True 3-way video conferencing capability, depending on model
  • Possibility of leaving “video messages”, depending on the model
  • Does not require expensive equipment (computer, camera)
  • Digital versus analog. Everything is going digital.
  • Much cheaper than analog to make long distance calls, depending on the calling plan
  • Does not require computer skills
  • Portable, take it with you, call from anywhere
  • Ease of installation. Only requires high-speed internet connection
  • Easy to use – works like a normal phone
  • Replace your old analog phone
  • Interfaces with existing cordless phones. No change in the operation of the cordless phone
  • At least one model comes with a rotating photo frame
  • At least one model comes with WiFi capability
  • High definition image (more than 30 frames / second), depending on the model
  • Stereo sound, depending on the model
  • Ability to interact with video mobile phones (iPhone), depending on the model
  • No interference with web browsing during video calls, depending on the model
  • “Rolodex” memory, depending on the model
  • Ability to interact with other video phones, depending on the model

Some very important questions to ask.

  • What videophone will be adopted as the norm in the future?
  • What model will your family and friends adopt?
  • Which model is the easiest for everyone to use?
  • Does your phone plan support digital video telephony?
  • Is video communication the way of the future?
  • Does your videophone company have its own digital network?
  • Is yours a reliable digital phone service? -ie: loss of connection, image, sound
  • Is your phone company licensed with the telecommunications regulatory authorities?
  • How is the customer service?

For much more detailed information on this new technology, check out my many other EzineArticles. You may want to see my free report for more specific recommendations.

To the future of communications,

John wannop