'Low-tech' video phones fight back

By Jo Twist
BBC News Online technology reporter

Video phones are a familiar sight in science fiction films but attempts to translate that vision into reality have faltered.

Could the video phone be an alternative to hi-tech chats?

Poor picture quality, complicated set-up, infrastructure requirements, expense and lack of someone else to talk to have meant they have never quite made it into the home.

Many phone manufacturers are looking to products that will exploit the possibilities broadband technologies promise for voice and video communication.

But one British company called Pic-Tel has turned its back on new technology and instead has come up with a video phone using standard analogue telephone lines.

The Buckinghamshire-based company is hoping its video phones that plug into existing landlines and cost the same as a voice call will make picture calling a reality.

Plug and see

"An analogue video phone is the most simple and cost effective way to start video calling and enhancing your relationship with loved ones," Chris Preston, director of Pic-Tel Videophones told BBC News Online.

What would really make a difference is if you could make a call from your fixed line phone to mobile video phone Ian Fogg, Jupiter analyst

"Just plug it into a phone socket, power it up, dial and see your relatives.

"There is no configuration, no software and no hassle, and 99% of UK houses have an analogue phone connection so coverage is as complete as it could be," he said.

Advances in chip technology which makes video compression far more efficient now allows for video to be sent over a standard phone line.

Pic-Tel also hopes the phones will appeal to those who are attached to their uncomplicated and trusty fixed landline, particularly families and older generations.

Death of landline?

But there is speculation about the landline's future, as broadband and mobile technologies roll out.

About 75% of the population now owns a mobile and mobile video network operator 3 are upbeat about their take-up predictions.

3 are confident of mobile video take-up

"It is increasingly common for young people not to have a landline," said Jupiter analyst Ian Fogg.

"Mobile operators are trying to encourage people to use their mobiles as main phone."

But Pic-Tel argues the analogue video phone is easier for the older generation who do not necessarily feel comfortable with new technologies like mobiles.

One model is specifically designed for them, with big buttons and larger screens.

It also has a remote dial-in feature, which means the caller can check up and monitor family members if they know the security code.

"One of the first challenges is getting a number of them out there so that people have someone to call though," says Mr Fogg.

Webcams are often sold in pairs for well under £100 precisely for this reason, so it would make sense for video phones to be sold in bundles for families too, he suggested.

At the moment, just one video phone from Pic-Tel costs more than £250.

"What would really make a difference is if you could make a call from your fixed line phone to mobile video phone," said Mr Fogg.

"That suddenly enlarges the audience and the number people who could benefit."

Mobile video network standards do not allow this interoperability yet, but if that changes perhaps landline will have a new lease of visual life.