Beamer me up Scotty - well ... not quite

10 September 2002 News

A device has been launched that can instantly add colour motion video to phone calls, allowing users to see the person they are speaking with, and it can do this with any home phone over any standard (analog) phone line. At no additional cost to the call, Beamer, claimed to be the first phone video station, does not require any additional equipment or wiring, and no additional monthly fees or service plans - consumers simply use their existing home phones and phone service. Created and developed by Vialta ( www.vialta.com), based in Fremont, California, Beamer can send video at up to 15 frames per second. As a protective feature, it displays a message on the screen until the called party presses the start button and transmits video back to the caller. Additionally, there is a snapshot feature that can send a high-resolution still-image to the other party.

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