Between Mike and I, we have family all over the world. It can be tough to really be in touch with family that is far away. Phone calls and pictures are great, but it's nice to be able to see your loved ones in real time. Of course, there are video chat services available like Skype, which are great, but do your grandparents know how to use it? Chances are that they don't. I mean my dad is computer savvy, but even my mom still doesn't "get" the internet. A great way to connect with family is through a new phone service called Vidtel.

Vidtel works just like a telephone except you can see the person on the other end. That's right, folks-the Jetsons have arrived! Basically, with Vidtel's phone service you get everything your regular phone service provides PLUS video calls, video mail, and even more features. The phone service is used with a video phone that runs through your broadband connection.

I received two video phones to try out. I sent one to my mother so that we could see each other when we talked. The first thing that I want to say is that set up is a breeze. Pretty much you plug in and you're ready to call. Using the video phone is JUST like a regular phone. You call, person picks up, and you talk. Except in this case, if the other person has a video phone, then you can see them and they see you! If you can use a standard telephone, then you can use Vidtel's video phone. The cool part is that if the person you're talking to doesn't have a Vidtel phone, that's totally fine. The call will just be a normal, non-video audio call.

I am really impressed with the ease of use with these phones. I mean when you use Skype to make a video call, the person your calling has to be "set up" with their computer in front of them. It's definitely not like using a regular phone. With Vidtel, you can just make a totally unplanned call like you normally would. Yes, Skype and other chat video services are free, which is obviously unbeatable, but if the person doesn't know how to use it then free means nothing. Also, I want to rave about how clear the video picture is! It is outstanding and you can manipulate it by zooming in and out-so cool!

Currently, you can only make a video call to other Vidtel phones, but later this year you will be able to make video calls to any video phone regardless of the provider. Of course, you can still make regular, audio only calls to any phone. Vidtel's goal is to make video calling the norm around the globe.

So, what's the cost?
I know you're probably thinking that this has to be expensive. That's what I thought too. However, Vidtel is actually affordable. There are two service plans available that cost $14.95 and $29.95 per month! That's actually cheaper than my regular phone service and Vidtel offers way more features even when you don't include the video capabilities! You do have to pay for the phone, which will cost you $199.95. However, right now Vidtel is running a great promotion where you can buy the phone for $99.95 by using the $100 rebate offer if you purchase before March 31, 2009. If you look at the total between the service and the phone, it still is comparable or cheaper in some cases to a regular phone service. That's truly unbelievable!



Vidtel Features:

• Video Mail – Send and receive video messages to friends and family. Retrieve your video messages on your phone and in email. Forward your video messages to any email address, anywhere in the world.
• Live Customer Service – Select “Customer Service” from your video phone directory to make a video help call or call 1-877-MY-VIDTEL. We also have an online help section.
• Customer Portal – Stay on top of your Vidtel service. Use the online account to manage features and account information.
• Traditional Calling Features For FREE – Caller ID, Call Forwarding, Call Waiting, Voicemail, Caller ID Blocking, Anonymous Call Block, Speed Dial and more. You don’t have to memorize any star codes. You can manage these features on our web portal.
• A Real Telephone Number – You can choose a new telephone number from Vidtel. Later, we will have the ability to transfer an existing number to Vidtel (number portability available early 2009).
• Customizable Phone Book – Call people from your Vidtel phone by their name. You never have to remember a number again!
• Do Not Disturb – Easily block all incoming calls with the touch of a button. You can also login to the web portal to set this feature.
• Call Notification – If you miss a call, your Vidtel phone emails you with the number, date of call and time of day.
• Video Block – Block the camera on the phone to turn a video call into a phone call with the touch of a button. (You can also mute the phone call with the touch of a button).
• Call History – Your Vidtel phone creates a convenient log of all calls made and received.
• Picture-in-Picture – See both sides of the video conversation on your screen.
• 4x Zoom – You can zoom in for a closer look and zoom out for a wider view with your Vidtel phone.
• Simultaneous Ring – (Premium-Only Feature) Ring two phone numbers at the same time until the call is answered or goes to video/voicemail. You can select your cell phone, home phone or office phone as the other phone number to ring simultaneously.
• Free Directory Assistance – Call 411 for free with Vidtel.

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