A videophone can be defined as a telephone, which has a
viewing screen and a built-in camera. The main advantage of a videophone is that
you can talk and see with a person at the same time. It gives the impression
that the person whom you’re talking to is right in front of you. Videophones can
also be used to make normal voice-only calls. There are many other uses of the
videophones. For example, videophones are also used for the video conferencing.
Videophones are also desirable because of its increasing commercial purposes.
How To Use A Videophone
Using a videophone is a cinch. A videophone looks just like a normal phone with
camera and built-in screen. The only difference between a videophone and an
ordinary voice phone is that the videophone is equipped with an integrated
services digital network (ISDN) or digital phone line. A wide variety of video
equipments is available now in the market. Videophones are more expensive than
the normal phones because of the high technology integrated into these phones.
The average cost of a videophone is around $1,000.
Some telecommunications providers and cable companies offer ISDN services. Due
to high availability of these services, anyone in the U.S. and the UK can
install a videophone. Generally, an ISDN telephone line has two separate
channels in order to provide high-quality pictures. Once you have an
ISDN-equipped videophone, you can start making calls. The only problem in this
system is expensive. Video calls cost almost double that of normal telephone
calls. This service is also not available in some countries. According to the
telecom companies, the call cost will be significantly cut in the near future.
Use Of Videophones By Deaf Persons
Videophones are the result of recent advancements in the telecommunication
field. This is a very useful medium of communication for people who are hearing
impaired. Sign language can be used with this phone because of the good picture
quality provided by most service providers. To do so, you are advised to sign
slower than you usually would in a face-to-face conversation. Also, lip reading
is difficult because of picture quality and a possible time delay between sound
and picture.
Disclaimer : This website is not affiliated with
PTCL or its contents in any way