My grandpa finally got his first internet connection and he's branching out into the world. As a family gift I've been looking into getting everyone some way to connect and video chat that works on TV.

Some rules:
-simple
-reliable
-HDMI output to screen

Currently on the list:
-GoogleTV + Webcam
-Biscotti
-Small VIA chipset based computer + webcam

Right now the Biscotti is taking the top seat, but $200 per unit is just a little pricey. I need 5 of them to get the immediate family hooked up. I like it because I can google video chat with it directly from my phone or home TV (can GoogleTV do this too?) and it's dead simple to use - it overlays your 'phonebook' directly onto what you're watching on TV.

Any alternatives I'm missing?

11/19/2011 12:57:05 AM

My Panasonic Plasma has Skype built in. You just need to buy a camera that works with it.

Depending on what TVs your family members already have, this might be an option for some of them.

11/19/2011 2:30:37 AM

xbox + kinect. Most of my family uses this now to video conference. getting one for my grandma for christmas

11/19/2011 5:35:46 PM

the logitech revue camera seems pretty overpriced

[Edited on November 19, 2011 at 8:15 PM. Reason : and it's the only one that will work with it I think]

11/19/2011 8:14:24 PM

^^

if kinect gets skype video calling, i will jump on that!

11/19/2011 9:53:52 PM

Quote :

"My Panasonic Plasma has Skype built in. You just need to buy a camera that works with it"

apparently you have to use a very specific POS webcam that doesn't work half the time

11/19/2011 10:04:35 PM

I can't do the xbox thing... It needs to be low power enough to be left on 24/7 to have any chance of being used.

11/20/2011 12:38:36 AM

Facetime + Apple TV

/thread

11/20/2011 7:51:32 AM

did you just named a product that has neither a camera nor a microphone and then /thread

lol

11/20/2011 10:58:32 AM

Facetime implies a product with a microphone and a camera dumbass.

11/20/2011 11:23:30 AM

If I had to guess, he meant use an iPad for FaceTime, and AirPlay it to the tv using apple tv.

11/20/2011 11:23:44 AM

haha, I'd write him a letter before I'd buy anything with an apple logo on it.

11/20/2011 7:51:41 PM

i have a hard time believing he wanted OP to buy 5 ipads or iphones or itouches and 5 apple tvs as the way to go for a smooth family learning experience

[Edited on November 20, 2011 at 7:56 PM. Reason : f]

11/20/2011 7:55:24 PM

http://home.cisco.com/en-us/telepresence/umi/

11/20/2011 8:22:29 PM

he said $200 is pricey but you guys go ahead keep recommending $400-500 alternatives

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11531778&CAWELAID=851142336
+
a cheap webcam

is possible for less than $200 but not by much

11/20/2011 8:32:37 PM

Quote :

"I can't do the xbox thing... It needs to be low power enough to be left on 24/7 to have any chance of being used."

What? It's easy as hell to turn on/off. Or you can leave it on all the time. It's not a power hog when not in use.

And it's pretty much the only solution that you can actually buy for $200 ($299 with $100GC/Rebate).

Currently the Kinect Video works with Microsoft Messenger, I'm sure Skype integration is coming soon. But you can use Messenger just like Skype on any PC.

11/21/2011 12:36:15 AM

Quote :

"Facetime + Apple TV /thread"

Obvious and predictable troll is both obvious and predictable.

11/21/2011 1:27:19 AM