VDOPhone

VDOPhone for Windows 95 -- VDOPhone takes the Internet phone craze to a new level by integrating real-time video capabilities with solid audio and text-based chatting. Now not only can you converse with others in real time all across the world for just the cost of the Internet connection, but with the necessary equipment you can also show yourself or any moving image to anyone else. Both black and white and color video can be played quite clearly in a 2x1.5 inch viewing area -- the size can even be doubled (but with a dramatic loss in clarity). The frame rate is acceptable considering the medium but could still benefit from improvement. Audio quality suffers a similar fate, acceptable but inferior when compared to the likes of Real Audio, Internet Phone, and WebPhone. Despite these shortcomings, VDOPhone delivers the unprecedented and does so in enviable fashion. VDOPhone supplements its communications skills with an impressive set of features. Event logs, greeting messages, quick notes, caller history, audio and video slider controls ('tuners'), and online server support are just a few of the hot features to be found in this cool product. The recent influx of Internet phone and video applications has lead to a market that is quickly becoming over saturated with similar product offerings. However, VDOPhone does have several qualities that will help it succeed against the competition. VDOPhone offers audio and text-based chatting, features lacking in apps like CU-SeeMe and MPEG players. At the same time, its video capabilities put it a step ahead of 'net phone clients like Internet Phone and WebPhone. VDOPhone does lack the whiteboard and conferencing features found in PowWow and the better Internet phone products. It also lacks some of the bells and whistles that make its competitors so attractive, including Caller ID support, call waiting, file transfer capabilities, and voice mail. Overall, if your communication wants and needs lack the spice of video in real time, you'll likely prefer apps along the lines of WebPhone, PowWow, and Internet Phone. However, if you are in the market for a product that has it all, from text to audio to video and nearly everything in between, VDOPhone is definitely the app for you. Pros: Real-time text, audio, and video chatting all in one, solid collection of features Cons: Lacks some of the features found in high-end 'net phone clients, A/V quality could be improved New: This is the initial review for VDOPhone Version Reviewed: 1.0.4 Date of Review: 7/2/96 Reviewer: Forrest Stroud Date Entered 7/6/96