Aiptek 2000T Video Phone

• Communicate by voice and color video up to 15 frames per second
• All-in-one telephone, camera, video screen
• Uses standard phone lines
• Easy setup, no technical or computer skills required
• ITU-T H.324, 8x8, and PC camera compatible

Setting up the Hyper VideoPhone 2000T was easy. We just plugged in the AC adapter, connected the telephone-line cord, opened the protective camera shutter, and turned the unit on. The unit then activated the camera, displaying our surroundings on the screen. The entire setup process was straightforward, taking only a couple of minutes.

To place a videophone call, just lift the handset, dial the number, and talk normally. If your correspondent has an H.324-compliant videophone, then press # to display the onscreen menus and press 1 to start the video. In our test of the Hyper VideoPhone 2000T, we called a similar Hyper VideoPhone (model 2000C), and the two units connected about 20 seconds later; another 15 seconds was required to establish the video link.

Before transmitting your video image to your recipient, you can preview your image. The small digital camera mounted to the top of the VideoPhone adapts to changing lighting and provides a wide viewing area. Our tests revealed that close-ups remained in focus up to about four inches from the lens. At 12 feet, it became difficult to discern faces. We found that we got the best video image when we were positioned about two to three feet from the camera with a lamp nearby. The four-inch TFT display was bright and sharp when viewed straight on, but the images were grainy and jerky as people moved and contained many compression artifacts.

Through the onscreen menus, you can view your own video, that of your correspondent, or both at the same time. Other settings include auto answer for security applications; automatic monitoring with password protection; adjustable picture quality, size, and frame speed; electronic pan, tilt, and zoom camera controls; and high-resolution snapshot capability. A privacy feature lets you turn off the video camera electronically, or you can slide the shutter switch above the camera to manually close the camera's protective shutter.

Overall, we found the video quality acceptable, considering the relatively slow 33.6 Kbps data rate, and the setup was easy. The Hyper VideoPhone provides a fun and functional way to keep in touch with your family, friends, or business associates. --Mike Brown

Pros:

• Easy setup
• No additional telephone required
• Good sound quality in the speakerphone

Cons:

• Some video distortion due to compression
• No memory dialing on telephone