A side appliance that connects to a telephone
that includes the ability to transmit and receive Video images
as well as audio. This might be Black and White or Color and still or full-motion. The earliest devices weere developed by Bell Labs
in the early 60's. Many different models with different standards exist. The original required no computer and usually had it's own camera internal. Current products require the computer and mostly work over the internet. Video Teleconferencing
The Japanese picked up the ball in the 70's and developed a standard which several manufacturers built models around. Panasonic made one.
Every decade or so a new group of people discovers the concept and thinks it a "new thing" even though it's decades old.
Otherwise known as a vidphone.
Last Updated 11.12.01