Vialta BM-TV Single Beamer Phone Video Station

Product Description

They've been in movies and comic books for ages now. We saw prototypes as long ago as the 1964 World's Fair. Finally someone has done the videophone right! The VIALTA Beamer Videophone instantly adds color video to phone calls, using your existing TV and standard analog phone line -- with no additional cost on your phone bill! Just connect one Beamer station to your TV via RCA jacks and home phone via RJ-11 jack -- and give the second to someone you love!

Amazon.com Product Description

Vialta's new Beamer TV gives you the ability to instantly add video to phone calls using your existing home phone and television. Beamer TV works with any home phone (corded or cordless) over any standard analog phone line (one-line or two-line) to display full color video of the person you're talking to. All you have to do is pick up the phone, dial a friend or family member (who also has a Beamer TV or Videophone), and press the Start/Views button on the remote control.

Beamer TV is small, so it fits in narrow spaces; it is designed to sit atop your television. It has a built-in 0.25-inch CMOS camera that can capture full-motion video and transmit it to your recipient at 4 to 15 frames per second. Transmission speed is dependant on phone line quality and connection rate, as well as the amount of motion and detail being transferred.

When not in use, the remote control rests in a recessed niche so it's easy to find, and a camera cover protects the lens from dust and scratches. And, the Beamer TV has a skid-proof base to prevent accidental slipping and the need to realign the built-in camera.

Setup is easy--simply plug your phone into Beamer TV, plug Beamer TV into your television's RCA video jack, connect Beamer TV to your wall phone jack, and plug in Beamer TV's power adapter. There is no special wiring or equipment required, and no service agreement, so the only charges that will appear on your phone bill are those for long distance.

What's in the Box
Beamer TV unit, standard 25-foot telephone cord (RJ-11) x 2, 6-foot video cable, remote control, AC power adapter, user guide, warranty card

Customer Reviews:

Videophone on the cheap--and it works as advertised!.......2007-03-10

If you're looking for an inexpensive way to get a videophone, the Vialta Beamer T.V. unit is the best way to go. The inexpensive unit works with a standard telephone line and a television set with video inputs. Make sure you don't use the unit with home intercom lines, for some odd reason my unit didn't connect with a distant unit.

Video images are very primitive here but they do indeed work. But be prepared for slow frames-per-second (fps) speeds. After you see yourself on the TV monitor (to center yourself, etc.), turn your "inset" image off because your actions are out of synch with your speaking--that is, the slow fps speed can be disconcerting, with a slight delay, say, when you move your arm around.

Even though this is not the ideal AT&T Picturephone we loved in the 1968 science fiction movie "2001: A Space Odyssey" it's never-the-less still exciting to see your family and friends while talking with them. The best feature is that you don't need a personal computer or broadband connection to communicate (thank you, Vialta!). The video signal travels on the same phone line as your voice. Just a lot slower than P.C. videoconferencing. And finally you can have a genuine videophone without bothering with user-unfriendly systems requiring an Internet connection.

Thus, older people who didn't grow up with the labyrinth-like operating procedures of today's Gordian Knot electronic gizmos will find the Beamer a lot simpler to operate. Beamer is simple in concept, simple in design, simple to set up and operate--this is how high tech should be! This product is a REAL invention that improves your life (not complicates it). Why wasn't it on at least one of Time Magazine's annual list of great inventions since 2004? From what I researched, Beamer has one a prestigious product award. The company needs to really get out there and show the world this thing!

So, if you want to start using a videophone today, get yourself a Beamer station! Hey, how can I invest in Vialta?! I love what they're doing.

Great product.......2005-09-27

My parents, brother, and I all have the Beamer and we love it! It gives us all a chance to see each other - including my brother's twins! We've had no problems in reception or any other issue! Great product!

Waste of money ... doesn't work........2005-09-27

First, the camera is very low quality. I have a lot of light over-exposure, even when the blinds are closed and a rainy day. Also (perhaps because of it) there are hardly any colors.

Second, the two units I bought don't want to exchange their video. I have been reading the manual over, and over again. We tried it many times, but the two units don't want to connect.

This technology is not as simple as Vialta wants you to believe it is.

Also, I noticed that a lot of units are being sold through Ebay - another sign that the Beamer doesn't work for most users.

And, Vialta doesn't have a forum in their website. To me that's an indication they have a lot of problems they don't want you to know about before you buy the Beamers.

My opinion ... a simple waste of money.

Blurry at best........2005-08-09

If you don't mind a blurry picture and really blurry when any one moves then this is for you! However, if you can get the people in the picture to sit perfectly still in is fine, but then that is just like looking at a picture. There is a delay and the ability to see anyones mouth move is random at best. We have it hooked to a good phone line and my son, who has the other one, also has his hook up to a good phone line. I can't imagine what you'd see if your phone line was iffy.

DO NO BUY THIS.......2005-07-08

PLEASE Do not buy this item is very bad because they tell you that it works and is not true i got it and did not work at all and them when i returned they keep 15% of the price so for that experiment i lost like $80 with S&H.
if you do not want to lose your money do not try it

Vialta BM-TV Dual Beamer Phone Video Station

Average customer rating:

Great for when your away from the family
Video Phone
Waste of money ... doesn't work.
Disappointed again in Vialta
OUTSTANDING VIDEOPHONE !!!!

Vialta BM-TV Dual Beamer Phone Video Station

Manufacturer: Vialta
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Video Phones | Telephones | Office Electronics | Categories | Electronics

Office Electronics | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics

Phones | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
Similar Items:

Vialta BM-TV Single Beamer Phone Video Station

Accessories:

Product Features:

Adds video to your phone calls with your current TV and telephone; 2 units per package
Slim, lightweight design easily fits into even the smallest places
3 viewing choices: self, other party, or picture-in-picture combo
Built-in adjustable CMOS camera; remote control
Skid-proof base, camera lens cover

ASIN: B0000BV1MQ
Release Date: 2004-01-09

Product Description

Beamer TV Videophone works with your television, home phone and home phone line, to instantly add video to your phone calls. Call your family and friends, and see them on your television screen. With Beamer TV, families can experience the joys and benefits of videophone calls by seeing family and friends they are talking to displayed on their television screen. Beamer TV is easy to set up and easy to use - as easy as making a phone call. Beamer TV is easy to set up in four simple steps. Plug your phone into Beamer TV, plug Beamer TV into your television's RCA video jack, connect Beamer TV to your wall phone jack, and plug in Beamer TV's power adapter. Beamer TV's performance features offer callers a wide range of choices. Beamer TV is stylishly designed to fit anywhere. With a slim, sleek shape and lightweight body, Beamer TV is ideal for any viewing environment. Beamer TV is designed to add live, color motion video to phone calls using any home phone and television (with RCA video jack), over any home (analog) phone line. The quality of the video connection is dependent on the quality of your phone line connection, just as the audio quality is dependent on the phone line connection when Beamer TV is not in use.

Amazon.com Product Description

Early Adopters Pick: October 2003. Call family and friends and see them on your TV. The Vialta Beamer adds video to your conversations using an ordinary telephone line. Two phones per package.

What's in the Box
Two each of: Beamer TV unit, standard 25-foot telephone cord (RJ-11) x 2, 6-foot video cable, remote control, AC power adapter, user guide, warranty card

Customer Reviews:

Great for when your away from the family.......2007-01-09

I got the beamer for christmas because I knew that I would be away from my family for the holidays. I set up the one at home before I left and On Christmas morning I made the call home and even though we were 900 miles apart we hot to open our gifts together.
The only draw back was that BOTH of the remote control batteries were dead
so we couldn't use all the features.
The beamer is a excellent item to have for familys that are spread out over the country and can't get to see each other as much as they would like. (IE) grandparents

Video Phone.......2005-10-25

I am not happy with the results I have gotten using this product. I bought 2 video phones, one for my granddaughter and one for myself. I am able to see her, although picture is not clear, but she is not able to see me. This would be a great idea if the bugs had been worked out first!

Waste of money ... doesn't work........2005-09-27

Disappointed again in Vialta.......2004-07-16

This is the second time I have tried a Vialta Beamer. First the tabletop version and then the TV version. My children and parents were so excited to see each other while talking on the phone. We thought that this technology was truly made for families like ours. Unfortunately, it is just not there yet. The picture is not clear and it can't really capture any motion from the kids. We were truly disappointed again in Vialta.

OUTSTANDING VIDEOPHONE !!!!.......2004-02-14

The Beamer TV Videophone is a Must Have for anyone with family and loved ones who live far apart!
I live in California, my parents and family live on the east coast. In a good year, we get to see each other maybe 3 times. Since moving to CA, I've married, have a daughter and have a son on the way -- making it even more important (and more difficult at the same time) to get to see my family on the east coast. But with the Beamer TV videophone we see each other at least once a week. The quality of transmission is really good and far above what my expectations were, and the price is unbeatable. Plug it into your phone line, connect the video line to your TV (just like a vcr) and you're all set - no other installation, no other costs/fees. Now my parents can see their grandkids grow, and my kids will get to know their grandparents better and see them all the time - as opposed to just a voice on a phone and cards and gifts in the mail. I'm getting this thing for all of my siblings next. Beamer TV Videophone is a definite must have for anyone with family/friends who live far apart!!! It's just too easy and too great not to have one!

Vialta Beamer Phone Video Station (BM80-1, Single Unit)

Average customer rating:

Piece of crap- Doesn't work
long distance problems
Ordered 2, 1 dead on arrival
BAD!!!!!!!!!!!
Works great for technically challenged relatives

Vialta Beamer Phone Video Station (BM80-1, Single Unit)

Manufacturer: Vialta
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Novelty Telephones | Telephones | Office Electronics | Categories | Electronics

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Vialta Beamer Phone Video Station (BM80-2, Pair)

Accessories:

Product Features:

Works with any home phone (corded or cordless)
Works with any standard (analog) phone line
No special wiring or equipment
No service fees, contracts or subscriptions
No additional cost to your phone call

ASIN: B0000721YB

Product Description

Vialta BM80-1 BEAMER TELEPHONE VIDEO STATION - Add video capability to your regular phone calls. This is a single Beamer for one phone. Additional Beamer models must be used for standard phones (of other individuals) to have videophone service. May also receive video reception from another caller using a PC-Camera. Three viewing choices - Self-view, Other party view, or Combo view Snapshot/Privacy option - send a high resolution video image and temporarily halt any new video transmission, until you want it to continue Detail/movement control to select the degree of definition Supports Caller ID (if you have this service with your local phone service provider) 3.5 LCD screen Skid-proof base Tinted acrylic frame Recessed control buttons Lightweight and portable Connects to standard RJ11 phone jack Single Unit only

Amazon.com Product Description

Add color, motion video to any phone call between yourself and another party using Vialta's Beamer. There are no hookup hassles, service fees, or extra per-call expenses. The Beamer is compatible with any home phone over a standard analog phone line. It requires no additional equipment or wiring, although to use the video features, the other party you're calling will also need a Beamer phone (sold separately).

Setup takes only a few minutes. Just plug your phone line into the Beamer and then connect the Beamer to your phone. When you call another Beamer owner and press Start, video is transmitted to the other party at up to 15 frames per second. For your party's privacy, the unit displays only a message on your screen until the other party also presses the Start button and transmits video back to you.

In addition to video, you can use the snapshot feature to send a high-resolution still image of yourself to the other party. The snapshot feature doubles as a privacy mode, temporarily preventing video transmission for as long as you want. Enjoy three viewing options: self, to view just yourself (how you will appear to the other party); other party, to view your called party; and combo, to display both you and the other party at the same time.

Customer Reviews:

Piece of crap- Doesn't work.......2006-03-21

I received one of these beamers for Christmas so that my parents and brother could see my new baby anytime they wanted. It didn't work. But because my parents and brother both had one, I bought another. It doesn't work either. Steer clear from this company and their lousy products!!!!!

long distance problems.......2005-12-26

I used the beamer within the USA and had no problems. the best results come with increased lighting. however i took one to europe and have not been able to connect and get a picture yet. if anyone had a solution ...please comment
thanks

Ordered 2, 1 dead on arrival.......2005-12-26

Ruined Christmas. Bought two for wife so she and her mother could talk (and see) coast-to-coast. Had both units sent to us so wife could see how it works before shipping one to my mother-in-law. Hooked one up, it powered on and I excitedly went to neighbors to hook up second and try it out. Hooked up, plugged in, NOTHING. Tried other wall plugs but still NOTHING. Unit defective, returning to Amazon, we'll see how return process goes (only did one return before, wasn't the easiest). Wife and mother-in-law were very excited, now very disappointed. They will have to wait (weeks?), that's assuming we get a replacement and that one works. Otherwise will have to settle for refund (better be full refund if they go that route) then try to find one (thought I was in good shape and ahead of Xmas rush by buying on Dec. 5).

BAD!!!!!!!!!!!.......2005-06-10

This video phone is the biggest garbage in the world. I bought one it is a waste of money. Video quality is horrible and cheap!! U will not be happy with this. I also have a motorola OJO video phone. That is much better than this. If your gonna get a video phone get the OJO. The price is higher but the video quality is superb!!

Works great for technically challenged relatives.......2004-01-09

We bought 2 Beamers to use with my elderly in-laws. They were able to work it, the image is okay, and they enjoy seeing our kids. We also have webcams for our computer enabled family, and they work much better and there is no phone charges, but this would not work with my in-laws. The videophone is obviously a little choppy, but if you make sure to have a well lit room it shows a nice picture. My 2 year old son goes up to it and says "Pop-Pop, Pop-Pop" when he wants to see his grandfather. Even though they live 3000 miles away, it feels like you are much closer

Vialta Beamer Phone Video Station (BM80-2, Pair)

Average customer rating:

Vialta fails out of the box - test before sending to grandma
not worth the money
GARBAGE
Defective out of the box
Costly repair

Vialta Beamer Phone Video Station (BM80-2, Pair)

Manufacturer: Vialta
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

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Vialta Beamer Phone Video Station (BM80-1, Single Unit)

Accessories:

Product Features:

Includes 2 video phones
Works with any standard analog phone line
Requires no special wiring or equipment
Requires no service fees, contracts, or subscriptions
Works with any home phone, corded or cordless

ASIN: B0000721YA
Release Date: 2002-11-12

Product Description

Vialta BM80-2 BEAMER TELEPHONE VIDEO STATION - Add video capability to your regular phone calls. This is a package of 2 Beamer models. Additional Beamer models must be used for standard phones (of other individuals) to have videophone service. May also receive video reception from another caller using a PC-Camera. Three viewing choices - Self-view, Other party view, or Combo view Snapshot/Privacy option - send a high resolution video image and temporarily halt any new video transmission, until you want it to continue Detail/movement control to select the degree of definition Supports Caller ID (if you have this service with your local phone service provider) 3.5 LCD screen Skid-proof base Tinted acrylic frame Recessed control buttons Lightweight and portable Connects to standard RJ11 phone jack Package of 2

Amazon.com Product Description

Early Adopters Pick: January 2003. The first phone video station (PVS); instantly adds color, motion video to any phone call between two Beamer-enabled phones and is compatible with any standard analog home phone.

Add color, motion video to any phone call between yourself and another party using Vialta's Beamer. There are no hookup hassles, service fees, or extra per-call expenses. The Beamer is compatible with any home phone over a standard analog phone line. It requires no additional equipment or wiring. Plus, this package includes two Beamer phones--one for you and one for a friend, family member, or colleague, so you can start making video calls right away.

Customer Reviews:

Vialta fails out of the box - test before sending to grandma.......2006-06-25

WARNING - test BOTH Beamers before sending one to Grandma. I ordered the dual set and BOTH Beamers are defective. Plug them in and NOTHING, no image. I get a dial tone but absolutely no "Beamer is now ready" message, just a blank screen (yes I plugged it in and tested it on several power outlets and several different phone lines).

I have sent an irate message to Vialta support and told them what a defective product they are selling.

Now I have to have my mother's assistant package up her unit and ship it to me so that I can ship it back to Amazon. For a product that is INTENDED to be shipped far away for long-distance communication, you would think that Vialta would test their products more thoroughly.

not worth the money.......2006-04-02

My daughter and son in law bought the Vialta, and then I bought one. My son in laws family lives in England and for a very short time, they all worked. The quality was poor and the connection would cut out. Now, nothing works, none of the the products communicate, and they went out at the same time. Very very serious loss of money and a way to communicate. I do not recommend this product to anyone who is interested in on line communication.
They the web video came, set a skype internet account, and you will find this a better way to stay in touch.

GARBAGE.......2005-06-10

Defective out of the box.......2005-02-20

I bought the "2 fer the price of 1" units. 1 for me, 1 for my folks in New England so they can see my daughter via the video phone. Seems like a good deal, right? The 2 pairs arrived to me in the Midwest. I kept one and shipped the other to New England. My folks and I set up our units only to discover their unit is defective and does not power up when plugged in. Great! Terrific! Now my folks have to repack and ship the defective unit to me. I then have to re-repack it and send it with my working unit back to Amazon. By the time we factor in all of the extra postage required for the returns and the forwarding this dual deal is hardly worth it. We are going to try again and I've ordered a replacement pair. I guess I'm a sucker. Is it too much to expect this product to work? Buyer beware. And patient.

Costly repair.......2004-05-28

I bought two units of the beamer and sent one to my family. Turn out one unit is defective - something wrong with the camera. If I send it back to Vialta for repair, they charge me close to $100 + shipping. I think this is a ridiculous amount, as it is almost enough to get a new one.

Vialta BM-FX Dual Beamer Phone Video Station

Average customer rating:

GARBAGE and CHEAP
See Loved Ones Over Phone Calls - Send Photos From Camera
BMFX is a Videophone which has an integrated digital frame.

Vialta BM-FX Dual Beamer Phone Video Station

Manufacturer: Vialta
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Caller ID Displays | Telephone Accessories | Accessories & Supplies | Categories | Electronics

Novelty Telephones | Telephones | Office Electronics | Categories | Electronics

Video Phones | Telephones | Office Electronics | Categories | Electronics

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Telephones | Electronics | Categories | Target
Accessories:

Product Features:

2 units per package; works with any analog phone line and any corded or cordless phone
CMOS video camera captures your image; 3.5-inch LCD displays your caller's image
Also functions as a digital picture frame
Shares pictures with friends and family
Easy setup and portable design helps you stay in touch even on the road

ASIN: B0000BV1MI

Product Description

They've been in movies and comic books for ages now. We saw prototypes as long ago as the 1964 World's Fair. Finally someone has done the videophone right! The VIALTA Beamer Videophone instantly adds color video to phone calls, using your standard analog phone and phone line -- with no additional cost on your phone bill! Just connect one Beamer station to your home phone, and give the second to someone you love! This edition also includes 2 Digital Picture Frames, which send, receive & display up to 12 still pictures between units Each Beamer measures 8-1/4H x 6W x 2D & weighs 3 pounds

Amazon.com Product Description

Paired with your existing cordless or corded phone and an analog phone line (one or two lines), the Beamer FX Videophone Station with Digital Picture Frame lets you talk face to face and also share digital pictures with friends and family who may be right next door, or on the other side of the country. The package includes two units--one for yourself and one for a friend or family member.

As a videophone, the Beamer FX offers a low-profile design with a built-in 0.25-inch CMOS camera that can capture and transmit motion video. Transmission speed is dependant on phone line quality and connection rate, and both parties involved require a Beamer product. There are no additional service fees required for video operation, so the only charge to your phone bill will be for normal long-distance.

As a digital picture frame, the Beamer FX lets you view images directly from your digital camera's memory card--no PC or additional card reader is required. The unit supports five popular memory card formats--CompactFlash (Type I only), Memory Stick, SD, SmartMedia, and MultiMedia Card--and saves up to 12 of your favorite images on its internal memory for later viewing.

What's in the Box
Vialta Beamer Videophone Station with Digital Picture Frame (two units, model BMFX), two AC power adapters, two telephone line cords, two user guides, warranty information

Customer Reviews:

GARBAGE and CHEAP.......2005-06-10

See Loved Ones Over Phone Calls - Send Photos From Camera.......2003-11-23

I bought this product because I cannot be with family overseas. I bought direct from Vialta, and split my shipment, one to me (Chicago), and one to Philippines (Cebu).

I called my sister I was able to see her on the telephone, I almost cried, I have not seen her in over 4 years!

We later tried sending photos. I loaded my Compact Flash card into the Beamer, and tramitted these pictures without any problem.

This is the perfect 'Stay In Touch' gift you can possibly give your family. Who are you going to 'miss' this Christmas?

Thanks Vialta for a simple to use, wonderful product!

- Janet.

BMFX is a Videophone which has an integrated digital frame........2003-11-13

In response to a recent review, this Beamer FX is a videophone with integrated digital frame functionality.

For more information: http://www.vialta.com/beamerfx.htm

Product Description

They've been in movies and comic books for ages now. We saw prototypes as long ago as the 1964 World's Fair. Finally someone has done the videophone right! The VIALTA Beamer Videophone instantly adds color video to phone calls, using your standard analog phone and phone line -- with no additional cost on your phone bill! Just connect one Beamer station to your home phone, and send another to someone you love! This edition also includes 1 Digital Picture Frame, which sends, receives & displays up to 12 still pictures between units Each Beamer measures 8-1/4H x 6W x 2D & weighs 3 pounds

Amazon.com Product Description

What's in the Box
Vialta Beamer Videophone Station with Digital Picture Frame (one unit, model BMFX), AC power adapter, telephone line cord, user guide, warranty information

Electronics:

Electronics

Electronics