Overview
Ever since Back to the Future II it was an inevitability that we would eventually be having video conversations on our flatscreen TVs. In the movie the future was 2015, so we’re several years early. No flying cars though, but you have to take the wins where you can get them. As Internet connections keep getting faster and faster, more and more options will become available to us as far as what were able to do, and how much data we can send. When fiber optics come along will be able to have 3D conversations, but until then our current high-speed Internet does a pretty good job of making things fun.
The Claim
telyHD claims that you get full HD quality, so that you can get crystal clear picture on your video chats. This lets you keep in touch with people, no matter where they’re located in the world. They say that it works with any HDTV, and that you don’t need a computer to get to work. They also say that you can set it up very easily, you’ll be able to make and take calls quickly.
One of the advantages they say you’ll like is that more people can get into the conversation, so you can have group chats without people huddled all around the computer. They say that you can use your iPhone or iPad or similar smartphone or tablet to control the unit. And you can browse the web, or view and share photos through the device.
The Hype
This is pretty futuristic stuff when you really think about it. Fifty years ago this would be purely science-fiction. Having video conversations with people on the other side of the world in your living room on a television that
The Cost
telyHD is $250, and they justify the up front cost by reminding you that there are no monthly fees. If you’re using the free features from Skype by Skyping with other users, there really won’t be any additional fees involved.
The Commitment
They say this is easy to set up, and once you’re ready to go you don’t have to do too much to get it to work. It comes with a remote control so you can control most of what it does from the comfort of your couch or sofa. You’ll probably find that this is more convenient, and definitely more comfortable than having chats sitting at your computer.
Evaluation
telyHD gets great reviews from people that have tried it out, anything that is really easy to set up, and the picture quality is great. If you’ve got people in your family, or close friends that are living abroad or on the other side of the country, this is a great way to keep in touch with them and provides as close of an experience as possible to them being there. It’s rare to find such glowing reviews for something that uses technology, as many people have varying expectations on what it should be able to do. This is a very good sign that it’s a winner.
It’s Just Fun
The novelty factor is one that needs to be considered here. It’s not like you’re going to drop this kind of money on a piece of electronics without getting a great experience from it. The first time you have an HD video conversation with someone, you’ll feel like you’re living in one of the more technologically advanced times, if you haven’t already. And you’d definitely be considered an earlier adopter, because many people are not using something like this.
telyHD gets solid ratings and definitely lives up to the claim that it makes about what to do. Calls look and sound great
because they’re delivered to your HDTV, which benefits from a larger picture size, and crystal clear video. Depending on what kind of sound system you have hooked up your call should sound good as well. Of course, the picture will look even better if the person on the other hand is using an HD webcam. Then it’s like they’re in the room with you.Our Recommendation
If you’ve got an HDTV and you like to use Skype, this would be a pretty good addition, and would reduce the amount of time spent sitting in front of the computer. Of course, it would increase the amount of time spent in front of the TV, so you have to figure out which is the lesser of two evils. Also, it does use up your TV, so if you have someone in your household that wants to watch TV while you are having a conversation, there could be a problem. Other than that, it is a reliable device and recommend getting it if it sounds good.
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View Comments
I've been waiting for a review on this by you guys and I'm definitely loving the approval. I use skype mostly on family calls but this could also come in handy for my business. I got three kids and when we're on skype with their mom when she's on a business trip my computer chair starts to feel really small. This solves that problem and it also allows me to use my tv as a computer with my iPad!