RNID: For deaf and hard of hearing people.

About this factsheet

This factsheet is part of RNID’s equipment range. It is written for deaf and hard of hearing people. We use the term ‘deaf’ throughout to refer to all types of hearing loss.

‘Video communications’ include videophones, video interpreting and remote video interpreting, which we will explain in this factsheet. Video interpreting allows deaf British Sign Language (BSL) users to communicate with hearing people on voice telephones. BSL users may prefer to use video communication, because it allows them to communicate in their preferred language.

Read this factsheet to find out:

What is a videophone?

  • A videophone or video telephone is a telephone with a viewing screen and a built-in camera.
  • If you use a videophone, you can see someone and communicate with them at the same time.
  • You can use a videophone to make video or voice-only calls.
  • A videophone has the same features as a good-quality telephone.

How can a videophone help me?

Businesses have used videophones for video-conferencing for a long time. Used in this way, people based in different areas or countries can have meetings and see and talk to each other as if they were in the same room. Videophones used for video-conferencing are high quality and are expensive.
Now, you can buy smaller, less expensive videophones for home use. They have all the features you need to keep in touch with friends and relatives.

The picture quality of videophones is good enough for you to communicate using sign language. But you may need to sign more slowly than usual. It is difficult to lipread someone on a videophone because of picture quality and a possible time delay between sound and picture.

Videophones are useful if you are deaf. But they are quite expensive and, at the moment, not many people own one. So before you buy a videophone, think about who you will be able to call with it.

What equipment do I need to use a videophone?

A videophone system has two parts:

  • the equipment – either a videophone or a personal computer (PC) with a webcam
  • a broadband internet connection.

Using your PC

You can adapt your PC instead of buying a videophone. If you already have a suitable PC, this is a cheaper option. You will need a webcam and the right computer software. RNID’s New Technologies team can advise you about the most suitable webcams, videophones and other equipment. See Where can I get further information?

Broadband

You need a broadband connection with a minimum upload speed of 256kbs. When you have broadband, you automatically get an IP (internet protocol) address. It will look something like this: 123.456.789.123. Having a public IP address allows for easier set up and use and will allow you to receive incoming calls.
At the moment, there are two communication standards for videophones. The established standard is called H.323. To call a videophone using H.323, you simply dial the other person’s IP address (this will only work if they have a public IP).

The newer standard is called SIP. A SIP address looks like this: sip:John@XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX or sip:John@rnid.org.uk
To call a videophone using SIP, you dial the other person’s SIP address.

Some videophones will support both standards, but many, especially older videophones, will not be compatible with both systems.

What should I know before buying a videophone?

Videophones are available from specialist shops and online suppliers. You can buy a wide range of videophone equipment, from around £200-£400. Shop around until you find something that really suits your needs and budget. If you can, try a videophone out before buying it and ask anyone you know who has used a similar phone, which one they found the most useful. Our New Technologies team can advise you about the most suitable equipment.

Before you buy a videophone, it is important to check how easy it is to use. You may want to check that it has:

  • a large screen - a tilting screen makes it easier to see the picture clearly and can reduce the glare from lights
  • good-sized buttons and functions that are easy to understand
  • ring tones, ring volume and good quality audio, including speakerphone
  • earpiece amplification, flashing alerts and vibrating pagers.

Also, check that you have a suitable place to put a videophone. Where you position it will affect picture quality. Choose a spot with good lighting and a plain background. If possible there should be no shadows or movement behind the camera. Also look for where the broadband line connection is in your home. 

How much does a videophone call cost?

Video calls are free over broadband. Some software programmes for the PC can charge monthly subscription fees.

What is video interpreting?

Using a video interpreter is the same as using an interpreter in person - except that they will appear on your screen. Video interpreters provide communication support between deaf British Sign Language (BSL) users and hearing people.

Before you book an interpreter you will need access to a videophone or PC and a broadband line.

If you are deaf or deafblind you won't usually have to pay for the communication services you need. See Can I get help with paying for equipment and communication services?

Can I get help with paying for equipment and communication services?

Contact the RNID Information Line for more information about the following:

Help for students

If you are a student, you may be able to get help to pay for equipment or communication services, or your education provider may have to provide them. Contact the Information Line for more information.

Can I buy equipment from RNID?

We sell a range of equipment for deaf people. Visit our shop (opens new browser window) to buy products online, or send off for a copy of our Solutions catalogue.

RNID Products

1 Haddonbrook Business Centre, Orton Southgate, Peterborough PE2 6YX
Telephone 01733 361199
Textphone 01733 238020
Fax 01733 361161
Email: solutions@rnid.org.uk

Where can I get further information?

Further information from RNID

Our Information Line offers a wide range of information on many aspects of deafness and hearing loss. Contact us for further copies of this factsheet and our full range of information factsheets and leaflets. You can also contact us if you would like information in Braille, on audiotape or large print.

RNID Information Line

19-23 Featherstone Street, London EC1Y 8SL
Telephone: 0808 808 0123
Textphone: 0808 808 9000
Fax: 020 7296 8199
Email: informationline@rnid.org.uk

Significant

Significant provides video interpreting and other BSL services.
St Agnes House, 6 Cresswell Park, London SE3 9RD
Telephone 020 8463 1120 Fax 020 8463 1121
Website: Significant website  (external link, opens new browser window)