New Viaduct videophones offer sight and sound

By PETER GRIFFIN

Strollers around the Viaduct Harbour will soon be able to catch up with friends or chinwag with strangers in Wellington or Christchurch on free videophones.

Two terminals have been installed at the information centre on the corner of Quay and Hobson Sts that will link audio and video 24 hours a day with similar terminals in the southern cities.

Telecom said the terminals would deliver better picture and sound quality than conventional internet technology.

K.I.T. screens, based on Telecom's catchphrase Keep In Touch, have also appeared on the corner of Lambton Quay and Waring Taylor St in Wellington and in Telecom's retail outlets in the Cashel St Mall in Christchurch.

"People will be able to call their friends and arrange to meet at the terminals for 'show me your new baby' sort of things," said Telecom chief technology officer, Murray Milner.

A high level of phone etiquette will be expected of users huddled around the terminals, which will remain in place for three months.

Telecom said phone-hogging, obscene gestures and language would not be tolerated.

"We can't really predict what's going to happen," said Dr Milner.

"We'll see what happens as far as people's behaviour is concerned, but we may have to change the rules."

The terminals are expected to remain in place for three months.