Michael Padden's mother, Bernie Bolle, has had polio all her life. As she's gotten older it's become increasingly difficult for her to get around. Living in the Twin Cities in Minnesota, Padden and his mother have had few visits at his home because of the stairs leading to and inside of his house. "She just can't use stairs," states Padden.

Padden consider installing an elevator but the $34,000 cost made it prohibitive. He wished there were an electronic solution for getting his mom inside his place. "I always wanted a videophone. I checked out AT&T's but it was $1800. I remember riding in an airplane with an AT&T executive and suggesting that they build a videophone that uses the TV. You know, incorporate the present technology. I remember when I found out about 8x8's ViaTV Phone, I said, 'It's about time someone made an affordable videophone!'"

Since they got their ViaTV Phones in March of this year, Bernie has been a frequent "video guest" inside of her son's house. Occasionally, they even have dinner together though they are in their own homes, miles a part.

"It's hard to explain why it's better than a regular phone call. There's just more of a connection," says Padden. "The videophone opens up her world. I have added extension cords to everything and I've been able to show my mother my backyard which has hundreds of flowers and waterfalls and my front yard that has a fountain."

Padden and his mother are both very happy with their ViaTV Phones and appreciate how easy they are to use and the recent upgrade that enables the camera to pan, tilt and zoom. Getting used to video calls has been a learning experience, according to Padden, who has been caught scratching himself like sit-com slob Al Bundy does and then realizing Mom was there looking at him, wondering what he was doing.

"I think everyone has their own little thing when they're on the phone, like picking their nails or something. You have to understand with a videophone you can't do something like that because you can be seen," says Padden laughing.

Soon Bernie Bolle's world will expand even more as Padden's brother in Seattle and their extended family plan to get ViaTV Phones for Christmas.