Biscotti promises high definition video calls

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Biscotti's name comes from its similarity to the Italian biscuit, but this device isn't for dunking in coffee, it can make video calls displayed on your television in high definition.

If you have Wi-Fi connection, you should be ready to go. You simply hook the 1.5 ounce device to the HDMI input on your TV.

"You can make Biscotti to Biscotti calls and you can make Biscotti to Google talk calls," Biscotti spokesperson Darren Waxman said.

The Biscotti sells for $149. There are no monthly fees and domestic and international calls are free.

The voice quality in 7 On Your Side's call to Dallas was clear, but it also had a hollow quality to it. The picture quality was crisp. We did experience some minor video break up and voice interruption, but overall, the quality of the call was impressive.

Next, we gave the Biscotti perhaps its biggest test ever: a call from the Bay Area to a remote region of Afghanistan.

"I think it's going to be a challenge, it'll be interesting to see how it goes," Waxman said. "We're up to the challenge and we'll learn from it."

The California Army National Guard introduced us to Ann Marie Mitchell -- a newlywed wife of Staff Sergeant Frank Mitchell, who's deployed in Afghanistan.

The couple recently spent their 1st anniversary apart.

She says the Skype signal from Afghanistan is extremely poor and she jumped at the opportunity to biscotti with her husband.

"I was giddy with excitement and thinking to have a clear picture of him and see him OK," she said.

Unfortunately the picture never stabilized. The call froze several times and disconnected.

"Just like any other Internet connection, it's only as good as the weakest link, so if there is a good Wi-Fi like there is in most residential environments, it will work fantastic," Waxman said.

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