We need a Hallmark card... with video!

November 9, 2009 4:26 AM

Is there a way to record just a few minutes of video (like Hallmark does with cards) so our Grandfather can keep it by his bedside and watch it to his heart's content?

My Grandfather-in-law is dying of cancer at the moment and we were told yesterday that he's unable to walk and does not have much longer to live. There's simply no way we can travel there to be with him. It's a mixture of my pregnancy and money. Last minute tickets to Czech (for my husband) are just out of our league.

We want to send him a video.. something small, telling him we love him. He can't talk on Skype anymore because he's unable to get out of bed. Is there a device that allows a few moments of recording and watching, like Hallmark does with recordable cards?

Is there something we could construct (cheaply) that will do this for us? Plus, something that can play whenever he touches a button so if he wants to play it over and over, he can?

posted by czechmate to technology (5 comments total)

You could send a digital camera, or a little MP3 player with the video loaded on it, if you think you can figure out how to work it.

this thing costs just $33 and plays videos. this one is $89 and has a 4.3 inch screen. You can try different levels of screen size, storage and price here.
posted by delmoi at 4:40 AM on November 9

I'm very sorry for you and your husband. The simplest thing I can think of is to get a first-generation Flip on eBay, record your messages, and send it over to him. It's easy for him to use (there is a big play button), and at least won't cost as much as a plane ticket.
posted by ukdanae at 4:44 AM on November 9

Also, some of these digital photo frames can probably play video, but I don't know which ones.
posted by delmoi at 4:46 AM on November 9

Also, some of these digital photo frames can probably play video, but I don't know which ones.

Yes. I got one (forget which brand, will try to find out) for my mom, while she was still at home (she is now in a nursing home with advancing dementia). I uploaded JPG's of family and a couple of very short videos, and she LOVED it!! Very easy to operate, and most are 7 or 8-inch screens which are much easier for a senior to view than a tiny MP3 player or camera screen. Plus, due to the dementia, every time she viewed the contents was like the first time, and she got all excited about "all these lovely pictures." One of the best gifts I ever got her!

Of course, you have to have a separate device to create the JPG's and videos, and ideally you should have photo software to reduce the JPG's into the optimal size for the photo frame. But most entry-level digital cameras do all that. The photo frames come with a USB cable for uploading the files from a computer or other device.
posted by RRgal at 5:55 AM on November 9

Can you record a video and post it to YouTube or on your own blog or site or something? If someone in the family has a laptop or mobile phone with a big enough screen, that might work for repeat viewings.
posted by vickyverky at 11:21 AM on November 9