Technology now cheap and available enough for video chat

VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) - It's not the same as being with your loved ones, but it's a close second for people who can't make it home for the holidays. Technology is bringing many people together for Christmas.

The two biggest barriers keeping folks away from their families are distance and finances, says Elaine Mah with Intel Canada. "In British Columbia, 82 per cent will not be able to spend time in person with friends and family and technology is bridging the gap.

"One of the most prevalent forms is being video chat," she adds.

Mah tells us it's now cheap and easy to connect and it has finally evolved to the point that it can deliver the way it is supposed to. "As opposed to those very frustrating big lag times, stuttering, or dropping every other word."