Keeping in touch with family and friends has never been easier with the speed and efficiency of today's technology. We live in a world of e-mail, text and instant messages and mobile conversations.

While these options make it easy to stay in touch, these technologies have reduced the emotional aspect of our communications.

Here are some tips on how to use technology to be near their loved ones and at the same time, retrieve the element in their communications.

* Send a personal message from DVD. Now you can give the gift of vivid memories, colors by creating personalized messages for your friends and DVD family. It's a fast, easy and fun way to keep in touch.

You can not make his high school reunion? Use a Sony DVD Handycam camcorder to record a special message to former classmates. You can even get special mailing envelopes to share Sony DVD discs.

Encourage your friends and family if applicable. When you receive your DVD, simply pop into the player like a movie.

* Make an appointment to chat with webcam. A picture is worth a thousand words, but real-time video says it all. While nothing can replace a conversation in person, you can get very close to reality, with a webcam chat.

Gather your loved ones in front of the webcam to talk, view photos and exchange tips.

First time carving the turkey? Get Dad on the webcam - you can probably walk through it. Plan your talk on a special occasion - perhaps a birthday or a holiday - and do not forget to plan the next. You can even make it an annual event.

* Create a video file from your digital camera. Forgot your mom's birthday or could not attend his son play in school? Send your loved ones a video clip so they know how much you care.

Be creative, make a difference and share their ideas. It has never been easier to "be there when you're not." - NU