One of the significant upgrades to the Skype application with its version 5 release is group video calling, or video conferences. Skype video is a great way to keep in touch with family, friends, or even business associates. The ability to have video meetings is a real step up.

But unlike basic Skype features, group video calling is not free. It is part of Skype's Premium Package, a monthly subscription plan. If you think you might do a lot of group video calls, the monthly plan is just $9 per month, pretty good when you consider the alternatives. According to information at Skype's site, a group video call can be made as long as one call participant has Premium service.

Even better, though, is Skype's $5 day pass. A day pass provides access to all premium features, most notably group video calls, for 24 hours. That's perfect for those who only need the service occasionally or can perhaps bill a client for the service.

It may not be Cisco's TelePresence, but it sure is cheap.