Communication processes and systems

An interactive system for telephone and video communication between a plurality of widely distributed, remote locations and a central location is disclosed. The interactive system may be configured to provide remote monitoring capabilities, scheduling and processing capabilities, commercial product routing and video vending. In one embodiment, the interactive system selectively interfaces members of plural groups, as buyer groups and vendor groups, for video communication through a dial-up telephone system, to analyze and compile data, schedule appointments, implement conferences, consummate sales and the like. The interactive system comprises a telephonic interface apparatus for interfacing remote telephonic terminals of the dial-up telephone system identified with the members of plural groups, a video recording unit for recording and playing video transcriptions, a storage memory for storing data on the members, including telephonic terminal numbers and area-of-interest codes and a control computer to selectively interconnect the video recording unit with the remote telephonic terminals through the telephonic interface apparatus to record and receive video communication.