Penmate Inmate Support Guides
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What Happens During a Video Visit at Hobby Unit: Remote Kiosk vs. Scheduler Video/Tablet

Trying to book a video visit at Hobby Unit? Here's where it gets confusing: there are actually two different "video" systems. The TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler offers a "Video/Tablet" visit type, while Securus runs a separate remote video (kiosk) program. They have different scheduling processes, different limits, and aren't available everywhere.

• 2 min read • tdcj.texas.gov
What Happens During a Video Visit at Hobby Unit: Remote Kiosk vs. Scheduler Video/Tablet

When you log into the TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler, you might see "Video/Tablet" as a visit type. This is not the same as Securus remote video. Securus only operates at certain units, and what shows up for you depends on your relationship to the inmate, how that unit handles visitation, and the inmate's current privileges.

To use the TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler - including for "Video/Tablet" requests - you'll need to create your own account. TDCJ staff can't set one up for you. They can only help update certain details after your account exists.

What Happens During a Video Visit at Hobby Unit: Remote Kiosk vs. Scheduler Video/Tablet

A "Remote Video Visit" is a live video call through a kiosk, and you schedule it through the vendor's website - not the TDCJ scheduler. For Securus services like deposits, eMessaging, video visitation, and tablet features, go to securustech.net to create an account and sign in.

  • ✓ Plan for a 60-minute visit.
  • ✓ Expect a $10.00 charge per Securus remote video visit.
  • ✓ Keep the monthly cap in mind: inmates are limited to one remote video visit per month.

Reminder: Remote kiosk video visits are scheduled directly with the vendor, not through the TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler. Securus limits these to one per month, with each visit lasting up to 60 minutes.

  1. Check the TDCJ Online Visitation Scheduler first - look at the visit types offered to you (including whether “Video/Tablet” appears as an option for the inmate you’re trying to visit).
  2. Decide whether you’re trying to book Securus remote video - if you are, plan to use the vendor site (securustech.net) for account setup and scheduling.
  3. Call the Hobby Unit before you commit to travel or a plan - confirm the inmate is assigned there and has visitation privileges, and verify the current visitation details so you don’t waste a trip.

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