A programmable multimedia controller which may be programmed to provide advanced, diverse telephony services including video phone calls, audio and videoconferencing, voicemail, text messaging and answering machine functions among others. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a touchscreen which is interfaced with the multimedia controller may be used as a virtual telephone, intercom or other communication or control device. By displaying a simulated telephone keypad, intercom controls or other appropriate controls on the touchscreen, a user may access both basic and advanced features and functions in a way that is intuitive and familiar. In an alternative embodiment, a simple remote control may be used with a television to enable user access to the same advanced telephony services as with the touchscreen. The programmable multimedia controller may be directly connected with conventional handsets to provided plain old telephone service (POTS) as well private branch exchange (PBX) service.