An Austrian undertaker has patented funerals via the Internet.
His company will give people the chance to "virtually" attend funerals, even if they can't be there in person.
They have been able to watch images of the funeral and cremation transmitted from a web-camera to a website accessed by a secret password during a one-month trial.
The head of Pax, Mr Gerhard Bajzek, said: "We are intending this service only for those left behind who cannot make it to the actual funeral."
The ceremony takes place in Pax's private funeral hall, and is filmed via two web-cameras which transmit pictures and sound onto the Internet.
"We make sure this is really discrete, and a password is given out to the relatives who cannot be at the funeral," said Mr Bajzek.
"It's ideal for people who live abroad and don't have the time or money to fly over, and it's very important for them that they can take part in the farewell ceremony for the departed one."
People can also order wreaths to be placed with the casket and see it on the internet.
There have been three online funerals during the trial, two linking up with Germany and one with Canada.
Pax is also planning a "virtual cemetery" with pictures of the deceased and their grave stone. Mourners will be able to place virtual flowers on the grave with a click of their mouse.
PA