Here's my take on it:
1-) If I'm not mistaken, didn't the lead character (the female reporter) walk outside while her ex watched the video? I believe the viewer is "with" her when she does this . . . the male then acts as if the video did not bother him in the least. Who's to say he wasn't lying, that the phone didn't ring inside the house but he's in "denial" that the legend is real? I could be confusing the American remake with the original on this one, but I'm pretty sure this scene was almost exactly the same in the original. I always figured that just because you (the viewer) didn't *hear* the phone ring did not mean it didn't happen.
I'm not 100% sure on that one, but there's my $.02 for what it's worth. As for your second question, that one's easy . . . .
2-) It doesn't matter whether you are near a TV or not. Sadako will get you when your 7 days is up. Doesn't matter where you are. You can't run. You can't hide. You're still gonna die of fright at the hands of Sadako.
Hope this helps. From a huge fan of both versions,
James
http://members.tripod.com/~NEWMANATOR/index.html