8x8, provider of
Packet8 introduces its next generation consumer videophone solution, a one-of-a- kind broadband phone adapter with a built-in LCD screen that turns any regular home phone into a state-of-the-art, full motion videophone.
The Packet8 Tango Video Terminal Adapter (VTA) takes the concept of traditional analog terminal adapters (ATAs) one step further with the addition of advanced H.264 video, allowing for significantly better video quality compared to H.263 at the same bandwidth. The Packet8 Tango is fully SIP compliant and interoperates with 8x8's previous generation videophone, the Packet8 DV326 as well as its video soft phone, Packet8 Softalk. This sleek-looking 8 1/2" x 5 1/2" x 1.38" free standing device incorporates a built-in, high resolution 5" LCD color display and 180 degree rotating CCD camera to deliver advanced full-motion video at up to 30 frames per second along with crisp, delay-free audio.
"8x8 has pioneered a new product category and added greater functionality to traditional broadband phone adapters with the launch of the Packet8 Tango Video Terminal Adapter," said 8x8 Chairman and CEO Bryan R. Martin. "The Packet8 Tango allows high speed Internet users to plug a standard corded or cordless home telephone into the back of the device and initiate a crystal clear video call to any other Packet8 videophone subscriber, be it a new Tango user, a Packet8 Softalk subscriber or an existing DV326 VideoPhone owner. It is our hope that this sophisticated, sleek-looking new product will escalate consumer interest in videoconferencing while delivering the same flexibility, utility and value inherent in all Packet8 residential and business VoIP offerings."
Key features of the Packet8 Tango include:
- Icon-based Graphic User Interface
- Three-way videoconferencing
- Interoperability with other Packet8 videophone services, including Softalk Basic, Premium and Office softphone
- Built-in router and USB port
- 180 degree rotating CCD camera (250K pixels)
- 5-inch Color TFT-LCD display
- Support CIF (960 x 234 pixels) and QVGA
- External RJ11 FXS port
- Two Ethernet interfaces (1 WAN; 1 LAN)
- 100 number phone book
- 300 number call log
- Caller ID display
- Status icons
- LED indicators (Service, Power, Message & E911 alert)
- Navigation keys (Up, Down, Left, Right, Menu)
- Hot keys (Phonebook, Network Status, Configuration, Settings
- Remote Update Firmware
- Remote surveillance mode
The Packet8 Tango weighs just two lbs. and folds completely flat. A soft neoprene carrying case is also included to further facilitate portability. The device is initially available in removable pearl white and graphite faceplates, though additional faceplate colors are planned for availability in the near future.
The Packet8 Tango will be available during the first quarter of 2007 at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $249.99. The accompanying Packet8 monthly service plan costs $19.99 per month and includes unlimited local and long distance voice calling to any phone in the U.S. and Canada, unlimited worldwide in-network voice and video calling to other Packet8 subscribers and all Packet8 advanced residential calling features.