New Videophones: 8x8 Introduces Next Generation of Consumer Videophones; New Set-Top, Desktop and Speakerphone Models Provide Improved Video Quality and Enhanced Ease of Use - Software Review - Evaluation

Edge: Work-Group Computing Report, Jan 11, 1999

At the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, 8x8 -- a leading supplier of multimedia communication technology and systems -- Wednesday introduced the next generation of its popular ViaTV Set-Top and Desktop Videophones, the world's best-selling videophones. These new models incorporate the latest in 8x8's video communication technology to provide markedly improved video quality and a new, graphical user interface.

In addition, 8x8 introduced the new ViaTV Personal Speakerphone, which provides an affordable full-duplex hands-free option for the two new ViaTV Videophones. Like all ViaTV Videophone products, the new ViaTV Videophone models use standard telephone lines to allow people to see each other in real-time, motion video. "With their new cameras, more sophisticated video processing capabilities and a great new user interface, our new ViaTV Videophones will continue to be the best value in video communications products available anywhere," said Keith Barraclough, 8x8's president and COO. "These new models represent a significant enhancement to the original ViaTVs and are clear evidence of 8x8's ability to innovate and to advance state-of-the art visual communications technology." Improvements in the New ViaTV Products The new ViaTV Videophones improve video quality by using a new camera subsystem and enhanced video processing algorithms. The camera delivers sharper images, reduced video noise, and better low-light performance. The new video processing algorithms substantially reduce the distortion caused by compressing video for transmission over standard telephone lines. Furthermore, both the Set-Top and Desktop ViaTV models include new display technologies, improving the image displayed on the screen. The result of these advancements is a sharper, clearer picture and more fluid motion, making the communication experience more lifelike, natural and enjoyable. The next-generation ViaTV Videophones incorporate a colorful new graphical user interface that provides a simple, intuitive means for users to navigate the menu of features. These features have been expanded to include a picture-in-picture display and speed dialing. The ViaTV Videophone Family ViaTV Videophones are designed to bring visual communication to consumers and businesses everywhere with the cost and ease of a normal telephone call. Simply plug a ViaTV Videophone into any analog telephone outlet, connect it to a touch-tone telephone or ViaTV Personal Speakerphone, and you're ready to make a video call. Since ViaTV Videophones use standard telephone lines, a video call costs no more than a "voice-only" phone call, and there are no monthly service or subscription fees. A personal computer is not required, sparing customers the complexity, expense and hassle of configuring hardware and software on a PC. All ViaTV Videophones support the H.324 standard for videophones. ViaTV Videophones offer a broad range of features, but the greatest benefit is the video quality, which, thanks to 8x8's advanced video communications technology, provides the highest level of quality available over standard phone lines. ViaTV Videophones deliver full-screen, full-color motion video at up to 15 frames per second. Customers are also able to select their own preferences by adjusting the picture's resolution and frame rate with a simple, on-screen slide control. The sharper settings allow customers to see objects in greater detail, while the faster settings provide excellent audio/video synchronization for more natural conversations. Other features include picture-in-picture preview so that customers can see themselves in a smaller window within a full-screen display of the image from the other end of the call. The new ViaTV models also have Caller ID display (which requires Caller ID service from the local telephone company), speed dialing, high-resolution snapshot capability, auto answer mode, and electronic pan, tilt and zoom. With its award-winning industrial design, the Desktop Videophone looks equally at home on an executive's desk or in the kitchen or den. Incorporating a digital video camera and a 4-inch active-matrix liquid crystal display (LCD) in an elegant housing, the Desktop Videophone is the most highly integrated of 8x8's ViaTV line. It connects directly to a standard telephone line and uses a standard touch-tone telephone as its audio and control interface. The optional ViaTV Personal Speakerphone can be used in place of the telephone for hands-free operation. Like the Desktop model, the Set-Top Videophone incorporates a high-quality digital video camera, but uses any regular television for its display. Because the image is as large as the TV into which the videophone is connected, the Set-Top Videophone is ideal both for long-distance family get-togethers and for extremely affordable business conferencing. The ViaTV Personal Speakerphone connects to either of the two new ViaTV Videophones, providing full-duplex hands-free operation. The Personal Speakerphone includes a touch-tone keypad to allow customers to dial a call, so a touch-tone telephone is not required when using the Personal Speakerphone with a ViaTV. The Personal Speakerphone incorporates 8x8's advanced acoustic echo cancellation technology to provide natural, echo-free conversations. With these advanced audio processing capabilities, the ViaTV Personal Speakerphone delivers full-duplex audio, which is normally found on dedicated speakerphones costing several hundreds of dollars more. In addition, the Personal Speakerphone has dedicated buttons to control a range of videophone functions, including the adjustable quality settings, speed dial menu, and high-resolution snapshot feature, making it even easier to operate a ViaTV Videophone. Price and Availability The MSRP for the new ViaTV Desktop Videophone (vc160) is $699. The new ViaTV Set-Top Videophone (vc110) has an MSRP of $499. The MSRP of the ViaTV Personal Speakerphone (sp12) is $129. All three products are expected to be available in April 1999 via 8x8's retailers and distributors. A leading manufacturer of multimedia communication systems, semiconductors and software, 8x8, Inc. is committed to providing both businesses and consumers with a more complete way of communicating. From high-performance digital telephony processors to affordable videophones, 8x8's products offer a full range of video communications and telephony solutions. The company is headquartered in Santa Clara, California. FMI: 888-VIEW-8X8 or http://www.8x8.com. For European sales, contact 8x8's London office at 8x8, Ltd., Harleyford Estate, Marlow, Bucks, SL7 2DX England, 011-44-1628-402800, fax 011-44-1628-402829.