Packet8 has begun shipping its recently introduced Packet8 Video Terminal Adapter, 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 takes the concept of traditional analog terminal adapters 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.

"The Packet8 Tango VTA received rave reviews during its debut at the 2007 Consumer Electronics Show," said 8x8 Vice President of Marketing & Sales Huw Rees. "8x8's goal in developing this device was to create a very stylized, consumer friendly product that delivers outstanding video communications at an affordable price. Additionally, by enabling users to plug their regular home phone into the device and make voice-only Internet calls as well as video calls, we expanded the functionality beyond that of competitive 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 and Office softphone
• Built-in router and USB port
• 180 degree rotating 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 1.5 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 is currently available at http://www.packet8.net for $249.99. The accompanying Packet8 monthly phone service plan costs $24.99 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.