US : 8x8, Inc. and Leadtek announced at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) the demonstration of their prototype next generation Packet8 SIP videophone. The 8x8 Desktop Videophone model DV326 is jointly designed and manufactured by Leadtek providing an all-in-one desktop videophone system that includes an integrated camera and LCD display offering plug-and-play, instant-on video communications at up to 30 frames per second when used in conjunction with the Packet8 service. The DV326 is based on SIP, an international Internet protocol standard, comes standard with audio/video IN/OUT, and external microphone IN to enable expanded video conferencing capabilities. Also included are 2 Ethernet pass through ports to assist in boardroom, office and home LAN set-ups without requiring any additional equipment.

The DV326 offers state-of-the art video and audio coding capabilities, in addition the world's only consumer voice and video broadband solution that offers a regular telephone number that can make and receive calls from any regular telephone in the world. With Packet8 service, the DV326 also comes standard with voice mail, caller ID, call forwarding, call waiting, call waiting ID, 3-way calling and other voice broadband features. The DV326 dials other compliant videophones using a regular 10-digit telephone number, and is called via the same user interface as a regular telephone.

"We are proud to be part of such a disruptive technology that will change the way people communicate" said KS Lu, Chairman of Leadtek Research Inc. "The DV326 with Packet8 enables family, friends and businesses instant plug-and-play video calls over broadband that is as easy to use as a regular telephone." concluded Mr. Lu.

"The processor improvements in the DV326 enable it to provide even better video quality than its predecessor, the DV325," said Bryan R. Martin Chairman and CEO of 8x8, Inc. "This type of video quality has never been available as part of a SIP consumer service offering, and similar video quality has only been attainable by spending thousands of dollars on professional room videoconferencing gear," concluded Mr. Martin.

The new unlimited PSTN calling plan is available immediately, and all existing Packet8 subscribers can upgrade to the new plans at no additional charge.

The DV326 is expected to begin shipping with the Packet8 service later this year. Pricing details were not announced at CES.