EGHT news release no. 2: January 06, 1999 08:16
8x8 Introduces Next Generation of Consumer Videophones; New
Set-Top, Desktop and Speakerphone Models Provide Improved Video
Quality and Enhanced Ease of Use
CES99
LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 6, 1999--At the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las
Vegas, 8x8 (Nasdaq:EGHT) -- a leading supplier of multimedia communication technology and systems --
today 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.
About the ViaTV Desktop Videophone (model vc160)
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.
About the ViaTV Set-Top Videophone (model vc110)
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.
About the ViaTV Personal Speakerphone (model sp12)
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.
About 8x8
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 at 2445 Mission
College Blvd., Santa Clara, California 95054. For more information, call toll free 888-VIEW-8X8 or visit
8x8's Web site at 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.
This press release contains forward-looking statements. 8x8's actual results may differ materially from the
results discussed, implied or forecasted in the forward-looking statements due to factors including in
particular a history of losses, uncertainty of future profitability, potential fluctuation in future operating
results, dependence on key customers, the uncertainty of market acceptance of videophones, the limits
of existing videophone technology, rapid technological change, compliance with industry standards,
dependence on key personnel, dependence on new product introduction, current and potential competition
and the need for additional capital. Further information on these and other factors that could affect the
actual results of 8x8 are included in 8x8's Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30,
1998, which is on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 8x8 assumes no obligation to revise
or update any forward-looking statements contained in this press release.
8x8, the 8x8 logo, ViaTV, and the ViaTV logo are trademarks of 8x8, Inc. All other trademarks are the
property of their respective owners.
CONTACT: 8x8, Inc.
Scott St. Clair, 408/727-1885
scottsc@8x8.com
or
Technology Solutions
Donna Austi, 212/320-2288
dausti@tsipr.com
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