Packet8 may not be the best-known voice over IP provider around. But the company, which offers a VoIP service that competes with Vonage, is showing off an interesting device here at CES.
Called the Packet8 Tango Video Terminal Adapter, the device is a videophone for consumers. The Tango, which measures 8.5 inches tall by 5.5 inches wide by 1.4 inches deep and weighs 2 pounds, features a 5-inch color LCD.
It connects to your home phone handset and your broadband router or modem via Ethernet. It serves as the ATA necessary to connect to Packet8's VoIP service, which costs $19.95 per month for an unlimited account.
To make a video call, you must first place a voice call though your phone handset--the Tango does not include an audio speaker. Once the call is connected, you can use the Tango to send video to and receive video from your caller.
The camera captures full-motion video at up to 30 frames per second. Video calls can be made between two Tango users, or between one Tango user and a user of Packet8's software-based softphone service, which also offers video calling.
The Tango is scheduled to be available in late February or early March for $250.
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