Frequently Asked Questions

What is Packet8 VideoPhone?

Packet8 VideoPhones can be used on any broadband IP-based network (Local Area Network, Wide Area Network, or the public Internet) to deliver near TV-quality full-motion images along with clear, no-delay audio.

A Packet8 VideoPhone supports a wide-range of videoconferencing applications, including family and friends virtual visits, business conferences, telehealth, visual confirmation and video surveillance. From homes to offices to hospitals to warehouses, wherever there's a high speed Internet connection, Packet8 VideoPhone delivers face-to-face communication with loved ones or business associates anywhere in the world.

Why do I need a Packet8 VideoPhone?

In addition to saving you money on phone calls, you need a Packet8 VideoPhone because as research tells us 55% of communication is non-verbal such as gesture, posture, facial expression, etc. When you are calling family or friends, you can get so much more out of your conversation using your eyes as well as your ears. Humans base their feelings and responses, not so much on what someone says as much as what they do. A great deal of miscommunication can be eliminated from telephone calls by adding a visual element.

If you are considering a videophone for business purposes, the importance of good communication and solid understanding is vital to good business relationships and ultimately, the bottom line. We all know it is harder to misconstrue when we are face-to-face with someone. In addition, to saving money on your phone bill and optimizing your high-speed Internet connection, Packet8 VideoPhones will impress your high-priority accounts and create a high-level of customer loyalty.

What are the key Packet8 VideoPhone features?

* Simple plug and play device with SIP standard

* Built-in High Quality Camera

* 5-inch high-resolution LCD display

* Up to 30 frame per second full-motion video (near TV quality)

* Speed dialing

* 100 name & number phone book

* Audio/Video Inputs for external camera

* Audio/Video Outputs for recording or larger screen display

* Privacy Mode to block video transmission

What is Packet8?

Packet8, designed with both the residential and business customer in mind, is an affordable and easy-to-use broadband telephone service. Packet8 allows anyone with high-speed (broadband Cable or DSL) Internet access to use their regular phone to make UNLIMITED calls to and from anywhere in the U.S. and Canada for a low monthly fee. Packet8 subscribers also enjoy the luxury of worldwide UNLIMITED calling to other Packet8 subscribers. Calls to non-Packet8 international numbers (outside the U.S. and Canada) are charged at a unbeatably low per minute rate. For rate information click here.

Setting up and using Packet8 is even easier. Subscribers receive a small adapter that plugs together their regular telephone or a Packet8 VideoPhone with their broadband Internet connection. Then after activating their new account, the subscriber chooses a direct-dial phone number from the 270+ area codes regardless of where they live and then can start making and receiving calls.

All Packet8 accounts feature voice mail, caller ID, call waiting, call waiting caller ID, call forwarding, hold, line-alternate, 3-way conferencing, web access to account controls, and real-time online billing at NO EXTRA COST.

How does Packet8 work?

By taking advantage of a technology called VoIP (voice over internet protocol), high-speed Internet connections and 8x8's expertise in designing videophones, Packet8 is the complete voice and video communication service. 8x8 routes all Packet8 calls over the Internet instead of using the traditional public telephone network. There are no extra numbers to dial, no special instructions to follow and no talking through your computer. Just pick up your phone, hear a dial tone and dial any telephone number as before. Incoming calls ring the same as any phone.

To sum it up, with Packet8 you make and receive calls the same as you always have, but we route your calls more efficiently to save you money. Your phone experience will be identical to what you are used to with the exception of your bill. NO EXTRA CHARGES for features like voicemail, caller ID, call waiting, three way calling, or long-distance calls to anywhere in the U.S., Canada or to other Packet8 subscribers worldwide.

What are the key Packet8 features?

* Voice Mail

* Caller ID

* Call Waiting

* Call Forwarding

* Three Way Calling

* Call Return

* Caller ID Blocking

* Calling to Packet8 Users worldwide

* Keep Your Current Number

* Virtual Phone Numbers

* Toll Free numbers

* 911 Emergency Calling

* Great International Rates

* 30-day Money-Back Guarantee

* Choose Your Own Area Code

* Enhanced Directory Services Calling

What do I need to use Packet8 VideoPhones?

* A high-speed Internet connection (DSL or cable)

* A DSL or cable modem or router with an available Ethernet port

How do I get started?

1) Pick out a calling plan and sign up

2) Order your Packet8 VideoPhone

3) Install your Packet8 VideoPhone

4) Activate your service

And begin enjoying the power of video calls!

How do I install Packet8 VideoPhone?

Packet8 equipment is shipped to you with a default configuration that allows it to be automatically configured with the required network settings using a protocol called DHCP. (Note: As with any computer or network device, not every environment is the same and may require procedures that differ from the default procedures.)

Standard Installation:

The standard installation procedure assumes:

* You have a high-speed internet connection (cable/DSL/other)

* You have a home router or gateway to share your internet connection

* You have DHCP running on your network (most home routers do this, static IP addresses require manual configuration of settings)

1. Install your Packet8 VideoPhone

A. Plug the VideoPhone into your network using a standard Ethernet cable (included)

B. Plug in the power supply (included)

C. Turn on your VideoPhone

2. Activate your Packet8 Account

After completing step 1, you are ready to activate your Packet8 account. You will need a 10-digit activation code which is emailed to you along with the shipping confirmation information.

A. Pick up your telephone handset and dial any phone number

B. Follow the voice instructions and enter your 10-digit code

C. If you have entered a valid code, your account will be activated and your Packet8 phone number will be read back to you. This number can also be found on your account web page.

3. Start making calls!

How do I make a video call?

Call another Packet8 VideoPhone by simply dialing the remote unit's phone number. When the call is answered, you will be connected and be able to see video on the remote side instantly. The videophone can be used to make or receive audio-only calls to and from any type of phone.

How do I connect an external video source?

You simply connect a camera or VCR using an A/V cable (yellow and white ended), plugging into the corresponding audio/video inputs. This allows you to send pre-recorded footage from a camcorder, a digital camera, or a VCR to your caller.

How do I display the video on a larger screen?

You run an A/V cable out of the VideoPhone and plug into the audio/video inputs of a plasma screen, television or projector. To record your video call, run the A/V cable into or through a VCR.

How much do I have to pay?

Packet8 VideoPhone Service Plan:

* $499 for Packet8 VideoPhone, $29.95 activation fee and $29.95 per month with 1 yr. Commitment

* Includes unlimited voice and video calls into the US and Canada

* Includes unlimited voice and video calls worldwide to other Packet8 subscribers

* Early termination $200 fee

Does my Packet8 VideoPhone work with other videophones?

Not at this time.

Why do I have to pay an extra monthly fee to use the Packet8 VideoPhone?

In addition to providing you with a next-generation communication device to make video calls over the Internet, Packet8 VideoPhone functions as a regular telephone as well, able to accept and receive audio POTS (plain old telephone service) calls. Along with this capability is the luxury of being able to make UNLIMITED regular calls to any phone anywhere in the US and Canada as well as international calls for rock bottom prices. Our low monthly fee for UNLIMITED video calls, let alone audio-only calls, is a great deal compared to regular telephone companies as well as our competitors in broadband telephone service.

What kind of accessories can I use with my Packet8 VideoPhone?

* You can use a camcorder, digital camera or VCR in the A/V inputs to transmit pre-recorded material.

* You can use external camera as another video source and toggle between the built in camera and this second camera to give different views to your caller.

* You can use a TV, VCR or plasma screen with the A/V outputs to display the images you are receiving on a larger screen or to record the video call.

* You may wish to purchase a swivel stand to place the VideoPhone on for turning it more easily to face you or others involved in the video call.

Can I videoconference with more than one VideoPhone at a time?

Not at this time.

Can I pre-record an event using my camcorder and then play it over the VideoPhone?

Yes, with a camcorder, digital camera or VCR.

Can I record a video call on to a VCR?

Yes! Use the Audio/Video outputs to your VCR's Audio/Video inputs.

Can I see without being seen on a video call?

Yes, using the privacy mode, a hot-key button on the VideoPhone.

What kind of adjustments can I make to the image I am receiving?

You can adjust the brightness and contrast on the screen, using the dials on top of the display frame. You can also freeze the frame to get a still image. (Audio continues through a freeze frame.)


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Selected Text and Images Are courtesy of Packet8.net