*How is one supposed to bear the cognitive dissonance
when people are putting contemporary gizmos
into a sci-fi series? Are you supposed to truck
down to the local Big Box Store and buy your
own Martian tripod?
*How about a Batmobile? If Toyota did a
hybrid Batmobile, do you think they'd issue
a press release like this one?
From: [email protected]
Subject: Stargate Sci-Fi Series Features Packet8 Videophone
Date: July 21, 2005 9:44:14 AM CDT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STARGATE SG-1 AND STARGATE ATLANTIS TO FEATURE PACKET8 VIDEOPHONES IN UPCOMING NEW EPISODES
Viewers get chance to win video visits with cast members
in national Stargate/Packet8 VideoPhone Contest
(((In other news, kid cowgirls get to ride
Dale Rogers' horse, 'Buttermilk.'
SANTA CLARA, CA – July 21, 2005 – Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis, two of television's most popular science fiction shows, kicked off their seasons last week with a sleek, new communications device on the set – the Packet8 VideoPhone from voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) and videophone communications service provider 8x8, Inc. (Nasdaq: EGHT).
In addition to featuring the Packet8 VideoPhone during upcoming episodes, Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis will be the center of a national consumer sweepstakes that gives fans an opportunity to win a trip to the Stargate sets along with Packet8 VideoPhones and Freedom Unlimited residential service plans. And as an added bonus, winners will be able to make videophone calls to the set and have video visits with the shows' main characters.
"The Stargate placement is perfect for the Packet8 VideoPhone from both an application and audience demographic standpoint," said 8x8 Vice President of Marketing & Sales Huw Rees.
"We think that when Stargate fans see how great the Packet8 VideoPhone works on their favorite show, they will be motivated to purchase one of their own to feel more connected with the program as well as with their family and friends."
The Packet8/Stargate sweepstakes invites fans to participate by answering a few trivia questions about the Stargate series and submitting an online entry form. Additional contest details can be found at www.packet8.net.
Previously, Packet8 VideoPhones have been placed on the sets of many prime time television shows including: Alias, 24 – The Series, King of Queens, Law & Order SVU, Will & Grace, Stargate Atlantis, Medical Investigation, Eyes, and Navy NCIS. Product Integration and Promotions firm, Eclipse Worldwide, coordinated these appearances, as well as the promotion.
Available direct to consumers at www.packet8.net, the $99 Packet8 VideoPhone is being sold with a two year service plan, which includes unlimited voice and video calls worldwide to another Packet8 VideoPhone as well as unlimited local and long distance voice-only calls to any phone number in the U.S. or Canada. The Packet8 VideoPhone uses a standard broadband internet connection to transmit high quality audio and crisp instant-on video communications. Previous videophone technology has been limited by bandwidth capabilities of the PSTN (public switched telephone network), which hampered the delivery of crisp real-time video images. Because it is based on SIP, an international internet protocol standard, the Packet8 VideoPhone achieves a level of technology and performance sophistication previously not possible.
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MEDIA RELATIONS CONTACT:
Joan Citelli
(408) 687-4320
