Well, it really seems that Cisco's purchase of telepresence specialist Tandberg is finally starting to show its results, the networking giant revealing the Cisco ūmi telepresence solution, a first-of-its-kind consumer product that connects to an existing HD television and a broadband internet connection to create a “clear, natural and lifelike” video communications experience.

The Cisco ūmi includes an HD camera, a console and a remote and provides an enhanced level of versatility by automatically adjusting to lighting conditions and various room sizes to provide superior video and audio performance.

Once Cisco ūmi is connected to an HD television and a wired or wireless broadband connection, a remote control provides access to an on-screen user interface, through which users can make ūmi calls, access video messages, manage contacts, and customize their profile and settings.

Users can also record their own ūmi videos, which they can share on Facebook, on YouTube, or via email, and can even keep in touch with people who don't have ūmi by placing and receiving video calls from any computer with a webcam and Google video chat.

"Cisco is bringing people together, driving new video experiences that change the way we communicate, connect, and enjoy entertainment – in the home, at work, and on the go," said John Chambers, chairman and CEO of Cisco.

"Cisco ūmi will bring the unique telepresence experience into living rooms and change the way we are able to be together with family and friends.

We envision a future where technologies like this will play a role in connecting consumers with businesses to enable the delivery of new services, ranging from education, to health care, to financial services – to the home," Mr. Chambers added.  

Cisco ūmi is scheduled to be available for preorder on Oct. 6 and to actually be shipped to consumers on November 14 for the suggested retail price of $599 with a monthly fee of $24.99 for unlimited ūmi calls, video messaging and video storage.