Skype said it will support video calls on PCs in 720p high definition (HD), as well as Skype software embedded into internet-connected televisions from its consumer electronics manufacturer partners.
According to Skype, the new version of Skype for Windows can offer up to 720p HD-quality video calling at 1280 x 720 resolution, at up to 30 frames per second. Users will need a high-speed broadband connection, a new HD webcam, a PC with a 1.8GHz dual-core processor and Skype 4.2 Beta for Windows to make an HD video call. The new Skype certified HD webcams handle video encoding and processing onboard, removing the need for a high-performance computer to encode the HD video.
faceVsion developed the FV TouchCam N1, a HD encoding webcam optimised for Skype video calling. Two versions of the faceVsion webcam are expected to ship, beginning in February 2010, one with a microphone and one without.
In addition, the HDTVs with Skype offer features including, free Skype-to-Skype voice and video calls; calls to landline or mobile phones; the option to receive inbound calls through a user’s online Skype number; Skype voicemail; and support for up to 720p HD video calls, depending on the availability of high-speed broadband and a HD webcam.
Josh Silverman, CEO of Skype, said: “The popularity of Skype video calling has increased substantially in recent years with an average of 34% of Skype-to-Skype calls now including video.
“For many people who are video calling on Skype, they have expressed a desire to communicate with their friends and family from somewhere comfortable, and preferably on a big screen. Logically, this led to the development of Skype embedded on HDTVs.”
