Video: Trinity Convergence has announced it is working with Skype to add video calling to HDTVs and other connected CE products. The company will showcase the technology at this year’s CES in Las Vegas.
Trinity Convergence developed the Skype video solution to run on Broadcom Corporation’s BCM3549 digital TV system-on-a-chip that will be demonstrated in its hospitality suite in Vegas. The company also announced that it has secured commercial agreements with multiple TV manufacturers.
Skype has introduced a version of its VOIP software to support Skype video calls on PCs in 720p HD, as well as Skype software embedded into internet-connected widescreen televisions from its consumer electronics manufacturer partners. The latest version of Skype for Windows can deliver up to 720p HD-quality video calling at 1280 x 720 resolution, at up to 30 frames per second. To make an HD video call, Skype recommends a high-speed broadband connection, a new HD webcam, a PC with a 1.8 GHz processor and Skype 4.2 Beta for Windows.
CE manufacturers LG and Panasonic announced they will show Skype on their Connected TVs at CES 2010. The VOIP software will be available on four Panasonic Viera plasma- and LCD TVs and 26 new LCD- and Plasma TVs with NetCast Entertainment Access from LG.
LG and Panasonic will sell separate webcams that support the 720p HD format and are meant for making video calls with the televisions.
“Embedding the Skype software in our broadband HDTVs enriches the user experience, allowing consumers to connect with family and friends from the comfort of their family room without a PC,” said Peter Reiner, senior VP, marketing, LG Electronics USA, in a statement.
New HD webcams are due to arrive in early 2010. At CES, two manufacturers, FaceVision and In Store Solutions, introduced new HD webcams that are optimized to work with Skype. “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,” said Josh Silverman, CEO of Skype, in a statement.
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