LG and Panasonic have announced TVs that will incorporate Skype’s videoconferencing technology.
The TVs will not only embed the software, but will also incorporate webcams optimized for Skype, as well as an Internet connection, of course.
Both TV makers expect to commercialize their Skype TVs by mid-year.
Skype software will be embedded into Panasonic’s line of 2010 Viera Cast-enabled HDTVs and LG’s 26 new LCD and plasma HDTVs with NetCast Entertainment Access.
The new webcams support 720p HD and include special microphones and optics that can pick up sound and video from a couch-distance, Skype said.
Skype said it recommends uninterrupted high-speed broadband of at least 1 Mbps symmetrical bandwidth to achieve 720p HD-quality video calls on either a PC or television.
