Skype HD delivers 720p videocalling from PCs or HDTVs
Skype has announced that now support for high-definition video calls, via personal computers or HD webcams connected to HDTVs.
The HD support comes in the beta version of Skype version 4.2, which can host 720p HD video at 30 fps. Apparently PC users might have already had it and not known it since they wanted to save the good news for CES this week. (There seems something wrong about that...) Also, no luck for Mac users. Yet.
But the big deal is that Skype users will be able to make HD calls from their living rooms - without their computers. LG and Panasonic have both already signed on to embed Skype into Internet-connected plasma and LCD HDTVs, which will be released some time later this year.
HD webcams are also in the works. Two of those webcams are the FV Touchcam N1 ($99, with microphone) and the FreeTalk HD Pro ($120) or HD Pro Plus ($140), set to sell starting in February and March, respectively.
Personally, I can't live without Skype. It's the only way I can affordably call home to the United States while I'm living abroad. It's simple, easy and I can't wait to see what else they can develop to make telecommunications easier.