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New Samsung LED TVs to include Skype video and voice calls

Samsung and Skype have announced a partnership that will see Samsung’s LED 7000 and 8000 range of HDTVs for 2010 include embedded Skype software.

To make this possible the HD TV is connected directly to the Internet which then allows consumers to use the built-in Skype software to make 720p HD-quality video and voice calls. Consumers can also use Samsung’s free Internet@TV service which provides access to popular websites.

To use the Skype capabilities, a tailor-made camera is required. Consumers will be able to purchase a low-profile HD-quality camera built by In Store Solutions (ISS) from the Skype shop soon.  Using their remote control, customers can log-in or register for a free Skype account through a Skype interface on the HDTV.

To make 720p HD-quality video calls, Skype recommends a high-speed broadband connection that provides at least 1Mbps download and upload speeds.

As with normal Skype usage, video and voice calls to other Skype users will be free, with relevant charges for calls to landlines and mobiles.

Earlier this year, Skype announced similar partnerships with TV manufacturers LG and Panasonic.  Both are expecting to release Skype-enabled HDTVs mid-2010 along with specially made HD webcams available as separate accessories.

Kevin Kyungshik Lee, Vice President of Visual Display at Samsung Electronics said in a statement:  “We’re thrilled that Samsung’s consumers can now use our TVs to experience the rich video and voice communication that hundreds of millions of Skype users worldwide enjoy.”

The Samsung LED 7000 and 8000 TV range is available now in South Korea but is due to ship to the rest of the world in the first half of this year.