Skype video calls take high definition route

Virtually anyone could have seen it coming, but what nobody made much mention of it. I’m talking about the progression of instant messaging. Did you notice how far Skype has come from the time of its release? First from offering IM services to VoIP, technology has finally caught up with our needs (or more like wants), with Skype continuing to lead the revolution in face-to-face online video communication by boasting support for High Definition Skype video calls on computers alongside Skype software that has already been embedded into Internet-connected widescreen TVs from an array of its consumer electronics manufacturer partners. Next thing you know, we’ll be having full High Definition video calls, followed by the next logical step – 3D (isn’t that supposed to be all the rage at CES this year?) More on HD Skype video calls at CES right after the jump.
The latest version of Skype for Windows is able to deliver up to 720p HD-quality video calling at 1,280 x 720 resolution, and at up to 30 frames per second – now how about that! You ought to be able to see your better half in greater clarity, warts and all for a smoother and richer video calling experience. Making an HD video call does require more resources though, where you are required to use a high-speed broadband connection, not to mention purchasing newer hardware in the form of an HD webcam to run with your machine that has at least a 1.8GHz dual-core processor.
Now the question is this – where the heck are you supposed to be able to purchase HD webcams? Fret not dear readers, CES 2010 will be the place where faceVsion and In Store Solutions will roll out new HD webcams from their stable, touting them to be optimized to play nice with Skype. Your processor need not work that hard anymore with these new Skype Certified HD webcams as they will handle the video encoding and processing onboard. The FV TouchCam N1 will be available from faceVsion from February onwards, where you can pick up a model with and without microphone for $99 and $69, respectively. In Store Solutions will release two new HD encoding webcams as well – the FREETALK HD PRO which is going for $120 and the FREETALK HD PRO PLUS that is a wee bit more expensive at $140. Both of these will hit the market in two months’ time.
Press Release