Skype said Tuesday that its Internet phone service will be included in Panasonic's 2010 VIERA CAST-enabled HD TVs and LG's new LCD and plasma HD TVs with NetCast Entertainment Access. The televisions are expected to be available in the middle of the year.
LG and Panasonic will sell webcams that support the 720p high-definition format and are meant for making video calls with the televisions.
To use the HD conferencing feature, users will need to use the Skype 4.2 beta for Windows along with an HD webcam and a minimum 1/8ghz dual core processor.
Skype said upcoming webcams from faceVision and In Store Solutions, which are slated to be released in February and March, respectively, will support the video calls.
"Imagine being able to see the sparkle of your grandchild’s eyes or the setting of your best friend’s engagement ring," said Skype chief executive Josh Silverman.