Comcast to Bring Skype to TVs

PHILADELPHIA/LUXEMBOURG: Comcast Corporation and Skype have entered into a partnership to bring the HD video-calling experience to the television.

Comcast customers will soon be able to make and receive Skype video calls from their TVs. They can also send instant messages via Skype on television, while also watching TV at the same time. Users can import friends to their address book from their Facebook, Outlook, Gmail and smartphone contact lists, find them on Skype and see when contacts are online and available to talk.

The service will be delivered on the Comcast customer’s HD TV through an adaptor box, a high-quality video camera, and a specially designed remote control that enables customers to text on Skype as well as control their television. The other calling party does not need any special equipment beyond what is already needed to use Skype.

“Our unique relationship with Skype not only will change how our customers interact with their TV, but also will create new and meaningful ways to bring our customers closer to the people they care about,” said Neil Smit, the president of Comcast Cable. “TV has evolved into a social experience, and Comcast and Skype will be delivering a product that personalizes the TV experience even more, and brings friends and family together through the biggest screen in their homes.”

Tony Bates, the CEO of Skype, added, “We are pleased to announce this partnership with Comcast. By combining Comcast’s broad living-room reach with Skype’s innovative communications platform and worldwide community of users, we can bring video calling into the heart of the home allowing people to share life’s experiences both big and small.”