Skype goes high-def; “Skype TVs” coming soon

Skype went with the times by upgrading their video-chat capabilities to support 720p HD video chats. The higher resolution is made possible by Skype’s 4.2 beta app, which can support the high-res video streams, although the guy on the other end is going to need a 720p-quality webcam and a 1Mbps internet connection for that to happen. The HD capabilities are currently limited to Windows-based systems, although Mac support should be added with an update soon.

At least two HDTV makers, LG and Panasonic, have said that they’ll be working to put out Skype-supporting TVs that’ll handle the new HD features. The new internet-capable TVs will come with 720p webcams, plus support for voice and video chats, along with the rest of Skype’s features.

Skype HDTVs… These things might be something you’d pick up for your office, although a webcam-packing TV might be too weird at home. The possibilities for highlight “YouTube” moments are endless though—imagine having to answer an urgent conference call during Naked Sundays.

The new beta Skype app is now available for download, while LG and Panasonic’s Skype TVs are expected later this year.