Skype Supports 720p HD Video Calls on PCs and Embeds Skype Software into Internet-connected TVs

Skype announces
support for Skype video calls on PCs in 720p HD, as well as Skype software embedded
into Internet-connected widescreen televisions from its consumer electronics manufacturer
partners.

High Definition Skype Video Calling

The latest version of Skype for Windows can deliver up to 720p HD-quality video calling
at 1280 x 720 resolution, at up to 30 frames per second, giving individuals an even
smoother and richer video calling experience. To make an HD video call, users will
need a high-speed broadband connection, a new HD webcam, a PC with a 1.8 GHz dual-core
processor and Skype 4.2 Beta for Windows.

New HD webcams are due to arrive in early 2010. At CES, faceVsion and In Store Solutions
introduced new HD webcams that are optimized to work with Skype. In order to make
HD video calling available to as many people as possible, the new Skype Certified
HD webcams handle the video encoding and processing onboard, removing the need for
a high-performance computer to encode the HD video.

faceVsion developed the FV TouchCam N1, an HD encoding webcam optimized for Skype
video calling. Two versions of the faceVsion webcam will ship, beginning in February
2010: one with a microphone ($99) and one without ($69). In Store Solutions introduced
two new HD encoding webcams, the FREETALK® HD PRO ($120) and FREETALK HD PRO PLUS
($140), which will be available in March 2010. Both the faceVsion and FREETALK webcams
will be available for purchase online via the Skype Shop.

Skype-enabled Televisions

Skype is already renowned for popularizing video calling and bringing people closer
together through rich, real-time communication. With Skype embedded into Internet-connected
HDTVs, the company is creating a new experience that will allow people to communicate
from the comfort of their living rooms.

The new HDTVs will deliver familiar Skype features including:

• Free Skype-to-Skype voice and video calls
• Calls to landline or mobile phones at Skype’s low rates
• The option to receive inbound calls via a user’s online Skype number
• Skype voicemail, if it is set up
• Being invited to participate in voice conference calls with up to 24 other parties
• Support for up to 720p HD video calls, depending on the availability of high-speed
  broadband and a HD webcam

At CES, Skype announced partnerships with LG and Panasonic to offer Skype–enabled
HDTVs. Skype software will be embedded into Panasonic’s line of 2010 VIERA CAST-enabled
HDTVs and LG’s 26 new LCD and plasma HDTVs with NetCast Entertainment Access. Both
lines are expected to be available in mid-2010. Both LG and Panasonic will offer specially-designed
HD webcams that are optimized for Skype video calls as separate accessories that can
be plugged into the televisions. These webcams support 720p HD and include special
microphones and optics that can pick up sound and video from a couch-distance.

Skype recommends uninterrupted high-speed broadband of at least 1 Mbps symmetrical
bandwidth to achieve 720p HD-quality video calls on either a PC or television.

For more information about Skype-enabled televisions, please visit skype.com/go/tv or
view a demonstration during CES at the Panasonic (Central 9405) or LG (Central 8205)
booths. Further details, multimedia, and partner press releases are also available
at our
virtual press office on the CES website.