Skype launches on Viera Panasonic Televisions

Panasonic reconnects family and friends around the world with Skype now available on new VIErA TV range

“

Australian consumers will be able to make Skype video and voice calls from the comfort of their couch following the announcement of the availability of Skype on selected Panasonic 2010 VIErA TVs using the first ever VIErA Skype Camera. An overview of the features are highlighted in the following video:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yVkgTLtjes

Consumers will now be able to use Skype on 2010 VIErA Cast enabled VIErA TVs simply by connecting the VIErA Skype Camera to a TV with a broadband connection. Users can access their existing Skype account and contact list (or create a new account), with the ability to make voice and video calls to other Skype enabled hardware including PC’s, mobile and fixed line phones and other Skype-ready TVs. The Skype service is available on VIErA D25 Series LED LCD TVs, S25 Series LCD TVs, and VIErA VT20 and V20 Series Neo Plasma TVs.

“The introduction of Skype to our online VIErA CAST entertainment portal and the new VIErA Skype Camera allows our customers to continue to take advantage of the outstanding range of new technologies available on VIErA TVs. The ability to make high quality video calls evolves VIErA from being the entertainment hub of the home, to now being the entertainment and communications hub of the home,”
Glenn Zanoni, Product Marketing Manager, TV, Panasonic Australia

The Skype service via VIErA CAST gives users access to regular innovative Skype functionalities, such as the ability to make free Skype-to-Skype voice and video calls to other Skype-enabled hardware, make calls to landlines or mobile phones (at Skype’s low rates), as well as the ability to access Skype voicemail and make voice conference calls with up to 24 other parties. For easy operation, Skype can be accessed and operated via VIErA Cast using the VIErA remote control.

The VIErA Skype Camera is designed for easy mounting on top of the VIErA TV and connects to the VIErA TV via USB. The camera can capture high quality video from a distance up to 5 metres away, and includes 4 unidirectional microphones for clear video and audio calling. VIErA Skype Cameras are sold separately and are available from all major retailers. The VIErA Skype Camera has a recommended retail price of $199.

Compatible TVs from the Panasonic Viera T20 and V20 Series Plasma TV range include the TH-P65VT20A, TH-P58VT20A, TH-P54VT20A and the TH-P50VT20A. Compatible TV’s from the Panasonic VIERA D25 Series LED LCD TVs and S25 Series LCD TV range include the TH-L42D25A, TH-L37D25A, TH-L32D25A, TH-L37S25A and the TH-L32S25A