Skype Now Live On Panasonic And Samsung HDTVs

True to their promise, select Panasonic and Samsung HDTVs are now Skype-enabled, allowing users to make voice and video calls using their HDTV.

As of this month, viewers can now enjoy Skype on Panasonic VT25, VT20, G25 and G20 plasma models as part of the Viera Cast interactive suite. The VT25 and VT20 Viera models offer full 3D capability and WiFi access while the G25 and G20 series offer 1080p resolution and a THX certified display.

On Samsung, Skype is being offered on the C7000 and C8000 series – both LED TVs, though the C8000 offers local dimming and the C7000 is edge-lit. The C8000 series is also 3D-ready and comes with Samsung’s new innovative touchscreen remote control.

In order to avail of the service, though, users will have to buy a special webcam. The one for Panasonic is available from its official site and US retail stores for a price of $170 while the one for Samsung, made by Freetalk, can be bought at the Skype Shop for $150.

Panasonic was the first to partner up with Skype, making the announcement back in January during the CES, while Samsung promised its HDTVs would be embedded with the same feature in February.

LG also announced the Skype feature last January and is said to offer it in 26 LCD and plasma models later this year.