Panasonic launches Skype for 2010 VIERA Cast TVs
By Donald Melanson 
posted May 18th 2010 1:56PM
posted May 18th 2010 1:56PM
We managed to get an early look at Panasonic's TV-friendly implementation of Skype back at CES in January, but the company has just now finally activated the app on all of its 2010 VIERA Cast-enabled TVs (including the VT25, VT20, G25, and G20 Series). To take advantage of it, however, you'll also have to shell out $170 for Panasonic's TY-CC10W webcam, which supports both VGA and 720p video, and packs four unidirectional microphones, an echo canceling system, and some beam-forming technology that promises to deliver clear audio over a typical TV viewing distance of three to four meters. Head on past the break for the complete press release, as well as Panasonic's requisite old-people-don't-get-technology ad for the TVs.
Panasonic and Skype Go Live With Voice and Video Calling on 2010 VIERA CAST-Enabled HDTV Models
Panasonic's Skype-enabled Communication Camera Now Available at Retail
SECAUCUS, N.J., May 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Panasonic, a worldwide leader in High Definition technology and built-in TV web entertainment, and Skype, today announced the activation of Skype™ on your VIERA® on 2010 Panasonic VIERA CAST™ enabled HDTVs as well as the availability of Panasonic's Skype-enabled communication camera (TY-CC10W). The collaboration with Skype, a leading provider of Internet communications software, was announced in January at the International Consumer Electronics Show.
The addition of Skype to Panasonic's VIERA CAST IPTV(1) offerings allows owners of 2010 VIERA CAST-enabled Panasonic VIERA Plasma HDTVs (VT25, VT20, G25, and G20 Series) to make voice and video calls to family and friends(2) from the their living rooms directly through their Panasonic VIERA HDTV using Panasonic's Skype-enabled camera(3) (TY-CC10W) which is sold separately (SRP $169.95).
"Adding Skype to Panasonic's VIERA CAST IPTV offerings takes the role of the television to whole new level for consumers," said Henry Hauser, Vice President, Panasonic Display Group. "Panasonic's VIERA CAST-enabled HDTVs have truly become the hub of communication and connectivity in the consumer household enabling users to talk live via video to their family and friends right from the comfort of their couch."
"Panasonic prides itself on listening to our customers and when talking to them about enhancements to our VIERA CAST offerings, Skype was prominently mentioned," said Hauser. "Panasonic is extremely pleased to work with Skype to deliver this unique, high-value feature to VIERA owners."
"A family can now simply turn on their TV set, gather together on the couch, and talk to loved ones face-to-face. It's easy to use and is now available for the masses thanks to a strategic collaboration between Skype and Panasonic," said Jonathan Christensen, general manager of Skype Platform. "Launching TVs that are Skype-enabled with Panasonic is a big milestone for us, and part of our strategy to deliver Skype beyond desktop and laptop computers."
The launch of Skype on your VIERA on 2010 Panasonic VIERA CAST-enabled HDTVs will also be supported as part of Panasonic's new VIERA HDTV advertising campaign. The Skype on your VIERA television ad is expected to air beginning in early June on local Network TV, national Cable TV and DirecTV. For a sneak peek at the ad, please visit http://www.youtube.com/panasonicusvideos.
Skype on your VIERA® delivers many familiar Skype features including:
* Free Skype-to-Skype voice and video calls
* Calls to landline or mobile phone at Skype's low rates
* The option to receive inbound calls via a user's online Skype number
* Skype voicemail (set-up required)
* Being invited to participate in voice conference calls with up to 24 other parties
With more than 560 million registered users, Skype is well known for providing free voice and video calling for people on Skype around the world. Calling on Skype now accounts for 12 percent of the world's international calling minutes according to TeleGeography.
Skype on your VIERA, in addition to providing a larger screen, gives the user the benefit of high definition video at up to 1280x720 resolution at a maximum frame rate of 22 fps. Skype on your VIERA also features VIERA CAST's easy-to-use GUI that is operable from the TV's remote.
The Panasonic TY-CC10W Skype-enabled camera is the only camera that enables access to Skype on your VIERA video calling features. The camera features four unidirectional microphones, echo canceling system, and audio processing for collecting voices in the living room environment. The camera also features beam-forming technology to record clear audio over typical TV viewing distances of 3-4 meters. The TY-CC10W delivers a wide viewing angle, making it possible for more people to take advantage of the Skype application. The camera plugs in to VIERA CAST-enabled 2010 Panasonic VIERA HDTVs via a USB port. To further increase the versatility of the camera it can either be placed in the center on top of the VIERA HDTV or the camera's stand can be used to place it on a table or wherever the user would like to place the device.
VIERA CAST, Panasonic's proprietary IPTV functionality, enhanced the user experience for 2010 by adding USB connectivity, allowing for the addition of a wireless LAN adaptor, keyboard and USB memory. With the continuation of such favorite entertainment sites as Amazon Video-on-Demand™, YouTube™, Google's Picasa™ Web Album, Bloomberg and a weather service, VIERA CAST for 2010, in addition to the inclusion of Skype on your VIERA service, provides the consumer with access to such targeted sites as Netflix™, Pandora, Twitter and Fox Sports. VIERA CAST requires no external box or PC. VIERA CAST is accessed via a single button on the television remote control and there is no fee to use the VIERA CAST functionality (some VIERA CAST services such as VOD have a separate fee structure).
About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company (PCEC), a market and technology leader in High Definition television, is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Panasonic is pledged to practice prudent, sustainable use of the earth's natural resources and protect our environment through the company's Eco Ideas programs. Information about Panasonic products is available at www.panasonic.com. Additional company information for journalists is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.
About Skype
Skype is software that enables the world's conversations. Millions of individuals and businesses use Skype to make free video and voice calls, send instant messages and share files with other Skype users. Everyday, people everywhere also use Skype to make low-cost calls to landlines and mobiles. Download Skype to your computer or mobile phone at skype.com.
(1) Access to a broadband Internet connection is required. Panasonic's TV webcam (TY-CC10) is required for Skype video functionality and sold separately.
(2) Skype is not a replacement for traditional telephone service and cannot be used for emergency calling. Skype, associated trademarks and logos and the "S" symbol are trademarks of Skype Limited.
(3) Only Panasonic's proprietary Skype-enabled communication camera (TY-CC10W) can be used to access Skype on your VIERA video calling features.
SOURCE Panasonic
Panasonic's Skype-enabled Communication Camera Now Available at Retail
SECAUCUS, N.J., May 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Panasonic, a worldwide leader in High Definition technology and built-in TV web entertainment, and Skype, today announced the activation of Skype™ on your VIERA® on 2010 Panasonic VIERA CAST™ enabled HDTVs as well as the availability of Panasonic's Skype-enabled communication camera (TY-CC10W). The collaboration with Skype, a leading provider of Internet communications software, was announced in January at the International Consumer Electronics Show.
The addition of Skype to Panasonic's VIERA CAST IPTV(1) offerings allows owners of 2010 VIERA CAST-enabled Panasonic VIERA Plasma HDTVs (VT25, VT20, G25, and G20 Series) to make voice and video calls to family and friends(2) from the their living rooms directly through their Panasonic VIERA HDTV using Panasonic's Skype-enabled camera(3) (TY-CC10W) which is sold separately (SRP $169.95).
"Adding Skype to Panasonic's VIERA CAST IPTV offerings takes the role of the television to whole new level for consumers," said Henry Hauser, Vice President, Panasonic Display Group. "Panasonic's VIERA CAST-enabled HDTVs have truly become the hub of communication and connectivity in the consumer household enabling users to talk live via video to their family and friends right from the comfort of their couch."
"Panasonic prides itself on listening to our customers and when talking to them about enhancements to our VIERA CAST offerings, Skype was prominently mentioned," said Hauser. "Panasonic is extremely pleased to work with Skype to deliver this unique, high-value feature to VIERA owners."
"A family can now simply turn on their TV set, gather together on the couch, and talk to loved ones face-to-face. It's easy to use and is now available for the masses thanks to a strategic collaboration between Skype and Panasonic," said Jonathan Christensen, general manager of Skype Platform. "Launching TVs that are Skype-enabled with Panasonic is a big milestone for us, and part of our strategy to deliver Skype beyond desktop and laptop computers."
The launch of Skype on your VIERA on 2010 Panasonic VIERA CAST-enabled HDTVs will also be supported as part of Panasonic's new VIERA HDTV advertising campaign. The Skype on your VIERA television ad is expected to air beginning in early June on local Network TV, national Cable TV and DirecTV. For a sneak peek at the ad, please visit http://www.youtube.com/panasonicusvideos.
Skype on your VIERA® delivers many familiar Skype features including:
* Free Skype-to-Skype voice and video calls
* Calls to landline or mobile phone at Skype's low rates
* The option to receive inbound calls via a user's online Skype number
* Skype voicemail (set-up required)
* Being invited to participate in voice conference calls with up to 24 other parties
With more than 560 million registered users, Skype is well known for providing free voice and video calling for people on Skype around the world. Calling on Skype now accounts for 12 percent of the world's international calling minutes according to TeleGeography.
Skype on your VIERA, in addition to providing a larger screen, gives the user the benefit of high definition video at up to 1280x720 resolution at a maximum frame rate of 22 fps. Skype on your VIERA also features VIERA CAST's easy-to-use GUI that is operable from the TV's remote.
The Panasonic TY-CC10W Skype-enabled camera is the only camera that enables access to Skype on your VIERA video calling features. The camera features four unidirectional microphones, echo canceling system, and audio processing for collecting voices in the living room environment. The camera also features beam-forming technology to record clear audio over typical TV viewing distances of 3-4 meters. The TY-CC10W delivers a wide viewing angle, making it possible for more people to take advantage of the Skype application. The camera plugs in to VIERA CAST-enabled 2010 Panasonic VIERA HDTVs via a USB port. To further increase the versatility of the camera it can either be placed in the center on top of the VIERA HDTV or the camera's stand can be used to place it on a table or wherever the user would like to place the device.
VIERA CAST, Panasonic's proprietary IPTV functionality, enhanced the user experience for 2010 by adding USB connectivity, allowing for the addition of a wireless LAN adaptor, keyboard and USB memory. With the continuation of such favorite entertainment sites as Amazon Video-on-Demand™, YouTube™, Google's Picasa™ Web Album, Bloomberg and a weather service, VIERA CAST for 2010, in addition to the inclusion of Skype on your VIERA service, provides the consumer with access to such targeted sites as Netflix™, Pandora, Twitter and Fox Sports. VIERA CAST requires no external box or PC. VIERA CAST is accessed via a single button on the television remote control and there is no fee to use the VIERA CAST functionality (some VIERA CAST services such as VOD have a separate fee structure).
About Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company
Based in Secaucus, N.J., Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company (PCEC), a market and technology leader in High Definition television, is a Division of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the principal North American subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) and the hub of Panasonic's U.S. marketing, sales, service and R&D operations. Panasonic is pledged to practice prudent, sustainable use of the earth's natural resources and protect our environment through the company's Eco Ideas programs. Information about Panasonic products is available at www.panasonic.com. Additional company information for journalists is available at www.panasonic.com/pressroom.
About Skype
Skype is software that enables the world's conversations. Millions of individuals and businesses use Skype to make free video and voice calls, send instant messages and share files with other Skype users. Everyday, people everywhere also use Skype to make low-cost calls to landlines and mobiles. Download Skype to your computer or mobile phone at skype.com.
(1) Access to a broadband Internet connection is required. Panasonic's TV webcam (TY-CC10) is required for Skype video functionality and sold separately.
(2) Skype is not a replacement for traditional telephone service and cannot be used for emergency calling. Skype, associated trademarks and logos and the "S" symbol are trademarks of Skype Limited.
(3) Only Panasonic's proprietary Skype-enabled communication camera (TY-CC10W) can be used to access Skype on your VIERA video calling features.
SOURCE Panasonic
are those people wax figures?
@nicholasphan
That's what i was wondering. Also, why do these people even need to communicate like this? They're right next to each other, lol.
Show us on the doll where he touched you?
He touched me here...and here.
@Boyo
I almost just spit out my coffee! Lol
This actually seems cool. Larger screen than your PC monitor and you can use it from the couch instead of moving to a desktop (or plopping down a laptop). Keep your television/dvd watching/skype all within reach from the couch. I'm liking what I see.
Now I'm sure there will be some that don't want to pay $170 for the added camera because "it should be included" but the fact is you WILL pay for it somewhere. Either the cost is built into the up front price or you buy it separate.
Unidirectional mic = échouer.
buy a picture of eiffel tower and boom, i'm in paris.
1. buy tv
2. buy eiffel poster
3. launch skype
4. ?????
5. PROFIT!
That's a funny commercial. Super Bowl quality.
That was a pretty funny commercial though. He was always the slow one LMAO
available from the panny epp site for $143.
@nsfw
So I have an older 58" Panny Plasma Display....I would like to buy the Camera and app, but am not buying a new screen....How about getting this to run through my PS3 or Wii????
@ron88698
I already have Skype (and everything else) piped to my 60" Kouro and to a 36" Sony LCD TV , all its necessary is some HTPCs connected to your chosen screen(s).
And possibly to a reliable NAS too, but that's got nothing to to with Skype
@Plexus Right, I've got that through my Mac Mini just the same, but this will be a lot higher resolution and better mic setup. Even your logictech quickcam pro you can only get skype HQ. Skype High Quality Video isn't quite 1280x720 or even 1920x1080, but it is a very respectable 640x480 (VGA) resolution at 30fps. This Panasonic solution will get you 1280x720 22fps.
Or Wii Wii?
Shame, the timezone goes straight through their house.
I seriously doubt this new cam will work with anything except the new 2010 Pannys. But wait.. does ps3 or wii have skype?
@nsfw PS3 doesn't do skype. Although it would be a good idea if they added that function since they're planning on trying to sell some PS Move objects this upcoming fall.
Why does the family act so weird, while the old guy acts normal (aside from the remote to his head)
They have a completely blue house, living in the dark with a few lights on, and a family who look lifeless, just sitting there smiling, while the older parents are up and about, lit room, looks normal.
Is this a sneek peek at the "Taken 2" trailer?
Not surprsingly, the French man doesn't realize that he's actually in the same room...
Too bad this won't work on my 2008 Panny with VieraCast. Damn you Panasonic, damn you!
Spaceship Earth!
That's from the ride in the Epcot Center at Disney World. It's all about technology through the ages. They're part of the future tech.
So yeah, the creepy french guy is actually fake.
it will be perfected by 2015...
http://70.85.195.205/images2/fleawithfox.jpg
Stupid grandpa! ruined good moment :\
Should I feel bad that I tried to answer my Skype when I heard that go off?
Isn't that Plasma 3D capable?
Why isn't the camera and the skype 3D capable also?
Cool! In the future we won't even have to leave the computer to communicate with our family, even if they're in the same room.
Pauly Shore lives in Paris?