Get Skype on your TV
In just a few months’ time, you’ll be able to get Skype on your TV – and you can find out more in the video above.
We’re bringing Skype into the living room, so that you can share family moments – celebrating a birthday, organising a holiday or just having a chat with friends on a Sunday evening – all on the big screen.
How will it work?
Thanks to our TV manufacturing partner Panasonic, we’ve been able to embed Skype in the latest generation of internet-connected widescreen HDTVs.
They’ve been tested in our labs in Tallinn, Estonia by our team of engineers to make sure that everything works well together, and once you’ve bought yours, all you’ll need to do is get hold of a TV-ready webcam – developed specially to work with your TV and with Skype.
These webcams include specially-designed microphones which let you make calls from the comfort of your sofa, without having to move closer to the TV or shout*. And the TVs from Panasonic will even allow you to make HD video calls.
We also recommend that you have a 1Mbs symmetric broadband connection for the best possible video experience.
Why Skype-enabled TVs?
We’ve had numerous in-depth conversations with people all around the world about their communication needs – our team of user experience researchers, lead by David Dinka (who features in the video above), identified a desire among people to communicate away from their computers.
Many people we spoke to emphasised to us they want to speak to their friends and family from somewhere comfortable, and preferably make video calls on a big screen. Logically then, we needed to make Skype available on their TV.
When can I get one?
Skype-enabled TVs will be available in spring this year. For now, follow @skypeonyourtv on Twitter for updates, and as they say on TV – stay tuned 
* You’ll need a webcam even if you just want to make voice calls (e.g. to landlines and mobiles) because they contain the extra-special microphones.
Will we ever be able to use skype on our existing televisions thru Roku or a similar devise?
Do you have in plans to create a version for ps3? There are many ps3 users with ps3-eye and it would be great to have the posibilite to use skype with that configurations.
I too am wondering about the possibility of a PS3 version of Skype. It seems like a natural fit to accomplish the same goals of Skype-enabled TVs for those without such hardware, but who do have a PS3.
Yep–Support for PS3 and other gaming platforms is the way to go.
I am not going to buy a new HDTV just to use Skype on it. They are expensive enough as it is. Why not make an add on device to feed into existing HDTVs? Or, an application to load on PS3 or Xbox 360 with a broadband connection?
It would be great if you could get a Skype Plug-In for Windows Media Center. This way you dont have to have a special TV in order to have Skype at your fingertips in your living room.
Please! Go fast with this project!
Whilst this is all very cool, I have to share the obvious question raised by numerous others here as well as on the Sony and Skype forums: you’d instantly reach millions more “early adopter” type users if you enabled skype on the PS3 (and the Xbox 360 for that matter). Sony has already made several pushes of bundled games with the PS Eye = lots of users already have a high def microphone and a good 640×480 camera on top of their TV(!).
References:
http://forum.skype.com/index.php?showtopic=109454
http://boardsus.playstation.com/playstation/board/message?board.id=psnetwork&message.id=456021
Will it Connect wirelessly and via a network cable ?
building the standard version into a digital photo frame would be good !!!!
building the standard version into a digital photo frame would be good !!!!
Skype for PS3! PLEASE!?!
How about a web cam with an output like hdmi, scart, or svideo, that has skype built into it – hard wired- and connects to your router through wifi? just plug the cam into mains, the tv, input your login via wifi and away you go, it could have a some simple function buttons ie login/out away busy, scroll, select. a built in ringer. and alsorts. is this posible?
How about a web cam with an output like hdmi, scart, or svideo, that has skype built into it – hard wired- and connects to your router through wifi? just plug the cam into mains, the tv, input your login via wifi and away you go, it could have a some simple function buttons ie login/out away busy, scroll, select. a built in ringer. and alsorts. is this posible?
I really can’t see why this is not already on the PS3. It’s already on the PSP. I have a Playstation Eye and it seems like this would be perfect way to use Skype.
How many people need to say it before someone makes it happen? Skype on the PS3! I already have a PS3 and a playstation eye. Skype is already on my PSP, what’s the hold up?
@paul.c.shepherd I think Skype is all about giving people what they don’t want. Skype TV is just another example of overpriced hardware made to work with Skype. If you look at all the overpriced phones out there for Skype then it just makes you wonder why that is the case. I’m not sure why we can’t get SIP for end users either. Then we could use a SIP ATA and any standard phone.
I think there is a reason why it’s not going to be on the PS3 and the reason is likely greed.
All fine and good. But there should be a way to sign into skype from any computer (without exe changes) and a way to contact skype with suggestions.
@sk1951 you can suggest things here – or contact our support team.
Skype … PS3 … come on!!!!! How many PS3s are there out there? How many potential customers? How many people are pestering you for this? Demand … supply … any of this aringin’ any bells?
Or maybe we should be talking to Sony?
i just dont understand….SKYPE for my PSP but not my PS3. I dont want to install alternative O/S, ubuntu or YDL, i run YDL on a partition on my laptop & dont see why i would need it on my PS3. my PSP can run skype without resorting to partitions & alternative O/S. OPEN YOUR EYES SONY. I have lots of reasons to love my ps3 : great games, free acess to PSN, it was a great price for a blu ray player when the technology was new,and we got bbc i player now too, its all good but how about some choice re: extra applications / widgets
Everybody is shaking their heads in disbelief at the lack of Skype for PS3. What’s the holdup? Huge installed base of console = huge installed base of ready customers. Skype on TV’s is all well and good, but the uptake of these will be MUCH slower than just chucking out a PS3 client.
C’mon – Skype on the PS3 please!
I very much like new technologies, but why embed Skype into a TV. Why not support PS3 which has a nice affordable camera with a built-in mic?
You already support PSP so it comes natural. If you wanna be successful then you need to listen to your users.
Many companies that do not listen to their users end up wasting lots of energies on unsuccessful products. The message is clear here. Skype on PS3 Now!
Please port Skype to the PS3. I just got my PS3 Eye today, and Skype would be a perfect fit for this system. Sony, meet Skype. Skype, meet Sony. I think you two would make a GREAT couple…
Agreed I have been waiting for Skype on PS3 for the longest of times – I don’t get this, the investment required to provide Skype on the devices mentioned in the Video seems huge, yet it will be a long time before you reach a large audience, especially since we’re probably talking expensive TVs here. The PS3 is out there – lets do this people!
If Skype won’t do it then maybe oovoo, Yahoo, Google, or others will. I love competition. Competition is healthy!
By the way, there’s a Petition to get Skype on PS3. So far, there are 493 signatures:
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/playstationskype
Skype needs to be on the ps3, definitely. I haul my computer downstairs and hook it up to the tv, which is pretty dumb when I’ve got a ps3 right there.
What’s the hold up with skype on the ps3? This seems like a really easy thing to do
Hi there
I have for some time been awaiting Skype capability on the PS3. But it doesnt seem to materialise even though it has been talked about and sought after for ages!
I have a bluetooth mic and pseye for my ps3 (and would even be happy to use my singstar wireless mics!!!) which is crying out for skype use. PS3 chat is all well and good but often the people you play against are not those you socialise with.
I would also be happy to act as UAT user for any trials…
Please bring this functionality to the PS3 as it is not as much fun on your mobile or laptop
Skype, does the company has an official answer why the service is available for the PSP and not the PS3? Any comments?
If it were not just about greed then I think Skype would have already officially answered this. It makes zero sense to make people go out and buy new TVs to do this. However, they must have some sort of deal that keeps them from being able to do this and so that’s why I’m saying that it must have everything to do with greed.
I’m a recent PS3 owner and I was wondering if Skype will be able to be used for the PS3? Is this a Sony question or a Skype question? Also, do you have a official site/blog/feedback for Skype to come on PS3? You should do a massive survey when we log onto Skype cause I’ll vote for it.
I have a question on security. There are number of videos on youtube , showing how easy it is to hack into messengers with webcams , including skype. (See webcam hack) By adding a web cam to your tv, can you say with out a doubt you can insure that the tv webcam , or even the tv’s with built in webcams can’t not be hacked, and allow stranger access to peoples homes, habits , and conversations?
Great guys…BUT!
I am a brazilian connected from Rio, and I am typing from my PS3 now….
Wouldn`t be easier to start with game`s console Like PS3, Xbox and others to be in people`s TV????
I have skype for my PSP, why not for the PS3 yet?
I know is a kind of market and interest decision, but I saw so many people on this page asking for that… I`m sure there are more people with the same question..just to lazy to ask???
I am sure that you from “skype” can do better!!!
Thanks…Muito obrigado!
Maybe this way.
PS3
P = Please
S = Skype
3 = ask it three times
Please Skype, Please Skype, Please Skype
Hi Skypers-
Please release a PS3 client in 2010. Huge installed base, many with PS3 Eyes. You already have a PSP client. This seems like a no-brainer.
Skype for the the PS3. The support is already part of the firmware for the PS3 with UPnP. Its actually quite simple. As far as, the Xbox 360, probably wont happen. You see Microsoft, manufacturer of the 360 has a vested interest in making sure their preinstalled Windows Live Messenger on every 360 gets used. For Microsoft, Skype is actually competitor in this regard. For them to allow a competitor on Xbox 360 would not make much sense. But, hey who knows, the made a deal with Netflix eventhough their own Zune Service offers much of the same programing. So mabye if you throw enough money their way….
Skype for the PS3 would mean I’d get to see my kids more often when I’m away from home
Hi everyone, there are some groups on facebook with the petition for skype on ps3. I don’t know how much that can help but at least we can show our dissagreement…
Skype for ps3 facebook group: join and hopefully it will make a difference! http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=25436434619
Please build PS3 app for Skype. There are so many people who can start using it.
thanks
Skype for Xbox 360 and PS3 is a no-brainer. The hardware on both platforms is strong enough to handle the audio and video. And you’d gain millions of customers overnight.
When will the Skype TV plug-in will be released for Windows Media Center
guys come on, we want skype on our ps3/xbox and we want it 20 minutes ago….
Skype on the PS3 would be verry nice!
SKYPE ON PS3 PETITION: JOIN THIS FACEBOOK GROUP! And invite your PS3 friends to join also!
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=254364346195&ref=ts
Sorry the link above was wrong
Why is there not a plugin that actually works on Windows Media Center Edition, I have seen numerous posts and questions about this going back 4 years.
The only plugin that I know that semi works is mcephone, but they are very limited, only the other side can you but you can not see them.
Will Skype work with Microsoft’s Kinect?
If this is something that I can program or help fund I will, this is a badly needed application to truly make the TV a Complete entertainment center.
Q #1: Does mcePhone support the video feature of Skype?
A: The other person can see your video, if you have video enabled, but you are not yet able to see the other person. Unfortunately, we need to wait for Skype to add a function to their software so that we can access the video and show it in Media Center. Believe us, we have invested vast amount of time to make video possible without waiting for Skype with no luck so far… We keep on pushing this at Skype.
Hi,
Can someone give me a hand with my Samsung TV? I bought a 55C7000 and a freetalk camera but when I’m going to execute skype on internet@tv get a message with “file corrupted” and says that will download application againg but after this message a i got another one with network error due to i have Facebook or twiter working properly on my TV. I have no support from Samsung, neither Skype and this is a 4K USD purchase i haven’t been able to enjoy. Does anyone know how to unistall skype to reinstall again? i have reset it, also with 15 sec exit and … nothing…. thanks in advance.
I have bought LG 42LE5900 especially for Skype feature… but it’s not there!!! Anyone knows when it will be released?
Hi all you Skypers.
Please give us Skype for PS3.
Just want to throw in another vote for skype on ps3.
Thanks guys for a great product!