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.
ruthie.white07 commented Tuesday, Jan 5
Will we ever be able to use skype on our existing televisions thru Roku or a similar devise?
josemarirj commented Tuesday, Jan 5
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.
kyleplarson commented Tuesday, Jan 5
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.
gmontague commented Tuesday, Jan 5
Yep--Support for PS3 and other gaming platforms is the way to go.
redtetrahedron commented Wednesday, Jan 6
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?
m_odonovan commented Wednesday, Jan 6
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.
andersja commented Tuesday, Jan 12
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 640x480 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
jaydonny commented Friday, Jan 15
building the standard version into a digital photo frame would be good !!!!
jaydonny commented Friday, Jan 15
building the standard version into a digital photo frame would be good !!!!
jossbenyon commented Friday, Jan 15
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?
jossbenyon commented Friday, Jan 15
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?
ddevil321 commented Saturday, Jan 16
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.
paul.c.shepherd commented Sunday, Jan 17
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?
ddevil321 commented Sunday, Jan 17
@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.
sk1951 commented Tuesday, Jan 19
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.
Peter Parkes commented Friday, Jan 22
@sk1951 you can suggest things here – or contact our support team.
nsuffield commented Saturday, Jan 30
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?
herbal_jim commented Thursday, Feb 4
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
duncan.innes commented Thursday, Feb 4
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!
randaca commented Sunday, Feb 7
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!
syahres commented Thursday, Feb 11
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...
mmoerman commented Sunday, Feb 14
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!
samhk03 commented Sunday, Feb 14
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:
pjargon commented Tuesday, Feb 16
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
rebusrahman commented Wednesday, Feb 17
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
harrypujols commented Thursday, Feb 25
Skype, does the company has an official answer why the service is available for the PSP and not the PS3? Any comments?
ddevil321 commented Sunday, Feb 28
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.
sony80701 commented Friday, Mar 26
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.
blue_eyed_angel_of_mercy commented Saturday, Mar 27
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?
kleyton.macedo commented Monday, Apr 5
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!
nictravel commented Friday, Apr 9
Maybe this way.
PS3
P = Please
S = Skype
3 = ask it three times
Please Skype, Please Skype, Please Skype
brian.dean.taylor commented Sunday, Apr 11
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.
nicolas.stevenson commented Friday, Apr 23
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....
yann_bouckaert commented Wednesday, May 12
Skype for the PS3 would mean I'd get to see my kids more often when I'm away from home
elemperador01 commented Friday, May 14
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...
dj_siek commented Wednesday, May 19
Skype for ps3 facebook group: join and hopefully it will make a difference! http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=25436434619
mmbutt commented Sunday, May 30
Please build PS3 app for Skype. There are so many people who can start using it.
thanks
rtm135 commented Thursday, Jun 10
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.
sergiooliveira2007 commented Wednesday, Jun 16
When will the Skype TV plug-in will be released for Windows Media Center
gordonbennett commented Wednesday, Jun 16
guys come on, we want skype on our ps3/xbox and we want it 20 minutes ago....
dj_siek commented Tuesday, Jun 29
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
mikel.miller commented Thursday, Jul 15
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.
mariofherreras commented Sunday, Aug 8
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.
greg811 commented Wednesday, Aug 11
I have bought LG 42LE5900 especially for Skype feature... but it's not there!!! Anyone knows when it will be released?
laloonies commented Friday, Aug 27
Just want to throw in another vote for skype on ps3.
Thanks guys for a great product!
russ.seligman commented Wednesday, Sep 1
I wrote LG a few weeks ago and asked about Skype on the Infinia line of TVs. This is their response:
We apologize that the implementation of Skype capability is taking longer than expected. We anticipate that this new service will be available on LG HDTVs in late October. We appreciate your patience.
garthndee commented Saturday, Sep 4
This is a great idea from Skype. Would love to skype from my TV, without having to boot up the noisy PC everytime. No missed calls as I'm sure it will sound even when you are watching a program and notify you when a contact comes online. However what about people that do not have a skype enabled TV like me, I have a Sony Bravia HDTV. Could this Skype feature become available to download to the TV's software as an update? If it is not possible to ever do this then I think Skype should make a universal chipset devise that connects via LAN cable or Wifi. USB for any wecam. HDMI and DVI for TV. And a remote controll with all the basic fuctions. They can call it the 'Skype Box' Yeah!
stevegarvey commented Tuesday, Oct 19
Please please please bring Skype to the PS3! It would be supremely useful. For the millions of PS3 owners it makes such sense... it would be already setup in one's living room connected to a decent sized screen and a nice comfy sofa from which to Skype family and friends. Please!
stevenatherton commented Tuesday, Nov 2
hi ive bought the pana tv and the pana camera that sits on the top but it doent work properly is there a help desk somewhere or a tel number there is camera sometimes some times not ,some times audio sometimes not i have neverhad cam and audio on both at the same time
stephen32123 commented Monday, Nov 8
I have been trying since June when i bought a LG television to watch skype on. I have several pages of information stating that skype will be on the LG television. I made several complaints to LG even their Customer service agents say i have been treated appalingly. They kept promising that the dongle is the problem and that when it arrives i would be able to get skype. This is rubbish the tv i have cannot ever get skype as it does not have netcast. even though it was advertised that it did. LG and Currys/ dixond dont know what is going on Dixons are now having the TV back at full replacement cost. But hey there was an LG rep there who said LG will necev have skype on their TVs due to the cost even if you have net cast .......SO DONT BUT AN LG television expecting it to get skype IT WONT.
tferoli commented Tuesday, Nov 16
I would also love to see Skype come to my Playstation 3, if this happened, then I might actually use it. What would be better then Skype on your TV???
tferoli commented Tuesday, Nov 16
Pushing 1000 signatures on petition to get Skype on PS3.
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/playstationskype/signatures
leonid.ovchinnikov commented Wednesday, Nov 17
Yes, please make a Skype application for PS3 already !
sizzletom commented Monday, Nov 22
I echo everyone else, I'd like to see this on the Xbox. However, apparently Microsoft are really bitchy about utilizing apps for free services on their console.
I know BBC had a spat with them putting the iPlayer on there, as Microsoft wanted to make it available for Xbox Live Gold subscribers only, which meant it wouldn't be a free service in the first place.
However, I guess if Skype can get past that, then I'm sure there'd be no problem.
danielntx commented Thursday, Dec 9
It's finally available on TV. I got it on my LG but you need the LG AN-VC200 and NetCast 08.02.11 the resolution is kind of poor in my opinion.
kalina1017 commented Monday, Dec 13
I think skype enabled tv's are okay... but impractical and it won't be the driving force for me to buy one. we already have 3 consoles that are web enabled (ps3, xbox, and the wii) and with family members out of the country with the same, I think it would be much more practical to use those. PSP already has skype, why not the PS3? it already has video and voice capabilities. I use skype just about everyday, both skype to skype and for international calling for their excellent rates.
heath.turnbull commented Monday, Dec 13
Why do we need to buy a separate webcam, why is it not simply built into the TV as it is on a laptop computer. That is a missed opportunity to make the product better.
mommydanna commented Wednesday, Jan 5
I already have a new HDTV that I spent a lot of money on AND I already have a camera sitting in front of my TV because we own an xbox with Kinect. So I will NOT spend money to buy additional equipment to skype. However, I would be willing to pay a small monthly fee to skype from my living room, so why not just offer the feature through xbox kinect???
neepdocker commented Friday, Jan 7
Hi
I purchased an Internet Panasonic TV last summer which allows connection via a USB WIFi dongle to a selection of internet sites such as YouTube and Skype. The Panasonic dongle cost around £80 although it is possible to source a working alternative for about half this price. To use Skype Panasonic have a special webcam which can be purchased for around £125. I presume if you purchase this you should have a fully working HD Skype via the television. I don't know if there is any alternative webcams which will work and this is an expensive way of using Skype.
calumbrucethomson commented Friday, Jan 7
Logically then, we needed to make Skype available on their TV.
Agreed. But rather illogically, you then go and decide to embed it in the TV hardware itself??!!
As per all the posts above, so many people already have the required hardware connected up to the living room TV in the form of Xbox, PS3 and/or Wii. Continue with the logic and use what's already in place in millions of homes around the world...
rwager1 commented Sunday, Jan 9
Any plans to support the Samsung plasmas? I just purchased a beautiful Samsung Plasma 58C8000 but was very disappointed to find Skype is not supported on that TV. Samsung's website is fairly misleading about this, its not apparent that its not supported unless you really drill into the site.
aumen.kanavathy commented Monday, Jan 10
I have a Panasonic HDTV. When will be able to make multi-party video conferences like we can on the PC with version 5?
pdr1966 commented Thursday, Jan 13
Skype App on Samsung TV - BUG?
I was connected on a video call last night, and went into the options/setup to change my microphone from automatic to manual.
Upon exiting and being prompted to save changes, YES, the next screen prompt was that email address was not correct format - no change to it!
No matter what I did I could not save my audio settings, and get past this error message about the incorrect email format - there is no reason it should have been caring about this.
Who supports this app?
Pete
aircraftstradersbxl commented Tuesday, Feb 1
Since I have received automatically an update of skype the 16th of January 2011 my skype is not running anymore on my Samsung TV 7000. How can I update skype ? or restore the old release ?
xistopt commented Thursday, Feb 10
SKYPE FOR PS3!!!!!!!
come on!!! Don't be stupid!!! Is a win win win sittuation! I know that probably Sony is the tought part but even for them is a good deal. If at. Least Sony could make their videoconference app compatible with Skype, it will be a good start!
stephenruggieri commented Thursday, Mar 17
It would be nice to have skype on my XBOX 360, but right now I have an HP DV5 hooked up to my flat screen through a HDMI cable and a HD webcam, and it works great. Wireless keyboard works perfect. Sounds easier than waiting for skype for gaming consoles.
vivianandkyla commented Saturday, Apr 9
why? cant SKYPE! just read theses comments and BLOODY make skype for the PS3 eye it would be great and more and more people would use it
dante.degraaf commented Thursday, Apr 14
@aumen.kanavathy "commented Monday, Jan 10 .....I have a Panasonic HDTV. When will be able to make multi-party video conferences like we can on the PC with version 5?"
Is there any answer to this??? I'd like to know... I just bought the TV and I'm getting bounced back and forth between Skype "support" and Panasonics... they're pointing the finger at each other. If it's not coming soon, let me know so I can take my TV (and Camera) back.