Comcast Brings Skype on Xfinity for TV Users
Comcast has announced that Skype on Xfinity, a new widescreen HD video calling experience, is now available in Boston and Seattle as the company begins its nationwide rollout of the service.
Before the end of the week, the service will also be available in the following metropolitan areas: Atlanta, Augusta, Ga., Chicago, Detroit, Harrisburg, Pa., Indianapolis, Miami and Pittsburgh.
It was announced Wednesday, May 16.
With Skype on Xfinity, customers are able to make and receive video calls from their TV in HD picture quality, as well as send and receive instant messages via Skype while watching TV at the same time.
[ Also Read: TV to Consumer: Look, I’m Changing Now ]“We’re continuing to build innovative communication services like Skype on Xfinity that will allow our customers to interact in new ways with the people they care about the most,” said Tony Werner, executive VP for Comcast Cable.
“Through our close collaboration with Skype, we focused on delivering a new product that brings family and friends together through a high-quality video calling experience like never before.”
[ Also Read: Skype Video Calling Technology for Classrooms ]Through Skype on Xfinity, customers will be able to:
- Make and receive Skype-to-Skype video and audio calls or send instant messages via Skype on a TV while watching their favorite TV show at the same time, and accept incoming Skype calls during a TV show with the help of Caller ID.
- Import Skype friends into a global address book which can also contain Facebook, Outlook, Gmail and smartphone contacts so you can find which of your friends already use Skype and see when contacts are online and available to talk.
- Have the ability to communicate with connected Skype users around the globe.
To use Skype on Xfinity, customers will need Xfinity Internet service, an HDMI-capable Comcast cable set-top box and a Skype account. To start a Skype session through their TV, customers simply choose an available contact from their address book and select enter.
[ Also Read: WatchESPN App for Comcast Xfinity TV Customers ]Skype on Xfinity will be delivered to the Comcast customer’s HDTV through an all-in-one kit which includes an adaptor box, a high-quality video camera, and a specially designed remote control that enables customers to instant message with one or more friends on Skype as well as control the volume of their television.
For Skype-to-Skype calls or instant messages, the other calling party does not need any special equipment beyond what is needed to use Skype; they simply need to be logged into their Skype account.
[ Also Read: Comcast Xfinity Voice Offers Free Text Messaging ]Skype on Xfinity is available for $9.95 per month for qualifying Xfinity Triple Play customers. Additional markets will launch through the summer.
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) is one of the leading providers of entertainment, information and communications products and services.
