Skype Goes Big in the Living Room with TelyHD

Video chat/conferencing is coming to the living room in a big, more accessible, higher-quality way.

As part of a new partnership, California-based Tely Labs is offering Skype‘s software in its video calling service known as telyHD. It’s an all-in-one system that offers HD chat (though picture quality, of course, is impacted by the speed of your Internet connection) and runs on Google’s Android operating system.

Unlike traditional computer-based Web cameras, telyHD is designed for the living room with a wide-angle camera that zooms, pans and tilts to capture an entire room and everyone in it. Any Skype member can receive a telyHD video call, whether using Skype on a computer, tablet or smartphone, whether or not they have their own telyHD system. But if both parties have telyHD systems, there are additional features they can take advantage of, including video mail a messaging system feature that allows users to record a video message such as a birthday greeting for friends or family that are not available to chat.

The telyHD box features a wide-angle HD camera, four microphones with noise cancellation, built-in Wi-Fi or wired Internet connectivity, a remote control and all necessary cables. It does not require a computer or any additional hardware; users simply link it to their home network and plug it into their HDTV via HDMI. The telyHD unit sits on top of the TV or can be placed on a nearby shelf or tripod. It has a fully adjustable clamp so that it will fit on any size TV.

“telyHD fundamentally redefines the video calling experience and, in a larger sense, how we connect and communicate with people across the globe. We acknowledge the potential of video calling and the power of Skype as we evolve it beyond the computer screen and onto an HD TV that closely resembles immersive, real-world interaction. What’s truly exciting is that we make this next-gen video interaction possible with telyHD, an extremely simple-to-use device designed and priced for everyday consumers,” said Sreekanth Ravi, CEO of Tely Labs.

“We are proud of our work with Tely Labs, because it demonstrates how pioneering companies can integrate the Skype platform into our users’ daily lives in compelling new ways providing our community with the widest possible range of video calling options. We are excited that, with telyHD, our users will have an entirely new way to enjoy HD big-screen interaction with their friends and family,” said Manrique Brenes, Skype’s senior director of platform business.

telyHD, which will be on display at next week’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, costs $249, with no additional monthly fees. Tely Labs is working with the Android developer community to identify new apps that extend the ways consumers can use and enjoy telyHD in the home.