Skype for TV (hdTV)
Skype for TV (hdTV)
Reviews for the new Skype for TV (hdTV)
Coming soon, you will be able to skype from your TV. Skype has teamed up with Panasonic and LG Electronics bringing a TV that has a built in webcam and includes the necessary electronics making this a possible revolution with video conferencing and Skype calls.
With the research that Skype has presented they show that most users had a common suggestion in regards to video conferencing, and that is most people do not want to sit in front of a computer to make a video call. In most non-professional settings people had requested the ability to use a couch, bed, or other common places throughout the house to Skype with video to friends and family. And that is where the Skype for TV (hdTV) comes in to action. The new model is available to view and on display at CES 2010 and is expected to show up at your local retailer coming in the middle of this year.
One of the concerns that I have for this is the safety and security.
- Is it possible for someone to hack into my TV and watch whats going on in my house from this device?
- Can this Skype for TV device mis-dial, or accidentally dial when I am not intentionally using it?
- What are the alerts on the physical TV that will show me that I am online and on a Skype call?
- Is there a light on the top of the TV set to alert me that the camera is in use?
If certain safety measures are not met this device could increase the ability to publicize private matters that may happen in your house or bedroom. - Will Skype ever start using this to advertise, and if so how do they intend on soliciting the advertisements onto my Skype hdTV?
- What is the expected price point?
I feel Skype is going to have to be very careful with the price point, and here is why. I can get a cheap laptop or desktop and use my TV as an extended monitor. So if Skype is going to start selling TV’s then the TV should allow me to do just as much as a typical LCD HDTV and then some. I should be able to insert a media card from my camera so that I may show it to family and friends that I am on Skype TV with. And of course if they don’t get the price right, then ts going to be an awesome idea that will never float.
The issues mentioned in here are not answered by Skype to my satisfaction yet, and I hope they will soon clear up this line of questioning. After my own questioning to potential buyers I was able to find an interesting similarity amongst almost all that I questioned. First people wanted to make sure it will not be recording them without their knowledge (and want PROOF of it – with some sort of light, lock, or other indicator), and secondly the people I spoke with will only purchase this if it is the same price or very comparable to a similar TV model.
