It seems less like “news” and more like an eventuality, but Skype is putting forward an HD version of its software. In addition to two-way video teleconferencing at 720p on computers, Skype is teaming up with LG and Panasonic to produce TVs with Skype built in – including webcams and connection – no computer required.
I had a feeling this was coming back in October 09, when Lifesize announced its “Passport” product that would allow you to hook up Skype to a 720p TV. I would not be surprised if much of the technology that went into the passport ended up in the new LG and Panasonic TVs.
Obviously, higher resolution Skype means higher bandwidth needs for Skype on your network. Well – eventually. See, most Webcams aren’t high-definition, and so you’ve got a little bit of time before HD webcams hit the market. They’re not cheap either – HD requires larger sensors to produce an image with the same amount of light as SD, so early HD webcams are going to be around $100 USD or more; compared to $15-20 for a cheap webcam.
What we have here is a similar kind of network disruption technology that occurred when YouTube went high def; only this time, instead of sucking down only bandwidth, Skype’s conversations are also latency based. So, if you’re not using Skype for business, you’re going to want to keep it out of the latency sensitive class of service; and if you are using Skype for business, you’re going to want to make sure it has the bandwidth it needs in the higher level QoS without it drowning out your other latency sensitive apps.
We’ll try to get more details on Skype’s codec and bandwidth requirements soon.
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