Skype on TV Skype on Panasonic TVs

The Skype application appears on the Viera Cast menu. The larger box in the middle is a window to the TV channel that is currently selected - in this case BBC One.

The Skype application, available on some Panasonic TVs, requires the Panasonic communication camera, which we bought separately from the TV for around £120. The camera's model name is the Panasonic TY-CC10W and we fitted it to our Panasonic Viera VT20 TV for testing.

Connection of the camera to the TV was very straightforward and the USB cable was long enough to reach one of the two USB ports on the TV no matter where we placed the camera along the top of the TV's frame.

The hinged clamp held the camera in place and while it didn't grip the TV firmly, it was adequate to use. The camera's housing has a microphone at each end.

Find out how the VT20 fared in our LCD and plasma TV review.

Manual adjustments

The camera is automatically detected once the TV is turned on and the Skype application is accessed. The option is given to sign in with your Skype account or to create a new one. Through the camera settings option, you can manually adjust a number of the camera's settings including the brightness, saturation and white balance. Alternatively, you can rely upon the automatic settings.

The high-definition image quality of the camera is very good, with a 1280x720 resolution.

Users have the choice of answering with video, answering, declining or ignoring a call

Once connected, a Skype call can be made to another Skype user. The audio and video quality of the call was very good, although this will depend on the broadband connection's bandwidth. The video can be watched in full-screen or a smaller screen mode.

Find out more about web-based TV in our IPTV report.

Sound quality

The microphones have automatic gain control, so this helps pick up speech even from a distance. The only minor drawback of this feature is that a slight 'pumping' sound could be heard as the automatic gain control is in operation, but it's hardly distracting.

The maximum volume level of the TV is restricted during a Skype call to avoid unwanted audio feedback, which protects the audio equipment and makes the conversation more comfortable.

Even when a Skype call isn't being made, users can remain logged into their Skype account when watching regular TV, so that they can receive incoming calls. On this Panasonic model, you are given four options when alerted to an incoming call: to answer with video, to answer without video, to decline the call, or to ignore the call.

Pros: Easy connection and set up, good audio and picture quality

Cons: Slightly audible 'pumping' during conversations, only compatible with Panasonic TVs with Skype feature