LUXEMBOURG and MENLO PARK, CA--(Marketwire) - Skype and Tely Labs today announce a partnership in which Tely Labs will offer Skype's globally popular communications software in their powerful, yet compact, video calling device -- telyHD, allowing everyday consumers to experience free Skype video calling with big-screen impact and high-definition clarity. Now, the entire household can use their TV to instantly and easily connect face-to-face with family and friends worldwide through Skype -- whether on a computer, tablet, smartphone or TV. telyHD -- which doesn't require a computer and is compatible with most HD TVs -- is well-priced, sets up in minutes, uses industry-leading Skype and Android technologies, and allows for video calls to take place in a comfortable, naturally social setting -- your living room.

"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.

Skype in HD Moves into the Living Room

telyHD gives consumers the freedom to share moments big and small with friends and family around the world. 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 all the participants in stunning HD video.¹ By opening up the living room to Skype, consumers can interact in a more natural, social way. Anyone on Skype can receive a telyHD video call, whether using Skype on a computer, tablet or smartphone, and can enjoy the improved telyHD video regardless of whether or not they have their own telyHD system.

When both parties have telyHD systems, they can take advantage of even more capabilities 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. Additionally, participants can share photos together while interacting on a telyHD video call. Users can even download a favorite photo right to a USB memory stick or SD card that plugs into the telyHD system as they video chat.*

Simple, Affordable, and Complete System
An all-in-one system, telyHD includes everything necessary to initiate a video call in minutes. The single-box solution features a wide-angle HD camera, four microphones with noise cancellation, built-in Wi-Fi or wired Internet connectivity, an easy to use remote control, and all necessary cables. telyHD does not require a computer or any additional hardware; users simply link it to their home network and plug it into their HD TV via HDMI. The telyHD unit sits discreetly 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 perfectly on any size TV.

Extensible Android-Based Entertainment Platform for the Future
When a consumer purchases telyHD today, they benefit from the immediate Skype video calling capabilities and also buy into a system that is designed for the future. The telyHD system is built on the powerful, extensible Android OS and uses the high-performance Tegra 2 Dual-Core ARM A9 processor from NVIDIA. With this solid foundation, telyHD users will be able to use the system for an array of compelling home entertainment activities in the future -- from social networking and gaming to video streaming and more. Tely Labs is already working with the Android developer community to identify new apps that extend the ways consumers can use and enjoy telyHD in the home.

Pricing and Availability
telyHD will be available beginning January 5, 2012 through online retailers Amazon, Tely.com and Skype.com. The telyHD system is priced at $249 with no monthly fees and no PC required**.

About Tely Labs:
Founded in 2010 by the successful entrepreneurial team Sreekanth Ravi (president and CEO) and Sudhakar Ravi (CTO), Tely Labs is a pioneer in developing simple, affordable next-generation entertainment and communications systems that fundamentally change the way consumers communicate across the globe. The company's flagship product, telyHD, will be publicly unveiled at CES 2012 in Las Vegas. Built on the fast-growing Android OS and Skype software, telyHD delivers full HD Skype video calling to the living room on an HD TV allowing everyday consumers to experience free Skype video calling with big-screen impact and high-definition clarity. Tely Labs is based in Menlo Park, California. 
Visit us on the web at www.tely.com/.

About Skype
Skype is a communications software whose purpose is to break down barriers to communication. With an Internet-connected device, families, friends and colleagues can get together for free with messaging, voice and video. At low cost, they can also call landlines or mobiles virtually anywhere in the world. Skype has recently introduced group video, allowing groups of more than two people to do things together whenever they're apart.

Founded in 2003 and based in Luxembourg. Skype can be downloaded onto computers, mobile phones and other connected devices for free at www.skype.com.

¹ HD quality is achieved with HDMI enabled TVs
*telyHD to telyHD only 
**broadband/Wi-Fi connection is required