Skype TX Lets 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' Put Online Video Chats on TV

Skype made a big announcement at the recent NAB conference in Las Vegas, Nevada, but we'll have to wait a few months to get the full details. Skype announced Skype TX, a new Skype solution meant for broadcasters. This robust version of  Skype lets broadcasters add video chats to their programs.

One early partner for Skype TX technology is "Jimmy Kimmel Live," which uses it to power scavenger hunt segments in which at-home contestants race around their houses looking for specific items. It's a great advertisement for Skype TX, as the segments offer clear audio and video, and blend in well with the rest of the show.

In an interview with Beet.TV, Angie Hill, general manager of consumer marketing at Skype, explained how Skype TX technology is helping "Jimmy Kimmel Live":

"'Jimmy Kimmel' is a great broadcast integration partner for us. For 'Jimmy Kimmel,' I don't know if you've seen it but we've got the scavenger hunts that he does," Hill explained. "So, for example, his control room uses our Skype TX, uses the Skype broadcast capability, to manage the actual output of what that looks like on the television while at the same time managing the calls that are coming in. It also gives them the ability to manage the audio, to manage the visibility of what it looks like on the screen. It gives them the ability to change the screen so they can put the Skype logo or they can put callouts where they want to. It gives complete control to the broadcaster in an environment that is reliable and has the quality that they need to make sure in that mission-critical taping it's going to come through for them."

The key to Skype TX is that it's reliable and flexible, letting broadcasters easily add online video chats to their shows. So far, response has been strong.

"The broadcasters love it. It gives them a controlled environment, but allows them to still distribute and reach callers and live moments from all around the world," Hill said.

While Skype has released some details, the full solution won't be available for several months. For more on Skype TX, watch the interview below (used with permission of Beet.TV).

Troy Dreier's article first appeared on OnlineVideo.net