FREETALK TV Transforms Communications -- Delivers Skype-Enabled Video Calling to Samsung Televisions; Distributed Globally by In Store Solutions

FREETALK TV Transforms Communications -- Delivers Skype-Enabled Video Calling to Samsung Televisions; Distributed Globally by In Store Solutions

New camera system brings Skype video calls to Samsung C7000 & C8000 Series LED HDTVs

GERONA, Spain, May 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Consumer electronics brand FREETALK today announced availability of the FREETALK® TV, a groundbreaking camera system that enables consumers to make voice and video calls through their high-definition televisions. Created for Samsung's premium C7000 and C8000 series of LED HDTVs featuring the Skype App accessible through Samsung Apps, the FREETALK TV system delivers VGA video calling from your living room at affordable consumer prices*.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091110/INSTORELOGO)

Many consumers and business people have already installed these cutting-edge 2010 Samsung LED televisions in their homes and offices. These TVs feature Samsung Apps, the world's first app store for TVs and Blu-ray players. Now, they can add the FREETALK TV camera system to enable video and audio conferencing capability and/or make and receive voice calls using Skype from their couch, easy chair, desk, or conference room as easily as they would using their PC - all at prices that make true-to-life video communications affordable for everyone.

"Skype has more than half a billion registered users around the world utilizing Skype on their computers or mobile phones, and we wanted to give them a uniquely personal way to take the technology one step further," said Mike Padmore, Product Manager for FREETALK. "The FREETALK TV is transformational technology that will empower consumers to use their television as a contemporary videophone. By working hand in hand with Skype and Samsung, we have been able to deliver a breakthrough video calling solution to consumers at a very low cost."

Simplicity is a major benefit of the FREETALK TV. The camera system quickly and easily mounts magnetically to the television, and utilizes a USB cable for connectivity so that nothing detracts from the stylish design of these ultra slim TVs. Using the TV remote control, consumers can create free Skype accounts, log into existing accounts, and navigate via a simple Skype interface on the television screen.

Another key feature is the system's affordability. While many high-end videoconferencing products are priced at thousands of dollars, the FREETALK TV camera system sells for as little as $149 USD (click here for pricing by country), providing a cost-effective solution for consumers who want to make video calls from their televisions. In addition, Skype video calls are free, as are voice calls between Skype users. Consumers who use the FREETALK TV camera system and Skype to call landlines or mobile phones are charged only pennies per minute or as part of their Skype subscriptions**.

The FREETALK TV features a state-of-the-art video camera that creates VGA video, with up to 30 frames per second using H.264 video compression and Wide Video Graphics Array (WVGA) display resolution. The affordable, lightweight system features four unidirectional high quality microphones. This allows users to talk freely and clearly from up to four meters (over 13 feet) away from the television. Voice calls placed through the FREETALK TV utilize Skype's SILK audio codec, which enables the wideband audio.

"The FREETALK TV brings Skype voice and video calling to people in the comfort of their living rooms," said Ed Botterill, certification manager for Skype. "We're thrilled to extend Skype beyond computers and allow people to connect with family and friends through their television - at a much lower price than competing room-based video conferencing systems."

In Store Solutions is a partner merchant for the Skype Shop globally.

For more information about the FREETALK TV or to order a unit through the Skype Shop, visit http://www.skype.com/shop. Click here for product photo. Parties interested in distribution of the camera can contact riccardo.bologna@instoresolutions.com.

*Access to a broadband Internet connection is required and sold separately.

** Connection fee and fair usage policies apply.

About In Store Solutions

In Store Solutions is a channel innovator that enables manufacturers and service providers to regain control of their brands and leapfrog the inefficiencies of legacy distribution. Utilizing its high-performance web commerce platform, In Store Solutions enables companies to quickly implement their own branded online stores and sell across borders to over 181 countries, in 44 currencies and 41 languages - all through a single licensing agreement.

In Store Solutions then merchandizes those stores, with synergistic products and cross-selling opportunities, all without sacrificing the primary brand's supremacy. Additionally, the company's "imagineering" team identifies new and untapped market opportunities while creating product innovations specifically designed to leverage and extend its clients' brands.

About Skype

Skype is software that enables the world's conversations. Millions of individuals and businesses use Skype to make free video and voice calls, send instant messages and share files with other Skype users. Every day, people everywhere also use Skype to make low-cost calls to landlines and mobiles. Download Skype to your computer or mobile phone at skype.com.

Access to a broadband Internet connection is required. Skype is not a replacement for traditional telephone service and cannot be used for emergency calling.

Skype, associated trademarks and logos and the "S" symbol are trademarks of Skype Limited.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2009 consolidated sales of US$116.8 billion. Employing approximately 188,000 people in 185 offices across 65 countries, the company consists of eight independently operated business units: Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, Digital Imaging, Semiconductor and LCD. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091110/INSTORELOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
Source: In Store Solutions

CONTACT: Sue Huss, +1-619-379-4396, sue.huss@comunicano.com, for In
Store Solutions

Web Site: http://www.instoresolutions.com/

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