TAIPEI, Taiwan, January 5 /PRNewswire/ -- faceVsion Technology Inc., a market innovator pioneering HD video communications for consumers and SMEs, has partnered with Skype to develop a high definition (HD) webcam optimized for Skype(TM) video calling, the FV TouchCam(TM) N1.

We are thrilled to bring HD video to Skype's global community and that we are advancing online video calls to a whole new frontier together with Skype, said Alex Huang, CEO of faceVsion. At faceVsion, we believe video communications should be an incremental and seamless enhancement to existing modes of communication that does not involve purchasing and installing expensive videoconferencing equipment.

Promise of HD video calling over internet now a reality

Armed with HD codec know-how and embedded systems design expertise, faceVsion has overcome a number of barriers to enable all PC and internet users to enjoy real-time, two-way HD video communications using Skype, their existing PCs and the public internet:

-- Insufficient CPU power to handle real-time, two-way HD video communications -- Most webcams available today cannot send HD (or above) video quality -- Unmanaged 1-2 Mbps broadband networks cannot typically transmit HD video quality

Over the years, Skype has evolved into one of the most significant and convenient communications platforms for people to stay connected over the internet. Now, with the faceVsion HD webcam, Skype users worldwide can enjoy HD-quality video calling, allowing them to stay even more closely in touch, whether it's grandchildren singing a Christmas carol to their grandparents, friends saying Happy New Year across borders, or professionals meeting to discuss business partnerships across time zones.

With Skype's expertise in internet communications and our disruptive technology, the partnership represents a milestone in instant and convenient HD video communications, Huang added.

The faceVsion FV TouchCam(TM) N1 camera, with an embedded H.264* codec chip and dual microphones supporting beamforming techniques, offers synchronized, crystal clear HD video (720p, 3X DVD resolution) and superior audio quality. The FV TouchCam(TM) N1 connects to a PC using a USB plug and also comes with a flexible universal base that fits on any monitor. Its portability enables mobile professionals to stay connected in HD at any time, from anywhere.

These easy-to-use HD webcams will make 720p video calling via Skype accessible to the millions of consumers around the world who do not have a high performance PC, said Manrique Brenes, Skype's director of business development and product management for consumer electronics.

HD video calling is supported in Skype for Windows 4.2 beta, or later, which is available as a free download from http://www.skype.com/download/skype/windows/beta/. The FV TouchCam(TM) N1 will be available for purchase at http://www.shop.facevsion.com and http://www.skype.com/shop.

*H.264 is MPEG-4 AV compression to enable superb video experience at substantially lower bit rates

To download photos of FV TouchCam(TM) N1, visit www.facevsion.com/support/downloadcenter

About faceVsion(TM)

faceVsion Technology (FVT) is the global leader in pioneering solutions that empower consumers and SMEs with true-to-life HD video communications experience over public and private networks through any PC screens. Armed with HD codec know-how and embedded systems design expertise, faceVsion offers a full range of HD solutions including webcams, universal video coding units (FVexpress(TM)), and full function set-top phones (FVfone(TM)). Together with its partners around the world, faceVsion delivers and enhances video communications for users worldwide.

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 http://www.skype.com/shop.

Access to a broadband Internet connection is required. Other requirements include:

* Sender's operating system has to have winXP Sp3 or newer * Upload bandwidth 800kbps * Receiver CPU needs to be 1.8GHz and more

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.

Contact: Bryan Yen +886-3-318-3369 Ext.63621 bryan.yen@facevsion.com

SOURCE: faceVsion Technology Inc.

CONTACT: Bryan Yen of faceVsion Technology Inc., +886-3-318-3369Ext.63621, bryan.yen@facevsion.com