Skype Freetalk Everyman HD Webcam Taking Pre-Orders [Skype's Required Webcam For TV-Based Video Chat Now Hitting The Skype Store]

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Skype is coming to some new internet connected HDTVs, which is great for those who love to video chat. We were battled a few months ago as to why all these Skype TVs are requiring that you purchase Skype’s Freetalk Everyman HD camera (instead of using whatever webcam you wanted). We still don’t know the answer, but that Freetalk Everyman HD camera is now out for pre-order.

The first Skype-branded Freetalk Camera was a goofy little desktop model where the camera was built into the head of a little green plastic guy. The Everyman HD is a bit more professional looking with a black body. Unlike the lesser camera, the Everyman HD is capable of recording in 720p (1280 x 720) at 22 fps. You can record at it’s regular resolution (640 x 480) at 30 fps or in low lighting conditions at 15 fps.

Skype will automatically adjust the resolution and frame rate depending on the condition of the connect between you and your video chat partner, so those posted resolutions aren’t as important as you might think. Still, it looks like a nice camera.

It uses a USB 2.0 port and is compatible with both Mac and PC (in addition to Skype Internet HDTVs). The price of this camera is actually pretty good compared to the other webcams from the Skype Store – as the Everyman HD is just $49.99. They’re taking pre-orders now from the Skype Store.