Trinity Convergence and Skype Collaborate to Deliver Video Calling for Connected TVs

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., Jan. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Focused on enabling consumer electronics (CE) manufacturers to accelerate the development and integration of software applications in IP-connected multimedia devices, Trinity Convergence today announced that it is working with Skype to add Skype(TM) video calling to High-Definition TVs and other connected CE products.

Trinity Convergence has successfully integrated its VeriCall® voice and video software engine with the Skype embedded SDK to enable fast integration of a Skype video client for equipment manufacturers. As part of this effort, Trinity Convergence developed the Skype video solution to run on Broadcom Corporation's BCM3549 digital TV (DTV) system-on-a-chip (SoC) solution and will demonstrate this solution in its hospitality suite at CES 2010.

The company also announced that it has secured commercial agreements with multiple TV manufacturers.

The Skype and Trinity Convergence collaboration benefits hardware manufacturers by providing an integrated software solution that allows them to efficiently design Skype video calling and the Skype user experience into the next wave of HDTVs and other connected multimedia devices. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and original design manufacturers (ODMs) can leverage the software to shorten product development cycles and accelerate time-to-market.

"With more than 520 million registered users, making Skype video calling available through connected devices is a natural evolution in its drive to bring video communications to the masses," stated Mark Felice, co-founder and vice president of business development, Trinity Convergence. "This partnership demonstrates our ability to help manufacturers rapidly deliver innovative products to market. We look forward to seeing Skype video proliferate on a wide range of embedded devices."

"Trinity Convergence is making it easier for our hardware partners to bring Skype video calling to the connected TV market," said Manrique Brenes, Skype's director of business development and product management for consumer electronics. "The driving force behind our relationship with them was to simplify the software integration process for consumer electronics companies -- while ensuring the same quality and ease of use that consumers have come to expect from Skype."

"Broadcom's digital television SoC platform supports the services, applications and content that changes the way consumers use their televisions," said Dan Eiref, Vice President & General Manager, Broadcom's Consumer Electronics Line of Business. "The collaboration between Skype and Trinity Convergence further demonstrates our commitment to enabling enhanced entertainment experiences in the home, and we are pleased to support Skype video calling on HDTVs and other connected devices in the home."

Trinity Convergence previously worked closely with Skype on a number of projects to deliver some of its first "PC-free" voice products -- including the Sony mylo and the IPEVO Skype Desktop Phone SO-10. As the market for IP-connected devices has grown and Skype video calling has gone mainstream, the two companies are again collaborating to enable Skype video calling across a wider range of consumer devices.

Trinity Convergence will be demonstrating its VeriCall software, including its integrated Skype video calling solution, in its hospitality suite at CES, January 7-10. For more information, or to schedule a time to meet at CES 2010, email [email protected].

VeriCall Multimedia Software

VeriCall® embedded multimedia software solutions, consisting of VeriCall Communicator, VeriCall Edge and VeriCall Phone Editions, are licensed by the world's leading consumer electronics manufacturers for use in products including video phones, multimedia tablets and other personal voice and video communications devices.

The VeriCall software portfolio provides tightly integrated and highly optimized multimedia and IP communications solutions that allow OEMs and ODMs to streamline product development. VeriCall software leverages industry standards for voice and video processing, as well as call control protocols such as SIP, to ensure product interoperability and simplify deployment.

About Trinity Convergence

Trinity Convergence is a leading developer of embedded device software, with more than 300 customers and 500 products having licensed its software solutions. The company develops and supports a portfolio of IP communications and multimedia software under the VeriCall® brand name and a family of graphical user interface (GUI) development tools under the PEG® brand name. The comprehensive nature of the company's VeriCall and PEG software solutions helps manufacturers to lower cost and risk by accelerating product development and launch cycles. Trinity Convergence is headquartered in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina and maintains product development and engineering offices in Port Huron, Michigan; Pune, India; and Cambridge, UK. Visit www.trinityconvergence.com for more information.

VeriCall is a registered trademark and VeriCall Edge is a trademark of Trinity Convergence, Inc. Skype, associated trademarks and logos and the "S" symbol are trademarks of Skype Limited. All other products or services referenced may be trademarks or service marks of their respective companies or organizations.

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

SOURCE Trinity Convergence