Why In Store Solutions' Newest Webcams Debuting at CES are Harbingers of a Year of Dramatic Video Advancements

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Today's In Store Solutions launch of three new Skype Certified(TM) webcams, the FREETALK® TALK-7170 HD PRO, and the TALK-7181 HD PRO PLUS HD webcams, and the FREETALK® HQ Everyman Webcam TALK-7140, reveals the first hints of its plan to introduce a series of remarkable new consumer and business videoconferencing products this year - transforming what consumers and prosumers can do.

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In Store Solutions worked with Skype to develop the FREETALK HD and Everyman HQ webcams, which address significant unmet needs of Skype users around the world. The FREETALK HD webcams support true high definition video when used with Skype 4.2 for Windows, and the Everyman HQ webcam brings to market this leading technology at a fraction of the price of comparable products. Thus, the transformation has begun in what consumers and business professionals can expect in quality, function, and price.

"This year, we'll introduce major new product concepts in videoconferencing," said In Store Solutions COO Craig Smith. "The products we're introducing with a major television manufacturer and for other plug-and-play platforms represent a sea change in what users can expect from videoconferencing products in their living rooms, offices and even when they travel, all at affordable price points that are astonishingly low compared to 2009 price points."

The FREETALK webcams are available for purchase by Skype's more than 520 million registered users through the Skype Shop, which is run by In Store Solutions.

Targeted at consumers, the HD PRO comes with two built-in microphones and is suitable for one-to-one high-definition video calling over Skype. The HD PRO PLUS is the high-definition solution perfect for road warriors or businesses that are looking for low-cost videoconferencing. The four built-in professional cardioid microphones enable a four meter audio pickup, which, together with Skype's beamforming algorithm, deliver crystal clear voice quality and help improve echo canceling performance.

The FREETALK HD Webcams use H.264 video compression technology to create the most pristine video quality available today, when used with a fast broadband connection (800 Kbps symmetrical bandwidth or higher) and a computer with a 1.8 Ghz dual-core processor. For HD video calls in both directions, there should ideally be a similar set up on both ends. The FREETALK HD PRO webcam costs $120 and the FREETALK HD PRO PLUS costs $140. Both webcams will be available as of March 2010 for quick, efficient purchase through the Skype Shop.

The FREETALK HQ Everyman webcam is also available through the Skype Shop. The revolutionary low price of $40 follows the lead of its stable mate, the FREETALK Everyman headset, currently available for $23, which has already sold more than 100,000 units in just over four months and is expected to sell more than 250,000 units in 2010 via the Skype Shop.

"In Store Solutions excels at providing Skype accessories that meet the demands of Skype users around the world," said Manrique Brenes, Skype's director of business development and product management for consumer electronics. "The new FREETALK HD webcams are a perfect example of it delivering a product that combines great design with outstanding quality, at prices that are accessible to a large portion of Skype users."

For more information about FREETALK HD Webcam and the Everyman HQ Webcam or to order a unit, visit http://www.skype.com/shop. Skype for Windows 4.2 beta is available as a free download from www.skype.com/download/skype/windows/beta/.

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.

Come see what we've got In Store, for you.

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.

SOURCE In Store Solutions