Cisco brings TelePresence to the home

Last week at CES, Cisco unveiled its TelePresence system for consumer homes. The system used a set-top device, a remote control, a high-def camera, microphone, and a standard HDTV.

The device is expected to cost around $1,000 excluding the cost of the TV and consumers' monthly Internet bills. The company plans to trial its telepresence technology with Verizon in the U.S. and with France Telecom in Europe before releasing it to a wider consumer base.

The announcement came on the heels of Skype launching its own HD video calling feature for PCs and on LG and Panasonic Internet-enabled HDTVs. Panasonic's 2010 VIERA CAST HDTVs and LG's 26-inch LCD and plasma HDTVs will be Skype-enabled and the companies will offer HD webcams for sale to take advantage of the feature.

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