Easiest / Cheapest way to get skype on TV

[Ian J]

My in-laws would like to Skype via their TV, as per the subject what's the easiest and cheapest way to achieve this?


They'd also like to be able to do basic internet browsing but Skype is the main requirement.

 

[budweiser]

maybe a laptop with skype capabilities and a video out cable to tv ...

 

[Ian J]

They were looking at using the TV to reduce costs, if they had to buy a laptop they would just use that instead of the TV.

 

[mcobit]

You can use skype on samsungs smarttvs:


www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6oj5AKI6cg


or get a raspberry pi and port android to it

 

[Mr_Loon]

What sort of video input do they have on their TV?


What sort of internet connection would they be using (wired / wireless)?


Do they require video chat or just audio?


Could be that the MK802 would fit the bill as there are a few now being sold from the UK on EBay

 

[Ian J]

What sort of video input do they have on their TV?


What sort of internet connection would they be using (wired / wireless)?


Do they require video chat or just audio?


Could be that the MK802 would fit the bill as there are a few now being sold from the UK on EBay

Typical HDTV inputs, SCART, HDMI, VGA, Component & Composite.


They have wired or wireless, router is near TV.


Just audio chat.


I've been looking at the MK802 but with import duties it started to look a bit minty for just skype/browsing.


I'll check out the ebay listings, prices look decent and no import duties.

 

[Nintendo]

Get an LG Smart TV.

 

[Mr_Loon]

Just had a quick thought about the MK802, does it have audio in?


Might present a bit of a problem for Skype if it does not.

 

[Ian J]

Just had a quick thought about the MK802, does it have audio in?


Might present a bit of a problem for Skype if it does not.

USB web-cam would solve that, or a USB microphone.

 

[Prometheus]

^ Or a USB webcam with a built-in microphone?

 

[Ian J]

Apologies that's what I meant when I said web-cam.


Looking through various forums though it doesn't work with web-cams, but I'd be happy with just audio.


I've emailed a couple of sellers on ebay and the answers are favourable (memory size enquiry) I'll purchase one.

 

[detucker52]

Not Skype, but HD on TV with no webcam. works with gtalk, video chat. $199 at biscotti.com

 

[Ian J]

Not Skype, but HD on TV with no webcam. works with gtalk, video chat. $199 at biscotti.com

Sorry Skype or nothing for my in-laws, and at that price I'll pass thank you.

Had an a reply and the memory is 512mb not 1gb as advertised.

 

[Wally]

If they use a Mac, wait for Mountain Lion and use Airplay mirroring with AppleTV