Skype TX announced with studio-grade audio and video for broadcasters

Microsoft on Monday introduced a new version of its video chatting service for broadcasters, called Skype TX. The new service uses technology developed by Cat and Mouse, which was recently acquired by Microsoft.

Skype TX is described as "studio-grade" software by the company, meant to offer the higher-quality audio and video output that media professionals require. The service is part of the Skype in Media offering and will be available in the 'coming year'.

The company on its official Skype Blog explains that the new solution for broadcasters is created to inspire and enable a new generation of media moments. With this broadcasters can now develop new formats and creative concepts for live, video on demand and other digital content.

Especially developed for the media industry, Skype TX can handle multiple calls at once through a single interface. This will essentially allow newsroom staff to view multiple Skype connections on a single screen.

"Newsgathering is a prime target for Skype TX," explained Simon Lucas, principle PM manager at Microsoft. "It greatly simplifies the use of Skype in the newsroom."

Elaborating further on how the service can be used in media organizations, Microsoft encourages users to visit www.skypeinmedia.com.

"We're excited about bringing Skype TX to broadcasters big and small around the world to enable them to deliver unique and compelling content to their audiences. We'll have more details to share in the coming months." the company noted in blog post.

Previously, Microsoft had integrated voice messaging software Lync with Skype for voice calling across the two platforms and it even demonstrated the integration with a call between the two. The demonstration was held at a Lync conference on 18 February. The feature is expected to go live for a limited beta version this year in summer or fall.