Skype Video is being upgraded to High Definition, Julian Spittka, product manager and senior engineer for Audio and Video at Skype, told the National Association of Broadcasters Show in Las Vegas Tuesday.

Spittka said: "Skype is currently testing HD Video calling which can deliver up to 720p. If broadcasters have the pre-requisite HD camera, HD capture card, a fast PC, and enough bandwidth, they too can start testing HD Video calling over Skype."

He noted that over the past year broadcasters have worked with Skype to make communications inroads.

"There have been many game-changing developments in the broadcast industry as many broadcasters have looked to technology and social media tools to tap into content from viewers. Look no further than CNN's iReport that is constantly gathering news tips and multimedia from viewers; or look at The Oprah Winfrey Show, which uses Skype's High Quality Video calling htt on a regular basis to include special guests on-air from virtually anywhere."

Just last week, actor Ashton Kutcher was talking with Oprah about his Twitter campaign to take on CNN to get one million followers--on Skype.

I've reported on how TV reporters are using backback units to get live shots using Skype, including images from that airplane crash near Buffalo, N.Y.

Spittka said, "Broadcasters are embracing Skype because it complements traditional news gathering options (e.g. satellites, camera crews, etc.) in an easy and low cost way. With just a dual-core PC, broadband Internet connection and a webcam, broadcasters can use High Quality Video calling with Skype to fulfil their content needs. Even better yet, millions of people around the world are using Skype already, so it makes it easier for broadcasters to find someone to talk to over Skype."