With the new 5.3 update Skype brings support for HD video calling on your Mac, along with official support for the new Mac OS X Lion. Users can now indulge in high definition video calling in full HD glory, which is a welcome feature for those who desired for a more refined experience. Tweaks to user interface and regular bug fixes are amongst the changes that the update brings.
To make HD video calls you can utilize your Mac’s built in video camera or opt for a more beefy HD webcam easily available in the market to make your calls. Skype’s official blog explains in detail:
With Skype 5.3 for Mac OS X, you’ll also be able to send and receive HD quality video when talking to your friends and family. You’ll need to use the Mac’s built-in webcam or choose from a variety of webcams from our Skype Shop, such as the Logitech C910, to make video calls in crystal clear HD quality
While the new HD video capability brings a smile to our face, fact remains that HD streaming requires a lot of bandwidth to function properly without a hiccup.
To receive clear HD video calls on your Mac, we recommend an upload/download speed of 1.5Mbps.
Early reports indicate that the overall streaming quality is good but lacks consistency retaining the HD stream. Therefore it is probably wise to use it when on a nice, fast network.
The new update works like a charm on the Mac OS X Lion and will also run on Snow leopard in case you still haven’t upgraded yet. Download Skype 5.3 from here, install it and give us your feedback in the comment section below.
