Philadelphia-based cable giant Comcast will soon allow its customers to reap the benefits of video calling through their TV sets, thanks to its partnership with world-renowned video calling service Skype.

Announced on the eve of Cable Show in Chicago, the service will require subscribers to have a high-quality video camera, an adaptor box, and a special remote control that will have texting capabilities.

Users will be allowed to utilize Skype’s full screen video calling as well as instant messaging.

Speaking on the deal, Skype CEO Tony Bates said, “By combining Comcast’s broad living room reach with Skype’s innovative communications platform and worldwide community of users, we can bring video calling into the heart of the home, allowing people to share life’s experiences both big and small.”

But, users will not be allowed to make voice calls to and from outside phone numbers as it will compete direct against Comcast’s telephone services.

Though Comcast did not mention how much the new service would cost, yet it is definite that the company would enjoy a boost in revenue through additional subscription costs.

For Skype, the partnership will provide an edge over rival video calling services, such as Apple’s Facetime.

Comcast has plans to start testing the new service in the next few months.