Hot on the heels of news that Skype has been purchased by Microsoft comes work that the popular Internet chat program could soon be coming to a TV near you.  Well, if you’re a Comcast customer that is…

Comcast and Skype have signed an agreement to bring Skype into your living room.   In order to use the service, you’ll need some new equipment including a set-top camera and a special texting-friendly remote control. The internet connection will be powered by our existing cable box, which will also host the Skype software.

Users on the receiving end can accept the video calls and messages from their computer, or if they happen to have Comcast as well, they can initiate a TV-to-TV call.

Skype does already exist in the TV space, with special apps available on smart, Internet-connected TV platforms like Samsung’s Internet@TV. This announcement, however, is designed to make the service much more accessible.

“Our unique relationship with Skype not only will change how our customers interact with their TV, but also will create new and meaningful ways to bring our customers closer to the people they care about. TV has evolved into a social experience, and Comcast and Skype will be delivering a product that personalizes the TV experience even more, and brings friends and family together through the biggest screen in their homes,” said Comcast president Neil Smit in a statement.

The new service will be offered in a test phase to customers before being rolled out later this year.