VoIP provider Skype and peripherals giant Logitech have joined forces in a bid to offer a higher standard of video calls over the internet.

The High Quality Video (HQV) collaboration will provide Skype users with VGA resolution at 30fps when using a certified Logitech webcam attached to a dual-core PC and connected to a broadband connection of 384Kbps or higher.

"This is a major leap in the clarity and smoothness of free video calls over the internet," said Gareth O'Loughlin, general manager for mobile and hardware devices at Skype.

"HQV is a tremendous opportunity to take the Skype experience to a whole new level. One in four Skype calls already involve video. In the past, only big businesses could afford this kind of quality. It's now time to take it to everyone else."

Skype's software and Logitech's webcams have been optimised to work together with a fully redesigned set of drivers in the QuickCam software which are also tuned to recognise callers who have the new Skype software.

"HQV takes all the promises of video calling and dramatically enhances the quality of the experience," said Gina Clark, general manager and vice president of Logitech's Internet Communications business unit.

"Once people start enjoying HQV at VGA resolution and 30fps it will quickly become an indispensable way to stay connected."

Skype 3.6 for Windows and QuickCam 11.5 are expected to be available for download in November.

All Logitech HQV certified webcams are available worldwide now. The QuickCam Pro 9000 and QuickCam Pro for Notebooks are both £69.99, and the QuickCam Sphere (AF) is £89.99.