Cisco has introduced Cisco umi telepresence, a product that brings HD video calling to the living room. Cisco umi, which includes an HD camera, a console and a remote, connects to an existing HD television and a broadband internet connection for seamless HD video calling in up to 1080p video resolution with 720p video recording.

Once Cisco umi is connected to an HD television and a wired or wireless broadband connection, a remote control provides access to an on-screen user interface, through which users can make umi calls, access video messages, manage contacts, and customize their profile and settings. Users can also record their own umi videos, which they can share on Facebook, on YouTube, or via email. Users can even keep in touch with people who don’t have umi by placing and receiving video calls from any computer with a webcam and Google video chat.

“Cisco is bringing people together, driving new video experiences that change the way we communicate, connect, and enjoy entertainment — in the home, at work, and on the go,” said John Chambers, chairman and CEO of Cisco. “Cisco umi will bring the unique telepresence experience into living rooms and change the way we are able to be together with family and friends. We envision a future where technologies like this will play a role in connecting consumers with businesses to enable the delivery of new services, ranging from education, to health care, to financial services — to the home.”

Everything sounds very good till now, but the real shocker is the price tag. It will cost $599 for the setup that includes the camera, console and remote, and a monthly fee of $24.99. That is $900 for first year of Cisco umi video calling. Cisco umi is available for pre-order on Cisco’s website and will be available in Best Buy starting November 14.