HP Rolls Out New Digital Entertainment Products

Jan. 2006 – HP just introduced the most comprehensive line of digital entertainment products and services in its history.

The company rolled out nine high-definition TVs, four consumer notebooks and a digital entertainment desktop PC, in addition to seven feature-rich, ultra-compact digital cameras and a home movie service from Snapfish, HP's online photo service, that allows customers to view, store and share their digital videos online.

Several industry firsts were part of the launch, including a TV that allows consumers to view and enjoy video, music, movies and photos stored on individual PCs throughout their homes and that also provides them with direct Internet access. HP additionally revealed a wireless camera dock and an in-camera technology that creatively enhances photos with the touch of a button.

While the announced products span from TVs and media centers for the living room to notebook PCs for those on the go, they are all designed to enhance and simplify the digital experience for consumers.

"HP's heritage of advanced technology, support and services enables us to connect a rich suite of digital entertainment and imaging products in ways no other company can," said Satjiv Chahil, senior vice president of marketing, Personal Systems Group, HP. "This integration gives consumers a compelling entertainment experience that helps them to easily capture, share, print and enjoy their digital content anywhere and anyway they want."

HP high-definitions TVs loaded with digital services
The 2006 lineup of HP high-definition digital TVs includes nine affordable LCD, microdisplay and plasma models, all of which offer exceptional image accuracy and colors as well as bright, clear pictures that bring the finest details to life.

Leading the lineup is the 37-inch HP Advanced Digital Media LCD TV, with features never before available on a television. Viewers can watch high-resolution videos or slideshows with music, all streamed from their PCs to the TV.

The TV also delivers a rich set of services from a variety of industry partners. Users can view online slideshows with Snapfish or listen to more than a million songs with Real Networks' Rhapsody, while film buffs can connect to CinemaNow and MovieLink to watch more than 4,000 Hollywood movies or high-definition videos.

HP notebooks feature latest in digital entertainment technologies The four new HP consumer notebook PCs include the latest versions of the award-winning HP Pavilion dv1000 Series Entertainment Notebook PC and HP Pavilion dv8000 Series Notebook PC, which bridge mobile computing with the latest in digital entertainment technologies.

In addition to a built-in webcam, the HP dv1000 series includes an updated version of HP QuickPlay, which allows users to watch movies, listen to music and now view photos - all without a full system boot. The HP dv8000 series is now available with Microsoft Windows® XP Media Center Edition on select models to watch, record and pause live TV and easily view, edit and share digital media.

The dv8000 series is now available with HP Ultra BrightView technology - for a similar viewing experience to that of a plasma or LCD display - and the fastest processor in the AMD Turion™ family.

Capturing and sharing creative photos and video
HP's new line of sleek, pocket-size digital cameras features bigger, brighter LCD screens, an on-camera button for ordering and sharing photos through Snapfish, and new in-camera technologies that boost creativity and help consumers take better pictures.

In addition to unveiling the industry's first wireless camera dock, HP added HP Design Gallery to its award-winning line of Real Life technologies. The Design Gallery lets consumers add creative touches such as borders, artistic effects and color tints to their photos with the touch of one button on the back of the camera without using sophisticated software on a PC.

Expanding beyond photos, Snapfish has become the first major online photo service to offer a home movie service. Consumers can now easily access, view, store and share their digital videos from digital cameras and mobile phones online. The service uses Snapfish-developed technology that recognizes and converts most digital video formats to a common one that is playable through almost any Internet browser. Available now, the service is free for the first month and costs $2.99 in subsequent months or $24.99 annually.

Expanding digital entertainment on the desktop; PC service plans launched
The HP Pavilion Media Center TV m7300 Series PC makes it easier than ever to view, pause and record live TV as well as store, share and enjoy photos, music and home videos. The latest model in the HP Media Center PC line, the m7300 series truly enables the living room digital entertainment experience with its optional wireless keyboard, mouse and remote to control content from up to 10 feet away. Optional integrated Wi-Fi connectivity broadens the PC’s capabilities to almost anywhere in the home.

HP also introduced two service plans that are designed to give consumers with technology questions a place to turn. First, SmartFriend by HP is similar to a tech support advice line. Customers can buy two calling plans - 30 minutes for $59.99 or 60 minutes for $99.99 - to get their "how to" questions answered. The second service, HP PC Tune up Service, is available for $99 and features specially trained tech "mechanics" who guide customers through the tasks needed to help make PCs run at their best.

These services are the latest additions to HP Total Care, HP's comprehensive consumer service and support program, which was recently recognized by J.D. Power and Associates for consistently providing an "Outstanding Customer Service Experience."

SOURCE HP