DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY NEWS

HP Announces Availability of 500GB Media Vault mv2120 and New 3-Megapixel Webcam 

March 31, 2008 -- HP today announced the availability of a digital storage device, the HP Media Vault mv2120 ($299), which is designed to store, protect and share digital media, as well as advanced monitors and accessories to enhance the digital lifestyle.  The company also announced a new 3-megapixel webcam, the HP Elite AutoFocus Webcam ($99), with up to 12-megapixel still capture through software interpolation and one-touch instant chat compatible with AIM™, Yahoo!® Messenger, Skype®, and Windows Live Messenger.

HP Media Vault mv2120 keeps digital content secure and accessible

Consumers are living increasingly digital lifestyles and accumulating rising amounts of digital photos, music, videos and other content. In fact, Coughlin & Associates Inc. estimates that by 2013 the average home will require 9 TB storage capacity, of which 5 TB will be needed for commercial digital downloads of music, videos and photos.⁽¹⁰⁾

To make it simple for consumers to protect, share and connect to their digital content and Internet entertainment⁽¹¹⁾ – from home or on the go – HP offers the HP Media Vault mv2120. This is the first in a new category of affordable, easy-to-use products for the central storage, content sharing and backup of all computers on a home or small business network. The mv2120 can be set to automatically back up important media and digital files weekly, daily or continuously – as often as needed.

This pioneering product also offers some of the features found in the HP MediaSmart Server, including Photo Webshare, iTunes server and remote access. With Photo Webshare, consumers can create a photo-sharing website on the Media Vault, and with iTunes server, they can centralize their iTunes music library for playback on any computer running iTunes on the network.

Remote access grants designated users enhanced security for accessing important files on the network from any Internet-connected computer, even while outside of the home or office. Additionally, the mv2120 offers exceptionally low power consumption and a smart energy-saving drive spin down feature.

The mv2120 ships with 500 GB⁽⁸⁾ capacity and can benefit individuals and small businesses with fewer than 10 employees. HP also recently introduced the HP Media Vault mv5100 Pro series, available in 1 TB and 1.5 TB⁽¹⁾ capacities, which is specifically targeted to small businesses.

HP Elite Autofocus Webcam

HP also announced the new, elegantly designed HP Elite Autofocus Webcam, which makes it fun and easy to chat face-to-face over the Internet, record videos and snap high-resolution photos. With up to 12-megapixel still photo resolution using a 3-megapixel core sensor with autofocus, the webcam lets consumers stay in touch with friends and family.

• Up to 12-Megapixel still image capture through software interpolation
  
  
• 3-Megapixel sensor with Autofocus in a stylish webcam: get HD video quality and keep the image always sharp and focused.
  
  
• Unique easy clip option: for stable, secure and easy to attach to select HP monitors
  
  
• Tilt and Pan: easily adjust your webcam to let you show what you want while maintaining a stable connection to your monitor
  
  
• HP Instant Chat button: press one button to automatically launch your preferred Instant Messaging program* and your webcam controls (Magic-i)
  
  
• ArcSoft Magic-i: enhance your video conferencing experience with fun special effects. Magic-I also keeps all your webcam controls in one application and allows you save up to 5 user profiles so you are looking good wherever you use your webcam.
  
  
• Compatible with AIM™, Windows Live Messenger, Skype®, and Yahoo!® Messenger.
  
  
• Certified high-speed USB 2.0: take full advantage of your broadband access and enjoy up to 30 frames per second for smooth and natural body motion.
  
  
• Integrated stereo microphone and plug and play USB connection for easy installation .
  
  
• Privacy cover: slide the privacy cover when you don’t want to be seen.  The colored shade helps you identify if the privacy cover is on or off.
  
  
• Comprehensive software included: manage your online chat with ArcSoft Magic-i, capture, edit and share short videos with Arcsoft VideoImpression and ArcSoft WebCam Companion, and edit and retouch photos with HP Photosmart Essential.
  

Pricing and availability

The HP Media Vault mv2120 is currently available starting at $299. The HP Elite Autofocus Webcam is expected to be available April 6 at Best Buy outlets nationwide for an estimated U.S. street price of $99.

1) For hard drives, TB = 1 trillion bytes. Actual formatted capacity is less.

⁽⁵⁾ Wireless access point required and is not included. Availability of public wireless access points limited. Wireless Internet use requires separately purchased Internet service contract.

⁽⁶⁾ Availability of signals limited by the strength and accessibility of the originating TV signal, location and other factors. Performance issues may arise and do not constitute defects in the product.

⁽⁷⁾ Estimated U.S. street prices. Actual pricing may vary.

⁽⁸⁾ For hard drives, GB = 1 billion bytes. Actual formatted capacity is less. Up to 10 GB (for Microsoft Vista®, Windows® XP and XP Pro) and up to 12 GB (for MCE) is reserved for system recovery software.

⁽⁹⁾ Supports Smart Media, xD, MultiMedia card (MMC), Reduced Size-MMC (RS-MMC), MMCplus, MMCmobile, Secure Digital (SD), miniSD, Compact Flash 1, Compact Flash II, Microdrive, Memory Stick (MS), MS PRO, MS Duo, MS PRO D.

⁽¹⁰⁾ John Coughlin and Jim Handy, “Digital Storage in Consumer Electronics 2008,” January 2008 (p. 12) www.tomcoughlin.com/Techpapers/Brochure%20CE_Storage_Report,%20010208.pdf.

⁽¹¹⁾ Internet access required.