Large-capacity, "double-layer" DVD technology boasts high
playback compatibility on other drives and players
PALO ALTO, Calif., July 20, 2004 - HP today announced its
newest DVD writer lineup, bringing higher compatibility and greater storage
capacity to DVD recording with double-layer technology.
The new HP drives let users quickly store, back up and transport almost twice
the content of a single-layer DVD onto one disc - up to 8.5 gigabytes on one
double-layer disc compared to 4.7 gigabytes on a single-layer
disc.(1) The drives do this without sacrificing playback
compatibility, a problem common to some double-layer drives on the market; the
HP DVD Writers offer an almost 90 percent compatibility rating with most DVD
players and DVD-ROM drives.
"HP is committed to delivering DVD technology that gives consumers not only
competitive prices, but also a great compatibility experience," said Steve
Johnson, DVD product manager, Personal Systems Group, HP. "For users who want to
create video DVDs on their PCs and play them back in the living room, excellent
compatibility is a must."
Accordingly, HP performed extensive testing to understand the compatibility
problems that plagued some companies' double-layer drives, then made changes to
ensure its own drives would meet high-compatibility standards. "We identified
and investigated the potential issues and made sure we got it right," Johnson
said.
The newest drives include the HP DVD Writer dvd530i, featuring double-layer
recording technology at up to 2.4x speed and single-layer recording at up to 8x,
and the dvd630i and dvd630e (internal and external, respectively), featuring
double-layer recording at up to 2.4x and single-layer at up to 16x. All three
dual-format drives can write to DVD+R/+RW and DVD+R DL (double layer) media, as
well as CD-R/RW. The devices also come with software to let users edit and
author video, and save photos, video, music or data to DVDs or CDs.
The dvd530i offers a value-priced double-layer solution, while the dvd630
series offers an innovative, high-speed experience. With the new drives,
consumers can store up to five hours of VHS-quality video, or up to two hours of
high-quality video, on one DVD.
The HP DVD Writer dvd530i is expected to be available at major retail outlets
in the United States and Europe in August at an estimated U.S. street price of $
99. The HP DVD Writer dvd630i and the dvd630e are expected to be available in
2004 at estimated U.S. street prices of $ 149 and $ 199,
respectively.(2)
(1) The HP DVD Writer dvd530i does not permit copying of
commercially available DVD movies or other copyright-protected materials. It is
intended for the creation and storage of original material and other lawful
uses.
(2) Actual prices may vary.
About HP
HP is a technology solutions provider to consumers, businesses and
institutions globally. The company's offerings span IT infrastructure, personal
computing and access devices, global services and imaging and printing. For the
four fiscal quarters ended April 30, 2004, HP revenue totaled $ 76.8 billion.
More information about HP (NYSE, Nasdaq: HPQ) is available at http://www.hp.com.
Source: HP
