HP Introduces Two New Digital Entertainment Centers, Boosts Support For Custom Integrators

September 19, 2006

HP today launched two new digital entertainment centers that combine the best of PC and advanced audio/visual technologies to offer consumers a superb home entertainment experience. In addition, the company introduced a dedicated call center and training program to help custom installers integrate HP’s full range of digital entertainment offerings into home management solutions. Showcased at the Custom Electronics Design and Installation Association (CEDIA) tradeshow, the new HP Digital Entertainment Centers (DEC) – the HP z565 and HP z560 – can be used as high-definition digital video recorders, allowing users to pause, rewind and record favorite shows.(1) The DEC’s progressive scan DVD player creates an immersive home theater experience, and users can easily manage their music collections and create slideshows of their digital photos via a 9-in-1-card reader. HP’s new DECs include features, such as HDMI connectivity, fixed-line audio out and streamlined software build, that help custom integrators provide digital entertainment and digital automation solutions to a variety of residential developments. The DECs also come with a large hard disk capacity, storing up to 800 gigabytes(2) of recorded TV, movies, photos and more. In addition to using dual-core(3) Intel® processors and being Intel Viiv™ compliant, they are designed with the power and features needed to upgrade and run Microsoft Windows® Vista™ Premium. To further aid custom integrators, the new DECs will be Life|ware Ready™, the first such hardware to be given this status by Exceptional Innovation. Life|ware is a simple to use but sophisticated software program that gives users one-touch control of their homes’ entertainment, audio, climate, lighting and security systems. “CEDIA dealers have told us that they want products and solutions that help them grow their businesses,” said Jan-Luc Blakborn, director, Digital Entertainment – North America, HP. “Industry-standard solutions such as the new HP Digital Entertainment Centers with Life|ware use the Media Center operating system to scale up or down for installations from the modestly priced to the very high-end.” HP chosen as preferred vendor by custom integrators South Florida-based integrator, Criteria Inc., has standardized on the HP DEC to use in both single-family and multi-dwelling applications. “HP offers our clients a wide array of entertainment solutions with the Media Center operating system used as the hub of digital content,” said Dave Tovissi, president, Criteria. “We have been introducing many of our preferred developers to an HP solution for building maintenance and virtual concierge solutions. Developers are looking at technology to give them a competitive edge in the luxury high-rise condominium market. HP offers both technology and an open architecture that gives these developers a lot for their money.” The Momentum Group, a technology integration firm specializing in custom residential and multi-dwelling units, also has selected HP as its preferred technology supplier for an 800-unit, five-star development in Miami. HP will supply HD TVs, printers and Media Center-based PCs and DECs. “This project represents the future of home technology and how it will be integrated into everyday lifestyles,” said Daniel Kippycash, president and chief executive officer, The Momentum Group. “Residents of this project are very excited when they learn that HP products are being featured because of its reputation for innovation and quality.” Custom integrator support initiative To meet the needs of custom integrators, HP has launched a dedicated call center that assists them with the installation of HP digital entertainment products, including HP DECs, MediaSmart TVs and standard LCDs and plasmas. In addition to in-depth training on these products, the support agents are trained on Life|ware software. The specialist support agents can be reached on +1 877 309 9212 from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pacific time, Monday through Saturday. The support center will work with dealers and installers to ensure easy access to high-quality technical support and in-depth product information. HP also is conducting a series of online and open house training events on Media Center and HP DECs. The training is being run through local Digital Delivery Group members, a national consortium of regional value-added consumer electronics specialty distributors. The training is designed to help custom integrators understand how HP DECs complement and consolidate entertainment throughout the home. Further information on upcoming courses is available at www.digitaldeliverygroup.com

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