HP expands digital-entertainment offerings

HP, which is in the midst of a turnaround that includes improving the performance of its business units, introduced nine high-definition TVs, seven digital cameras that offer more features in a scaled-down camera body, four consumer notebooks and a digital-entertainment desktop.

HP online photo service Snapfish, meanwhile, is pushing the computer maker further into the lucrative services arena with the debut of its home movie service. The service is designed to allow users to access, review, store and share digital videos from their cell phones and digital cameras.

The service uses technology designed to convert most digital video formats into a common one that can be played through most Internet browsers. HP will promote the product with a month's free service, after which it plans to charge a monthly fee of $2.99.

HP also introduced HDTVs--equipped with liquid crystal display, microdisplay and plasma screens--that offer a range of new features. The company's HP Advanced Digital Media LCD TV, for example, is designed to allow viewers to stream high-resolution videos or slideshows with music soundtracks to the 37-inch TV from their PCs.

HP plans to ship its new LCD, plasma and microdisplay TVs in late spring, but it has not yet established pricing.

Also showcased at CES: The company's new additions to the HP Photosmart digital-camera line. The new cameras are designed to offer larger and brighter LCD screens, and they have a button for ordering and sharing photos through Snapfish. HP also plans to offer a wireless camera dock.

The company's new digital cameras include HP Photosmart R927, R727, R725 and E327. The cameras are expected to ship in March and will be priced from $119 to $399.

HP's expanded notebook line, meanwhile, includes new models for the HP Pavilion dv1000 series entertainment notebook, which will include a built-in Webcam, and dv8000 series notebooks. On select models, the dv8000 series will offer an edition of Microsoft Windows XP Media Center, which is designed to allow users to watch, record and pause live TV, as well as edit and share digital content.

The notebooks are expected to be available by the end of this month and will be priced from $699 to $1,049.

HP also introduced its Pavilion Media Center m7300n series Photosmart PC, which offers a wireless keyboard, mouse and remote control, as well as Wi-Fi connectivity. Pricing for the m7300 series will begin at $679. The PC is expected to be available by the end of the month.