HP (NYSE:HPQ) today introduced two new DVD writers that allow users to easily preserve, edit and share video and data faster than ever before. Twice as fast as the company's previous writers, the devices are capable of writing an entire DVD in as little as 15 minutes. Using a DVD write-speed of up to 4X, the HP DVD 300i internal DVD writer and the HP DVD 300e external DVD writer enable users to quickly preserve and edit video, store data, record music and back up and transport information on DVDs and CDs.

The HP DVD 300i and HP DVD 300e are built on the +R/+RW format, allowing greater compatibility with DVD players and DVD-ROMs tested.(1) The +R/+RW format also provides consumers video-editing flexibility with simplified writing and editing methods such as saving direct to disc and editing on disc.

Both the internal and external drives enable users to back up and archive data, store digital photos on DVD and create a personal video archive on high-capacity DVD+R discs featuring up to 4.7 gigabytes of storage capacity. Both drives support direct-to-DVD recording from a digital camcorder with a few clicks of a mouse. The HP DVD 300e drive also offers the flexibility of working through either an IEEE1394 (fire-wire) or USB 2.0 connection, both of which are included.

"HP is committed to providing users with compatible, easy-to-use technology without sacrificing performance," said Kim Burch, DVD product manager, HP Personal Systems Group. "The HP DVD 300i and HP DVD 300e simplify writing and editing of video and make saving data faster and more flexible."

Both drives include a complete suite of software for video and data applications. ArcSoft ShowBiz DVD software allows users to easily create DVD videos. Easy-to-use screens allow users to drag and drop video clips, digital photos and MP3 music in either storyboard or simple timeline editing formats. HP Memories Disc Creator software helps users create a digital photo slideshow or album on CD that can be viewed on both PCs and televisions. Additionally, Cyberlink PowerDVD software makes it easy to play DVD movies on a PC.

Also included with both drives is the Veritas software suite, which includes RecordNow, DLA (Drive Letter Access) and SimpleBackup with disaster recovery. RecordNow allows users to create data DVDs they can share with most DVD-ROM drives tested(1) and data or music CDs that can be shared with most CD-ROM drives tested or audio CD players. DLA allows users to drag and drop files to DVDs or CDs from Windows® Explorer or save directly from any application. In addition, SimpleBackup software reliably backs up, protects and restores individual files or folders or restores an entire PC hard drive.

The HP DVD 300i internal DVD writer is expected to be available at major retail outlets in the United States later this month at an estimated U.S. street price of $299, while the HP DVD 300e external DVD writer is expected to be available at major retail outlets in the United States in February at an estimated U.S. street price of $399.(2)

DVD+RW/+R is the leading format for consumers storing video, music, images and data to DVD discs. The benefits of DVD+RW/+R include: the capability of recording up to 4.7 gigabytes of digital video, images, music or data -- this equates to the storage capacity of nearly seven CD-R/RW discs and the potential to store thousands of digital photographs and up to approximately two hours of digital video; two-way compatibility that allows DVD+RW and DVD+R discs to be played in most DVD-video players and DVD-ROM drives tested(1) in use today; and support for write-once DVD+R capability, which protects information from being accidentally changed or deleted.

(1) "Intellikey Labs Completes First Independent Industry-wide Survey on DVD Format Compatibility" press release issued Sept. 16, 2002 and related results.

(2) Actual prices may vary.