HP serves up new storage line for specialists

Specialist photo retailers could profit from a new generation of home servers as family members accumulate an ever increasing collection of digital images in a variety of formats and locations.

Claimed to be 'highly successful' in overseas markets, HP recently launched its first MediaSmart Home Server in Australia.

Available in two models - the entry LX197 and the 'big brother' EX490, the enhanced MediaSmart Home Servers feature a media collector, which allows users to collect visual media by computer, media type or file location and stream it across a home network and the internet.

HP vice-president Imaging and Printing Group Richard Bailey told Photo & Imaging News that the servers "help people get the most out their home networks by connecting them to their digital content at home and from remote locations."

He said that while the servers will be available through major CE channels, they could prove to be a profitable line for specialist photo retailers who have not fully exploited the storage category.

The LX197 with 1TB of hard disc storage sells for $599 (RRP) while the EX490 sells for $899 (RRP).

In addition to a large range of new mobile and touch-enabled computing and office printing products, HP also introduced its first line-up of touch-enabled PhotoSmart printers.

The Snapfish-connected PhotoSmart printers feature new piano black design and use up to 30% less energy consumption than previous models.