New AV-25 Hard Drives from Western Digital
Cooler, quieter operation and lower power consumption work well in 24×7 multimedia streaming environments.
As demand has increased for digital video storage, including high-definition (HD) video, and as the variety of video-systems configurations increases, WD (NYSE: WDC) expanded its line of hard drives for AV/DVR and surveillance applications to include small form factor, 2.5-inch SATA hard drives. WD AV-25 hard drives provide reliability with a Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) of 1 million hours and are engineered specifically for demanding, always-on multimedia streaming applications while running at cool and quiet temperatures.
WD AV-25 hard drives also meet the demanding requirements of the AV/DVR and surveillance markets by offering customers universal compatibility, low power consumption, and the ability to simultaneously record multiple audio and/or high-definition video streams, according to WD. The new hard drive is ideal for applications such as DVRs (digital video recorders), digital video surveillance,and other small form factor environments in which power consumption and 24×7 reliability are critical.
“Customers that market audio and video recording applications, such as DVRs, media centers, and mainstream surveillance systems often require 24×7 operation from hard drives,” says Jim Welsh, senior vice president and general manager of WD’s branded products and consumer electronics groups. “WD AV-25 hard drives are designed to withstand these demanding environments and offer consumers a small form factor solution that consumes less power, generates less heat, and operates quietly and, most importantly, reliably.”
Features of the WD AV-25 hard drive include:
- 24×7 reliability – Designed to last in always-on streaming digital audio/video environments such as DVR/PVR, digital video surveillance and other demanding multimedia applications.
- Advanced Format technology – Technology that delivers improved video quality and AV performance through enhanced error correction capability.
- SilkStream technology – Optimized for smooth, continuous digital video playback of up to five simultaneous HD streams. SilkStream is compatible with the ATA streaming command set so AV customers can use standard streaming management and error recovery options.
- Cool operation – A cool drive is a more reliable drive. WD continues to develop new and innovative ways to keep drives cool while they are operating.
- Quiet – Noise levels have been minimized to less than one sone* — virtually below the threshold of human hearing.
- Low power consumption – The drive draws less than 2 watts while operating and a mere 4.75 Watts during spin up.
- 1 million hours MTTF (MTBF) – Reliability for small form factor AV storage.
- Preemptive Wear Leveling (PWL) – The drive arm frequently sweeps across the disk to reduce uneven wear on the drive surface common to audio video streaming applications.
The WD AV-25 hard drive is offered in capacities of 160 GB, 250 GB, 320 GB, and 500 GB and has a 3-year limited warranty. The WD AV-25 160 GB, 250 GB, and 320 GB hard drives are available now from select e-tailers and distributors. The WD AV-25 500 GB hard drive will be available next month. MSRP for the WD AV-25 hard drives range from $50 to $80 depending on capacity. More information about WD AV-25 drives may be found at www.wdc.com/en/products/Products.asp?DriveID=810.
Notes:
* A sone is a subjective unit of loudness as perceived by a person with normal hearing.
Based upon dual-tuner system operating in typical 30-degree C air ambient environment.
