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Test update could indicate new HP MediaSmart server in the works, or nothing at all

by Richard Lawler posted Aug 12th 2009 at 4:24PM


Keen eyed HP MediaSmart server fans peeped a new version number in a test software update package, 3.1.0.00000. There's no indication what that possible software update might contain, but that hasn't stopped speculation focusing on the possibility of this either being the EX and LX series update promised a few months ago, or a hint towards all new hardware on the way. In lieu of any hard information, we'll let your hopes, dreams and desires fill in the blanks of what the next iteration of these home servers might contain.

HP's MediaSmart Server LX195 reviewed: impressive, but flawed

by Darren Murph posted May 26th 2009 at 9:51AM


After being introduced to the world late last month, we've heard little else about HP's lower-end MediaSmart Server LX195... until now, obviously. This little media streamer made its way into the HotHardware labs for a little Q&A, and it managed to escape with lots of praise, a mild amount of criticism and a price tag that'll likely be too steep for most to swallow. As for performance and features, the LX195 was found to shine; the Media Collector, iTunes server and Time Machine backup functionality all worked great. Unfortunately, the "endless loop of updates" seen during the initial setup and the lack of an April update -- which was sent out to the EX series last month -- left somewhat of a bitter taste in reviewers mouths. Overall, the system delivered and worked as advertised, but the $360 to $400 street price is apt to turn all but the hardest of hardcore HP fans away, not to mention that the aforesaid EX update (which will hit the LX195 this fall) will require users to completely wipe their HDD and start over from scratch. Check the read link for the full writeup.

HP MediaSmart LX195 boasts 640GB HDD, 1.6GHz Atom, $400 MSRP

by Ross Miller posted Apr 29th 2009 at 8:39PM

Yearning for more info on the HP MediaSmart LX195? Here's some new concrete details for you to go along with the leaked images from earlier this month. As previously suggested, it's got a single 640GB internal SATA drive with 7200RPM, with the only option for expansion being via the four USB 2.0 ports in the back. We're also looking at a 1.6GHz Atom 230 processor, 1GB RAM, Windows Home Server software and support for Apple's Time Machine. Mum's the word on price, but if you're looking to start saving early, suggested retail price is just under four Benjamins.

Gallery: HP MediaSmart LX195 boasts 640GB HDD, 1.6GHz Atom, $400 price tag

HP MediaSmart ex485 / ex487 v2.5 update now available

by Richard Lawler posted Apr 22nd 2009 at 9:41PM


Thanks are due to EHD reader Matthew for letting us know the much-anticipated v2.5 update to HP's MediaSmart ex485 / ex487 model home servers has been waiting for us on its website for a few days now. In case you missed it, this patch adds a whole load of new features like automatic video conversion, iPhone streaming and other improvements detailed here. The patch itself? A click of the read link and a 24MB download away.

[Thanks, Matthew]

Firmware update brings file conversion, iPhone access to HP's MediaSmart ex485 / ex487

by Darren Murph posted Apr 13th 2009 at 12:01AM


HP's MediaSmart Server ex487 (1.5TB) and ex485 (750GB) both received copious amounts of praise when launched late last year, but considering just how many issues the original two had (the ex470 and ex475), it wouldn't take much to best 'em. Today, HP is issuing its second firmware update of the year for the series, but the first ever for the newest duo -- and make no mistake, it's a big one. The v2.5 update adds in loads of new features, far too many to cover in this space, in fact. If you're interested in hearing more, follow us past the break for all the details.

Gallery: Firmware update brings file conversion, iPhone access to HP's MediaSmart ex485 / ex487

Continue reading Firmware update brings file conversion, iPhone access to HP's MediaSmart ex485 / ex487

New HP MediaSmart Server LX195 caught out there by Mr. Blurrycam

by Richard Lawler posted Mar 31st 2009 at 8:49AM


HP MediaSmart Server enthusiast skeeter has uncovered what looks like the latest addition to the line, the LX195. Sporting a mere 640GB, MediaSmartServer.net speculates this edition could be a single drive model, slotting in below the EX475 and EX485 with additional hard drive space added via USB. That's all there is to know, at least until someone gets a peek at one outside the box.

HP issues software update for MediaSmart Server

by Darren Murph posted Jan 23rd 2009 at 8:02AM


It's been forever and a day since HP issued a MediaSmart Server update, but now -- at long last -- owners can suck down some more new software in order to implement a few minor changes. The HPMSS-1.3-R1 update adds in a Rollback feature, improves image processing performance in HP Photo Webshare, corrects error messages displayed using SSL and TZO certifications and removes unnecessary temperature sensor displays. Give it a go and let us know how things turn out, will ya?

[Thanks, Duane]

HP MediaSmart Server ex487 gets hands-on love and full-blown review

by Darren Murph posted Dec 29th 2008 at 8:18AM


HP's 1.5TB MediaSmart Server ex487 (and its smaller 750GB sibling, the ex485) were just announced hours ago, but that hasn't stopped a few lucky reviewers from putting their hands-on pictures and impressions online for the world to pore over. The biggest knocks that seemed to really grate the nerves of critics were that the single eSATA port was not port-multiplier aware, and despite the bump to 2GB of RAM, the TwonkyMedia and Remote Media Streaming software were still deemed "quirky and in need of some polish." Those gripes aside, the newfangled unit was pretty well adored. In fact, WeGotServed flat-out called the device "stunning," praising HP for its tightly integrated applications that worked fairly well on top of Windows Home Server. For those eying a simple-to-use media server, it looks like HP finally produced one that can be purchased sans regret; the real question, however, is will the outfit push these delectable new features down to existing ex470 / ex475 owners?

Read - MediaSmartServer review
Read - WeGotServed review / hands-on

HP debuts Mac-compatible MediaSmart ex485 / ex487 home servers

by Darren Murph posted Dec 29th 2008 at 12:42AM


It's been a long, long while since we've heard the words HP MediaSmart, and in fact, the last mention that was made wasn't exactly positive. HP's looking to put the past away and forge ahead with two new ones in the line: the Mac-friendly ex485 and ex487. Both devices are (of course) based on Microsoft's Windows Home Server platform, and just like their predecessors, these are meant to automatically backup machines around the home and act as a network-accessible repository for all things media. The pair features HP's Media Collector (used to schedule, copy and centralize digital files from networked PCs) and also acts as an iTunes server and an external backup device for Macs running Leopard and using Apple's Time Machine software. As for specs, you'll find a 2GHz Celeron CPU in each with 2GB of DDR2 RAM, gigabit Ethernet, four USB 2.0 ports, one eSATA jack and four internal HDD bays. The February-bound duo can be pre-ordered on January 5th for $599 (ex485; 750GB) / $749 (ex487; 1.5TB), and each can be scaled up to 9TB. Full release is after the break.

Continue reading HP debuts Mac-compatible MediaSmart ex485 / ex487 home servers

HP exiting LCD TV biz, killing MediaSmart HDTV line?

by Darren Murph posted Oct 28th 2008 at 12:38PM


Chalk this one up as rampant speculation for now, but word on the street has it that HP may be fixing to axe its LCD TV business and kill the MediaSmart HDTV while it's at it. In taking a step back, it's easy to see how logical this move seems -- HP has never been a giant in the LCD HDTV arena, and its MediaSmart line serves an even smaller niche. Couple those facts with plummeting LCD prices and diminishing margins, and you've got yourself a pretty strong case to hit the eject button. If all of this pans out, it'll surely hurt Microsoft's chances of getting even more TV manufacturers to sell sets with Media Center Extenders built in, but at least those still on the hunt for a MediaSmart HDTV on the cheap would have an opportunity to find just that.

[Via ElectronicHouse]

HP's MediaSmart EX475 takes on homegrown Windows Home Server systems

by Darren Murph posted Oct 3rd 2008 at 6:29PM


If you've somehow managed to hold off from buying one of HP's MediaSmart servers (or, you know, just forgot about your plans to buy one), MissingRemote has a nice writeup explaining the benefits of picking one up versus building your own. The storage junkies over there pitted an EX475 against a "home brewed Frankenstein" and a server built with WHS-specific parts in order to see which of the three would emerge triumphant. In the end, HP's own unit managed to garner the most of their love, which was quite surprising to be honest. Sure, building your own can be a ton of fun, but the EX475 just delivered in every important area for right around the same price as the other two homegrown competitors. Don't believe us? Tap the read link and check it out.

HP allows MediaSmart Server memory upgrades, still wants you home before the streetlights come on

by Richard Lawler posted Sep 29th 2008 at 1:49PM


Congratulations, HP MediaSmart Server owners, you can finally undertake such drastic hardware modification as upgrading the RAM without voiding the warranty. A 2GB stick should help speed up the console and any particularly memory-hungry add ins you've loaded, but word is this can be slightly trickier than your average RAM upgrade and HP warns you're still on the hook for any damage incurred during an upgrade. Now, where'd we put that screwdriver?

[Via eHomeUpgrade]

HP MediaSmart Connect Review

by Ben Drawbaugh posted Aug 28th 2008 at 4:00PM Featured Story


In our recent roundup of Vista Media Center Extenders we were very disappointed that HP MediaSmart connect wasn't available in time to go head to head with the rest. Now that the MediaSmart Connect is in hand, we were anxious to try it out and see how it compares and we have to say that with a MSRP of $350 and a street price at just under $300, we had pretty high expectations. Although there is no doubt that it has the nicest exterior and remote of any extender available, we're not sure if those two merits alone help it to live up to its premium price.

Gallery: HP MediaSmart Connect

Continue reading HP MediaSmart Connect Review

PlayOn media server brings Hulu / YouTube to consoles, Netflix coming soon?

by Richard Lawler posted Aug 19th 2008 at 5:52PM


PlayOn wants to make sure you can get your daily dose of Barackrolls and Airwolf episodes beyond the desktop, while Hulu might not have a slick streaming set-top box of its own, this media server software turns flash video RSS streams into easily browsed folders for your DLNA-compliant hardware. PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and HP MediaSmart HDTVs being at the top of that list (with Nintendo Wii support planned by year-end) owners can grab the beta release of the software and stream low-res episodes of Psych, or any assortment of YouTube video they please. With Netflix support "just down the road" this could provide an end around for PS3 owners looking for streaming love, or Xbox 360 owners without Xbox Live Gold (we know you're out there.) Bad news is the beta only lasts 60 days and there's a $30 pricetag waiting at the end of the free lunch highway. Our experience was good, with no stutters in a Psych episode streamed via Wi-Fi to the PS3 (albeit with no choice of HD clips), but we'd wait for confirmation on the whole Netflix bit before dropping any dough.

Update: Getting 69-C00D36C4 / folder could not be accessed errors on your PS3 or Xbox 360, or waiting for 64-bit Vista support to dive in? PlayOn CTO David Karlton updated the official blog to let users know fixes and additional support is in the works, so keep an eye out for more news shortly if things aren't working just yet.

Gallery: PlayOn Media Server

[Via PS3 Fanboy]

HP MediaSmart Connect brings digital media to your HDTV

by Darren Murph posted Jun 17th 2008 at 12:41AM


Yeah, you may be burning that midnight oil, but your weariness isn't the reason you're certain you've seen this thing before. Touted at CES as the MediaSmart Receiver, the re-dubbed MediaSmart Connect is finally available for pre-order. Just as we heard before, this unit takes full advantage of Extender for Windows Media Center technology, and although it possesses no internal storage space, it will pull in digital media from around your home (and a variety of online media outlets) and pipe it straight to your HDTV. The unit plays nice with other UPnP- and DLNA-compliant devices and includes 802.11a/b/g/n WiFi, an Ethernet port, HDMI / component jacks and support for MPEG2/4, DivX, XviD, WMV, MP3, WMA, AAC, JPEG and BMP files (among others). Prospective buyers can get their order in today for $349.





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