Skip to Content

New to the Mac? Check out TUAW's Mac 101
AOL Tech

server posts

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 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]

HP MediaSmart Server LX195 lights up in leaked images

by Ross Miller posted Apr 13th 2009 at 1:47PM

Not even two weeks have passed since we first spotted HP's 640GB MediaSmart Server LX195 in boxed form, care of Mr. Blurrycam, and now we've got what appears to be a couple of official press photos. Stylish aesthetics aside, it's sporting four USBs, an ethernet port, and DC input for a power brick. What we're not seeing is any way to swap out or add storage, so it looks like that "single drive server" speculation might be on the money. Speaking of which, the company still hasn't made this official, and as such, there's no word on pricing or availability.

[Via MediaSmartServer.net]

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.

CasaTools announces CasaTunes Xle Multi-Room Music Server

by Darren Murph posted Jan 30th 2009 at 11:11AM


It's a month or so late, but those eager to get their hands on a new music server from the labs of CasaTunes are probably willing to forgive the brief delay. The multi-room device, which was announced last September at CEDIA, is finally shipping to those interested. Dubbed the CasaTunes XL, it comes stocked with a capacious 250GB hard drive (which, honestly, sort of pales in comparison to WD's newest 2TB monster), touchscreen controls and the ability to shuffle between up to nine different sources. A few different model options are available, but you can get started for as low as $1,499.

Update: CasaTunes wrote in to say that the CasaTunes XLi Music Server is available now, while the CasaTunes Xle and the CasaTunes Xle Music Server are expected to be available in a few weeks.

Gallery: CasaTunes pipes multiple audio streams to multiple rooms

Ask Engadget HD: Best multi-zone music server under $2,000?

by Darren Murph posted Jan 28th 2009 at 12:00PM Featured Story


We've got a wide-open one for you this week, so be sure and simmer on it for an extra long while before contributing.

"I just got into a new home and I'm hoping to procure a multi-zone music server. I'm really new to the field, so I'm pretty overwhelmed by all the options. I need at least three zones and 250GB of hard drive space. Other than that, I'd just like general advice about good units under $2,000. Help!"

George is right -- there are darn near an infinite amount of options out there, but the money cap does narrow things down a bit. What's streaming audio throughout your house right now? Got something simple and sweet? Share it!

Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.

Sooloos delivers RackMount media server models at no extra cost

by Darren Murph posted Jan 26th 2009 at 8:18AM


So far as we can tell, this is the first major product introduction from Sooloos since it was acquired by Meridian Audio Limited in December 2008. For those who've already plunked down for one of the company's music management devices, you'd be better off holding your ears and scrolling down with haste. For everyone else, you should know that Sooloos's Source, Twinstore and Ensemble units will now be available in a 2U rackmount enclosure for -- get this -- no additional cost. The mountable iterations will include internal fans for heat dispersion and a front-panel power switch, though functionally everything will remain the same. Pays to wait sometimes, huh? The full release (prices included) is after the break.

Continue reading Sooloos delivers RackMount media server models at no extra cost

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

Digital media revolution to give home servers a shot in the arm?

by Darren Murph posted Jul 24th 2008 at 12:50PM


Just moments after ABI Research published a report suggesting that all-in-one PCs and internet TV would invigorate the HTPC market comes something similar from Forrester Research. Its latest analysis suggests that the growing trend of maintaining files rather than physical discs could give home media servers a significant boost. Essentially, HTPCs and home storage / networking devices could become entirely relevant as digital downloads become more common and physical media fades out. Granted, we're a firm believer that said scenario is still years away from happening, but we don't doubt that this prophecy will be realized in due time. As it stands, only around 400,000 US households posses a home server, suggesting that the market is just barely in its infancy. Forrester says that figure will grow to 4.5 million by 2012 -- we've got 3.5 years to find out.

Hands-on with EI's four-CableCARD 754 LifeMedia Server

by Darren Murph posted Sep 7th 2007 at 5:05AM


Just as expected, Exceptional Innovation was showing off its new Model 754 LifeMedia Server at CEDIA, and sure enough, that bad boy was sportin' no fewer than four CableCARD slots. According to an on-site representative, this very machine should start shipping out to consumers within a month or so, and while we can only imagine how pricey this niche system will be, we're certain there's a few hardcore television viewers out there that will gleefully pony up.

Gallery: Hands-on with EI's four-CableCARD 754 LifeMedia Server

Inteset stuffs HD DVD / Blu-ray combo drive in media PCs

by Darren Murph posted Jul 27th 2007 at 11:59AM


Currently, there's just not a whole lot of options when you're scouting a pre-fabricated rig that does both HD DVD and Blu-ray on a single optical drive, but adding one more to mix certainly helps. Enter Inteset, which has just announced that an HD DVD / Blu-ray combo drive will be an option in the firm's Maximus and Denzel media server systems. The machines will reportedly come loaded with CyberLink's PowerDVD Ultra software, support 7.1-channel surround sound, and sport an array of ports including audio in / out, DVI / VGA / component / S-Video, USB, FireWire, and antenna inputs for the TV tuners. 'Course, since the company recommends that you "contact a dealer for pricing," you should assume that this here HTPC won't run you cheap.

Interact-TV unveils MyTellyHD Linux-based media server

by Darren Murph posted Jan 31st 2007 at 5:52AM

While Interact-TV is no stranger to the media center arena, the company is taking a diversion from its previous PMP / storage-based offerings to unveil a fully-featured Linux-based media center for your AV rack. Aside from sporting a sleek, almost space-aged design, the unit can play back / save DVDs to your video library, automatically lookup DVD cover art and meta data, burn recorded TV shows to DVD, import video files from a networked PC, output in 480i or 720p, and handle AVI, DivX, MPEG1/2/3/4, WMV, JPEG, Cinepak, DV, QuickTime, RealMedia, H.263, and H.264 formats. Moreover, this box offers up a thorough audio / photo management system, one-touch recording as a PVR, and access to a bevy of extraneous information via the Telly Portal. As if this weren't enough, you'll also find an upscaling DVD player within, and if you're curious about the components running the show, there's 512MB of RAM, up to a 400GB hard drive, dual-layer DVD burner, six-channel audio, component / S-Video / composite outs, NTSC TV tuner, IR trackball remote, optional wireless keyboard, gigabit Ethernet, FireWire, USB 2.0, and a complete lack of fans due to the passive cooling system. Vista may be getting most of the limelight on this day in particular, but the MyTellyHD packs quite a wallop for a low-key Linux HTPC, and considering the fairly low $899 starting price point, there's not much to grumble about on this one.




AOL News

Other Weblogs Inc. Network blogs you might be interested in:

Joystiq
Download Squad
The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)
BloggingStocks
Joystiq Xbox
Autoblog
Big Download
Fanhouse NFL Blog