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Windows 7 Media Center review

by Ben Drawbaugh posted Jul 27th 2009 at 11:00AM



We've been waiting a long time for this and it's finally here, the latest version of Windows Media Center. Well, we really stopped waiting a few months ago when the release candidate hit, but waited on composing our thoughts until after we had a chance to play with the RTM copy. For the most part, as you'd expect the RTM build is identical to the RC, sans the bugs, but there are plenty of upgrades over Vista Media Center. Many of these new features were also in the TV Pack, but in our book that doesn't count. For starters it was OEM only, and thus you could only get it (legitimately) by buying a new PC, but the real reason is because it was so buggy, it was beyond usable. In fact we still stand by the theory that the TV Pack was nothing more than an early preview for OEMs of the new guts of Windows 7 Media Center. Gladly that is all behind us now, so keep reading to find out what gets us excited about Windows 7 Media Center.

Continue reading Windows 7 Media Center review

New Media Center features in WHS Power Pack 3 exposed in a screencast

by Ben Drawbaugh posted Jul 18th 2009 at 2:14PM

WHS Power Pack 3 features
A picture is worth a thousand words, which is why we wish we would've been the ones who thought of making a screencast that exposes the new Windows Home Server Power Pack 3 (Beta) features for Media Center. Our friend Adam from the Digital Media Zone takes us through the TV show archiving and converting feature as well as the new remote console that lets you check to see if your backups are running from the comfort of the couch. Although we're not super excited by any of these particular features, we are encouraged to see more evidence that our vision of the future of Windows Media Center might be in line with Microsoft's. Full screencast after the jump

Continue reading New Media Center features in WHS Power Pack 3 exposed in a screencast

mCubed's RipNAS Statement now available in Europe

by Darren Murph posted May 27th 2009 at 2:21PM


mCubed's RipNAS Statement may be unique, but it isn't apt to be widely adopted -- at least not with price points like this. Hailed as the first SSD-based CD ripping NAS device, the product is also available in a traditional HDD form, though both handle automatic ripping, NAS duties and media streaming. Within, you'll find a dual-core Atom CPU, gigabit Ethernet, a TEAC DVD drive, four USB 2.0 sockets and a fanless design. The pain? €1,795 ($2,500) for the 3TB HDD version, or €3,295 ($4,590) for the 500GB SSD model. If you're unfazed by sticker shock, you can pick yours up right now over in Europe.

Gallery: mCubed's RipNAS Statement now available in Europe

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.

Is the future of Windows Media Center with Windows Home Server?

by Ben Drawbaugh posted May 22nd 2009 at 2:00PM

WHS and WMC
With all the bad news around Windows Media Center this week, many enthusiasts are wondering about the future of Media Center. To say that the past few years have had a few disappointments is an understatement, especially when you think back to the way CableCARD support was implemented and how poorly the Extenders have been supported. Although things look pretty grim for our preferred DVR platform, we're optimistic that things are actually about to get really good in the next year thanks to Windows 7 and some unannounced features and products. Part of the reason we think this is because over the years we've been watching Microsoft develop products that have taken years to catch on and gain dominance. But lets be honest, we're not on the inside and most of what we think will happen is based on rumors and conjecture. With that being said, we've convinced ourselves that the future of Media Center, and the key to wider adoption that we think it deserves, is with Windows Home Server.

Continue reading Is the future of Windows Media Center with Windows Home Server?

RipNAS Statement: world's first SSD-based CD ripping NAS device

by Darren Murph posted May 3rd 2009 at 4:29PM


We'll be perfectly honest with you -- the Atom-powered RipNAS definitely caught our interest when it launched with practically no major competitors back in February. Now, the RipNAS family has grown by two with the introduction of the Statement SSD and Statement HDD. We're told that the former is the world's first SSD-based CD ripping NAS device, and we've absolutely no reason to believe otherwise. The totally silent, all-silver box is based on the Windows Home Server OS and handles a cornucopia of tasks: CD ripping, media streaming and networked file storage. Internal specifications include a dual-core Atom CPU, 2GB of RAM and four USB 2.0 ports. The Statement SSD arrives in a 500GB configuration (2 x 250GB SSDs), while the Statement HDD holds 3TB by way of two 1.5TB drives; mum's the word on pricing, but don't bank on 'em being cheap.

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 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]

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.

Windows Home Server gets Power Pack 2, Acer easyStore gets US release date

by Tim Stevens posted Mar 24th 2009 at 10:12AM

Windows Home Server gets Power Pack 2, Acer easyStore gets US release date
It was mid last year when Microsoft released the first "Power Pack 1" for Windows Home Server, fixing that ugly data corruption bug and mixing in a few handy enhancements all the while. Since then the company's been quiet about the OS, but finally will release another update today. No major bug fixes this time, but as expected Power Pack 2 will include enhancements to make remote access easier, enabling sharing directly to Media Center PCs or to Media Center Extenders, and adding support for streaming MP4 content to the Xbox 360 and some other devices. Microsoft also let slip news that Acer's easyStore WHS tower will be shipping to the US next month, giving Americans with too much content another box with too many LEDs to fit their needs.

Windows Home Server PP2 adds Media Center integration

by Ben Drawbaugh posted Mar 23rd 2009 at 9:25PM


If you haven't played with Windows Home Server, we're not sure what you're waiting on. But if a $99 version of Windows 2003 Server with great image backup software, drop dead simple remote access, and mindless RAID, weren't enough to get you to check it out, perhaps the new Media Center features in Power Pack 2 will do the trick. Officially released tomorrow, Power Pack two will be installed via Windows Updates and among other things -- like remote access enhancements and backup fixes -- includes extra support for Windows Media Center. Now we're not exactly sure how this new functionality will compare to great 3rd party solutions like Recorded TV Manager, but we have our hopes up that this is a prelude to tuner support.

Shuttle, Acer and VIA release Windows Home Servers at CES

by Darren Murph posted Jan 9th 2009 at 10:10AM

We've got a trio of companies outing Windows Home Server-based devices here at CES, all of which are coming hot on the heels of the recently revamped HP MediaSmart Servers. Acer's got the Aspire easyStore, which trucks along on an Atom 230 CPU and features 1GB of RAM, four hot-swappable drive bays and 640GB of storage. Shuttle's offering up the SH-4500 and SH-K4800, both of which include dual bays and four USB 2.0 ports; finally, VIA's letting loose the gigantic eight bay NSD7800, which can hold up to 12TB of images, videos, tunes and whatever else you feel like streaming. Per usual, price / release date remains a mystery, but we ought to be hearing more about those bits soon.

[Thanks, Kai Ng Tvedt]

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





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