HP MediaSmart Server Software Update Brings H.264 Video Conversion and Remote Streaming Functionality

By Alexander Grundner | April 13th, 2009 (2) Comments

Really big news today for HP MediaSmart Server (models: EX485 / EX487) owners. HP has released a server software update that brings a couple of new video streaming features to the product line. According to the press release (attached below), HP MediaSmart Servers can now transcode unprotected, digital copies of DVDs in its original resolution to MPEG-4 (H.264), as well as create a “mobile” friendly digital copy to use with devices like the iPod touch, iPhone, and PSP. In fact, HP is also announcing that a new iPhone app called iStream — available at no charge (currently pending approval) — will enable users to remotely access and playback their HP MediaSmart Server’s digital media collection from any Internet accessible location. Lastly, HP rolled in additional enhancements to its Media Collector, Photo Viewer, and Apple Time Machine configuration setup.

HP Updates MediaSmart Server Software

PALO ALTO, Calif., April 13, 2009 – HP today announced the release of a software update for the HP MediaSmart Server (EX485/EX487 models), providing remote video streaming and video conversion of unprotected content.⁽¹⁾

The new software enables the HP MediaSmart Server to automatically convert videos (including unprotected DVDs) into two resolutions. The original, high-resolution file will stream to most devices on a home network including PCs, Macs and gaming systems.⁽²⁾

The mobile resolution version of the video can be downloaded and played on popular mobile devices including the iPod touch, iPhone and PlayStationPortable (PSP).

The video converter will transcode most popular video formats into both high and mobile quality MPEG-4 (H.264) versions.

“Our enhanced software features will help eliminate the frustration people experience when attempting to stream their videos to connected devices in the home or remotely to their mobile devices,” said Jason Zajac, vice president and general manager, Worldwide Attach Group, HP.

In addition, owners of an iPod touch and iPhone can download a new HP MediaSmart Server iStream application⁽³⁾ at no charge from the iTunes App Store, enabling them to stay connected to their digital media stored on the MediaSmart Server. Users can easily access their pictures, listen to their music collection and watch their favorite videos – all streamed directly to their mobile devices from their HP MediaSmart Server.

Other software enhancements include an improved mobile streaming user experience, a more robust HP Media Collector, an improved Apple Time Machine configuration, and the ability to create public and private albums in the Photo Viewer.

The HP MediaSmart Server, designed for use with both Microsoft Windows®-based and Mac computers, automatically organizes files across PCs and streams media across a home network and the Internet.⁽⁴⁾

Based on the Microsoft Windows Home Server platform, the HP MediaSmart Server EX485/EX487 shipped to customers in January. Acting as the heart of the home network, the MediaSmart Server is a central repository for automatically backing up and accessing digital photos, music, videos and documents from multiple computers on a home network.⁽⁵⁾

Pricing and availability

The software update will be available at no charge later this month as an automatic download to the HP MediaSmart Server (EX485/EX487 models).

Manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the HP MediaSmart Server EX485 with 750 gigabytes of hard disk storage is $599; the HP MediaSmart Server EX487 with 1.5 terabytes is $749.⁽⁶⁾

More information is available at www.hp.com/go/mediasmartserver.

About HP
HP, the world’s largest technology company, simplifies the technology experience for consumers and businesses with a portfolio that spans printing, personal computing, software, services and IT infrastructure. More information about HP (NYSE: HPQ) is available at http://www.hp.com/.

⁽¹⁾ Copy-protected files may not play properly.

⁽²⁾ For Mac OS X 10.5 or later. Windows PC is required on the home network for server setup and Windows Home Server.

⁽³⁾ Pending approval by iTunes App store.

⁽⁴⁾ Internet access is required and not included.

⁽⁵⁾ Wired or wireless home network required.

⁽⁶⁾ Estimated U.S. retail prices. Actual prices may vary.

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