It looks like HP thought it was time for a MediaSmart Server refresh. The company is introducing two new models that appear basically the same on the surface, but with some key differences. The $549 EX490 is a 1TB server powered by an Intel Celeron 450 2.2Ghz processor, while the $699 EX495 is 1.5TB server packing a speedy, multi-tasking Intel Dual Core E5200 2.5Ghz processor. Each has 2GB of RAM, eSATA, and includes a redesigned WHS home console and web UI. If you’re interested in seeing an in-depth review, MediaSmart Home has got you covered. We say: Spend the extra $150 on the EX495, if you plan on running multiple, processor intensive WHS add-ins at once on a regular basis. MORE »

We’ve always found it odd that only the EX485 / EX487 HP MediaSmart Server models were able to get updates for the latest features like Mac Time Machine support, iStream support, HP Video Converter, etc. Well, that’s no longer going to be the case. According to a statement made by HP (see attachment below), EX47x owners will soon be able to refresh their systems with a new server image via DVD later this Fall (available through HP support) that will allow owners to receive all the current and future server feature updates. In addition, HP is announcing that its LX and EX series MediaSmart Servers will be available for purchase in Europe around the same time frame. [via / via] MORE »

We have received confirmation that on May 5, 2009 HP will officially be launching its next MediaSmart Server product, the single drive LX195 Windows Home Server. Designed as a budget, entry-level backup solution, the sub-$400 LX195 features [PDF Data Sheet] an Intel Atom 1.6GHz 230 processor, 1GB of DDR2 memory, and 640GB of storage which one can swap out for a larger capacity SATA I / II drive in the future. The new server, like its big brothers the EX485/EX487, is capable of supporting Windows, Mac, and Linux PCs, as well as, game consoles like the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Other nice features include: Gigabit Ethernet, Sleep Mode (the LX195 will power itself down and consume only 3W of power when not in use), 4 USB 2.0 ports that be utilized for attaching external storage, and a svelte form factor measuring 3.90”(W) x 8.20”(H) x 8.00”(D).

The moment many of you HP (EX485/EX487) MediaSmart Server owners have been waiting for has arrived. You can now download your free copy of iStream from iTunes to gain remote access of your server’s stored photos, music, and videos via your iPhone or iPod touch (no syncing required). HP cautions, however, that copy protected files may not stream properly — so keep that in mind. Also, HP recommends downloading the latest software updates for your MediaSmart Server and your iPhone or iPod touch before installing iStream. [via]

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. MORE »

If you’ve been curious about the direction of Windows Home Server, you’ll be interested to see [WMV HQ] what the Director of the platform, Todd Headric, has to say to On10.net regarding its evolution both in terms of capabilities and product form factors. Servers on display range from a single drive Pico-ITX inspired VIA box similar in size to the Roku Digitial Video Player to a server rack mountable 16 drive bay monster from Niveus Media packing 24TB of storage. Todd also highlights some of the new Mac-centric features in HP’s ex485 / ex487 MediaSmart Server line, which won “Best in Show” at Macworld earlier this month.

If you live in a dual Mac and Windows PC environment, HP’s new ex485 (750GB – $599) and ex487 (1.5TB – $749) MediaSmart Servers launching in February 2009 are going to be right up your alley. The new machines, which come packed with a 2Ghz 64-bit Celeron processor and 2GB of DDR2 RAM, now offer Time Machine support so you can program scheduled backups of your Mac computers alongside your Windows PCs. The only catch Gizmodo reports, however, is that the new MediaSmart Servers still require a Windows PC for setup and administration. In other words, don’t plan on getting one of these if you’re starting out in a Mac-only environment. On a more positive note… the ex485 and ex487 servers can now be easily synced to Amazon’s S3 offsite “cloud” storage service for added data security and features a new browser based media player / remote media streamer powered by TwonkyMedia that enables users to access their digital library from anywhere in the world. HP is even providing people with a free domain forwarding service that will allow one to access to their MediaSmart Server using a custom HP URL linked to their home’s broadband IP address. Additional details are provided in the attached press release below. MORE »

If you’ve ever been interested in learning how to access and playback your HP MediaSmart Server’s stored music collection from any web enabled device, the following how-to guide at MediaSmart Home does a fairly good job of explaining how to go about doing this. The guide shows you how to enable and configure Firefly Media Server for remote access (delves into port forwarding, firewall settings, etc.) and introduces you to Firefly’s playback add-in, FirePlay (requires Flash). The catch to this setup, of course, is it can only stream DRM-free music tracks. On the plus side, Firefly provides on-the-fly transcoding of OGG, FLAC, Apple Lossless, and WMA to MP3 and can sift through your iTunes library and even read playlists. [via] MORE »

We Got Served is reporting today that HP, in an official public statement, is now stating that they will allow MediaSmart Server owners to upgrade their device’s memory without the worry of voiding their warranty. This is obviously fantastic news to all the power users out there who’ve embraced the platform and have installed various extension add-ins, that as a side-effect, have tended to hog up large amounts of memory when activated. MORE »

Too funny. MediaSmartServer.net forum member Diehard has modded his HP MediaSmart Server by installing the Popcorn Hour Media Tank mainboard into one of his server’s drive bays (pic) and, additionally, cut out an area of the back panel to mount its corresponding A/V connectors. So now, not only does Diehard have a server, he has a compact media center PC (of sorts) that can be plugged directly to his TV. Interestingly, Diehard mentions in his forum post that he’s also installed MCE 2005 and My Movies 2 on to his system. I didn’t know that was possible? Details on how the MCE 2005 hack was done can be found here. [via] MORE »