HP MediaSmart Server gets

HP has launched an updated home storage/media server with new Mac-specific functionality. Based on the Microsoft Windows Home Server platform, the HP MediaSmart Server ex485/ex487 functions as a central repository for digital music, videos, photos and documents from multiple computers on a home network. The device automatically organizes files across all PCs (including Macs), streams media across a home network and the Internet, and publishes photos to popular social networking and photo sharing sites.

HP's second-generation media server adds functions such as as the HP Media Collector, which schedules the MediaSmart Server to copy and centralize digital files and libraries from networked PCs. It adds media streaming to remotely stream photos and music to any Internet-connected PC or Mac and adds a server for iTunes that centralizes iTunes music libraries for playback to any networked Mac or PC running the software.

The new HP Photo Publisher allows users to upload photos to popular internet sharing sites, including Facebook, Picasa Web Albums and Snapfish, while the HP Photo Viewer allows for sharing photos with friends and family.

The server offers new backup functions for Mac users, supporting Leopard's built-in Time Machine software, and it backs up networked PCs via the Windows Home Server backup feature. The device also offers server backups (duplicating designated shared folders to separate hard disk drives) and online backup that duplicates designated folders to Amazon’s S3 online backup service at an additional cost.

The second-generation device also has more processing power and power management features. The Smart Power Management can schedule times for server to go to ”sleep” and ”wake up" to help preserve energy costs. It now uses Intel's 2.0GHz 64-bit Celeron 64-bit and includes 2GB of 800MHz DDR2 DRAM to help.

The HP MediaSmart Server ex485 with 750GB of hard disk storage will cost $600, while the the MediaSmart Server ex487 with 1.5TB will be available for $760. The HP MediaSmart Server will be available for pre-order beginning on Jan. 5, 2009, from Amazon.com, BestBuy.com, Buy.com, Frys.com and NewEgg.com and is expected to ship in February. (Additionally, the first 200 consumers who visit HP Home & Home Office or call 1-888-271-2982 between Jan. 5 - 11, 2009, to reserve a MediaSmart Server and use coupon code “AC5674” will receive a $50 savings off their purchase.)

HP MediaSmart Server ex485/ex487

by MacNN Staff