Engadget

Ask Engadget: best (Windows) Home Server and universal remote solution?

Darren Murph — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 22:29:00 EST

We know you've got questions, and if you're brave enough to ask the world for answers, here's the outlet to do so. This week's Ask Engadget inquiry is coming to us from Tim, who's looking to take his living room (and digital life, by the sound of it) into the future. If you're looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

"A while back I was looking at getting the HP Media Smart Home Server, but some time has gone by and I'm wondering if that is still the best solution going around. I want something that is ideally priced at a max of $1000; it has to be something small, not noisy or too power-hungry, and it has to be something that I can hide away. I'll use it for network storage, backup, streaming and remote access. I was also wondering if it's worth getting a good universal remote to dim lights, turn on the TV, amp, PS3 and maybe even some home server control -- or have the iPhone / Android apps become so good that they are now the best option? Thanks!"

Great Qs, Sir Tim. We're of the belief that most everything from a home automation standpoint can be done on Android or iPhone, particularly if you're starting from scratch (and aren't looking for enterprise-class services). As for Windows Home Server? You've still got a few options, but has anything come along to trump up? If you've got a say in all this, sound off in comments below!

Ask Engadget: best (Windows) Home Server and universal remote solution? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 27 Aug 2011 22:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Windows Phone 7 Connector now puts your Home Server in your hand

Terrence O'Brien — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 10:08:00 EST

Ok, Windows Server Solutions Phone Connector doesn't exactly sound exciting but, if you're one of the few people out there rocking a Windows Home Server 2011 machine and a WP7 handset, you're probably gonna want to get this set up ASAP. The combination of server-side plug-in and phone app lets you remotely control your server -- triggering backups, managing users, and viewing alerts. It also lets you pull up media files stored on your server, though you can't copy them locally for your later viewing or listening pleasure. It's not just for home users either. The plug-in works with Windows Small Business Server 2011 Essentials and Windows Storage Server 2008 R2 Essentials, for smaller companies that rely on Microsoft-powered mobiles. You can download the server add-on at the more coverage link, and the smartphone app from the Zune Marketplace.

Windows Phone 7 Connector now puts your Home Server in your hand originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 17 Jul 2011 10:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Drive Bender released, offers to fix your WHS Drive Extender woes

Tim Stevens — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 02:34:00 EST

When Microsoft indicated it was killing off Drive Extender tech for its upcoming Vail release of Windows Home Server, many WHS fans poured a 40 onto the lid of their MediaSmart servers. In response to all the sodden warranty claims HP decided to kill off the series and, well, things were looking dire. Indeed Drive Extender will not be a part of Windows Home Server 2011, meaning no integrated ability to easily add and remove disks from a single pool of storage -- but leave it to the individuals offer your fix. You can now try Drive Bender, a sort of alternative Drive Extender developed by a company called Division-M and said to work with any flavor of Windows and offer the same sort of disk merging and replicating functionality, but do it in an unofficial way. The beta is now available if you're feeling rather more brave than we.

[Thanks, JagsLive]

Drive Bender released, offers to fix your WHS Drive Extender woes originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 02:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vail is now Windows Home Server 2011, Drive Extender's officially dead

Michael Gorman — Fri, 04 Feb 2011 07:01:00 EST

Microsoft announced months ago that the artist formerly known as Vail -- now officially known as Windows Home Server 2011 -- was dropping Drive Extender functionality. Though we were given hope that the feature might be reinstated, the release candidate of WHS2011 went out to testers today... sans Drive Extender's 'drive pooling for dummies' capability. In its place, Microsoft has included a Move Folder Wizard that alerts you when a new hard drive has been added (for those who were visited by the HDD fairy without their knowledge, no doubt) and walks you through formatting and partitioning your new drive. However, partition size is limited to 2TB for it to work with the server backup feature, so your massive collection of ripped Blu-rays will require a veritable alphabet of drive letters. Not all the news is bad though, as the dev team has enabled Shadow Copy in the OS to allow data time traveling in case you accidentally delete something. If that sounds good to you, hit the source link below and get your download on.

Vail is now Windows Home Server 2011, Drive Extender's officially dead originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft shows off Home Server 'Vail' app for Windows Phone 7

Donald Melanson — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 22:58:00 EST

Things may have been looking bleak for Microsoft's upcoming version of Windows Home Server, dubbed "Vail," when HP announced that it was dropping the OS in favor of WebOS last month, but Microsoft has now given it a boost of confidence that should put any rumors of its death to rest. The company is showing off an add-in for Vail that will let you manage alerts on your Windows Phone 7 phone, access media stored on your home server, and in turn send pictures stored on your phone to your server (but not other media, apparently). Still no firm word on a release, but Microsoft says it will available "soon." Hit up the source link below for Microsoft's complete walkthrough of the app.

Microsoft shows off Home Server 'Vail' app for Windows Phone 7 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 22:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HP dropping Windows Home Server to focus on WebOS, won't be hitting the slopes at Vail

Tim Stevens — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 07:35:00 EST

More bad news for fans of little Windows servers for home. HP, makers of the MediaSmart boxes that defined the first release of Windows Home Server, has confirmed that it is canceling plans to support the next major release of the OS, codenamed Vail. This comes hot on the heels of the removal of storage pooling from that release, an extremely unpopular move among the relatively few but ardent fans of WHS. HP is promising to continue support for its existing MediaSmart products but apparently has already redeployed development teams to focus on WebOS devices. For its part, Microsoft will be relying on Acer and Tranquil PC to hang the decorations for the Vail release party. Anyone still care to RSVP?

HP dropping Windows Home Server to focus on WebOS, won't be hitting the slopes at Vail originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Dec 2010 07:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Steve Ballmer looking into removal of Drive Extender from Windows Home Server

Tim Stevens — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 09:26:00 EST

Windows Home Server hasn't exactly taken the consumer market by storm, showing yet again that people are more interested in shiny new toys than protecting their precious data. Still, there's been a huge amount of negative backlash from Microsoft's recent decision to drop Drive Extender from the next release of WHS, currently codenamed Vail. Drive Extender is the tech that enables multiple physical disks to act as a single logical volume, making it easy for even non-techy folks to add more and enable data replication. Terry Walsh over at We Got Served was similarly taken aback by the decision and took the opportunity to drop a note to Big Poppa Steve Ballmer. He got a response:

From: Steve Ballmer
Sent: 26 November 2010 05:30
To: Terry Walsh
Subject: RE: MVP Feedback - Windows Home Server "Vail" Crisis
Let's look into it

Yes, it's a short response, and it course could mean anything or, indeed, nothing, but it is at least a response and a positive sign that the huge outcry among fans of Windows Home Server can indeed make its way to the top of the executive chain. Now we just wait to see what comes rolling back down...

Steve Ballmer looking into removal of Drive Extender from Windows Home Server originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 09:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Windows Home Server 'Vail' drops drive extender support, MS suggests you buy bigger HDDs

Tim Stevens — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 10:26:00 EST

If you're a current Windows Home Server user there's a very good chance you've taken advantage of the drive pooling features of the OS. Need more storage? Pop in a new HDD, watch some lights blink for a bit, and then you're ready to get back to downloading... whatever it is you're downloading. Granted things didn't always work perfectly, but this tech, formally called Drive Extender, makes adding storage easy, makes it possible to replicate only the data that needs it, and is completely hardware independent. And now it's going away. Microsoft has confirmed that the next release of Windows Home Server, Vail (due in the first half of 2011), will not feature Drive Extender, indicating you'll need to simply buy bigger drives and manually handle data replication or rely on RAID to make this happen, solutions that are decidedly less intuitive for non-techie users. The reaction among WHS fans has been overwhelmingly negative, with 148 comments (and counting) on the announcement post, most telling MS where it can shove its RAID controller. Feel free to keep on venting here if you like.

Update: Malcom dropped this link into comments, where Windows guru Paul Thurrott indicates the issue is related to MS trying to position this to the small business sector -- that Drive Extender can't keep up with more professional loads.

Windows Home Server 'Vail' drops drive extender support, MS suggests you buy bigger HDDs originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Windows Home Server 'Vail' sees new beta release, adds OS X support

Darren Murph — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 11:20:00 EST

It's not the biggest of releases, but progress is progress at this point. Since launching in late April, Microsoft has been rather mum on the future of its latest Windows Home Server build. This week, however, the second major beta release has been let loose into the wilds, with Vail's most recent build now available to download there in the source link. The Big M doesn't go into great detail on what all has been added and / or changed, only saying that this new version has "plenty of enhancements and improvements over the original." The so-called "Preview" also adds support for Mac OS X backups, though users should know that storage check and repair (among other things, most likely) aren't exactly working seamlessly. But hey, that's what you get for living on the beta, right?

Windows Home Server 'Vail' sees new beta release, adds OS X support originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LaCie's Windows Home Server-powered 5big Backup Server now shipping for big money

Tim Stevens — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 13:58:00 EST

The last we heard from LaCie about its upcoming home server we didn't know much more than five bays inside, gigabit Ethernet on the back, and Windows Home Server running the show. Seven months on it's now available and we have all the details you could want. The 5big Backup Server apes the vaguely HAL 9000esque styling of earlier 5big storage devices, contains an Intel Atom D410 processor, manages up to 10TB of storage across those five bays, and offers four USB and one eSATA ports around back if you need more, more, more. Through WHS you can naturally support the backup needs of 10 PCs and there's also Time Machine support for 25 more fruity clients. The cost? You can get one with five 1TB drives for $1,199.99 (€1,239 in Europe), a bit of a premium over a comparable equipped HP Storageworks WHS box -- such is the cost of good aesthetics.

LaCie's Windows Home Server-powered 5big Backup Server now shipping for big money originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Windows Home Server 'Vail' beta now available for download, brings improved UI and streaming options

Darren Murph — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 14:34:00 EST

It's been a long (long!) time since we've caught wind of a substantial Windows Home Server refresh, but for those waiting on pins and needles, we're thrilled to say that the excruciating wait has finally ended. Sort of. Microsoft has revealed today its public beta of the next version of WHS, code named "Vail." The primary upgrades / changes include the extension of media streaming outside of the home or office, improvements in multi-PC backup and restore, simplified setup and user experience as well as "significantly" expanded development and customization tools for partner. Beyond that, the company's playing things pretty close to the chest, but you can feel free to grab a 64-bit copy of the beta starting today and dig in yourself. 'Course, Microsoft recommends that you install the software on a secondary (read: not important to your livelihood) machine, and on the development front, it's introducing a new SDK for those who wish to "create add-in applications using Vail's new extensible programming model." So, whatcha waiting for? That download is a-callin', and a brief demo video is just beyond the break.

Update: And we've already got our first review -- good for those too chicken (or busy, frankly) to completely wipe a second PC just to see how Vail stacks up.

Continue reading Windows Home Server 'Vail' beta now available for download, brings improved UI and streaming options

Windows Home Server 'Vail' beta now available for download, brings improved UI and streaming options originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 14:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HP MediaSmart add-in adds TiVo compatibility, enables video transfers to and fro

Tim Stevens — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:59:00 EST

For those enjoying media bliss thanks to a little MediaSmart box humming away somewhere in the corner, life just got a even more lovely. HP has announced a partnership with TiVo that allows MediaSmart users to install a Windows Home Server add-in, enabling the two devices to talk sweet nothings to each other. From within the WHS console you'll be able to suck recorded content from the TiVo onto the MediaSmart's expansive storage array and, from there, play it on any of your compatible devices (PC, Mac, Xbox, PS3, etc.). Or, when you start to miss those happy TiVo sounds, you can send that content back over to DVR to view from there. The WHS extension is available right now to MediaSmart owners, so get on with the downloading already.

HP MediaSmart add-in adds TiVo compatibility, enables video transfers to and fro originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HP MediaSmart EX470 and EX480 getting 3.0 software upgrade option this week

Paul Miller — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 22:46:00 EST

The wild world of rapid-fire phone software updates has spoiled us all, but HP's bringing just a smidgen of that to the world of home servers. This week owners of the last-gen EX470 and EX480 series MediaSmart Servers will be able to nab a DVD that updates their servers to the new 3.0 software currently available on the EX490 and EX495 models, including better Mac support and automatic media transcoding. Unfortunately, this update isn't free: you'll have to pay $25 for the privilege. EX470 / 475 owners are also encouraged to bump their unit up to 1GB of RAM if they haven't already. We aren't thrilled at the fee, but there is something a bit more reassuring in this process than Motorola's "hope and pray" OTA update model.

HP MediaSmart EX470 and EX480 getting 3.0 software upgrade option this week originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 22:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LaCie serves up LaCinema Mini HD, Network Server and Wuala-infused USB keys

Darren Murph — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 16:00:00 EST

CES just wouldn't be CES without a few new introductions from LaCie, now would it? Nah. Up first from the sexiest name in storage is a fresh member of the LaCinema multimedia hard drive family, the Mini HD. Equipped with 802.11n WiFi and a penchant for serving up 1080p video, this DLNA media player boasts an HDMI output, internal hard drive, USB socket (for uploading media or playing files back from a USB drive) and an extensive list of supported codecs that includes MKV, AVC and DivX. This one should be filtering out now in the US and Europe for an undisclosed amount. Moving on, we've got the simply titled Network Server, which sports five drive bays, gigabit Ethernet and Windows Home Server running the show. LaCie also enables users to backup their backups via its own Wuala technology, though exact pricing and availability details won't be revealed until later in Q1. Lastly, there's a new trio of USB Keys, which look an awful lot like actual keys. Sadly, these aren't ready to handle the beast that is SuperSpeed USB, but they do promise transfers as fast as 30MB/sec, and they're also waterproof and available in sizes as large as 32GB. The company's also throwing in 4GB of web-accessible Wuala storage for the first two years of ownership, with the CooKey and WhizKey available in 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB capacities for $19.99 and up, up, up. The full releases are just past the break.

Gallery: LaCie serves up LaCinema Mini HD, Network Server and Wuala-infused USB keys

Continue reading LaCie serves up LaCinema Mini HD, Network Server and Wuala-infused USB keys

LaCie serves up LaCinema Mini HD, Network Server and Wuala-infused USB keys originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ask Engadget HD: Best HTPC to replace my NAS?

Richard Lawler — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 13:45:00 EST

Just a few weeks ago, we considered combo NAS / media streaming set-top boxes, but what about those like our friend Matthew, looking for a HTPC that can function by itself as a NAS server without the extra hardware cluttering one's entertainment space? It's all too easy to have a "too many boxes under the TV" problem, maybe you can help him solve this one:

"I'm looking for some advice on an HTPC setup for my home. Currently I have way too many boxes under my television and I'm trying to consolidate them to minimize clutter. One such box is my beloved FreeNAS server; it functions as NAS, a bit torrent client, and has time machine support for my laptop. Is there an HTPC available that might also function as a NAS server with all of the features I use on my FreeNAS server? I also have an Xbox 360 and have considered getting a Windows Home Media Server and using the Xbox as an extender to get the content on my television, but I like the idea of an HTPC with an internal Blu-Ray drive. Do you have any suggestions?"

So what's the best setup to get all that functionality in a single box? Let us know if any of the HTPC builders out there have a solution that fits, or if a custom build (we have a few suggestions to get you started) is in order.

Ask Engadget HD: Best HTPC to replace my NAS? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Dec 2009 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Windows Home Server Power Pack 3 rolling out November 24th

Donald Melanson — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:27:00 EST

The name may not exactly suggest any groundbreaking changes, but we're guessing that most Windows Home Server users with Windows 7 computers will want to upgrade to Power Pack 3 as soon as they can, which we now finally know will be on November 24th. As we'd heard previously, the big news with this update is that it brings Windows Home Server up to speed with its desktop OS counterpart, including support for full backup and restore of Windows 7 computers, Windows 7 Libraries integration, "better support" for netbooks and, of course, a slew of enhancements for Windows Media Center. Best of all, the update is completely free, and should show up via Windows Update as soon as it's available.

Windows Home Server Power Pack 3 rolling out November 24th originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ASUS ships Windows Home Server-packin' TS mini NAS drive

Darren Murph — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:34:00 EST

The Windows Home Server train has all but stopped this year, but with CES just around the bend (and Microsoft's software engineers free from the burden of readying Windows 7 for launch), it looks as if the steam is picking up once more. Hot on the heels of its first 3D laptop, ASUS has introduced its TS mini NAS drive for home media junkies. Outfitted with a 1.66GHz Atom N280 processor, 1GB or 2GB of DDR2 RAM, a gigabit Ethernet socket, six USB 2.0 ports, an eSATA connector and a smattering of LED indicators, the drive can be purchased as we speak in 500GB and 2TB editions. Aside from streaming multimedia throughout your home network, the device can also back up ten total PCs automatically and subtly make you dependent on its reliability. Which, as you know so well, is just a precursor for bowing down when the Robot Apocalypse gets underway.

Continue reading ASUS ships Windows Home Server-packin' TS mini NAS drive

Filed under: Storage

ASUS ships Windows Home Server-packin' TS mini NAS drive originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HP MediaSmart EX490 and EX495 Home Servers beef up Mac support

Paul Miller — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 02:20:00 EST

Listen, son, back in our day we had a tape drive, a copy of Retrospect and a nightly schedule... and we liked it. These days HP thinks it can stuff a Dual Core processor, 2GB of RAM and up to four 2TB drives in our faces. The new EX490 and EX495 can handle up to 7TB of internal storage and up to 17TB pairing up internal drives with external hanger-ons. More interesting, however, are the new software capabilities built on top of Windows Home Server. Mac users now get admin features, media collection and bare metal recovery over Time Machine, and the servers have a built-in video converter for collecting and converting videos for a specific device. Speaking of devices, iPhone and iPod touch users can also stream media off of the servers using a free HP iStream app. The EX490 has a Celeron processor and 1TB of storage for $549, while the EX495 does 1.5TB and the Dual Core for $699. PR is after the break.

Gallery: HP MediaSmart EX490 and EX495 Home Servers press shots

Gallery: HP MediaSmart EX490 and EX495 Home Servers hands-on

Continue reading HP MediaSmart EX490 and EX495 Home Servers beef up Mac support

Filed under: Storage

HP MediaSmart EX490 and EX495 Home Servers beef up Mac support originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 02:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engadget HD takes an in-depth look at Media Center in Windows 7 RTM

Ben Drawbaugh — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 12:42:00 EST

If you've ever thought about forcing your Xbox 360 to do double duty and in addition to all the games you require it to host for you, set it up to replace your TiVo or cable company DVR, then now might just be the time. The reason is simple, in Windows 7, Microsoft has really made some nice improvements to Windows Media Center. What improvements you might ask? Glad you did, because over at Engadget HD the team went over the changes with a fine-tooth comb. This includes a comprehensive list of improvements and shortfalls in regards to using Windows 7 Media Center as a full time HD DVR as well as a few videos to really help you appreciate what's new and what the experience is like on an Xbox 360.

Gallery: Windows 7 Media Center review

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment, Media PCs

Engadget HD takes an in-depth look at Media Center in Windows 7 RTM originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 12:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Windows 7 Media Center review

Ben Drawbaugh — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST

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.

Gallery: Windows 7 Media Center review

Continue reading Windows 7 Media Center review

Filed under: Features, Reviews, Media PCs

Windows 7 Media Center review originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Ben Drawbaugh — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 14:14:00 EST

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

Filed under: Misc, Media PCs

New Media Center features in WHS Power Pack 3 exposed in a screencast originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 18 Jul 2009 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Windows Home Server Power Pack 3 beta adds Windows 7 conveniences

Donald Melanson — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 13:51:00 EST

It wasn't too hard to see this one coming, but Microsoft has now officially rolled out the beta version of Windows Home Server Power Pack 3 which, among other things, brings with it a slew of new features that tie into Windows 7. That includes support for full image backup of Windows 7 PCs, Windows 7 libraries support for shared media folders, built-in Windows Search 4, and a number of Windows Media Center enhancements, as well as "better support for netbook computers," although Microsoft doesn't seem to have elaborated too much on that. No word on a release date for the non-beta version just yet, but Microsoft is apparently hoping to get it out in advance of Windows 7 -- and, yes, it will be a free update for current Windows Home Server users.

[Via The Windows Blog]

Filed under: Desktops, Networking, Software

Windows Home Server Power Pack 3 beta adds Windows 7 conveniences originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Jul 2009 13:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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mCubed's RipNAS Statement now available in Europe

Darren Murph — Wed, 27 May 2009 14:21:00 EST

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

Filed under: Media streamers, Others

mCubed's RipNAS Statement now available in Europe originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 May 2009 14:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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mCubed's RipNAS Statement now available in Europe

Darren Murph — Wed, 27 May 2009 14:21:00 EST

Gallery: mCubed's RipNAS Statement now available in Europe

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Storage

mCubed's RipNAS Statement now available in Europe originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 May 2009 14:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HP's MediaSmart Server LX195 reviewed: impressive, but flawed

Darren Murph — Tue, 26 May 2009 09:51:00 EST

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.

Filed under: Media streamers, HP

HP's MediaSmart Server LX195 reviewed: impressive, but flawed originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 May 2009 09:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HP's MediaSmart Server LX195 reviewed: impressive, but flawed

Darren Murph — Tue, 26 May 2009 09:51:00 EST

Filed under: Home Entertainment

HP's MediaSmart Server LX195 reviewed: impressive, but flawed originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 May 2009 09:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Ben Drawbaugh — Fri, 22 May 2009 14:00:00 EST

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?

Filed under: Features, Media PCs, Media streamers

Is the future of Windows Media Center with Windows Home Server? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 May 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Darren Murph — Sun, 03 May 2009 16:29:00 EST

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.

Filed under: Media streamers, Others

RipNAS Statement: world's first SSD-based CD ripping NAS device originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 03 May 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Darren Murph — Sun, 03 May 2009 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Storage

RipNAS Statement: world's first SSD-based CD ripping NAS device originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 03 May 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HP MediaSmart LX195 boasts 640GB HDD, 1.6GHz Atom, $400 MSRP

Ross Miller — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 20:39:00 EST

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

Filed under: Media PCs

HP MediaSmart LX195 boasts 640GB HDD, 1.6GHz Atom, $400 MSRP originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 20:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HP MediaSmart LX195 boasts 640GB HDD, 1.6GHz Atom, $400 MSRP

Ross Miller — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 20:39:00 EST

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 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

Filed under: Media PCs, Storage

HP MediaSmart LX195 boasts 640GB HDD, 1.6GHz Atom, $400 MSRP originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Apr 2009 20:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HP MediaSmart Server LX195 lights up in leaked images

Ross Miller — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 13:47:00 EST

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]

Filed under: Media PCs

HP MediaSmart Server LX195 lights up in leaked images originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 13:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HP MediaSmart Server LX195 lights up in leaked images

Ross Miller — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 13:47:00 EST

Filed under: Media PCs, Storage

HP MediaSmart Server LX195 lights up in leaked images originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 13:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Firmware update brings file conversion, iPhone access to HP's MediaSmart ex485 / ex487

Darren Murph — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 00:01:00 EST

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

Filed under: Media streamers, HP

Firmware update brings file conversion, iPhone access to HP's MediaSmart ex485 / ex487 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Firmware update brings file conversion, iPhone access to HP's MediaSmart ex485 / ex487

Darren Murph — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 00:01:00 EST

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

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Storage, Networking

Firmware update brings file conversion, iPhone access to HP's MediaSmart ex485 / ex487 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How would you change HP's MediaSmart Server ex485 / ex487?

Darren Murph — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 22:54:00 EST

Now that you've had a few months a stream all manners of media throughout your home and backup your small cadre of computers via one of HP's new MediaSmart Servers, we're interested in seeing just how you'd change this bad boy. HP popped in a faster processor and a bit more RAM in order to make sure these, um, actually worked as advertised, but we're certain even that hasn't satisfied the hardcore critics in attendance. Have you been totally satisfied with your ex485 / ex487? Has the server handled all the Windows Home Server functions with ease? Are you noticing any lag? Are you happy with the file support, heat output and overall styling? Feel free to rant uncontrollably in comments below -- just keep it under control.

Filed under: Storage, Networking

How would you change HP's MediaSmart Server ex485 / ex487? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Apr 2009 22:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New HP MediaSmart Server LX195 caught out there by Mr. Blurrycam

Richard Lawler — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 08:49:00 EST

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.

Filed under: Media PCs, Storage

New HP MediaSmart Server LX195 caught out there by Mr. Blurrycam originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 08:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New HP MediaSmart Server LX195 caught out there by Mr. Blurrycam

Richard Lawler — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 08:49:00 EST

Filed under: Media PCs

New HP MediaSmart Server LX195 caught out there by Mr. Blurrycam originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 08:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Tim Stevens — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 10:12:00 EST

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.

Filed under: Media PCs, Media streamers

Windows Home Server gets Power Pack 2, Acer easyStore gets US release date originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 10:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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