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HP MediaSmart Server ex487 gets hands-on love and full-blown review
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 reviewRead - WeGotServed review / hands-on
HP debuts Mac-compatible MediaSmart ex485 / ex487 home servers
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.%Gallery-40219%
HP's MediaSmart EX475 takes on homegrown Windows Home Server systems
If you've somehow managed to hold off from buying one of HP's MediaSmart servers (or, you know, just forgot about your plans to buy one), MissingRemote has a nice writeup explaining the benefits of picking one up versus building your own. The storage junkies over there pitted an EX475 against a "home brewed Frankenstein" and a server built with WHS-specific parts in order to see which of the three would emerge triumphant. In the end, HP's own unit managed to garner the most of their love, which was quite surprising to be honest. Sure, building your own can be a ton of fun, but the EX475 just delivered in every important area for right around the same price as the other two homegrown competitors. Don't believe us? Tap the read link and check it out.
Next version of Windows Home Server promises Time Machine-like UI
As we've seen, Microsoft's job postings can often be one of the best places to get early word of potential new products, and it looks like the company's recruiters have done it again, with a new ad offering a glimpse of what might be in store for the next version of Windows Home Server. Most interestingly, the posting includes the little tidbit that Microsoft is looking for someone to help it create a "Time Machine compete UI for backup and restore," as well as a Windows Media Center integration UI, and a Live Mesh integration UI. According to Microsoft, that will help it position Home Server as "THE backup and Media Server within the home" by the time this next release rolls around which, considering that they're still looking for people to help build it, likely won't be anytime soon.[Via istartedsomething, thanks Anand]
Niveus Storage Server - Cargo Edition: 16TB, Windows Home Server-based
Earlier this year, Niveus Media unveiled its 2TB and 4TB Storage Servers. Today, those are looking mighty anemic. Here at CEDIA, the outfit has just taken the wraps off of its Niveus Storage Server - Cargo Edition, which gets powered by Windows Home Server and features up to 16TB of space. Designed to be the "ultimate add-on" for Niveus Movie Library, this bugger should hold even the most robust HD movie collection -- at least for awhile. The unit itself is housed in a 3U, rack-mountable chassis and provides scalability for users to expand storage from 4TB right on up to 16TB. Pricing remains a mystery right now, though it will be available in Q4. Full release is after the break (but you already knew that, didn't you?). %Gallery-31157%
HP responds to MediaSmart Server issues, offers no real solution at all
It's no secret that HP MediaSmart Server owners have been having an awful time getting their device to operate correctly, er, at all since HP loosed its most recent software update on July 21st. In order to make sure owners have a solution implement its best damage control tactics, HP's own Director of Marketing for the Connected Entertainment group has put out a statement informing users that the problems (slow console shown above) are more than a figment of their imagination. Furthermore, the so-called solution is to simply "install each update one at a time, independently," because clearly HP cannot be bothered to fix a problem it helped create. Oh, it gets better. HP is also aware that PacketVideo (bundled with the update) "no longer supports media streaming to Sony's PlayStation 3," so it simply encourages owners to surf on over to a third-party website and hack up the PV database in order to get things back to normal. Jump on past the break for the patently ridiculous letter in its entirety.[Image courtesy of Within Windows]
Power Pack 1 and HP's add-ons make Windows Home Server a real grouch
If you've experienced some shockingly slow results from your Windows Home Server-based unit, we've one question for you: do you have Power Pack 1 and the HP add-ons installed? If so, you may not be alone in your frustrations. Apparently a number of users have seen dramatic slowdowns that have rendered their WHS devices nearly unusable. It seems that all the "bloatware" really takes a toll, as the hard drives are constantly pounded and console menus take ages (minutes, to be more precise) to appear. According to Within Windows, the only real solutions are to install more RAM and / or tweak your pagefile configurations afterwards. Anyone else raging mad about the performance issues? What are you going to do about it?[Thanks, Bryant]
Windows Home Server Power Pack 1 goes live
That nasty Windows Home Server data corruption bug might finally be a thing of the past, as WHS Power Pack 1 has gone live after a month-long beta test. Not much else to the enhancement suite: x64 support and support for backup to external media are along for the ride, but otherwise it's mostly performance tweaks. Go on and grab it now, you crazy home-server admins.[Thanks, Neal]
Ask Engadget: What's the best home media server?
So we've asked you which HD media streamer you prefer. And we've done the same for NAS drives. But what if you're the type that's looking for the best of both worlds? Take it away, Stuart: "We have a laptop and a desktop, with plans to add another computer in the near future. I'd like something that can primarily provide a large (1TB+) storage repository that can be accessed via our network, as well as have space for data backups and media streaming capabilities. I've read articles on Drobo and Windows Home Server-based devices, but after a certain point my brain just starts to get overloaded. Which solution out there would be best for me? I'm trying to stay below $700 if possible." We think your task is pretty clear cut here, reader. Which home server out there is a notch above the rest? Would you recommend a pre-built device or a homegrown solution? After giving this one a whirl, toss your own inquiry over to ask at engadget dawt com - your very words may grace this space next week.
Microsoft issues beta fix, enhancements for Windows Home Server
In the name of developers, developers, developers... data corruption bug be gone! Microsoft just released its Windows Homes Server Power Pack 1 for public beta consumption. Perhaps the most important contribution for some of you is a fix to WHS data corruption issues -- a bug which proved more difficult to squash than previously thought. PP1 beta also teaches WHS a few new tricks including support for x64-based Windows boxes and the ability to backup the server to external media. Still, as solid as this release appears, it's still beta, so be careful.[Via ZDNET, thanks Matthew B.]
Tranquil PC announces Intel Atom-based Harmony home servers
Well, doesn't Tranquil PC seems pretty stoked about their new Atom-based Harmony home servers? Though they're not exactly mind-blowing (to us, anyway), two new fanless models should be shipping in June: the T7-HSAi (left, with a single 3.5-inch drive or two 2.5-inch drives) and T2-WHS-A3i (right, with up to two 3.5-inch drives), both featuring Ethernet, four USB 2.0 ports, 512MB or 1GB RAM options, and running Windows Home Server. With base configs and 500GB drives, the T7 will start at £278 ($550 US), and the T2 at £299 ($590 US).
Windows Home Server data corruption fix on the way
Guess what, loyal Windows Home Server users? A fix for that completely obnoxious data corruption bug is on the way. According to an email beamed out by the WHS team, the final release of Power Pack 1 is still aways out, but the public beta is all set to be loosed on those who willingly accept the associated risk(s). Said download is slated to launch in "early June," but those who want to get in on the pre-release fun are being encouraged to sign up now. Needless to say, those who toss their name in the ring better be sure their data is backed way up -- after all, the whole point of this test is to find any remaining holes that could render your files unusable. Keep an eye on that inbox for an invite, and if you're content with just getting the end product, the wait is growing ever shorter. [Thanks, Drew]
Tranquil readying Windows Home Server-based M one media mecca
Tranquil PC, home to Manchester's own media server gurus, is reportedly gearing up to tempt your wallet once more with the M one. Said media server will look quite similar to the A3, and will boast 2TB of internal storage space, four DVB-T digital terrestrial tuners and an Ethernet jack. Regrettably, that's all the details that have been deemed worthy of being loosed thus far -- aside from the fact that it'll rely on Windows Home Server, of course -- but keep an eye on the read link for more tidbits throughout the weekend.
Microsoft addresses Windows Home Server file corruption, promises fix
Remember that tiny little Windows Home Server glitch that was causing files to become corrupt for no apparent reason? Well, Microsoft has stepped up to bat with a fix... for June! That's right, all you have to do is hang on to your data-shredders for a few more months and the boys in Redmond will have this one sealed up tighter than a drum. The company has changed this issue's Knowledge Base article to reflect the new target, and suggests that users can avoid problems for the time being by using a command-line tool to move files, setting shared folders on WHS to read-only, and not using things like WMP to import to a home server -- certainly not the solutions most people are after. The company has also posted a note about the KB article on its WHS Team Blog, which we wouldn't call a straight-up apology, though it definitely has apologetic overtones. On the bright side, Microsoft says only a small number of users are having this issue, so in all likelihood, you don't even know what we're talking about! Lucky you.[Thanks, Brian]Read - Knowledge Base articleRead - An update on KB #946676
Windows Home Server bug corrupts iTunes, Zune, lots of other apps
Uh-oh -- it looks like the nasty Windows Home Server bug that corrupts data affects quite a few more apps than Microsoft initially let on. The company's just updated the WHS support note to include reports of data corruption when using iTunes, the Zune software, WinAmp, WMP 11, Photoshop, and a host of other applications -- and the problem's expanded in scope as well, now affecting files saved to the server in addition to files edited on the server. That basically makes WHS useless as of right now -- if you can't trust your data on it, there's no point -- so let's hope there's a fix on the way.[Via wegotserved]
Tranquil readying T7-HDX to expand storage of T7-HSA server
Apparently, Tranquil's Windows Home Server-equipped T7-HSA wasn't a half bad device -- save for its single internal HDD and complete lack of expansion options outside of external USB storage, that is. Thankfully, the company is reportedly on the way to remedying said niggle with the T7-HDX, which "slides on to the T7-HSA's chassis to form one integral unit, and can be configured at purchase with a range of storage options which are managed via an internal port multiplier." We're hearing that the T7-HDX accessory will be available in a 2 x 500GB model and a 2 x 1TB edition for £249 ($485) and £449 ($874), respectively, and while we've no idea exactly how "discounted" they'll be for existing T7-HSA owners, you folks should certainly keep an eye out when the HDXs land in March.
All Windows Home Server devices to receive security, media streaming updates
Remember those security / media streaming / Vista x64 updates that HP's MediaSmart Server was destined to receive in the not-too-distant future? Yeah, well apparently, every other WHS device on the block will also be receiving those upgrades via Power Pack 1. However, Microsoft didn't go any further than saying that they'd be available sometime this spring through Windows Update. Huzzah?
HP MediaSmart Server getting security, media streaming updates
For those who've overcome the stereotype and admitted HP's MediaSmart Server into your abode, we applaud you. Apparently, HP thinks pretty highly of you as well, as it's gearing up to beam out a number of software enhancements to its iconic Windows Home Server-based device. First up is the addition of integrated server-side anti-virus software, which will be provided by McAfee but will only remain free for the first seven months. More interesting, however, are the updates involving PacketVideo technology and 64-bit Vista support. Apparently, the former will "enhance the media streaming process from the server to other digital media devices in the home, such as the MediaSmart TV," and it will also add "advanced graphics such as thumbnails of photos, in-menu browsing and album art." As for the latter, HP simply informs us that 64-bit Vista support will be added in. When can you expect the goods? Look for the whole lot to be delivered automatically sometime next month.
Windows Home Server bug corrupts files
Looks like we've got a definitive answer to "How would you change Windows Home Server?" -- make it so it doesn't corrupt data. Microsoft has just posted a Knowledge Base document saying that it's confirmed WHS corrupts various files when saved to the server by certain apps. The bug affects several MS apps, including Money, Outlook 2007, Vista Photo Gallery, Live Photo Gallery, and SyncToy, but it also hits Quicken, Quickbooks, and -- fatally for a media server -- BitTorrent clients. Microsoft says it's working on a fix, but that in the meantime, you should avoid using WHS with these apps.[Via Computerworld, thanks Tanner E.]
Omwave's Windows Home Server-based OMSERVERs
We've already seen a handful of networked storage devices running Windows Home Server, and now comes yet another option from across the ocean in France, Omwave's one to four terabyte OMSERVER. Both the 1TB and 4 x 500GB 2TB options are based on Intel's G32 chipset, powered by 1.8GHz Celerons, sport 1GB of RAM, and offer VGA, mouse, keyboard, three audio, and four USB 2.0 ports; meanwhile, the 2 x 1TB 2TB and 4TB models step up the processing speed to 2.0GHz on a G33 chipset, while also offering FireWire and S-PDIF, two more USB and audio jacks, and the option of an e-SATA module. Shipping immediately, prices on these range from €960 ($1,411) to €2,460 ($3,617) depending on configuration.[Via We Got Served]
