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HP allows MediaSmart Server memory upgrades, still wants you home before the streetlights come on
Congratulations, HP MediaSmart Server owners, you can finally undertake such drastic hardware modification as upgrading the RAM without voiding the warranty. A 2GB stick should help speed up the console and any particularly memory-hungry add ins you've loaded, but word is this can be slightly trickier than your average RAM upgrade and HP warns you're still on the hook for any damage incurred during an upgrade. Now, where'd we put that screwdriver?[Via eHomeUpgrade]
HP intros HDX16 / HDX18 entertainment notebooks
Whoa, boy -- HP just went loony on us tonight, and in the midst of everything else, we found a new pair of HDX notebooks. Kicking things off is the X16, which boasts a woefully under-pixelated 16-inch 1,366 x 768 resolution display, a 2.26GHz Core 2 Duo P8400 CPU, NVIDIA's 512MB GeForce 9600 GT, 4GB of DDR2 RAM, a 320GB 5,400RPM hard drive, dual-layer SuperMulti optical drive and built-in WiFi / Bluetooth. As for the beastly X18, you'll find a lot of the same kit internally, but the 18-inch 1,920 x 1,080 display is one we can really salivate over; additionally, this one ups the ante with twin 250GB HDDs and a Blu-ray reader. Each unit includes the essentials: an Ethernet port, multicard reader, integrated Altec Lansing speakers, ExpressCard slot, four USB 2.0 sockets, audio in / out, HDMI / VGA and a 4-pin FireWire connector. Both units should ship later this month starting at $1,249 and $1549, respectively. %Gallery-31955%
HP MediaSmart Connect Review
In our recent roundup of Vista Media Center Extenders we were very disappointed that HP MediaSmart connect wasn't available in time to go head to head with the rest. Now that the MediaSmart Connect is in hand, we were anxious to try it out and see how it compares and we have to say that with a MSRP of $350 and a street price at just under $300, we had pretty high expectations. Although there is no doubt that it has the nicest exterior and remote of any extender available, we're not sure if those two merits alone help it to live up to its premium price.%Gallery-30201%
PlayOn media server brings Hulu / YouTube to consoles, Netflix coming soon?
PlayOn wants to make sure you can get your daily dose of Barackrolls and Airwolf episodes beyond the desktop, while Hulu might not have a slick streaming set-top box of its own, this media server software turns flash video RSS streams into easily browsed folders for your DLNA-compliant hardware. PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and HP MediaSmart HDTVs being at the top of that list (with Nintendo Wii support planned by year-end) owners can grab the beta release of the software and stream low-res episodes of Psych, or any assortment of YouTube video they please. With Netflix support "just down the road" this could provide an end around for PS3 owners looking for streaming love, or Xbox 360 owners without Xbox Live Gold (we know you're out there.) Bad news is the beta only lasts 60 days and there's a $30 pricetag waiting at the end of the free lunch highway. Our experience was good, with no stutters in a Psych episode streamed via Wi-Fi to the PS3 (albeit with no choice of HD clips), but we'd wait for confirmation on the whole Netflix bit before dropping any dough.Update: Getting 69-C00D36C4 / folder could not be accessed errors on your PS3 or Xbox 360, or waiting for 64-bit Vista support to dive in? PlayOn CTO David Karlton updated the official blog to let users know fixes and additional support is in the works, so keep an eye out for more news shortly if things aren't working just yet. Gallery: PlayOn Media Server [Via PS3 Fanboy]
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]
HP MediaSmart Connect brings digital media to your HDTV
Yeah, you may be burning that midnight oil, but your weariness isn't the reason you're certain you've seen this thing before. Touted at CES as the MediaSmart Receiver, the re-dubbed MediaSmart Connect is finally available for pre-order. Just as we heard before, this unit takes full advantage of Extender for Windows Media Center technology, and although it possesses no internal storage space, it will pull in digital media from around your home (and a variety of online media outlets) and pipe it straight to your HDTV. The unit plays nice with other UPnP- and DLNA-compliant devices and includes 802.11a/b/g/n WiFi, an Ethernet port, HDMI / component jacks and support for MPEG2/4, DivX, XviD, WMV, MP3, WMA, AAC, JPEG and BMP files (among others). Prospective buyers can get their order in today for $349. %Gallery-25329%
HP brings YouTube to MediaSmart connected products
As YouTube slowly but surely sneaks its way into the connected home, we just keep telling ourselves it'll support high-def content one day. If and when that day ever arrives, owners of HP MediaSmart connected entertainment products will definitely be ready to take full advantage, as a recent announcement has brought the internet video king's content to Hewlett-Packard wares. The deal will enable MediaSmart TV owners and those that purchase the forthcoming MediaSmart Connect digital media receiver to simply login to their YT account via the remote, but there's really no details beyond that. If you're cool with pixelated video blown up to 50 or more inches, give it a go and let us know how it turns out. As for us, we'll be waiting for YouTube HD.
Vista Media Center update for HP's MediaSmart HDTVs now available
Owners of HP's older MediaSmart HDTVs, your sometime is now as Chris Lanier reports the company's posted the long-awaited Vista Media Center Extender update. The SL4278N and SL4778N model TVs should prompt for the update automatically if they're connected to the internet, and afterwards connect to your fully patched Vista Home Premium or Ultimate edition machine and access your Media Center library (DivX, Xvid, h.264, MPEG-2 and WMV of course), live TV, recorded TV or other features directly through the TV. Check out HP's support page for a full walkthrough on the process and keep your Windows Media Center remote close by.[Via Chris Lanier, HP press release]
Hands-on with HP's MediaSmart Extender
The "Extender for Windows Media Center" field is getting more crowded by the day, but we've gotta say this MediaSmart from HP is sticking out in a good way. Not only is there a Pocket Media Drive bay built in, but you can also use HP's media interface if Microsoft's isn't doing it for you. It's all about the flexibility, and HP delivers here -- now let's work on the sexy.%Gallery-13080%
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.
HP intros SL4282N, SL4782N connected HDTVs, updates Media Center Extender software on older models
Finally we're seeing some real devices leverage Microsoft's Extenders for Windows Media Center platform, and HP's first on the scene of the "new" platform with embedded hardware in its two new HDTVs, the 42-inch SL4282N, and 47-inch SL4782N. Native 1080p panel (with HP's Visual Fidelity Engine) 500cd/m² brightness, 2000:1 contrast ratio, 176° viewing angle, 6ms response, 3:2 pulldown (3) HDMI, (2) component, (2) composite / S-Video, (1) VGA Integrated 802.11a/b/g/n, Ethernet Front speakers now NXT Functions as a MCE, playing back DivX, XviD, H.264, MPEG-2, and WMV (also has HP's media interface) Built-in ATSC and clear-QAM tuners But wait, there's more: current MediaSmart HDTV owners will receive a software update that adds the latest Media Center Extender software, giving them access to these new updates and codecs. Of course, now you can forego the buying of the integrated, connected TV if you just want to snag a MediaSmart Receiver (or a 360). They should run $1,900 and $2,400, respectively, when released in the spring.
Microsoft, HP add Media Center Extender functionality to MediaSmart LCD HDTVs
Just in case Linksys and D-Link's introductions weren't enough to satisfy, Microsoft is now announcing yet another partner in its refreshed Extenders for Windows Media Center effort. Beginning in "early 2008," owners of HP's current 42- and 47-inch MediaSmart LCD HDTVs will be able to utilize all of the features of the Media Center Extender platform sans any additional hardware. According to Microsoft, users will simply download a software update for their set, after which they'll be able to kick back and enjoy a little Windows Media Center Internet TV while basking in the glory that is added functionality.
HP MediaSmart TVs go nationwide
Some HD gear seems to take forever to hit the streets. HP's latest MediaSmart TVs were announced at CES about nine months ago and while they've been available in select locations, now HP is happy to let us know they're going nationwide. Both the 42-inch and 47-inch 1080p network-enabled LCD HDTVs are going to be coming to a store near you, for $2,099 and $2,499 respectively. So, if your requirements for your next HDTV include access to snapfish, Real Rhapsody and Live365 Radio, -- as well as just about anything else on your computer -- these sets are worth a look.
New HP, MaxData, Medion, and Fujitsu-Siemens Windows Home Servers demoed
Looks like IFA had a bit of a Windows Home Server bonanza this year, with four models being demoed from the likes of HP, MaxData, Fujitsu-Siemens, and Medion. Fujitsu-Siemens were showing off their 1TB Scaleo Home Server 1900 and 500GB Scaleo 1500 at the launch event, which features 4 internal drive bays, 30db operation, and 256MB of on-board flash for support in case of a "critical error." MaxData was also ready to enter the WHS fray with its o.Center, an orange and white affair with four drive bays and an expected ship date of late October. Finally, there was HP and Medion with their respective offerings -- the MD 90110 for Medion, and the MediaSmart for HP -- on show and in the flesh. Not long to wait now, you home media hosting addict you.[Thanks, Terry W.]
HP delaying MediaSmart Home Server till the holidays?
Bad news for those anxiously awaiting the release of HP's MediaSmart Home Servers. Turns out, HP may be holding off on the launch due to Microsoft's "last minute bug hunting and tweaks." Reportedly, HP will be delaying shipment of the product "by 75 to 120 days," which means that eager to-be-customers won't be able to wrap their palms around the Windows Home Server-based device until "late fall." Of course, the wait should bring about a finer tuned OS -- including "more reliable remote server access, automatic router and firewall setting tools, and enhancements to synchronizing features" -- but we know all too well how hard patience is to come by.
HP MediaSmart servers get priced?
Not a lot to go on here, but it looks like a couple sites leaked tentative pricing information for HP's first Windows Home Server machine, the MediaSmart Home Server. OnSale.com, PC Mall and Best Buy all listed the 1TB EX475 at $749, while the 500GB EX470 appears to be set at $599. Amazon also listed both models today sans pricing, so it looks like we'll have these in our hot little hands soon.Read - PC Mall cacheRead - Onsale.com cache[Via We Got Served]
HP ships bevy of 720 / 1080p LCDs, MediaSmart TV to follow suit
We know January is but a distant memory in most minds, and if you can't recall HP's fairly stacked 2007 lineup of LCD HDTVs introduced during that time, you'll be getting a refresher course soon enough. Reportedly, the firm is now shipping a plethora of 720p sets including the 32-inch LC3272N ($899) and 37-inch LC3772N ($1,199) LCD HDTVs, which are launching alongside the 42-inch PL4272N ($1,399) and 50-inch PL5072N ($2,099) plasmas. More notable, however, is the shipment of HP's first 1080p displays, which consist of the 42-inch LC4276N ($1,899) and 47-inch LC4776N ($2,499). These sets will also include a trio of HDMI ports, PC inputs, concealed speakers, and "RS232C with WSD bridging capabilities for custom integrators." Furthermore, HP also announced that it hasn't forgotten about the forthcoming MediaSmart TV either, as those will be following suit "sometime this summer."[Via Hidefster]
Microsoft announces HP MediaSmart Server powered by Windows Home Server
One of the batch of devices unveiled at the Microsoft keynote is the HP MediaSmart Server, which is going to run the rumoured and now officially announced Windows Home Server. The new OS version was developed to help consumers deal with managing media across multiple PCs and devices in the home, and will provide automagic backup functionality and remote access as well as central file storage and management. The HP MediaSmart Server itself is going to roll out later this year running the new OS (beyond that Microsoft was slim on other specs), and we hope it's a positive step towards untangling the distributed media madness that describes the current state of many multiple-machine households.
HP leaves DLP out of 2007 CES lineup
HP has revealed some of its display plans for this year's CES, and the biggest surprise isn't what the company is showing, but what it's not. Crave has a list of TVs to be displayed, and it conspicuously lacks HP's award winning wobulating DLP HDTVs, which were being shown as recently as last year. According to the posting, HP is no longer manufacturing the sets, and what is on store shelves now is the last of them. While DLP might no longer have a future with HP, there's still a full slate of flat panel TVs planned for next week's event, highlighted by two 1080p MediaSmart LCDs (the 42-inch SL4278N and 47-inch SL4778N) with WiFi-enabled Windows Media Connect for streaming media directly to the HDTV. For those not into any newfangled wireless streaming, the LC4276N and LC4776N bring the 1080p sans MediaSmart, along with three new 720p (they still make those?) models in 32-, 37- and 42-inch sizes. Two plasma TVs of unspecified resolution and parentage (42-inch HP PL4272N and 50-inch HP PL5072N) will also make an appearance.
