HP keeps the fun rolling with its MediaSmart Windows Home Servers. It’s called the HP MediaSmart Expander for TiVo, but don’t let the name fool you, it doesn’t directly increase your TiVo’s storage. The app, however, still has some nice features and might be a worthy replacement for the TiVo Desktop program.

The new companion program allows MediaSmart owners to transfer recorded programs between the network-attached TiVo and a MediaSmart server. Recordings can also be managed to some degree as well. Sounds like the free TiVo Desktop program, right?

But the new app also always any computer on the network to watch the programs stored on the MediaSmart server. Chances are those computers will also have to have the WHS app installed as well to circumvent  TiVo’s DRM. Truth be told, this can be done as well with the TiVo Desktop program, but each computer will need to have it installed as well, while the WHS app takes the solution to the server rather than each individual client. Makes sense.

Best of all, the app is free and currently available for all EX MediaSmart servers.

pics via MSWHS

Consumers Can Now Manage TiVo DVR Recordings
from HP MediaSmart Servers

PALO ALTO, Calif., March 10, 2010 – HP today made available HP MediaSmart Expander for TiVo®, a new software application that lets TiVo DVR(1) owners manage video content from an HP MediaSmart Server.(2)

With a high-definition (HD) DVR from TiVo,(3) consumers can record, pause and rewind live TV, and access the world’s largest on-demand video library(4) to watch hit movies, TV shows, music videos and popular web videos.

With the new software application, which is offered at no charge to MediaSmart server owners, TiVo owners can:

— transfer shows from a TiVo DVR to a HP MediaSmart Server and back to a TiVo DVR

— manage TiVo recordings stored on a HP MediaSmart Server

— watch TiVo DVR recordings that are stored on a HP MediaSmart Server on any PC in the home

Based on the Microsoft Windows® Home Server platform, the HP MediaSmart Server is a central repository for automatically backing up and accessing digital music, videos, photos and documents from multiple computers on a home network.(5)

The HP MediaSmart Server automatically organizes files across all Windows and Mac computers, streams media across a home network and the Internet,(4) and publishes photos to popular social networking and photo sharing sites.

“The HP MediaSmart Server is the ideal companion for TiVo users. With the HP MediaSmart Expander for TiVo, consumers can record more high-definition programs and not worry about filling their DVR since they can transfer their movies and shows on the HP MediaSmart Server and watch them on their PC,” said Jason Zajac, vice president of Attach, Personal Systems Group, HP. “Plus, consumers will benefit from all of the additional features the HP MediaSmart Server provides, such as backing up all Windows and Mac computers.”

Pricing and availability

The free HP MediaSmart Expander for TiVo application can be accessed through the Windows Home Server Console of the HP MediaSmart Server EX490/EX495 and HP Data Vault.

Manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the HP MediaSmart Server EX490 with 1 terabyte of hard disk storage is $549, while the HP MediaSmart Server EX495 with 1.5 terabytes is $699.(6)

Big props goes out to Joe W. for almost correctly guessing the total storage capacity of the CrunchGear staff. His guess of 38.5TB nets him a brand new HP MediaSmart EX495 server. Congrats. Click through to see the total capacity broken down by writer.

In no particular order,

• >Devin: 4.2
• Doug: 3
• Dave: 8.4
• Matt: 8
• Nicholas: 5
• John: 2
• Greg: 8

For a grand total of 38.6TB, which isn’t that much actually. It will probably be double next year at this time

You better act quick. This deal ends today. But if you really need a smaller WHS for, lets say, backup purchases only, the HP MediaSmart LX195 is perfect and Newegg has it on sale just for you.

For only $199, you can get a 640GB HP MediaSmart LX195 server. Sure, the hard drive is little on the small side, but it’s easy enough to upgrade. You can either swap out the hard drive later or plug in an external hard drive for more storage. Windows Home Server makes it easy to add even an external drive to the cluster.

For $199, it even could make a great gift to some technology-fluent parents. The backup and restore feature would be worth it alone. But act fast, the sale ends today.

The HP EX485 features a 2GHz Intel Celeron CPU (64-bit), a single 750GB SATA hard drive at 7,200 RPM, and four total hard drive bays for up to 9TB of storage. If that’s not enough space for you, there are four USB ports and an eSATA port that’ll allow you to hook up external hard drives as well.

You can check out Matt’s review of a similar HP setup right here.

HP EX485 MediaSmart Home Server [Amazon]

HP had the Windows Home Server market all to itself until recently. First it was CyberPower, now Acer has entered the market with a small footprint WHS. The Acer Aspire easyStore AH340-UA230N might be the best deal out of all of them though.

The server will retail for $399 and comes with a 1TB drive. Not only that, the server is powered by an Atom 230 CPU with 2GB of RAM. It of course has hot swappable drive bays and a full range of I/O ports including Gigabit Ethernet. At the end of the day though, this server is a heck of a deal and here’s why.

The HP EX servers beat down the Acer in raw computing power thanks to a 2GHz Celeron CPU. And they do have amazing software packs including the ability to stream server-stored content onto an iPhone and are compatible with Apple’s Time Machine, but what if you don’t need all that extra stuff? What if all you need is a back-up and network storage solution? This Acer rings in at the same price as HP’s non-expandable 640GB LX195 and $200 less than the full-featured 750GB EX485 server.

It’s a no brainer in my book. I’d get the Acer.

New Acer® Aspire easyStore Home Server
Provides Access to Family’s Digital Data From Anywhere in the World

Networks PCs, centralizes data and provides daily data back-ups for just $399

SAN JOSE, CALIF., May 21, 2009 – Acer, the third largest vendor in the PC market, today announced the new Acer® Aspire easyStore Home Server for customers in the United States. Designed for households and home-based businesses with multiple PCs, Aspire easyStore offers a simple way to network home computers, centralize, share and protect digital data as well as access it remotely from anywhere in the world.

Outfitted with Microsoft® Windows® Home Server, the Aspire easyStore offers many benefits. For example, parents can access their children’s homework while traveling for business. They can also upload videos and photos from sports events or summer vacations to the server, even while away from home. At any time, from anywhere, every family member with a PC in the home network can access photos, videos, music and other documents from the home server. This centralization of digital data saves significant time by eliminating the need to transfer data from one PC to another, every time someone wants a photo, video or other document that’s stored on another PC. It’s also a safeguard. If a netbook or notebook is damaged, lost or stolen, users don’t lose their data along with it, since it’s backed up at home. In addition, when a new system is added to the network, it’s quick and easy to upload data from the computer to the server.

“The trend of multiple computer devices per household continues to grow, particularly with regard to mobility. A significant pain point for consumers is how to consolidate and protect their digital data that’s spread among multiple devices,” said Sumit Agnihotry, Vice President of Product Marketing for Acer America. “Aspire easyStore is the ideal solution for networking home PCs and providing round the clock data protection. Offering remote access to digital data at home from anywhere in the world and automatic daily back-ups, it’s the perfect companion to netbooks and notebooks. It’s an extremely practical and affordable way to simplify and manage one’s personal digital life.”

“It’s great to have Acer as a valued partner for Microsoft’s Windows Home Server in North America. Acer’s solution gives consumers new options for purchasing Microsoft Windows Home Server. And Acer’s reputation as a key contributor in the PC and consumer electronics field further demonstrates the industry’s commitment to this growing product category,” said Kevin Kean, General Manager, Windows Home and Small Business Server Group at Microsoft.

Small and Stylish Design, Significant Storage Capacity
Smaller than standard servers, the handsome black tower measures just 8.3-inches (H) x 7.8-inches (W) x 7.08-inches (L). HDD status LEDs emanate a soft blue light and complement the handsome black bezel. The power button is located on top for easy access and reach. One-touch USB copy enables quick file uploading. Users just plug in the USB device and push the button. The data is automatically sorted and stored by file type into designated folders.

Outfitted with an Intel® Atom™ processor 230 and 2GB DDR2 memory, the Aspire easyStore AH340-UA230N Home Server has the guts to organize and back-up files quickly. The 1TB hard drive and three hot-swappable hard drive bays available for storage expansion provide enough room for filing, storing and backing-up a vast library of songs, videos, photos, games and documents.

The hot swappable HDD cage enables users to increase their data storage, by adding up to three 3.5-inch internal hard drives, which means it offers up to about 7 TB of total data storage. The cage is outfitted with release levers for each drive to keep them secure. In addition, a recovery/reset pinhole provides additional data protection by enabling system restores and data recoveries with just one-touch.

The server works with DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) 1.5 Certified Home Server (DMS) and digital media player (DMP) to enable music playback as well as photo and video viewing on a TV. For internet security, Aspire easyStore comes with a six-month free trial of McAfee Total Protection Service.

Windows® Home Server Simplifies Home Computing, Enables Remote Access

Microsoft® Windows® Home Server centralizes digital media in one location, making it easy to access files, photos, videos and music from any PC on the network. It also protects critical data by creating an image-based backup of every home computer every day, so users can restore a single file or an entire PC. With Windows Home Server, users can access the home network from the office or the road, for full access to their files and applications, just as if they were sitting in front of their home PC.

Specifications, Pricing and Availability
The Acer® Aspire easyStore AH340-UA230N Home Server is available in the U.S. via leading online technology retailers and authorized resellers.

Acer® Aspire easyStore AH340-UA230N Home Server: Available now for a MSRP of $399.99

* Intel® Atom™ Processor 230 (1.6GHz)
* Microsoft® Windows® Home Server
* 2GB DDR2 Memory
* 1TB Hard Drive
* Three Empty Hot Swappable Hard Drive Bays
* Five USB 2.0 Ports
* One eSATA Port
* 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet
* 200 Watt Power Supply
* RJ-45 LAN Port

The innards of the machine itself include a 2GHz Celeron CPU, 2GB of RAM, four slide-out hard drive bays, four USB ports, and one eSATA port. Check out Burnsy’s MediaSmart review for more info about how everything works. Spoiler alert: he says “HP has a winner on its hands with the MediaSmart…”

The Costco deal reflects a $50 price drop and is good until the end of May.

$547.99 After $50 OFF HP EX485 750GB MediaSmart Windows Home Server [Costco]

HP is really taking the Windows Home Server thing seriously, eh? The company first launched WHS systems over a year and a half ago and we are already on the second generation. This time around though, HP is launching the MediaSmart LX195, which comes in at a lower price, but does sacrifice a bit to get there. That’s fine with me though.

Leaked info about this server appeared a few weeks ago and everything seems right one. What we have here is a single 640GB HDD, encased in a non-expandable case. The LX195 maintains Gigabit Ethernet and four rear panel USB ports just like its big brothers, but the CPU drops down from a 2.0GHz 64-bit Celeron to a 1.6GHz Atom. Plus, it only sports 1GB of RAM. But the unit comes in at $390 and runs Windows Home Server.

This server would be absolutely perfect for networks that just need a dead simple backup solution. These units come with stellar built-in backup software for Windows machines and also support Apple’s Time Machine. Chances are that 640GB [probably] isn’t enough space to store torrents and such, but it should be large enough to hold your parent’s photos, music and also back-up a couple of computers. Worse comes to worse, WHS does support USB external drives unless for some odd reason HP disabled that feature.

The future is looking good with HP’s MediaSmart line. There isn’t another company that has embraced the wonderful OS that is Windows Home Server as much and we’re seeing some killer products emerge. Now, lets get one with a couple of CableCard slots and Windows Media Center software.

It seems that HP has an upcoming MediaSmart Server that’s a tad different than the current models. Specific details aren’t available just yet besides what is shown by the pic. But, we’re mighty good at speculating based on a couple of images.

The LX195 appears to be a single drive unit, unlike the current crop of MediaSmart Servers that feature slide-out HDD trays. That’s fine though as long as the price is right for this boy. The front  sports three LEDs that probably act similar to the ones on the existing models. The back panel has four USB ports, a ethernet jack, and a power input. An eSATA port is no where to be found and no word on the ethernet’s speed.

We would love to get more info about this model. If we had to guess, we would say that HP is aiming for a lower pricepoint with this server. Maybe around the $199 price range? More as we get it.

Gizmologia via AOL Gadgets

The capacity of the new ex485/ex487 is “up to 9TB,” although I think that’s just based on the max current capacity of its four SATA HDD slots. You can add USB storage or eSATA devices as needed. These HP devices are chock full of services, and if you’re looking for a rich storage solution you could do a lot worse than a MediaSmart. Although it’s cheaper to buy internal storage, the built-in capabilities and dedicated apps for sharing media and so on make something like this a great option for a connected home.

If you move fast, you can get $50 off by using the code “AC5674″ at checkout.

Here’s the full press release:

HP Launches New Home Server for PCs and Macs

HP MediaSmart Server centralizes digital media and files for backup, remote access, sharing and uploading to social media sites

PALO ALTO, Calif., Dec. 29, 2008 – HP today launched a home server designed for use with both Windows and Mac computers.

Based on the Microsoft Windows® Home Server platform, the HP MediaSmart Server ex485/ex487 is a central repository for automatically backing up and accessing digital music, videos, photos and documents from multiple computers on a home network.(1)

The MediaSmart Server automatically organizes files across all PCs, streams media across a home network and the Internet,(2) and publishes photos to popular social networking and photo sharing sites.

“A growing number of digital-savvy households have both Windows and Mac computers, with hundreds and sometimes thousands of media files and documents scattered across these devices,” said Jason Zajac, vice president of strategy, Worldwide Attach Group, HP. “The HP MediaSmart Server protects, stores and organizes this content from anywhere on a network so consumers can access and share it any place they are connected.”

“HP continues to innovate on the Windows Home Server platform giving consumers even more options to enjoy and protect their precious memories and valuable data,” said Charlie Kindel, general manager, Windows Server Solutions, Microsoft. “We believe consumers will embrace the new MediaSmart Server as one of the most exciting computing products for the home.”

MediaSmart Server ex485/ex487 features include:

· HP Media Collector: conveniently schedules the MediaSmart Server to copy and centralize digital files and libraries from networked PCs

· Media Streaming: remotely streams photos and music to any Internet-connected PC or Mac

· Server for iTunes: centralizes iTunes music libraries on the server for playback to any networked Mac or PC running iTunes

· HP Photo Publisher: easily upload photos to Facebook®, PicasaTM Web Albums and Snapfish(3)

· HP Photo Viewer: allows easy sharing of photos with friends and family

· PC Hard Drive Backup: backs up networked PCs via the Windows Home Server backup feature

· Mac Hard Drive Backup: backs up Macs running Leopard using Apple Time Machine software

· Server Backup: duplicates designated shared folders to a separate hard disk drive

· Online Backup: duplicates designated folders to Amazon’s S3 online backup service for an additional layer of protection

· Smart Power Management: can schedule times for server to go to ”sleep” and ”wake up,” saving on energy costs

· Processor: Intel® Celeron®, 2.0 GHz 64-bit. Two gigabytes (GB) of 800-MHz DDR2 DRAM now standard on MediaSmart Server

· Expandability: additional drives can be added for up to 9 terabytes (TB)

“Customers are always looking for the right mix of features and ease-of-use when choosing digital home products,” said Danielle Levitas, group vice president, consumer, broadband and digital marketplace at IDC. “HP’s focus and investment in software allows it to deliver a home server with compelling features for Mac and PC users while offering a great customer experience that helps simplify the complexity of the connected home. This unique offering will help expand the home server market.”

Pricing and availability

Manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the HP MediaSmart Server ex485 with 750 GB of hard disk storage is $599 while the HP MediaSmart Server ex487 with 1.5 TB is $749.(4)

The HP MediaSmart Server can be pre-ordered beginning on Jan. 5, 2009, from Amazon.com, BestBuy.com, Buy.com, Frys.com and NewEgg.com; it is expected to ship in February.

The first 200 consumers who visit HP Home & Home Office (www.hpshopping.com) 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.(5)

More information is available at www.hp.com/go/mediasmartserver.

Everyday I wake up and do a search for the HP mediasmart home server in hopes that I will find a great christmas deal. I feel like I am in a pit of quicksand and am slowly loosing the battle with my digital media. Between mp3’s flacs’ jpegs, avi’s mp4’s and 4 computers I don’t know where to find anything even though I know I have it some where. This would be like chriistmas coming early.
Either way.
happy holidays!!!

Didn’t win? Sorry, but we have more killer giveaways coming real soon. How about a DVDO Edge? Yeah, that’s next. Maybe later today…

This is just a friendly reminder that our contest ends in 24 hours for a 1TB HP MediaSmart Server giveaway. Oh, and yeah, HP is going to provide the winner with a brand-spanking new model so we don’t have to giveaway a used, review unit. 24 hours!

Short version: A pre-built Windows Home Server box that offers a bit more than standard NAS’s.

Specs:

• 1TB 
• Gigabyte Ethernet
• AMD 1.8GHz 64-Bit Sempron CPU
• One eSATA and four USB 2.0 ports
• Four SATA HDD bays
• Micro-tower case

HP has a winner on its hands with the MediaSmart, which combines the Windows Home Server OS with additional HP proprietary software in a great looking and functional package. The whole system works well and the HP software compliments Microsoft’s offering nicely. The price isn’t too bad and if you don’t want to assemble a WHS yourself, this could be a welcome addition to any home network. 

Microsoft’s Windows Home Server powers this HP MediaSmart, but throw out all the preconceived Microsoft-hate’n notions — WHS is great. Seriously. I have been running a Windows Home Server machine in my house for just under a year and I can tell you that the software is rock-solid. It might not be a UNIX box, but by golly, it works very well on my predominantly Mac network.

Windows Home Server provides all sorts of true server-centric functions through a simple control panel. The server software is designed to run on a monitor-free box — the HP MediaSmart doesn’t have any video outputs — rather opting for control through custom connection software or Windows Remote Connect. HP adds some user-friendly walkthroughs that step first time users through the backup, remote connect, and media server setup; not necessarily important for geeks like you or me, but your dad might appreciate the help.

The HP software adds some extra functions to the rather stark Windows Home Server software suite. The iTunes server consolidates users’ music collections in one spot and checks for new music automatically. The Photo Share App easily and quickly creates a photo sharing site hosted by the server. These types of apps are what makes this HP-made box worth buying. The OEM Windows home server doesn’t offer these types of functions.

It seems that HP spent a good amount of time on the server case, as it simply rocks. It isn’t overwhelming, offers tool-less hard drive removal, and sports some killer LED action. I just wish the power button wasn’t on the back. Even though the server was designed to stay on all the time, it would be nice to have the button on the front rather than fumbling around on the back panel trying to find it. Also, the fans are a little on the loud side. You can definitely tell when this thing is on and I would rather see a fan-less case if reliability wasn’t compromised.

Let’s say you wanna add a hard drive, or two – or even three – to the existing storage. The WHS server and the tool-less case makes the task do-able in less than a few minutes. Word to the wise though, WHS’s storage scheme involves a mandatory format in order to add the drive to the RAID cluster. The software also allows for external HDD additions through USB, but the same formatting rule still applies. 

Overall, this is one killer piece of hardware backed by a great software suite. Truth be told though, you can build a WHS server and it doesn’t require new hardware to run well. Mine consists of a 7-year old AMD Athlon XP 1900 and five PATA hard drives that I run uTorrent on along with media server software 24/7.

That doesn’t mean the HP MediaSmart isn’t great, though. It provides a more user-friendly environment and extra software that isn’t available on a home-built WHS computer. If you’re looking for a server that provides more than just backup functions, this is a great solution that almost anyone can use. 

Oh, and HP is allowing us to give away this server. Yup, you have a chance to win this 1 TB Windows Home Server. How, you ask? Just comment below with a statement on why you need a 1TB server. A random commenter will be picked in 72 hours, but give us a little more insight than a one word answer that starts with a ‘P’ and ends with ‘orn.’ M’kay?

Didja know that HP sold LCD TVs? Well, they used to at least as the models disappeared off its website a while ago and now Chris Lanier is reporting that the company is focusing on Media Center Extenders rather than the actual TV sets. Apparently Costco is going to handle the closeouts so watch out for some great deals on the decent LCDs.

HP’s MediaSmart Connect receiver will soon be able to tune into something called YouTube, displaying “videos” on HP MediaSmart TVs. The “videos” will be full-screen and hilarious, to be sure.

The exact date for YouTube-on-MediaSmart, I’m afraid, wasn’t revealed.

Ah Windows Home Server. I’m interested to see how it fares. I am of the opinion that marketing a $500+ home networking storage device to casual consumers is an odd choice. I could be wrong, though. I guess we’ll soon find out.

HP’s MediaSmart Server is now available for pre-order on major retailing websites like Amazon.com, BestBuy.com, CompUSA.com, and the like. There’s a 500GB version for $599 and a 1TB version for $749 (both suggested retail prices). They’ll ship “later in November,” according to Microsoft’s press release.

Here’s a brief overview of how Windows Home Server works…

“Windows Home Server is a ‘stay-at-home’ server that delivers the benefits of powerful server technology used by many people at work within a simple, easy-to-use solution for the home. It automatically backs up Windows XP-based and Windows Vista-based home computers each night, provides a central place to organize digital documents and media, and includes a free Windows Live Internet address to access the home server from virtually anywhere and share content with friends and family. It also monitors the health and security status of home computers and can stream media to other devices in the home, such as Xbox 360, allowing people to enjoy digital music, photos and videos on their television.”

I’m not convinced that there’s a huge market for this product. It seems too advanced for regular families and too expensive and unnecessary for geeks. I picture the late-thirties hipster dad buying this and having his buddies over after golf to wow them with how he can zoom photos around the house but when he tries to share photos with people over the internet, they just ask him to e-mail them instead.

I also see this same hipster dad trying to convince his awkward preteen children to put all of their photos and movies onto the server to share with the rest of the household and whoever else has access from the outside. Tough sell when children that age want nothing to do with their parents, lest they die of embarrassment.

It just seems like this is asking too much of casual consumers who are used to sending photos via e-mail and backing things up onto an external drive. That’s all. On paper, it looks cool and useful but the intangibles might be the biggest roadblock here.

Windows Home Server Available Now to Help Families Protect, Connect and Share Their Digital Experiences [Microsoft Press Release]