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Hands-On: HP MediaSmart Server EX487 (Part 5)

By on December 29, 2008 in Digital Media Receivers, Hardware, Reviews, Windows Home Server, Windows Home Server Reviews

This is the final part of our review of the HP MediaSmart Server EX487. Parts 1, 2, 3 & 4 should be read before this one.

Rounding off the MediaSmart Server’s impressive software offer are three add-ins which will be familiar to existing MediaSmart Server owners:

TwonkyMedia Server

TwonkyMedia Server is a DLNA compliant media server which improves the media-serving compatibility of WHS with a wide range of media playback devices. It also ensures the HP MediaSmart Server is able to playback a far greater variety of file formats.

The following tables (courtesy of HP) show the major differences between a home server running without a DLNA-compliant media server (using the in-built Windows Media Connect 2.0 server) and TwonkyMedia Server.

31 thumb11 Hands On: HP MediaSmart Server EX487 (Part 5) 29 thumb11 Hands On: HP MediaSmart Server EX487 (Part 5) 30 thumb11 Hands On: HP MediaSmart Server EX487 (Part 5)

The EX487 comes with a newer version of TwonkyMedia Server than it’s predecessor, running version 5.0. (The previous model runs 4.4.4)

McAfee Total Protection Service

As with the previous version of the MediaSmart Server, HP have bundled an anti-virus product from McAfee with the EX487 – anti-virus updates are free for seven months, after which a subscription charge applies (currently £29/$35 a year).

32 thumb11 Hands On: HP MediaSmart Server EX487 (Part 5)

iTunes Server

Finally, HP’s iTunes Server makes a return to the new model, which allows you to play back music and video stored on your home server from within iTunes.

Verdict

So, ever since we heard of plans for the next generation HP MediaSmart Server back in the summer, we’ve been eagerly waiting to get our hands on it. Now that we have, what do we think of it?

In short, it’s stunning.

Stunning not because of the hardware, which, given we’re reviewing a piece of hardware here, is pretty surprising. The chassis is pretty much unchanged from the previous model, and HP have done the right thing increasing the storage available in-box and, in upgrading the processor and memory in the new version, have patched the MediaSmart Server’s most obvious weaknesses. For those aesthetically minded, the MediaSmart Server remains the best looking home server chassis on the market, so it was probably the right decision to leave well alone here.

No, the real surprise is how well HP have extended the software capabilities of the MediaSmart Server on top of the base Windows Home Server platform. Mac backup, the Media Collector, Web Streamer and new Photo Publisher features are worth the admission price alone. At this point, HP have not announced whether they will be making these features available to existing MediaSmart Server owners as a software upgrade, but if they don’t, and these media features are important to you, it’s seriously worth thinking about picking up the EX485 or 487 as a replacement.

For those looking for a new home server, or perhaps thinking about purchasing their first, HP have built a suite of smart media-centric applications on top of a best-in-class hardware platform which transform Windows Home Server from a worthy backup and remote access utility into a media-serving powerhouse.

Read the rest of our review:

Part 1: Introduction
Part 2: Hardware
Part 3: Software 
Part 4: Software cont.
Part 5: Verdict


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About Terry Walsh

Terry Walsh is the founding editor and owner of We Got Served. Since February 2007, the site has provided detailed coverage and analysis of the emerging home server category, and has subsequently grown into a trusted outlet for digital home news and reviews.
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  • Matthew Franzel

    Hello. I am an owner of a current HP MediaSmart. Do you know if they will be releasing any software updates for current owners to provide any of the new features? I have Macs and PCs in my house and REALLY need the Mac Backup feature. Any clue if this will be released in a software update?

  • Rage

    Great review! I currently own one of the EX470 models and love it. It is quite telling however that HP is using Amazon S3 online backup instead of HP’s OWN ONLINE BACKUP “HP UPLINE”. :O
    Cheers,
    ]R[

  • http://www.wegotserved.co.uk Terry Walsh

    @Matthew Franzel – Hi Matthew – nothing has been announced on this. My guess at this point would be that the features will be for the new models only, but will seek confirmation.

    Terry

  • ViLLaiN

    I was about to just buy the current ones because they were $100 off and had another $30 off coupon, until I came on here and noticed HP was coming out with Encore by New Years. Good thing I looked around before buying it, Encore looks a lot better. I was disappointed though that when I got to the Twonkey Media Server, and it said no streaming video. That makes it kind of useless, because the main reason I wannted this was to stream movies to the PS3. I was looking up Qnap before this and they offer Twonkey Media Server as well, and they advertise video streaming. So is it seems Twonkey can do this, but HP is restricting it, why? I would have to wait til they offer this.

  • http://www.wegotserved.co.uk Terry Walsh

    @ViLLaiN – There’s no restriction on video streaming. Twonky Media can stream video fine around the home – it’s just the web streamer (ie. remote streaming over the web) that doesn’t support video, but you *can* do this using WebGuide or Orb….

  • Stenton23

    Well written review. I have a MediaSmart server and even though I have yet to do the white-knuckle memory upgrade, I love it. But if I had waited for 6 months, I would have taken the dive for Encore without hesitation. I hope these models fly out the door.

  • Phil (Chunk)

    Nice review Terry.

    Good to see the Mac getting some Home Server loving, hats off to HP.

    Makes you wonder what MS will come up with for V2 to beat this…

  • Andy

    If HP will not be offering the new software feature to existing MediaSmart customers, I think they should consider either a software upgrade pack that can be purchased by existing customers (maybe to cover any licensing costs they incur for the features).

    As another option maybe a hardware upgrade route could be an option where existing customers can purchase the new model either at a discounted price, or under a rebate by returning the old hardware once your data is transferred over.

  • Served

    Donavon West over at http://www.homeserverhacks.com/ sez:

    “Software Upgrade

    Fear not, certain aspects of the new software will to made available to install on your existing EX470 via an HP update. This includes the Amazon S3 backup add-in and Time Machine backup. A specific timeframe has yet to be announced, but it will probably coincide with the February 1st launch of the new hardware.”

    …so, we’ll see what certain aspects are

  • Zilch

    Big yawn… basically they added some plug-in type software and re-released the same hardware. Maybe it’s just me, but I really can’t see how that warranted a 5 page review. The only think I am even slightly jealous about is the faster CPU.

    - I don’t have a Mac so a big yawn there.
    - Online file backup is great, but nowhere near affordable for any decent size yet (and looks like they will add this to the previous models anyway)
    - Maybe I’m missing something obvious, but I can’t see the attraction in any of this media streaming stuff… my videos and photos seem to play just fine from folders on the WHS
    - Publishing to Picasa etc (but not Flickr!?) from your server? Really, who cares? If I want to do that I’ll do it from my desktop that I’m already logged onto thanks…you know, using a web browser or such.

    Wake me up when MS release WHS v2!

  • Robb

    @Zilch – >>Publishing to Picasa etc (but not Flickr!?) from your server? …<<

    I believe I read several references to Flickr within. Perhaps you were napping.

  • http://www.MyHomeServer.com Eric

    Great review Terry, nice work. One thing you missed that is a huge bonus is the SSL certificates now that HP offers when a user selects a HP Personal domain name in remote access

    This was something that was missing in the first edition and concerned many a family member when they went to visit a shared photo album on the server. HP has worked with Comodo to supply a free 5 year cert to all HP Personal subdomain users.

    More info on my review at http://www.MyHomeServer.com

  • fredrik

    Terry, thanks for the review!
    What kept me from buying the previous HP model was that the fans were too loud. Can you say anything about the loudness of this new model?
    Also, does this machine have enough horsepower to stream High Definition contents to a windows media connector?

  • Mike

    Terry, thanks for the comprehensive review. This site has been a great resource.

    Well my timing seemingly stinks. I’ve been reviewing DLNA compliant NAS solutions for months, so that i can stream my 200,000+ music files to my Denon 4308 A/V receiver. When my external usb drive with my music library apparently died with no backup, i realized i better design a robust backup solution for all my files. With offsite backup for my backups.

    So i’ve been looking at WHS and MedisSmart server for last month, and decided to pull the trigger YESTERDAY on the EX470, with 4 – 1TB Hitachi drives purchased separately.

    I’m very eager to set this up and get it all integrated. My question is, should i return the 470 and wait another ??? months to get the 485? Or keep the 470, upgrade memory and do the software upgrades when they come available.

    My priorities are:
    1) Streaming music to my Denon receiver via DLNA compliant server
    2) Backing up all home computers (music, photos, videos & files)
    3) Publishing photos for remote family members
    4) Remote access to files from the road

    Seems like i can do this all with the 470. Any reason to wait for the 485?

    Thanks,
    Mike

  • http://www.wegotserved.co.uk Terry Walsh

    @Mike – If you got a good deal on the 470, then you may be better keeping hold of it, especially if you’re comfortable upgrading the memory. The new model will give you much better photo sharing capabilities, but 1, 2, and 3 are covered nicely with the 470.

    Not sure what software upgrades will become available as yet, looks like Mac backup will be backported though.

    @fredrik – fans are still pretty loud…. and you’ll be fine streaming HD.

    @Eric – cmopletely missed that… thanks for the heads up!

  • Zilch

    @Mike – keep it! (Unless you need the Mac features). Love those blue LEDs.

  • http://www.ultim8pc.co.uk Ultim8pc

    Nice review!
    Good to see that HP are making good efforts to improve their offering. I would like to have seen the server fitted with a less power consuming CPU and chipset, but the new system does have more CPU horsepower for a similar amount of watts used.

  • soaklord

    From what I have read, the new models do not support port replication on the eSATA connection, so you are limited to a single eSATA drive. This isn’t something that is likely to be fixed with a software update either due to the need for a BIOS revision in order to get it working. If you can get your hands on an ex470, I’d go that route. For similar money to a new server model, you could upgrade the memory, the proc, and still have cash left over for a TB drive. And if they add the software to existing models, you’ll end up with a more powerful machine all around.

  • definitelyserved

    I just purchased my 470 about 3 months ago. I’ve since upgraded the pool and ram, but I’m disappointed that only 2 of the features will be available to existing owners(?). I’m perfectly ok that I voided my warranty with my upgrades, but for crying out loud…now that my MSS is capable, can’t I have the software upgrade too? or is the software the only selling point for the new kidder on the block??

  • MD

    Has any one tried the Mac Backup feature, my understanding is Apple nuked it do to reliability over SMB (sharing for WHS) vs the AFP protocol ? Thats why Apple isn’t supporting the network drives ?

    BTW, for those of mixed (mac+PC) household you can put in Ultra VNC (need some registry editing ) and do a browser based access in. Works great if you need to reboot or get into stuff from the remotely.

    FYI- got ORB, Windows File Sync and Mesh all running and doing a great job…it makes the machine a very powerful tool :)

    Great review keep up the awesome work !

    Cheers
    M

  • Daniel

    Great Review, as always!

    I am really hoping that all of these new features will be made available to current HP MediaSmart owners. Even if I had to pay for the software upgrade, that would be fine. If they offer no option at all, HP will be hearing an earful from me.

  • Mockmoon

    The only thing that worries me is the reported lack of the eSATA port replication support! Can you make a clear statement of its absence or presence?

  • Terry Walsh

    @Joe – Windows Home Server uses it’s own version of RAID which allows you to duplicate folders for protection. It does the job of RAID, but isn’t RAID

  • Joe

    Presumably these models support RAID when loaded with multiple drives? I can’t see any obvious mention of it….?
    Thanks

  • Cesar

    I’ve read on other reviews that one difference between the EX47x and the EX48x models is that friends would not be able to upload files or pictures onto the new models. Also that you cannot set and managed permissions for different albums or groups. Is that true?

    Thanks

  • Mike

    hi there, bene looking into buying one of these for a while and will probably jump in with this new model.

    one question: does the media streaming work with Xbox 360′s? I would very much like to kill off my old xbox i use for media streaming to my TV and use the 360 with HDMI support instead…

    any one have any ideas?

  • Terry Walsh

    @Mike – Yep, works great with Xbox 360 and PS3….

    Terry

  • Mike

    Excellent, thanks for the info!

  • Niall

    Terry,

    I have been looking into buying a ex470 for a while now. PCWorld beside me have 1 left in stock. Would I be right in saying that the only major difference between the ex47x and the ex48x is RAM and memory? So would I be right in saying that I could upgrade the RAM in a ex470 to the same specs as the ex48x and increase the memory of the ex47x to the capacity of the ex48x?
    Basically, do I buy now or is it worth the wait??

  • Simon B

    Thanks for the review. This looks to suit me better than the previous/current model but I need to pull the trigger on a WHS soon. I’ve searched the web for a UK release but can’t find one. Does anyone have an idea of when we will be able to get a 487 in Britain, whether authenticated or estimated?

    thanks,

    simon

  • Ziipppp

    Thank you for the great review! I have a few questions….
    Firstly, with photos, music, video etc – that takes 1Tb easy. And I want this all held on the server machine, not the local PC. So if I want this all backed up, then I need 2 1TB drive on the server. But the system either comes with 750Mb-485 (not big enough) or 1.5TB-487 (big, but not enough for duplication). So my first question is, can you buy a bare machine, and then add the drives yourself. It seems a shame to pay for drives which then I have to throw away on day one? Seems like lots of people would be in this position, so I think I must be missing something.
    Secondly, I have a Mac and PC house. For the Mac, which does a lot of the media work, I have an external drive for applications (like Aperture). Can the Media server access those remote drives as well and back them up, or do they have to sit on the main drive? (I have 10.4 right now, so I guess I have to go to 10.5 to even stand a chance of making this work.)
    Thirdly, is this a better way to go, than say an airport extreme with a Drobo attached to it? Is it quieter? Quicker? Easier to stream music from?? Drobo, seems to have the size, but not the smarts. This seems to be smart (eg I could install Windows Live Sync aka Foldershare, which I use for my business), but just doesn’t seem big enough.

    Thanks for helping me through the jungle!

  • Ziipppp

    ps, forgot to ask – noise-wise, given this is likely to be in the living room, is this quieter than the Drobo, or about the same??

  • Nige

    Does anyone know if these are going to be avaliable in the UK as I emailed HP last week and they said they currently have no plans to release it? Have you got any heads up on this?

    Thanks

    Nige

  • Pete

    Glad you got a reply Nige, emailed twice without response! The only hints I’ve seen of this being released over here is Terry commenting that there are plans for a european launch (from his sources within HP in the US) and a comment on the most recent review of EX475 on Amazon.co.uk where someone claims they’re going to be out in the UK at the end of March – also, it’s frustrating that US retailers won’t ship these to the UK!

  • Terry Walsh

    I’m meeting HP in the US next week so I’m hoping I can provide more information soon.

  • John Ericson

    Fantastic to see that the discussion is still going, and about the same topic that I was interested about. I’m also hoping that this server will be released in europe (sweden).

    So how about the noice level of this one? Anyone with any experience of this one that would like to share his opinion about how noisy this one is?

  • LenL

    GREAT site.. thanks for the help details on the EX487…

    question is there any good way of using and existing NAS to backup the media server ?

  • KenLoe

    @Terry Walsh – Did you get any information from HP about when the Time Machine backup might be back-ported to the older models?

  • Leod

    Anyone heard about UK/Europe release yet? I’m looking to purchase a Home Server in the next week(s). Looking seriously at the Fujitsu Scaleo 2105 at the moment as no info on the new HP servers.

    Anyone have any opinions on the Scaleo as a Home Server? Are they worth getting or better to wait for the new HP server?? I’m not too fussed about all the extra software stuff. Just want a decent quality Home Server.

  • Terry Walsh

    @Leod – HP still working on plans for Europe – they won’t be sorted in the next few weeks, I think. As for the Scaleo, check out: http://www.wegotserved.co.uk/2008/04/10/hands-on-fujitsu-siemens-scaleo-1900-home-server/

    Also remember the new Acer home server will be out in Europe in the next few weeks…..

    Terry

  • Leod

    @Terry Thanks for that. I’ve read the review of the Scaleo and seems very good but I do wonder whether the processor is OK? I’ll be streaming DIVX etc. RE the Acer, that has an Atom processor, what is that like in comparison to the Celeron? (power consumption aside). Does it perform as well as the Celeron does? Gut instinct is telling me go with the Scaleo at the moment. I don’t mind the aesthetics of it.

    I’ve been running Home Server as a VM for the past year.

  • Terry Walsh

    The Celeron should perform better than an Atom with video streaming. The Scaleo is a great home server – I really liked it, apart from the size and bulk of the thing.

  • Leod

    Think you’ve answered my question then. Much obliged sir!

    I shall have the Scaleo stood in verticle position so will fit quite nicely in the corner in my office…i.e. out of the way so the size not really an issue. Anyway seems quite small in comparision to my huge desktop :O)

    Can finally let my desktop return to being exactly that a Desktop and not the host for my Virtual Home Server :O)

  • Terry Walsh

    @Leod – Enjoy it!

  • Chris A

    Hi. We’re now in April, the 475 is flagged as discontinued and still no UK release date from HP for the new box…!
    What’s occurrin’ ?

    Ta
    C

  • John Martin

    I wonder about the I-tunes part – does it stand alone or simply feed files to a running copy on another box. My goal is to use this box alone to serve my Apple TV.

  • Manus Mc Guirk

    Why have Hp not announced these for release yet over here ?? It really is shockingly poor pr considering haw many people seem so keen on getting the new generation servers :(

    ~M~

  • Nick

    I cannot believe HP have not released this in the UK and Ireland. Its a disgrace! They need to get their act together.

  • Manus Mc Guirk

    Terry ,
    Any chance of getting something DEFINITIVE and hopefully positive from any of your Hp contacts ???? It really is desperately silly of them to not make these available over here

    ~M~

  • Why HP?

    Latest from HP Sweden:
    The new HP Mediasmart Servers EX485 and EX487 will maybe not be released at all in Europe due to low sales of the EX47x. IF it will be released it will be in sep-oct and Sweden could be the only country in Europe (as the EX47x did sell quite good in Sweden).

    I've been waiting over 6 months for the new HP Media-not-so-smart … but gave up now and bought the Scaleo 2205 (2x1TB and 2GB RAM) for only 280 €uros (Fujitsu lowered the price 50% this week, don't ask me why).

  • http://www.wegotserved.co.uk Terry Walsh

    No specific dates, but it’s not too far away….