Microsoft today announced the imminent release of Windows Home Server Power Pack 2, a second feature update which delivers a number of key improvements to the platform, as well as including Italian to the number of languages supported by the product.
Downloadable via Windows Update from tomorrow (Tuesday March 24th), Windows Home Server Power Pack 2 (Codenamed “Snoqualmie”) offers the following new features:
Windows Media Center Connector
- Computers running Windows Media® Center can now view recorded TV content that is stored on your home server by using the recorded TV gallery.
- Windows Media Center music, photos, videos, and recorded TV libraries are
automatically updated to include the Music, Photos, Videos, and Recorded TV shared folders on your home server. - Media Center Extenders that are connected to a computer running Windows Media Center can now access content on your home server without using the guest account.
- You can control the shared folders on your home server that Media Center Extenders can access by using the Windows Home Server Console. To do this, on the console, click Settings, and then click Windows Media Center.
Media Sharing
- Support for MP4 audio and video files is added.
- Content that is stored on your home server and that is shared via Windows Media Connect, including files with extensions .mp4, .m4v, .m4b and .m4a, now appears in the music or video library with title, artist, composer, album, and genre metadata.
Remote Access
- The Remote Access Settings page is redesigned to make it easier to use.
- A Web-hosted diagnostic service is used to more accurately test whether remote connectivity is available from outside the home network.
- There are new and improved initial configuration and repair wizards.
- There is better troubleshooting guidance for common home networking issues that can prevent Remote Access from working properly.
Home Computer Backup
- When you restore files and folders from a Home Computer Backup, the process may stop when it is 79% to 81% percent complete. This update helps prevent this issue.
Home Server Backup
- This update prevents you from unintentionally overwriting newer versions of the Windows Home Server Connector files. This could potentially happen if you restore files and folders from a Home Server Backup to the Software shared folder on your home server.
Server Storage and Shared Folders
- It is now easier to copy large files or folders from a home computer running the Windows Vista® operating system to a shared folder on your home server. Previously, the file size was limited by the free space on the primary hard drive of your home server. With this update, the file size is limited to the free space on the target hard drives that are connected to your home server.
- The number of notification messages about files that are stored in shared folders is reduced. Previously, these notifications may have caused high CPU utilization on your home server for applications that access these files. After this update is installed, applications such as the software for the Microsoft® Zune® digital media player no longer consume excessive processor resources.
The English language release of Power Pack to will hit Windows Update tomorrow – other language will follow over the coming weeks with all languages available by the end of April.
Here’s a few screenshots of Power Pack 2 in action:
So, Windows Home Server and Windows Media Center are snuggling up to each other at long last. But this is a minor update and mere flirting surely? Now that they’re connected, what new functionality do you want to see going forward?
24. March 2009 at 2:03 am
Vista only or will XP Media Center be supported as well ?!?
24. March 2009 at 2:21 am
Terrific. Although the Media Center integration is minimalistic and far from what I;m actually looking for, I’m encouraged they recognize the synergy of the two platforms. The Media Center Connector seems to bring some of the Windows 7 HomeGroup easy of use to Vista Media Center users.
24. March 2009 at 3:27 am
@JB -
Yes XP MCE will also be able to access the MCC. I was lucky enough to be part of the Beta testing and I have 2 Visa Home Premium systems, and an XP MCE 2005 and all went well.
Enjoy!!
24. March 2009 at 4:07 am
“what new functionality do you want to see going forward?”
- A year ago I would say WebGuide..but I think Microsoft will leverage Live Mesh to deliver this functionality. With that, they should extend Live Mesh storage with WHS.
- Windows Media Server. This is WHS with Media Center. Although, I think there should be some major changes in the Media Center platform to make it possible for services on XBox (ie NetFlix) to automatically show up in Media Center as well. It shouldn’t be a separate development effort.
- Windows Search should search both local drives & WHS shares by default.
- Live FrameIt and WHS, allow WHS be a source for Live FrameIt.
- Generally do more to organize files & content for users. For example, after installing WHS Connector..it should assist users in moving media/files off their PCs.
- Show us something we all may not have thought of.
24. March 2009 at 4:12 am
btw, if anyone knows…Is there a reason the WHS Team had put PP2 under NDA? That wasn’t the case with the initial release and PP1.
24. March 2009 at 4:30 am
Waiting for Media Center to be integrated into WHS
24. March 2009 at 7:27 am
I installed Windows Media Player 11 on my WHS to get mp4 streaming to my Xbox 360 thanks to the tutorial in the wiki. Has anyone else done that and updated to Power Pack 2 yet? Any problems/suggestions?
24. March 2009 at 8:23 am
I’m sorry, but how about the feature that we actually NEED? It seems that Pack 2 to is mostly about fixing bugs, esthetic changes, and few “nice-to-have” additions for media.
I expected a decent backup scheduler (with a calendar), official support for backup of a WHS server backup database (for off-site storage), which were promised LONG time ago, official UPS support. Let’s not forget about what the main purpose / reason for WHS is.
BTW, I’d be more excited if a Microsoft delivered WHS support for Mesh (as far as nice-to-haves).
Anyway, I am not going to label this update as useless, but I am very disappointed.
24. March 2009 at 8:39 am
@Boggy – Dude, it’s a minor release, relax. The type of feature update you’re looking for would come through a major release like Vail (note I said like Vail – I don’t know whether these features will be in Vail or not).
It would be crazy to develop major features on a legacy OS platform (Server 2003) that’s going to be replaced by Windows 7.
Do make sure you get your feature requests sent through to the team via Connect though – http://connect.microsoft.com/windowshomeserver
24. March 2009 at 9:04 am
Totally underwhelmed
24. March 2009 at 9:36 am
Some of the bugfixes seem to be post-pp1 updates that have been rolled into the new pack? Regardless, delighted with the new features.
24. March 2009 at 12:34 pm
I guess I still wont be getting a WHS anytime soon.
Wat I want to see:
WHS that can actually deal with Media Centre Extenders without a media centre!
Whats the point in having a WHS with all this functionality when you cant use an extender on it? My dream of the home media centre experience is to have a single server storing media (redundantly) and providing a media centre backend for my ‘thin client’ extenders.
Is that so hard to ask, Microsoft?
I would mean I can actually use my XB360 as a proper extender directly connected to my WHS. It would mean I could go out and buy one of those set-top box media centre extenders and tuck it in the corner of my bedroom or wherever else in the house.
Why is this functionality so hard to do? Its just a MCE box with backup and WHS features… I dont even want it connected to a TV, so no fear of me wanting to cheat Microsoft by using it as a WHS and connect to my TV. Its back-end functionality… This is what a WHS should do!
plonka2000
24. March 2009 at 12:53 pm
I’m encouraged to see tighter integration between WHS and WMC but I really hope in future releases the Media Center capability is added to WHS. As great as it is to be able to stream content to an extender from a home server, the fact that an up and running PC has to act as the middle-man is both frustrating and wasteful. In the UK, energy prices are increasing all the time and to run 3 devices simultaneously is unnecessary. I would much prefer to have WHS host extenders and provide it the means to be able to record TV.
I hope that as WHS 2 will be based, I asssume, on Windows Server 2008 R2 then the ability to recognise TV capture devices, schedule & record TV and ultimately run the Vista/7 based Media Center experience to extenders will be possible. It would be a massive, massive boost to the value proposition of WHS and would not, in my opinion, detract from the value of Windows 7 or it’s Media Center capabilities.
24. March 2009 at 1:30 pm
I am disappointed with PP2. The VMC/WHS integration is already available with a FREE third party add on that also allows web streaming of the recorded tv. I don’t get how this is something magical or great. I hope V2 will be an actual Media Server and not be this disappointing!
24. March 2009 at 1:51 pm
As good as WHS is, nobody in my house cares about it but me. Others would get excited if the WHS presented a Windows Media Center interface on our Xbox 360. Until then the WHS is just a backup appliance, which is necessary but dull.
24. March 2009 at 2:43 pm
Any idea how the interaction between this new Media Center connector integration and Brentf’s Recorded TV manager will work? Does this new update duplicate Brentf’s Recorded TV manager function of moving recorded TV content to a like folder on windows home server?
24. March 2009 at 2:46 pm
@Kevin – I know what you mean. MS seems to move quite slowly at times. But you must realize that when MS releases something, it has to work in 99.9% of all variations of HW and SW combinations. If a third-party freebie doesn’t work, one moves on to the next freebie out there.
If MS SW doesn’t work, the whole world hears about it and everyone is in an uproar because the SW they PAID for does not work!
I realize that this sounds a bit melodramatic, but not overly so.
24. March 2009 at 2:48 pm
I’m glad I’m not the only one!
24. March 2009 at 3:57 pm
@Kevin – And which FREE addon would THIS be?
Hmmmmmm?
plonka2000
24. March 2009 at 5:09 pm
@Jim Clark – I understand where you are coming from. Developing in SharePoint everyday, there are MS solutions and there are 3rd party solutions. Sometimes, the 3rd party solutions get bought by MS and become the solution. There are even reported cases of MS not relabeling the support files and leaving the cabs with the previous vendors name. But they recognized a good solution and took it a step further. I was just really expecting something a bit more with all of the hype. Like the ability of the WHS to record the TV shows and watch the shows/live tv on other computers/extenders. At the moment, I am moving to SageTV for two reasons: 1) Who really needs 2 computers running 24/7 and 2) HD PVR
@plonka2000 – Is this a Rhetorical question?
24. March 2009 at 5:31 pm
Its available!!!
Just installed it @ my WHS.
24. March 2009 at 6:45 pm
Terry,
I don’t need to chill, because there is no need for it. I still think that WHS IS the best home backup solution. However, I AM disappointed however. PP 2 just provides ammunition to MS critics: lots of hype, light on delivery. My point is: as in any project the management decides on priorities of delivering new features. These priorities are based on user input and some vision for the product. I simply cannot understand how WHS project management can justify spending resources on … fluff (IMHO), fail to address core issues first.
Waiting for Windows 7 excuse is just that. Things like backup scheduler, client backup database to external devices does not require any particular feature of the next OS, does it? From what I understand Windows 7 is just an upgrade to OS plumbing, and should not affect application development.
I am not trying to trash WHS, I am just trying voice my opinion so MS folks know (they do read your site, you know)
24. March 2009 at 6:49 pm
I’m thrilled about this, personally. I’ve been struggling to get proper TV sharing working for quite a while. At least now I can watch TV I recorded on one PC on another PC.
However, I would really love to be able to jam my tuners into the WHS and stream TV across the network. I would settle for being able to do that via another MCE machine.
24. March 2009 at 6:56 pm
@Boggy – Yep, I know you’re coming from a good place. I’m sure MS will read this and would love to come back on this personally, but guess that’s not the done thing. The platform shift isn’t a straightforward thing with regard to WHS, I do know that, but it does create a big opportunity for change…. we’re just going to have to be patient, which sucks I know.
24. March 2009 at 6:56 pm
plonka2000, I think that you are missing the point on what WHS is. Yeah, file serving capabilities are there, but main reason for WHS existence is backup functionality. I don’t know about you, but my main concern is backing up and recovery of my content (pictures, documents….), and OS (in case of a hardware or software problems. WHS IS the the best solution IMHO. I’ve been running my HP EX475 server for more than a year, and I LOVE IT. I already had to recover 4 times for 2 different reasons (failed SP3 installation on my IBM T40 laptop included). And yes, I WAS easy and fast. My backups run EVERY day on any computer that is up.
Media integration is not important for me … yet.
24. March 2009 at 6:58 pm
@Jebo_4jc – Jamming all of your tuners into your WHS box and streaming live tv/recorded tv is available NOW. Just can’t do it through a MCE/VMC product. Open Source MediaPortal does it, but be prepared to spend hours getting it setup. Another product SageTV does it and does it well.
24. March 2009 at 7:06 pm
Terry,
There are only 10 websites I visit every day, and yours is one of them. I do believe in using public websites to influence product vendors. And yes, by appreciating WHS and its current capabilities, I want it to be “perfect” (as much as “perfect” can be; example, you ask? wegotserved.co.uk …). Waiting and being disappointed does indeed suck.
Thanks for your great site.
24. March 2009 at 7:30 pm
Anyone know if the MP4 portion of the update includes Apple Lossless?
24. March 2009 at 8:23 pm
@Boggy – Really appreciate your visits and thanks for the feedback. Always great to hear from the regulars! Understand where you’re coming from and the desire for WHS to be perfect – think we’re all in the same place!
The only thing I can add to perhaps temper your disappointment (a bit) is that a few weeks ago I had the opportunity to meet quite a few people on the WHS team who are working on the next major version of the product. They’re hugely talented, very bright and focused on delivering as close to perfection as they can get with the time and resources they have available.
In the two years I’ve been doing WGS, I’ve not met anyone at MS (or their partners for that matter) who isn’t passionate at delivering a great home server product. It’s not a small task, and in comparison to other divisions, they’re a small team with limited resources, but from what I’ve seen you’ve got a bunch of smart, driven people all striving to make you a happier home server owner.
Fingers crossed they get there!
Terry
24. March 2009 at 10:04 pm
Okay – so this will now make the TV stuff I record on to my WHS available on all my VMC PCs, but how do I record TV to WHS in the first place??
Matt S
24. March 2009 at 11:12 pm
@plonka2000 – plonka, XBox 360s can already connect to WHS without an intermediary Media Center. The Windows Media Connect installed on WHS allows it to show up in the three media blades in the 360 interface, as long as those folders are shared in WHS. I’ve been watching saved video from my WHS on my XBox 360 ever since I built my box, and that was even before installing WMP 11 on it.
25. March 2009 at 12:05 am
Still looking for that automated server backup…. The files, not the sys partition, although that might be nice too.
25. March 2009 at 1:43 am
Thank you for this reminder. 3X Yes. This trivial fix would have made PP2 a much more exciting release. MS didn’t need Windows 7 for that.
25. March 2009 at 11:20 am
Uhhh… Doesn’t work.
The install occurred overnight. Ran thru the Connector install on my XP MCE 2005 laptop. Enabled myself for access. After what? 4 restarts !! I open Media Center on my workstation and get a full black screen with the cursor blinking wildly. Nothing else. Only way to remedy was thru Task Manager. (Media Center opened just fine before access was enabled)
Anyone else see this new “upgrade”?
25. March 2009 at 4:34 pm
I’m still waiting for WHSMC.
25. March 2009 at 6:11 pm
Yeah fantastic.. went into remote desktop to find a continous loop of windows explorer errors… Then found out that the new recorded TV folder was on FULL access to everyone in the user list!
Sadly it’s the sort of amateur mistakes I’m coming to expect… not good.
26. March 2009 at 12:14 am
I’ve got Windows 7 Beta on my client computers and I didn’t get the mediacenter connector in my startmenu or when starting WMC after the upgrade.
Anyone else in the same boat?
26. March 2009 at 5:21 am
@Mike -
Aha… looks like it might be a x86 vs. 64bit issue. That or 7000 vs. 7057.
Ie, it works on my 32bit 7057 box.
26. March 2009 at 9:22 am
I still have no PP2, any ideas? I have automatic updates on and have tried manually but still no joy. I live in the UK. any help greatly appreciated.
Cheers
26. March 2009 at 10:14 am
Am I missing something ? whats the point of media center if it wont play divx and xvid.
or do I need to install those codecs on the server ????
Its kinda strange that i can play the files straight of the SMB share but not through media center.
Looks like im sticking with my Ziova for watching video.
9. April 2009 at 9:44 pm
I would like to see Windows Home Server be able to record TV programs on its own and stream live TV to client PCs that run windows media center but lack TV tuners.
In other words, I’d like to see a WHS machine equipped with a TV tuner provide the same functionality to client PCs that a device like Silicon Dust’s “HDHomeRun” provides.
10. April 2009 at 2:10 am
“Media Sharing
Support for MP4 audio and video files is added.
Content that is stored on your home server and that is shared via Windows Media Connect, including files with extensions .mp4, .m4v, .m4b and .m4a, now appears in the music or video library with title, artist, composer, album, and genre metadata.”
Can somebody confirm that this works? Our music folder on WHS contains a lot of AAC files (.m4a) that were either encoded Apple Lossless or purchased DRM free from iTunes.)
When I was testing PP2 early on, I did not see this working.
Has anyone used PP2 on its own or with something else installed to be able to play those .m4a files on a Vista Media Center that would normally not play them?
I thought I would have to wait for Win7, or conver them all to mp3.