HP Updates MediaSmart Server Software – Press Release

By on April 13, 2009 in Hardware, Software, Windows Home Server

Here’s the press release for today’s announcement:

PALO ALTO, Calif., April 13, 2009 – HP today announced the release of a software update for the HP MediaSmart Server (EX485/EX487 models), providing remote video streaming and video conversion of unprotected content.(1)

The new software enables the HP MediaSmart Server to automatically convert videos (including unprotected DVDs) into two resolutions. The original, high-resolution file will stream to most devices on a home network including PCs, Macs and gaming systems.(2)

The mobile resolution version of the video can be downloaded and played on popular mobile devices including the iPod touch, iPhone and PlayStationPortable (PSP).

The video converter will transcode most popular video formats into both high and mobile quality MPEG-4 (H.264) versions.

“Our enhanced software features will help eliminate the frustration people experience when attempting to stream their videos to connected devices in the home or remotely to their mobile devices,” said Jason Zajac, vice president and general manager, Worldwide Attach Group, HP.

In addition, owners of an iPod touch and iPhone can download a new HP MediaSmart Server iStream application(3) at no charge from the iTunes App Store, enabling them to stay connected to their digital media stored on the MediaSmart Server. Users can easily access their pictures, listen to their music collection and watch their favorite videos – all streamed directly to their mobile devices from their HP MediaSmart Server.

Other software enhancements include an improved mobile streaming user experience, a more robust HP Media Collector, an improved Apple Time Machine configuration, and the ability to create public and private albums in the Photo Viewer.

The HP MediaSmart Server, designed for use with both Microsoft Windows®-based and Mac computers, automatically organizes files across PCs and streams media across a home network and the Internet.(4)

Based on the Microsoft Windows Home Server platform, the HP MediaSmart Server EX485/EX487 shipped to customers in January. Acting as the heart of the home network, the MediaSmart Server is a central repository for automatically backing up and accessing digital photos, music, videos and documents from multiple computers on a home network.(5)

Pricing and availability

The software update will be available at no charge later this month as an automatic download to the HP MediaSmart Server (EX485/EX487 models).

Manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the HP MediaSmart Server EX485 with 750 gigabytes of hard disk storage is $599; the HP MediaSmart Server EX487 with 1.5 terabytes is $749.(6)

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

(1) Copy-protected files may not play properly.

(2) For Mac OS X 10.5 or later. Windows PC is required on the home network for server setup and Windows Home Server.

(3) Pending approval by iTunes App store.

(4) Internet access is required and not included.

(5) Wired or wireless home network required.

(6) Estimated U.S. retail prices. Actual prices may vary.


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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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  • Pingback: Home Server Blog » Blog Archive » HP Media Smart Software Update 2.5

  • Martin

    Wow.. So it is true, then. The EX47x owners have been left behind. No more updates for us then.

  • Justin

    Yep, we have been left behind. Guess it’s time to build my own server and stop worrying about HP’s planned obsolescence scheme.

  • Terry Walsh

    I don’t know it for a fact, but it looks as if once the Amazon S3 & Apple Time Machine support is released for the EX47x series next month, then that’s it for updates.

  • Justin

    There’s absolutely no reason for them to stop updating EX470 series servers. People aren’t going to upgrade to EX480 series boxes just for a few simple software updates.

    I had faith that HP would keep supporting my hardware…that trust has been broken. WGS should be up in arms about this.

  • Terry Walsh

    @Justin – Apart from the fact that HP state the EX47x hardware is not powerful enough to support the new updates. Bear in mind it almost fell over with the first update HP issued last year….

    WGS is a community site, so if you’re an EX47x owner and are unhappy with the lack of support for the 2.5 update, then use the comments box here and let your feelings be known. I’m pretty sure that HP will be reading this page….

  • GhostWorks

    HP ex47x owner definitly not a happy owner…

    My QNAP TS-109 still gets new firmware updates and new cool features and i’ve owned that for 3 years now, My Hp ex47x is only 5 months old and its obsolete…

    How long will the ex48x take to become obsolete, maybe we should all move to a different WHS manufacturer like the new ASUS Atom based box

  • Paul G

    @Terry Walsh – I’m really aghast that HP would leave first iteration customers for dead.

    No way would I purchase another HP/Compaq product, considering such cavalier behavior.

  • Greg L

    This is dissapointing that those of us who have been using the EX47X are being left out on these type of updates. If slower hardware is the key reason HP is not releasing many of the “feature” updates for the EX47X platform, why can’t they still provide the update as an option for many of us who have upgraded components (e.g. Memory upgrade that is supported by HP)?

  • WHS-Newbie

    My question is for all of us that won’t have access to this software. Since I do not own a HP device, what Software solutions exist out there that provides the same functionality or better. For all of those people that complained about HP, maybe its time to get this community focused on developing a software solution that will provide all of what was stated and more.

    So who has a solution for:

    Video Converter
    Remote Video/Music Streaming
    Media Collector
    Photo Gallery / Photo viewer

    Do we have better solutions such as Firefly; Orb, others…

    Should we set up some sort of spreadsheet that would list out comparable solutions…? I’m new to this…but seems to me that there must be a solution…if not, then lets make one. That is what a community does, it gets together for a better good to all.

  • CDeano

    I ordered one of the first EX475s, one of the first pavilion DV7t (17″ laptops), one of the first TouchSmart IQ500 (all in one PC), and one of the first MediaSmart Connect media players, but after this (and the frustration of the crappy TouchSmart software and lack of integration between these products) I’m finally “over” HP. I was never an Apple fan, but HP keeps making them look more attractive with each new disappointment.

  • Korran

    How about this HP, release the software upgrade as a separate download from your site only for the EX47X owners with a warning about performance and we will deal with it. People in the know already upgraded the memory and your normal users are not effected by possible performance issues by upgrading via the automatic update process.
    What statement are you making to customer by not even entertain making the software available to EX47X owners ? We are sorry but here’s a shaft?

  • JED

    I am truely sorry I bought my EX470 late in November 2008. It was underpowered so added the 2GB of RAM and two Terabyte drives. Then, just after spending a ton of time getting it configured right HP announces the 480 models at the end of December and I realized my investment in terms of dollars and cost is becoming obsolete only a month after the purchase.

    I see in this thread that next month the time machine update may be realeased. I won’t hold my breath, but now the other features are clearing leaving the old product in the dust.

    I hope HP realizes that their previous customers (and previous may be the key word) were at the leading edge of deploying home technology and it is exactly that segment that they are leaving feel abandoned. The reason I didn’t buy just a network hard drive was I wanted a PC based server that would keep up with the emerging applications. Certainly technology changes but when you buy a PC or Smartphone you expect your software enhancemnts and application available should not stop a month after you buy it.

    Previous HP customer

  • Boggy

    I am still on sidebar about HP on Mediacenter. I do understand the limitations of older hardware (the one, that HP imposed on itself and us, but CAN be overcome by memory upgrade), but … just ignoring old customer base …. no good.
    Let’s face it, there is A LOT of functionality which could be added to all models to extend backup flexibility (more flexible scheduler for one). Ignoring the “old” folks can be very “unhealthy” for company’s reputation.
    I’m just waiting and watching. In a meantime, folks from Acer and other competitors are not sleeping behind the wheel. They ARE coming with new, very attractive products. Tick, tock, tick …

  • achoke

    I am a owner of a 470. I too would like this software.

    Also…I wish a windows mobile app was also published.

    This is Windows Home Server and not Apple Home Server.

    HP!!!!

    Spread the love to your loyal customers that were stupid enough to buy your product when it first came out. I know the 480s are better, but you wouldn’t know about all these issues if it wasn’t for all us Guinea pigs.

  • roman

    Well that’s too bad. The new software looks pretty sweet. But I agree; it’s not worth the replacement cost. If it’s just memory, then that’s an easy fix. Is there anything else that would limit the early versions? If so, they could always offer us early adopters a free replacement… :o )

  • Tom C

    I feel truly shafted by HP on this one, this’ll be my last HP purchase for a while if this is how they treat their existing customers.

  • http://www.hodgkinshistory.com/ Mike

    Hp should offer software if their machine has the requisite memory – the AMD processor is not much slower than the celeron in the 48x serves but the RAM hobbles it. Maybe recommended memory upgrade shops?

  • JerryW

    To purchase any product and spend the kind of money we all have for the EX47x devices and then be made to feel that progression can’t include early adopters is ludicrous. As it has already been noted, we helped HP get to the next level.

    Terry, I know you sit at the top of this blog and communicate with groups that create this stuff. I know those who lead community sites must have some way of getting our feedback to those who matter. I ask you, I employ you, help us to get our message heard. If they haven’t already!

    I enjoy being a part of the WHS community, I like my EX47x but I too am angry about spending my money on a device that I have not had for a year to simply be left behind. Like many other, I have upgraded my CPU and RAM, now let ME / US decide whether or not to run the newer software out OUR own risk. If it is a licensing issue, then charge a fee to cover that. No matter, let US decide.

    End of my $.02 worth!

  • Tom

    Wow – this is really disappointing. I bought my 475 just last December right before finding out a new version was coming. Then I just bought a couple weeks ago the MediaSmart Connect thinking since it was also HP it would work a little better with the server – only to find out they’re totally discontinuing that device. I was looking at a new Slimline based on recommendations from this group to be a dedicated Media Center, but now I’m having serious questions about continuing to buy HP products!

  • http://www.wagware.com Jon

    If this is how HP Treats their customers, then it will be my last HP product purchase. Of which I have PLENTY, including HP c6180 Office Jet, dv8380 Laptop, EX475 WHS, the list goes on… Well, until today. If HP doesn’t reverse this statement, I will do the same for all future HP product purchases!

  • Tony

    With all the horor stories I read about HP lately. It’s clear they don’t care about their customers. You should read some of the horror stories about their mail in warranty support.

    But don’t look to Apple for the answers to problems caused by HP. It’s no different on this side of the fence. I have a mixed environment at home with 50% Macs and 50% PC’s. I was very excited about the time machine update for my 470.

    Anyway, being a Mac user has its downsides too. I have to revert to building Hackintoshes because Apple doesn’t want to release a proper desktop. Running Windows on a proper Mac via Boot Camp leaves a lot to be desired on any Macbook. They provide crippled drivers for near everything. The latest Unibody Macbook and Macbook pros still have various driver related problems. They are also very slow with security fixes too. Although their customer service is very good, even if it took 2 trips to repair my Air.

    I wrote of HP a long time ago, even for printers when they were piss poor slow in releasing vista drivers, but got the 470 out of necessity as there wasn’t a comparable product size wise. I was actaually running a homebuilt WHS at the time too.

    So now… I will never buy another HP product.

  • Grant

    I’ll add my voice to the above, in that I expected that HP would support it’s 47# customers.

    The argument would be that the 47# fulfills it’s requirements, however given the feedback and support we as HP customers have given I’m disappointed to say the least.

  • welchwerks

    I also feel truly shafted by HP on this one, this’ll be my last HP purchase for a while if this is how they treat their existing customers.

  • Akin Koksal

    I too got 475 in November… I feel like I was cheated… I wouldn’t mind waiting for the new one…

    I don’t understand why they don’t offer a hardware upgrade… I would do it right away…

    My faith in HP was really cruising at low levels last 12 months, it is totally crashed now…

  • Carrib

    Absolutely typical, first we were supplied with a server that had major file corruption problems. Now those are over with (i think) the machine has now been deemed totally redundant!
    I do not believe HP’s default response about machines not being powerful enough, but actually believe they are using their corporate clout to force users to ugrade their hardware unecessarily to obtain the kind of features first touted when the EX47~ series was launched…
    I personally was dreaming that HP would actually launch an empty chasis modelled on the EX casing to allow for an extra 4 drives to be added and still keep the aesthetic appeal of the original server, building on the original idea that the server would never be made redundant but you could actually just upgrade it in the future. This was never offered nor touted as a possiblity to date (and yes I know 3rd party manufactures make these chassis’ but thats not the point).
    I for one, am very disapointed with HP, and have decided to spend my pound notes elsewhere. This is the last time I purchase an HP product.

  • Carrib

    @Terry Walsh – The reason the EX47~ nearly fellover last year has nothing to do with hardware limitations, but actually with the seriously poor software version of PV connect (having spent many hours getting to the bottom of the problem and found a list as long as my arm, with my limited skill I was only able solve a few of them.) As for the Mcafee software, they are notourious for writing over blown software, uninstallers that do not remove all of the entries into the registry and generally just causing mayhem on your computer (btw this goes back all the way to windows ’98) So I really do believe that this is nonsense on the part of HP, and find that for YOU to try and equivocate HP’s statement with your comment really condescending to your LOYAL readers.

  • Max

    This really disappoints me. I got on the HP MediaSmart bandwagon in September ’08. Its been great. I’ve recommended the device to everyone that has has files to share in their home network. My family is mixed with PCs and Macs. I did not go into the homeserver environment expecting more than what I was purchasing. I was encouraged when there was news that HP would release the upgrade to existing ex47* users but I did not expect it. I’m still diappointed because like everyone has said here, this seems to be a software issue not a hardware issue (assuming everyone has upgraded the RAM). I took it a step further and upgraded the CPU so I’m thinking this should work. Come on HP, help us out.

  • GOOT

    I don’t get it… first HP tells us they’ve listened to the community and decided to engineer these new features. Then HP tells us they aren’t going to deliver these new features to the community they are responding to?! Ridiculous. Hey HP give us EX47x owners a little love!

  • http://ptputrajaya.tk Bim2

    Well guys, I also was dissapointed with “HP”, this is the 3rd and the last time HP dissapointed me. It start from my laptop HP pavillion series, I ownit only 4 month and it broken, I got the replacement board, but then the new main board had a defect, the IR lens was not functioning, so I went back to the servicecenter, and ask for the replacement, suprisingly they said my warranty was over (I only got 1 year warranty) hey it’s only 8 month from the day I purchase. Now I have to dealt with the end of EX47x???.

    I’m a loyal HP customer, I have been using HP since 1994. And this what I got in return from HP???. I like the WHS_Newbie IDEAS, this is a forum, lets make one. And for HP, I’M done using your product, I’m switching to AlienWare, it got more power and better support. To all of my friend who buy EX47x because my recommendation for this product, “I’M DEEPLY APOLOGIZE FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART” I dont know this is going to happened.

  • Sinzard

    Im thinking about purchasing one of the new EX485 home servers but was wondering if HP ever fixed the issue with the “green” hard drives. Or can you only still use the normal drives in these servers?

    Thanks

  • Chad

    I wholeheartedly agree with GOOT:

    “I don’t get it… first HP tells us they’ve listened to the community and decided to engineer these new features. Then HP tells us they aren’t going to deliver these new features to the community they are responding to?! Ridiculous.”

    While I was one of the early adopters (Nov ’07) and did not get burned by some of the posters here who just recently got into WHS, I still feel as if my 1.5 year old unit should still be supported with SOFTWARE updates. I easily upgraded the RAM to 2 GB and it could handle the new functionality.

    Easy solution, make the update an optional upgrade. I even would be willing to fork over a small fee because I realize the time and effort they have gone through to develop. BUT MAKE IT AVAILABLE!

  • Jon P

    I have never contributed to this site, but have been tuning in quite frequently. I contemplated purchasing a media-smart server, but eventually decided not to because I felt it was not yet fully a fully realized product for my needs (especially: fully synced email, contacts and calendar, in the style of a very user-friendly Microsoft-Exchange).

    Anyway, seeing that HP is not supporting the very recent version of their Media-Smart server, which I almost bought, makes me very hesitant to ever jump in. This is really poor customer support from HP, and raises serious questions about how they understand their customer base. Especially during a recession, when home users have far less income to spend on a revolving-door of memory/backup/server protocols.

    Perhaps the Media-Smart Server is the Zip Drive of the late 2000′s?

    Alas!

  • Paul G

    @Sinzard – This may not quite answer your question, because I’ve got an EX470, but I’ve had a “green” WD Caviar 500 GB SATA drive since November or December (IIRC), and haven’t had any trouble with it.

    @ Jon P – Although I am a very pissed off EX470 customer, I wouldn’t say that HP isn’t supporting the “very recent” MediaSmart Server product. Nevertheless, I do think it’s telling that HP seems to be ignoring earlier customers with frequent updates to “current” server products, and may be a sign of how HP will view current server customers after they release the *next* server.

  • John

    Another EX470 owner here who will not buy another HP product. HP take note, if you feel you can treat your customers like this you will end up with out any.

  • Eric

    Me too. HP, why can't you provide a way for early adopters to have this upgrade. I also (as you would expect from a technical savvy early adopter) have upgraded the RAM in my EX470 model. So you can't use that as an excuse.

  • Pingback: HP Respond to MediaSmart Server 2.5 Software Update Criticism | We Got Served

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  • Ellis

    Well if it is true that HP is not going to put out the time machine update for the EX470. Then that is a second major disappointment I have had with HP in the last few years. I also paid a bunch of money for a Laserjet 2840 Networkable printer which I was assured would have Vista Software that can work across the network and to this day All I have is an expensive laser printer that can not be used as a fax or scanner across the network. Hp is quickly loosing my dollar.