If you already own the EX47x or Ex48x series HP MediaSmart Servers, one of the most noticeable improvements you’ll see in the new generation is the improved user interface, built into the Windows Home Server console. Whilst much of the core functionality is similar to v2.5 of HP’s MediaSmart Server software (with the exception of improved video conversion controls and radically improved Mac support), the look and feel is a lot sharper as you can see from the shots below.
The resulting experience feels much more integrated and cohesive. HP’s first attempt to create a features dashboard in the EX48x series felt like an add-on to the main WHS Console – however, the new version really does now feel like a destination for managing your home server – great job.
15. September 2009 at 11:11 am
Anyway to transfer 6 TB of Stuff from my 1st Gen unit to this new one ?
15. September 2009 at 11:51 am
In theory, they should both be happy on the same network so just hook them up to a gigabit switch and copy your stuff across
15. September 2009 at 2:38 pm
Yep – and they have different default names (EX47x and 48x is HPSERVER, EX49x is HPSTORAGE) so they sit on the network happily – I transferred all of my media across over the network with no issues.
15. September 2009 at 4:00 pm
Hi Terry
how is this media server compared to the Acer Home server ?
does this hp server use low power to ?
15. September 2009 at 4:05 pm
Consider the Acer a strong budget option – however, the software and media sharing features on the EX49x is much much better if you can spare the cash…
15. September 2009 at 4:36 pm
I just bought an eSATA external bay… Do you happen to know if it will work with the ex495? I had heard something about no support for port replication in later models???
15. September 2009 at 4:44 pm
Port replication wasn't available on the EX485, but should be fine on the new models, Lee.
15. September 2009 at 6:52 pm
Terry, how about noise levels, is it louder or quieter that the previous HP Home server, how about compared to Tranquil?
15. September 2009 at 7:21 pm
It's certainly quieter at start-up, but you'll still hear the fans in the background. Tranquil's machines are fanless, so are much quieter (i.e. almost silent!)
15. September 2009 at 9:03 pm
Any word on whether this improved interface will be backfitted to EX485/487 owners?
15. September 2009 at 9:08 pm
Existing owners will get an update in the coming months
15. September 2009 at 9:16 pm
Sweet!
15. September 2009 at 11:17 pm
dont forget about the EX470 and EX475 guys for this update
15. September 2009 at 11:36 pm
Frackly i would like to see hp update all of us without asking , how about it HP
15. September 2009 at 11:39 pm
sorry im sick, I would like to see this upgrade on the EX470 as well
16. September 2009 at 2:31 am
yes would also like to see the update on the ex470, but i think im gonna order the new ex490, when it comes out. u figure the 470 is almost two years old now
18. September 2009 at 3:51 pm
ya but do the cpu and memory upgrades and its just like the 485/7
also i wouldn't be so pushy for the latest update 2.5 and the latest (3.X ?)
but they upgrade the servers faster than microsoft upgrades windows
Thanks for listing : ?
18. September 2009 at 7:39 pm
The new server is all well and good. My origional model is working great.
What I want to see is the same support from HP as they are giving the new systems.
Seems that they promised a major update to our software… I popped almost 700 bucks for my system and it will be a cold day in hell before I do that again. Being a newbie to the server systems at that time …I was under the impression that "Mediasmart Server" meant I didnt have to by a buch of crap to stream to my TV etc. Oh well sorry for ranting, Im feeling a bit neglected
18. September 2009 at 10:54 pm
i built my own server instead of going HP. But i think i'm in love with all of the Mac support HP is doing. Any way of getting the HP software to work on a home-build WHS?
21. September 2009 at 2:25 pm
I have home built server for sharing the pic and Hp ex485 for back up, music and personal remote access… The Ex495 may be worth for streaming movies to PS3
22. September 2009 at 12:44 pm
Hi Terry,
Will HP be bringing this new model to Switzerland in 2009?
They completely ignored Switzerland so far =(.
7. October 2009 at 5:40 am
Any news on when the EX48x's will be receiving firmware updates to the new 3.0 version?
20. November 2009 at 3:58 pm
Hey Terry, my name is Nigel and I just purchase one (ex 495) and interface is like the beta program, I've look every place to change with no luck, can you please help me?