HP has released a software update for the HP MediaSmart Server
(EX485/EX487 models), providing remote video streaming and video
conversion of unprotected content. 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. 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.
In addition, owners of an iPod touch and iPhone can download a new HP
MediaSmart Server iStream application at no charge from the Apple App
Store, enabling them to stay connected to their digital media stored
on the MediaSmart Server. Users can 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 Macs and Microsoft Windows-based
computers, automatically organizes files across computers and streams
media across a home network and the Internet.
Based on the Microsoft Windows Home Server platform, the HP
MediaSmart Server EX485/EX487 shipped to customers in January. 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. The software update will be
available at no charge later this month as an automatic download to
the HP MediaSmart Server (EX485/EX487 models).
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the HP MediaSmart
Server EX485 with 750GB of hard disk storage is US$599; the HP
MediaSmart Server EX487 with 1.5TBis $749. More information is
available at www.hp.com/go/mediasmartserver