HP Launches New Home Server with Enhanced Features for PCs and Macs
HP today launched the HP MediaSmart EX490 and EX495 Home Servers, new
models offering increased capacity, high-performance processors, more
control, new user interface and additional Mac support — all at a lower
price.
Based on the Microsoft Windows Home Server platform, the updated HP
MediaSmart Servers have a refined user interface and a web-based home page
that makes accessing and using the server easier than ever. Additionally,
the new models offer a new video converter with custom settings and
profiles that will automatically convert video libraries, including
unprotected DVDs.
The explosion of digital content is attracting a new kind of buyer to the
home server space,” said Jason Zajac, vice president and general manager,
Worldwide Attach Group, HP. “This buyer wants all the power and capacity
that past buyers wanted, but also wants it to be easy to use. The new
MediaSmart ED490 and EX495 give them both.”
The MediaSmart Server features a new media collector, which allows users to
collect media by computer, media type or file location. The server
automatically collects and organizes media files across Macs and PCs and
streams it across a home network and the Internet.
The HP EX490 and EX495 offer additional features for Mac users, including
administration, media collection and a new disc recovery utility providing
bare metal recovery on a Mac using Time Machine.
“The new release of HP MediaSmart Server software and hardware continues
HP’s leadership in building compelling functionality on top of the
Microsoft Windows Home Server platform,” said Russ Madlener, director,
Solutions Marketing, Microsoft. “HP is delivering a true cross-platform
product by adding the ability to administer the server from a Mac
using Microsoft’s new Remote Desktop Connection Client for Mac 2.”
The new video converter automatically converts videos, including
unprotected DVDs, into a format that can be played at the home or
remotely. Users are able to control how their videos are converted by
selecting the device the video will be played on or choosing specific video
settings using the advanced controls features.
In addition, owners of an iPod touch and iPhone can download a free HP
MediaSmart Server iStream application from the Apple App Store, enabling
them to stay connected to their digital media stored on the server. Users
can easily access their pictures, listen to their music collections and
watch their favorite videos — all streamed directly to their mobile device
from their HP MediaSmart Server.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the HP MediaSmart Server
EX490 with 1 TB of hard disk storage is $549 while the HP MediaSmart Server
EX495 with 1.5 TB is $699.
The HP MediaSmart Server can be preordered beginning today. The servers
will be introduced in select European countries beginning next month. More
information is available at (http://www.hp.com/go/mediasmartserver)