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Content starts here The Heart of Digital Life: Protect, Share, Enjoy

» Meet the Servers
» EX Series
» LX Series
» Home Server Comparison
» Reviews & Awards
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Meet the Servers: Why a Home Server?


Your music, photos, videos and other media are part of your life - but they're scattered over multiple computers, disk drives, CDs, DVDs, and MP3 players...Macs and iPods® too. The HP MediaSmart Server centralizes all your files, from all your home computers, in one place so you can grab them anywhere you have an internet connection and share how you want.

  • Easily and automatically backup and protect the content on your home PCs and Macs®.
  • Access your media from anywhere you use the Internet - across your home or across the world. You can even give your family and friends access.
  • The HP MediaSmart Server easily fits in your network supporting both wired and wireless PCs (via a wireless router) and requires a wired connection with broadband Internet* for remote access.

* Internet access required and sold separately

Media Features


Media Collector
  • Automatically collects and consolidates media files on networked PC's and Mac's onto the server.
Photo Publisher
  • Publish photos from your server to your favorite photo sharing sites.
Server for iTunes
  • Collects and stores iTunes music and playlists on your server for all networked computers to access.
Video Converter
  • Converts video libraries on the server into an MPEG-4 (H.264) format for streaming to a range of devices.
Stream to PC
  • Streams media from your HP MediaSmart Server to networked computers.
HP Photo viewer
  • Share photos with family and friends from your server.
Online Backup
  • Save important files to an Amazon S3 account on the Internet..
Stream to TV via Xbox, PS3, and DMAs
  • Streams video from your HP MediaSmart Server to networked devices.
Backup
  • Sophisticated PC backup software provides efficient and compact backups to help save time and disk space on the server.
iStream to iPhone
  • The iStream application is a free download from Apple iTunes Store that streams your photos, music and videos from your server directly to your iPhone or iPod touch

Now Serving PCs and Macs


The HP MediaSmart Server automatically backs up both Windows PCs running Microsoft's Windows Home Server Backup and Apple Macs using Apple's Time Machine software.

The initial configuration of the HP MediaSmart Server requires a Windows-based system, but after installing the Control Center for Mac OS, you can:
  • Use Mac OS X Time Machine to backup files to the server
  • Publish photos from the HP MediaSmart Server to popular photo sharing sites using the HP Photo Publisher.
  • Serve up iTunes music—any computer on the network that runs iTunes can access an iTunes shared library on the HP MediaSmart Server.
  • Stream all of your media to the iPhone or iPod touch using the iStream app.

» Learn about HP MediaSmart Server iStream


Reviews & Awards


EX495 Reviews

» HP MediaSmart Server EX495 Earns Maximum PC's Kick Ass! Award
Maximum PC, Norman Chan, January 2010 print issue
"If you're buying your first Home Server, no other solution on the market comes close to matching the EX495's performance, feature set, and ease of use."

» HP MediaSmart EX495 Home Server Review
Tom's Hardware, Ed Tittel and Toby Digby, January 1, 2010
"We're not yet completely sure how the other vendors who are part of Microsoft's media center push are going to compete against HP's MSS. The Asus, Lenovo, and Acer models all use Atom processors and include only 1GB RAM, and most are in the same price range as the EX49* models… At least at first blush, nobody else is in the same league as HP with regard to price or performance."

» HP MediaSmart Server EX495 Earns Editors' Choice Award
HardwareGeeks, Michael Reyes, December 21, 2009
"So easy my Mom can do it!” “Overall the HP MediaSmart Server EX495 is a fantastic machine, HP has made the process of backing up your home computers seamless and dare I say fun. There are other Home Server solutions on the market, but none that I have played with can compare with what HP has done and I doubt Microsoft could have envisioned what HP has done with their software."

» HP MediaSmart Server EX495 Review
Macworld, Chris Holt, December 14, 2009
“HP's MediaSmart EX495 proved to be the one of the fastest network-attached storage boxes we've ever tested.” “The unit is still a long ways away from being untethered to a PC, but it's a step in the right direction.”

» HP MediaSmart Server EX495 Review
Tekzilla, Patrick Norton, November 26, 2009
Norton calls the EX495 “a powerful all-in-one pre-built machine with a very nice set of drive space.” “It's pretty slick, you basically press a button and it searches any machine it has access to.”

» HP MediaSmart Server EX495 Review
PCWorld, Jon L. Jacobi, November 25, 2009
"The MSS EX495 proved to be the fastest network-attached storage box we've ever tested,” and applauds the server's design by calling it “one of the more attractive-looking units on the market.”

» HP MediaSmart Server EX495 Review
Gear Diary, Joel McLaughlin, November 24, 2009
“The server is so easy to use that I didn't even have to think about the video conversion, backup or media collection services. They just happened!”

» HP MediaSmart Server EX495 Earns PC Magazine Editors' Choice Award
PC Magazine, Mario Morejon, November 24, 2009
“The MediaSmart is still leading the pack among home servers by supporting many features that are not available in other network storage devices. It's far from perfect, but definitely still leads the WHS product market.”

» HP MediaSmart Server EX495 Review
MS Windows Home Server, Steve Crick, September 15, 2009
HP continues in its tradition of great hardware on the MediaSmart range, the EX495 offers plenty of processor power and storage capacity in a sturdy, stylish and low power consuming little package.

» Review: HP MediaSmart Server EX490 and EX495
MediaSmartServer.net, By Alex Kuretz, September 14, 2009
There just isn't much not to love about the new EX490 and EX495 running the 3.0 MediaSmart Server software.

LX195 Reviews

» HP LX195 Budget Windows Home Server Review
Gizmodo, Jason Chen, May 26, 2009
"If all you want is the base functionality, this is definitely a fine choice."

» HP MediaSmart Server LX195 Review
Hot Hardware, Danial A. Begun, May 25, 2009
"were very impressed with the LX195's performance and feature set."

» WHS Gets Small: HP LX195 MediaSmart Server Reviewed
SmallNetBuilder, Tim Higgins, May 12, 2009
"Single drive version of HP's Windows Home Server based NAS with 1.6 GHz Intel Atom CPU, 1 GB RAM and Mac OS friendliness."

» HP MediaSmart Server LX-195 Review: How HP's Mini MediaSmart Stacks Up
MediaSmart Home, Matt Whitlock, May 9, 2009
"This is the MediaSmart Server for the masses, and I think it hits home on nearly all fronts: size, price, features, and performance."

» Is it Time for a Home Server?
Digital Trends, Rob Enderle, May 7, 2009
"Let's talk about home servers today, why you may want one, and what makes these particular models stand out."

» In-depth review of the HP MediaSmart Server LX195 Windows Home Server
UsingWindowsHomeServer, Andrew Edney, April 30, 2009
"I have to say I really like the LX195, it's small, quiet and cheap. It does everything I need to do within the confines of its hardware."

EX485/487 Reviews

» MediaSmart Server EX487 Review
Ubergizmo, Hubert Nguyen, March 9, 2009
"MediaSmart Server is the coolest consumer-level NAS out there, period."

» HP MediaSmart Server EX485
MacLife Magazine, Zack, Stern, April 30, 2009
"About one-quarter the size of a Mac Pro, this glossy, little box fits into any corner."

» HP iStream App for iPhone Review: Bringing the 2.5 Update Mobile
MediaSmarthome.com, Peter Redmer, April 24, 2009
"The newest update from HP for the EX-485 and EX-487 models is fantastic!"

» Review: HP MediaSmart Server 2.5 Software Update
MediaSmartServer.net, Alex Kuretz, April 22, 2009
"HP has put a lot of work into improving and enhancing the EX48x MediaSmart Servers, and in the process are continuing to set a high standard for other Windows Home Server OEMs to meet."

» Take Two: HP MediaSmart Server Reviewed
SmallNetBuilder.com, Craig Ellison, February 7, 2009
"In addition to an aesthetically-improved look, the new console…provides access to many of the MSS' new features."

» HP MediaSmart Server (2009) Review
Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows, Paul Thurrott, January 7, 2009
"Windows Home Server is one of those transformational technological products, where you don't realize how badly you need something until you get it."

» HP MediaSmart EX487 Server Has Remote MP3 Streaming, Time Machine Compatibility
Gizmodo, Adrian Covert, December 29, 2008
"HP's EX485/7 iteration of their MediaSmart Server now comes with a revamped UI, remote music and photo streaming capability, and is the first non-apple NAS product to support Time Machine."

» HP Releases Updated MediaSmart server with Mac Support
Hardware Geeks, Michael Reyes, December 29, 2008
"HP announced the newest version of their MediaSmart server...the shocker of this announcement isn't the added memory or increased default storage, the shocker is that the new HP MediaSmart Server supports Macs!"

» Hewlett-Packard Announces Two New MediaSmart Servers
Home Server Hacks, Donavon West, December 29, 2008
"HP has gone a long way to add Mac support to the new Home Server ... The most exciting Mac feature is the ability to use the MediaSmart Server Time Machine backup drive."

» Review: HP MediaSmart Server EX487
MediaSmartServer.net, Alex Kuretz, December 29, 2008
"...The new MediaSmart Server is a tremendous step forward for the Home Server platform, reaffirming that HP is leading the way for all Home Server vendors."

» HP EX485 and EX487 Review Roundup
MS Windows Home Server, Philip Churchill, December 29, 2008
"More reviews of the HP MediaSmart Server EX485 and EX487 are popping up on the internet today, and here's the best of the best."

» HP MediaSmart EX487 Home Server Review
MyHomeServer.com, Eric McIntyre, December 29, 2008
"HP has done it again and is making new waves in the market with the introduction of two new MediaSmart home server models, the EX485 and EX487."

» HP MediaSmart EX487 Home Server Review
SlashGear, Vincent Nguyen & Chris Davies, December 29, 2008
"HP's first-generation MediaSmart EX475 was the poster-child for Windows Home Server. Now, HP are back with their second-gen version, the MediaSmart EX487."

» Hands On: HP MediaSmart Server EX487
We Got Served, Terry Walsh, December 29, 2008
"The hardware may be an evolution, but HP creates a software revolution to guide the way to the next generation of Windows Home Servers."

EX495 Awards

Kick Ass! Award 2010
9 out of 10 Rating

» Maximum PC
Kick Ass! Award 2010: Maximum PC

Editor's Choice Award 2010
5 out of 5 Rating

» Hardware Geeks
Hardware Geeks

Editor's Choice Award October 2009
» Notebooks.com
Notebooks.com

Editor's Choice Award October 2009
4 out of 5 Rating

» PCMAG.com
PCMAG.com


LX195 Awards

Editor's Choice Award 2009
5 out of 5 Stars

» Hardware Geeks
Macworld Magazine

Editor's Choice Award 2009
4 out of 5 “Excellent” Rating

» CNET
PC Magazine

EX485/487 Awards

Editor's Choice Award 2009
» JusTech'n
Macworld Magazine

Kick Ass! Award 2009
» Maximum PC
PC Magazine

Best of Show 2009
» Macworld Magazine
Macworld Magazine

Editor's Choice Award
» PC Magazine
PC Magazine

Innovations Honoree: Home Networking Category
» CES 2009
CES 2009

Editor's Choice Award: Storage category of the 2008
» Engadget Awards
Engadget Awards


Read the blogs


Capable networks
» MediaSmart Server Community
Terry Walsh
» We Got Served - Windows Home Server At the Heart of Your Digital Home
» Windows Home Server Public Beta Forums
Alex Kuretz
» MediaSmart Server.net Community
Jim Lyon and MS WHS Team
» Windows Home Server Team Blog
Eric McIntyre
» My Home Server - Dedicated to following the home server revolution
Philip Churchill
» MS Windows Home Server
The Home Server Show
» A Podcast for the Home Server enthusiast
Donavon West
» Home Server Hacks
Tom Ziegmann
» Ramblings of a Home Server User
» Windows Home Server at Microsoft.com
The Digital Lifestyle
» The Digital Lifestyle.com

Cool Links


Get Linked In

» HP MediaSmart Server iStream app
Download the app from the iTunes App store and start streaming your content to your iPhone or iPod touch.

» Meet the Server at Macworld!
HP unveils the MediaSmart Server at Macworld. Watch the video to learn more.

» MediaSmart Home Community
Join the community and learn how to get the most out of your the HP MediaSmart Server.

» Microsoft Windows Home Server Forum
Connect with the developers of the Microsoft Windows Home Server and their community users.

» We Got Served
Windows Home Server At the Heart of Your Digital Home


More from HP


Utilize your Home Server

» HP's iPrint Photo iPhone App
Print 4x6 photos wirelessly to almost any HP inkjet printer connected to a local WiFi network straight from your iPhone or iPod touch.

» PC Learning Center
Explore a variety of learning topics from safeguarding your PCs to making the most of your family's music library and more.

» Digital Home Entertainment
Your MediaSmart Server can take home entertainment to a whole new level. Learn more about your digital entertainment opportunities.

» HP SmartHome Podcast Tour
Take the tour and get more connected with your home entertainment solutions.

» MediaSmart Technology
Check out more products in the HP MediaSmart lineup to help set your media free.

Related HP Features

» Your Top Home Entertainment Questions
Get the answers you're looking for to start streaming your favorite photos, movies and music at home today.

» Go Green with HP
Did you know that HP is helping you to be more environmentally responsible? Find out more.

» HP Home Office Upgrades
Want your home office to be more efficient, convenient, and fun? Take a step up with these HP home office upgrades.


Microsoft Windows, Windows Vista®, XP Home & XP Professional (SP2), Media Center Edition, Zune & Xbox 360® are U.S. registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.   |   Apple, Mac, Mac OS, Time Machine, iTunes, iPod and iPhone are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.   |   Intel® and Celeron® are registered trademarks of Intel.   |   Amazon Simple Storage Service (Amazon S3) is a trademark of Amazon.   |   PLAYSTATION®3 & PSP are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.   |   PacketVideo and TwonkyMedia are trademarks or registered trademarks of PacketVideo Corporation.   |   Facebook® is a trademark of Facebook, Inc.   |   Flickr™ is a trademark of Yahoo! Inc.   |   Picasa™ is a trademark of Google, Inc.   |   Snapfish™ is a trademark of the Hewlett-Packard Company.
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