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HP MediaSmart Server gets an iPhone companion

by Steven Sande Apr 13th 2009 at 2:30PM

HP is reporting that they've updated the software for the HP MediaSmart Server to provide video streaming to remote devices.

We covered the introduction of the MediaSmart Server at Macworld Expo 2009. The device is a Windows-based media server that also works with Macs. Now the system can convert videos, including unprotected DVDs, to both a high-resolution version that streams to Macs and PCs on a network and a lower-resolution version that can be played on iPhone and iPod touch.

To view the video streams, access your pictures, and listen to the music collection stored on the MediaSmart Server, you'll be able to download an iPhone / iPod touch app called iStream for free from the App Store. At publication time, the app was still pending approval by Apple.

HP announced that the updated software also provides an improved Time Machine configuration, a better HP Media Collector, and the ability to have both public and private albums in the Photo Viewer. The MediaSmart Server ex485 (750 GB of storage) retails for US$599, and the 1.5 TB ex487 sells for US$749. The device can be expanded to a maximum of 9 TB of storage.

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HP is reporting that they've updated the software for the HP MediaSmart Server to provide video streaming to remote devices.We covered the...
 

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colmob

Has anyone noticed this refusing to install on a 1st gen iPod Touch? Refuses to install for me, says it's not compatible, but have seen nothing documented. No reason I can see what it would not work...

April 23 2009 at 7:56 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Johnny Thrash

Windows? No thanks. I'll wait for Apple.

April 14 2009 at 11:34 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
elliot

Does anyone know if this is an HP only add on or is it for Windows Home Server and HP Mediasmart is the big one out there using it?

Basically, I'd like to know: Can I roll my own and still get the iphone streaming functionality?

April 13 2009 at 8:53 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to elliot's comment
Diseage

it's custom HP software running on WIndows Home Server, like their TouchSmart computers

April 13 2009 at 9:27 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
OlsonBW

When they come out with a Linux version let me know. As long as it runs any MS software I'm less than not interested.

April 13 2009 at 6:35 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Shelley J Green

::EDIT Above comment was cached due to 1password. Sorry!!::

I initially got enthused about Drobo, and seriously considered purchasing one as a backup and storage device. Then I read (some links from TUAW) of issues, such as proprietary format, performance as disc(s) fill, and so forth. Certainly as a new company they are having growing pains; not sure I want to be one of the users left out to dry.

The HP system looks attractive. Anyone know of an authoritative reviewing pitting these against one another and any other like solution?

I've also read about DIY ZFS backup devices - from what I've read, those are really attractive, but definitely on the geek side. I know my away around terminal, and installed Solaris in a VMware instance, but not being a IT gal, wonder if this is bitting off too much.

I backup now, to a variety of devices. I like that Drobo's are expandable, and that the HP can function as a media server.

Shelley

April 13 2009 at 5:09 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Shelley J Green

Joseph,

On Elgato's home page, their is a note indicating for users who have purchased after Dec 1st, you get a free upgrade. Just fill out their form - requires your serial number.

The upgrade is just one step closer to not needing a DVR. However, without cable cards, I guess you can't get premium channels you subscribe too, like HBO.

April 13 2009 at 5:07 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
starq

If you're a print designer, you should join the thousands of graphic designers who are currently boycotting HP due to their decision to directly compete for our customers.

April 13 2009 at 3:38 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Brad

I'm not seeing any updates on my server. :(

April 13 2009 at 3:13 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Roma

So does this mean I can stream all my media to my iphone no matter where I go? or just when I am on my home wifi?

April 13 2009 at 3:13 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Roma's comment
wesjerrell

If the Media Server can stream to the iPhone anywhere, I'm looking to buy that thing today. Also, does the server support streaming iTunes' DRM'd videos to AppleTV?

April 13 2009 at 4:31 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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