Setting up your MediaSmart Server

As noted earlier, to utilize the MediaSmart Server you need to have a home network consisting of a high-speed (broadband) Internet connection and a router. After that's in place here are the basic steps to setting it up at home:

1. Directly connect the MS Server to your router.
2. Install the HP MediaSmart Server software on a networked computer.
3. Install Control Center software on any additional networked computers.
4. Use the Windows Home Server Console to set up shared folders, assign up to 10 users and customize their access privileges, and schedule backups.
5. Set up remote access features such as Photo Webshare and designate shared folders.
6. Use Windows Media Connect to stream photos, music, and movies to a MediaSmart HDTV, an Xbox 360, or any networked UPnP device.

That's all there is to it. Granted, each of these steps may take a bit of time, but the basic setup is fairly straightforward. Soon you'll be in control of all your media -- throughout your home as well as anywhere you travel.

Figure 5 illustrates the sever storage setup process.

Figure 5: Setting up your server storage.

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UPnP: Streaming media to and from other devices

UPnP is a universal protocol established to permit the seamless communication of electronic devices, mostly for audio and video use. Certified UPnP devices can be used in conjunction with the MediaSmart Server to perform reliable playback of movies, music, and photos. This is usually done by "streaming" the content over a wired/wireless home network rather than loading the entire file. Here are a few devices that can be used to stream media with the MediaSmart Server and don't require an additional computer:

• Media Center Extender: These are slim console devices that use your wired/wireless network to connect to home stereos or TVs and stream media content.
• Microsoft Xbox 360: This gaming console also functions as a media center extender when connected (via wires or wirelessly) to the MediaSmart Server or a computer running Media Center software.
• HP MediaSmart HDTV: This 1080p LCD TV shares the MediaSmart tag because it is designed to connect seamlessly with your MediaSmart Server. It is designed to play a variety of video and audio formats and uses special hardware for crystal-clear movie and photo viewing.

To learn more about the MediaSmart Server from HP, read this page -- you'll find product info, technical data, and a demo.

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