HP's newer line of MediaSmart Servers, the EX-485 and EX-487, received several notable software and hardware improvements over the first generation models when first debuted back in December of last year. With today's launch of their MediaSmart Server 2.5 Update, HP is beginning to tap into the additional horsepower their new line of servers offer, adding a bevy of new media-centric features, functionality improvements, and better remote access to media from PCs and popular mobile devices. 

Here we'll go hands-on with HP's latest update, and determine if these new features really are worth all the hype.

Installation

To receive the 2.5 upgrade, launch the home server console and click the Settings button at the top right of the screen. Select HP MediaSmart Server from the list on the left, then select the HP Update tab. Click "check for updates" to begin the upgrade.

If you're set to automatically download and install updates, you'll eventually receive the 2.5 update automatically. 

The upgrade should take about 5 minutes to install, and when complete, the MediaSmart Server will prompt you to restart.

If you've done the upgrade properly, you'll see the following welcome message when you enter the home server console.

Take a moment to read through the information provided about the 2.5 update. It gives a quick overview on all the changes, and some links to the help section on various topics.  

The Home Server Console shouldn't look much different, the only noticeable difference being the addition of a HP Video Converter tab on the left side (more on that below). 

Next, you'll want to install the Connector update on all client PCs. Click the download and install link on the welcome page above to download the WHS Connector Installation package to your client and run it. Or, navigate to the Software --> Home Server Connector Software folder on your Home Server, then copy the file WHSConnectorInstall.exe to your client and run it. 

I received an error the first time I attempted to install the client update, but after a reboot of the PC and MSS, it worked just fine. 

The first thing you'll notice is a new Home Server Control center, which now includes some new icons. For example, you can now view the Media Collector status from here.

With the installation behind you, it's time to dive into the new features and see what they'll do for you. Next Page: HP Video Converter >>

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