August 30th marked the 5 year anniversary of Hurrican Katrina, which devastated the city of New Orleans and its residents. And while huge disasters like Katrina seem rare, the honest truth is that there are many naturally occuring destructive forces in this world. Tornadoes, wildfires, hurricanes, house fires, lightning strikes, and floods are only the beginning; there are a seemingly unending number of things that can destroy your equipment or your entire home. 

So what do we do? We try to mitigate risk by insuring our homes and posessions against these forces. As important as that may be, unfortunately, most do very little to safeguard themselves against losing the irreplaceable - the digital memories and other important bits and bytes that make up your digital life.

We want to help change that, which is why the entire month of September will be Data Protection Month here at MediaSmarthome.com. Over the next four weeks, we'll be focusing on raising awareness about personal data protection and preservation. Join us throughout the month as we discuss every facet of data protection through articles, interviews, polls, discussions, and much more.

There's a fair number of HP MediaSmart Servers in the wild, and while most computer users have been beaten over the head with messages to protect your their PCs with anti-virus software, most often overlook protecting their Home Servers from the huge number of digital nasties out there.

McAfee is one of the oldest and most respected digital security companies in the world, and along with complete security solutions for consumer PCs and notebooks, they also have a solution for protecting Home Servers. A trial of their software is included with every HP MediaSmart Server, which can be installed at any time by visiting the settings area of the home server console.

As the number of home servers in the market increases, so does the need to protect them. McAfee wishes to be at the forefront of home server protection by improving their product offering and helping those to understand the need for home server protection. As a result, they've launched the

Things have seemed quiet over at HP on the add-in/upgrade front since they let loose the HP MediaSmart Expander for TiVo add-in, but today they've let loose a brand new add-in called "HP Easy USB Transfer" and an upgrade to the MediaSmart Expander for TiVo that adds new features and abilities.

HP Easy USB Transfer allows the contents from a USB drive to be copied directly over to the MediaSmart Server or Data Vault.  According to HP, this should be a great benefit for customers who routinely create large amounts of data, like photo and video shoots. Read more about the HP Easy USB Transfer Add-In in our full review.

Finally, the HP MediaSmart Expander for TiVo has been upgraded with the ability for TiVo owners to schedule series recordings and have them automatically transferred to the server. Until now, moving programs to the server has been a manual process.

Rumors about new HP MediaSmart Server models have been making the Internet rounds since the EX-490 and EX-495 went missing from HP's online Home and Home Office store. We typically hear rumblings about new models well before old ones disappear from the channel, so we would have been mighty surprised if HP was indeed turning new models in the very near future.

Provided HP is being honest (we think they are given the next version of Home Server is close but still not available), this doesn't appear to be anything more than a temporary stock outage at HP Home and Home Office. Certainly a bummer if you were hoping for some new hardware, but on the bright side, those with EX490s and EX495s get to sport the latest and greatest for a little while longer.

Full quote from HP after the break.

Some who have received their MediaSmart Server 3.0 Upgrade discs in the mail may have gotten a tad confused when they dropped in the Server Recovery Disc and it tried to recover their PC, and vice versa. As it turns out, some users received upgrade kits with the labels on the PC restore disc and server recovery disc swapped. Not a giant issue, per say, but a bit confusing nonetheless.

Fortunately, HP has told us they've been looking into the problem and corrected it as of March 23. Going forward they will be sending out correctly labeled discs.

Not everyone received mislabled discs. According to HP, the only mislabeled discs were North American English 3.0 upgrade discs for the EX470/EX475 series. No other models, countries, and languages were affected. 

If you already have mislabled discs, be assured nothing is incorrect with the data on them. The new discs shipping are identical to yours, only labeled the correct way. In your case, simply swap the PC Recovery Disc and the Server Recovery Disc and run the Server Recovery from the disc labeled PC Recovery and vice/versa. It would also be helpful to manually re-label the discs for future use.

HP today unveiled the all new HP MediaSmart Expander for TiVo, which allows TiVo owners to use a MediaSmart Server EX490 or EX495 to store TiVo recordings, transfer them back, play them on a PC using TiVo Desktop, as well as view what recordings are on the TiVo right from the home server console.

UPDATED: It turns out the TiVo Expander should also work fine for EX48x and EX47x customers who've purchased and installed the MediaSmart 3.0 Software Upgrade. However, this configuration is unsupported by HP, so if you have questions or issues with it, you'll need to use the forums and ask the community.

Full details in the press release below after the break. Plus, don't miss our interview with HP's Charlie Shilling, Future Product Manager for the MediaSmart Server, about the new MediaSmart Expander for TiVo.

If you're an EX470 or EX480 Series MediaSmart Server owner patiently waiting for the 3.0 software upgrade to become available, your ship has finally arrived. HP's taking orders later this week, and shipping next week. Huzzah!

Full announcement from HP below:

The 3.0 software update DVD will be available to order beginning later this week, with shipments beginning next week.  These optional updates are available to purchase for owners of our EX470/475/485/487 products who want to upgrade their servers to the latest 3.0 software that is shipping on the EX490/495 products.

Please note the previously communicated information related to these updates:

1)      The cost of the upgrade DVD has been finalized and will be US$25 or €25.

2)      These upgrades will be available as a server recovery solution.  HP recommends that you back up all server files prior to installing the upgrade.

3)      This upgrade is not recommended for EX470/475 owners who have not already upgraded their Server DRAM to 1GB as certain features will not function.

Last time we got an update on the impending 3.0 upgrade for EX47x and EX48x owners was back in December, when it was announced HP was delaying the release until February while they worked out kinks in the upgrade process introduced with Power Pack 3. 

Now that February has arrived, HPs finally broken their silence in a report to WeGotServed, indicating that the 3.0 upgrade is in the final testing stages. Along with the expected 3.0 updates from before, it also appears HP will be adding in the latest version of the PacketVideo Media Streamer (Twonky), which (hopefully) will cut down on high CPU usage. Furthermore, the upgrade process is fully compatible with Windows Home Server PowerPack 3 and Windows 7. 

In other words... shouldn't be long now, provided there are no more red flags. Stay tuned.

[Thanks, Martin]

Do you remember what it was like before you got your MediaSmart Server?  Do you loathe the idea of going back to manual backups?  Let your voice be heard!

HP's MediaSmart Server has been nominated for "Home Entertainment Device of the Year" in Engadget's prestigious 2009 awards competition. Do your part and get the HP MediaSmart Server in the winner's circle!  Voting is only open until February 20th - so don't delay!

All you have to do is click here to vote.

[Via Engadget]

HP has just issued a statement regarding availability of the long-awaited Version 3.0 software upgrade for EX470, EX475, EX485, and EX487 customers. While the upgrade was originally scheduled to hit this fall (prior to December 21st), it appears that a few glitches have cropped up in the latter stages of testing thanks, in part, to Microsoft's recently released PowerPack 3 upgrade.

Rather than release an upgrade with known issues, HP has instead opted to fix and retest these problems. As a result HP will be missing the expected "Fall" date, moving the release into February next year with a confirmed price of $25 or €25.

No doubt any additional delay certainly isn't going to make anyone happy, but we can certainly understand (and appreciate) HP's reluctance to release a problematic upgrade. In our opinion, a little extra delay is certainly more favorable than a borked MediaSmart Server. 

Thankfully, February isn't all that far down the road.

Today Microsoft has unleashed the third power pack update for Windows Home Server.

While not as feature packed as Power Pack 2, Power Pack 3 does include important improvements to enhance compatibility with Windows 7, like accessing the home server within Windows 7 Libraries and supporting Windows 7 power settings.

On the new features front, PP3 includes some nifty integration with Windows Media Center. For example, you can now archive recorded programs on the Home Server directly from within Media Center, as well as view the status of your Home Server status from within Media Center.

Reliability and speed have also been addressed in Power Pack 3. Windows Search 4.0 'should' improve efficiency when searching content on the server, as well as other reliability improvements related to retrieving files from backups, compatibility with OpenDNS, low resolution monitors, and more. 

See below for information on all improvements. 

Power Pack 3 is available to Windows Home Server users at no charge. If your MediaSmart Server is set to receive updates automatically, you should see it installed over the next few days. If you're in a hurry, access the Home Server console's settings area, and hit the Update Now button.

Intel and Microsoft have teamed up to slap everyone with a little Home Server Enlightenment, haiku style.

Tell them how a home server would bring peace of mind to your life, or why you really want one, in the forum of a haiku, and that'll enter you in a drawing for some pretty killer gear. That's right, you're 17 syllables away from winning yourself a brand new EX490 MediaSmart Server, Zune HD, or Western Digital 1 TB Caviar Green hard drive.

Need a little motivation? 

Our news informs you

Great prizes for the taking

Enter to win now

HP's promised upgrade for previous generation MediaSmart Server is taking one step closer to reality.

According to this statement from HP's Allen Buckner, HP plans to make a 3.0 upgrade disc available to all legacy EX MediaSmart Server owners for a nominal fee.

While much of what we hypothesized back in may is coming to fruition, such as the EX47x loss of Photo Webshare, there are a few things we didn't expect. For example, HP is hoping to perform in-place upgrades, keeping all user data in tact, in leiu of a full factory restore. 

Unfortunately, the LX195 won't be joining in the 3.0 fun. The reasons behind the mini-MediaSmart Servers's omission remain unanswered, but limitations of the Atom platform would be the most likely culprit.  

Full statement below:

"Back in May, we announced a plan to allow current MediaSmart Server customers to upgrade to the most current software version beginning this Fall.

Among several new technology solutions announced today focused on small and business, one of interest is the new X500 StorageWorks server, which is (for the most part) a MediaSmart Server aimed squarely at small and midsize businesses. 

At the $699 starting price, the X500 series offers 1TB of storage, the same PC and Mac features of the MediaSmart line, as well as the core Windows Home Server features like backup and restore. However, it would appear many of the 'home' focused features like the Video Converter and Media Collector have been omitted... at least they're not talked about. 

The pricing may seem odd considering it's the same price as an EX495 but with less storage, but the warranty and support options here could be dramatically different since this is a business based device.

See the X500 Fact Sheet here.

Full press release below

 PALO ALTO, Calif.-- HP (NYSE:HPQ) today introduced solutions to help small and midsize businesses (SMBs) improve data security, maximize productivity and minimize business risk while significantly reducing costs and energy use.

Since Tuesday's announcmenet of the brand new EX490 and EX495, news and reviews on the new line have been cropping up everywhere. Aside from our own coverage right here at MediaSmart Home, you can find more excellent EX490/EX495 reviews and information all over the web. Check out our roundup below for quotes and links to more great reviews and notable coverage around the web.

From MediaSmartHome.com

• HP MediaSmart Server EX490 / EX495 Hands On Review - More power. More capacity. More control. That's what the third generation MediaSmart Server is all about, but did HP deliver?
  
  


• Review of Mac-Friendly Features in HP's EX495 MediaSmart Server - "Mac people" are certainly used to the fact that not *everything* plays nice with Apple's crown jewel, the OS X operating system, including many software applications and...
  
  


• HP Launches EX490 and EX495 Home Servers with Enhanced Features for PCs and Macs - HP today unveiled the successor to the award winning EX485 and EX487 MediaSmart Servers. Officially announced as the EX490 and EX495, both models include improved...

HP today unveiled the successor to the award winning EX485 and EX487 MediaSmart Servers. Officially announced as the EX490 and EX495, both models include improved processors, more storage, and quieter internals. Building on the massive 2.5 software update back in April, these new MediaSmart Servers offer up the latest features and enhancements to innovative features like the HP Media Collector and HP Video Converter, as well as many more enhancments for both PC and Macs.

Read our full hands on review right here at MediaSmartHome.com

Full Press Release below:

PALO ALTO, Calif., Sept. 15, 2009 – 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.(1)

HP's "You on You Project" and contest over at YouTube may not have anything to do with MediaSmart Servers, nor does it really have anything to do with HP products in general, but with three-hundred thousand dollars worth of cash and prizes up for grabs, you should definitely be paying attention.

The premise is actually pretty simple: create a short video that tells your story (or whatever really), with the only catch that you can't show your face. Then, submit it, and hope your video makes the cut of weekly finalists. This guy will tell you the rest...

Visit the You on You Contest page at YouTube

We here at MediaSmart Home also want to see your videos. If you submit one to the YouTube contest, post it here to share it with the community, and get a second chance at a prize!

HP is working on a new website called "HP in Real Life," where they'll be showcasing user submitted stories from individuals who use their HP product(s) in interesting and extraordinary ways.  

Here's your chance to inspire others by telling HP how your HP products help you accomplish special things, or share unique ways you tackle everyday tasks like keeping family connected across the country or the globe, balancing work and play or just planning life and events.

"We’d love to share your story to inspire others to go beyond the ordinary with HP products," says HP.

To submit your story to HP for consideration, visit the story submission page. 

Thought Power Pack 2 was the end of the road for this version of Windows Home Server? Think again! The Windows Home Server Team has announced Power Pack 3 Beta for Windows Home Server, which "improves the Windows Home Server experience with Windows 7 and Windows Media Center" thanks to some new features and enhancements.

The list is long, but there's plenty of goodness coming for Windows 7 users like enhanced backup and recovery, as well as integration with Windows 7 Libraries. Windows Search 4 has been included with Power Pack 3 Beta to improve query search times, indexing times and reliability, while netbook owners with low screen resolutions will enjoy better compatibility with the Home Server Console. 

The Media Center integration added in Power Pack 2 has also been enhanced. New for Windows Media Center is a TV archiving function to automatically archive recordings on the home server, and the new

HP will soon introduce the HP SimpleSave external hard drive series to offer customers simple and automatic backup for photos, video, music and data. Protecting personal content with SimpleSave hard drives is as easy as plugging the drive in to a USB connection, so families can feel confident that their precious memories are safe.

The hard drive family consists of two products, HP SimpleSave Portable, available in 320- and 500-gigabyte capacities, and HP SimpleSave Desktop, available in 1- and 2-terabyte capacities. Both devices feature preinstalled backup software.

"These are also complimentary to our MediaSmart Server products," Pat Kinley, an HP spokeswoman, said in an email to PC Magazine. "The SimpleSave family is designed the mainstream population that wants to protect their valuable digital content but needs the solution to be an easy-to-use, plug-and-play solution. The MediaSmart solution is for the connected family that want to serve up content to all PCs and Macs in the home. The strategy is that all of these products should complement one another and work together seamlessly.