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.

Consumers Can Now Manage TiVo Content from HP MediaSmart Servers

PALO ALTO, Calif., March 10, 2010 - HP today made available HP MediaSmart Expander for TiVo®, a new software application that lets TiVo DVR⁽¹⁾ owners manage video content from an HP MediaSmart Server.⁽²⁾

With a high-definition (HD) DVR from TiVo, consumers can record and pause live TV, and access the world's largest on-demand video store to watch hit movies, TV shows, music videos and cool web videos.

With the new software application, which is offered at no charge to MediaSmart server owners, TiVo customers can:

-      transfer shows from a TiVo DVR to a HP MediaSmart Server and back to a TiVo DVR

-      manage TiVo recordings stored on a HP MediaSmart Server

-      watch TiVo DVR recordings that are stored on the HP MediaSmart Server on any PC in the home

Based on the Microsoft Windows® Home Server platform, the HP MediaSmart Server is a central repository for automatically backing up and accessing digital music, videos, photos and documents from multiple computers on a home network.⁽³⁾

The HP MediaSmart Server automatically organizes files across all Windows and Mac computers, streams media across a home network and the Internet,⁽⁴⁾ and publishes photos to popular social networking and photo sharing sites.

"The HP MediaSmart Server is the ideal companion for TiVo users. With the HP MediaSmart Expander for TiVo, consumers can record more high-definition programs and not worry about filling their DVR since they can transfer their movies and shows on the HP MediaSmart Server and watch them on their PC,” said Jason Zajac, vice president of Attach, Personal Systems Group, HP. “Plus, consumers will benefit from all of the additional features the HP MediaSmart Server provides, such as backing up all Windows and Mac computers.”

Pricing and availability

The free HP MediaSmart Expander for TiVo application can be accessed through the Windows Home Server Console of the HP MediaSmart Server EX90/EX495 and HP Data Vault.

Manufacturer's suggested retail price for the HP MediaSmart Server EX490 with 1 terabyte of hard disk storage is $549, while the HP MediaSmart Server EX495 with 1.5 terabytes is $699.⁽⁵⁾

More information is available at www.hp.com/go/mediasmartserver.

About HP

HP creates new possibilities for technology to have a meaningful impact on people, businesses, governments and society. The world's largest technology company, HP brings together a portfolio that spans printing, personal computing, software, services and IT infrastructure to solve customer problems. More information about HP (NYSE: HPQ) is available at http://www.hp.com.

(1)     Requires TiVo DVR Series II, Series III, TiVo Premier and TiVo desktop software.

(2)     Compatible with HP MediaSmart Servers EX490/EX495. HP MediaSmart Server, PCs and TiVo DVR must be on the same network.

(3)     Wired or wireless home network required.

(4)     Internet access required and sold separately.

(5)     Estimated U.S. retail prices. Actual prices may vary.

TiVo and the TiVo logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of TiVo Inc. or its subsidiaries worldwide. Microsoft is a U.S. registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

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