MediaSmart Home - The HP Insider

HP Software Update Available with PP1 General Availability

Cindy W — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 22:08:42 GMT

The HP Software update for HP MediaSmart Server will be made available for all owners of HP MediaSmart Servers following Microsoft’s release of PowerPack 1 for Windows Home Server OS. HP is releasing the software update after PowerPack 1 to ensure full compatibility. The HP Software Update will provide McAfee server side antivirus, Packet Video Connect media streaming, fix some defects in the online guides, add several modifications to HP Photo Webshare, improve Control Center performance and prepare the HP MediaSmart Server for Windows Vista 64-bit compatibility. Windows Vista 64-bit support requires PowerPack 1 from Microsoft.

MediaSmart Server Webinar

Cindy W — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:14:15 GMT

From the show floor at Microsoft Tech Ed 2008

Cindy W — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:57:34 GMT

I am writing to you from this year's Microsoft Tech Ed show in Orlando. There are about 10,000 Microsoft IT professionals here at this enormous conference center, just down the street from the Magic Kingdom. (I'll refrain from Mickey Mouse comments!) HP is hosting an event at the Epcot Center tonight, and tomorrow Microsoft is inviting everyone to Universal Studios. Bill Gates gave his final conference keynote address before official retirement at last week's opening session here. We have had tremendous interest in the MediaSmart Server at the show. Almost everyone remarks that the unit is much smaller than they had thought from the photos. Lots of folks have said that they are planning on buying one for themselves and also for relatives, especially now that the DE bug has been resolved. And, we have heard many stories from people who have a unit already, and who saved themselves alot of grief by having their backups ready when a family laptop or PC failed. Several attendees have said that being the official extended family IT expert and support person has gotten easier now that their parents/grandparents/new in-laws etc. can get to the family photos so easily. It's fun to be...

MS HomeServer PP1 Beta and MSS Update

Cindy W — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 16:32:19 GMT

I've just posted some new info regarding interdependencies between the MS PP1 Beta and the MSS Update. Check out the forum thread for PP1 and MSS Update discussions . The R&D team here at HP would really appreciate your help in checking out our MSS with the upcoming MSS Update and the PP1 Beta. I hope to see you in Orlando at Microsoft Tech Ed 2008 next week!

See you at Microsoft Tech Ed? Free Gift!

Cindy W — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 22:26:24 GMT

Anyone heading out to Orlando the week of June 9 - 13 for Microsoft's Tech Ed show? I'll be there, staffing the MediaSmartServer demo at the HP booth. Be sure and stop by and say "hi." I'd love to meet you in person! And, for the first 100 who register, MediaSmartHome.com is giving away free coupons for movie and TV show downloads from CinemaNow.com. Come visit the booth and pick up your entry card!

Are you an "Xbox dad?"

Cindy W — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 17:37:48 GMT

Are you the de facto IT professional for your family? Does your not-so-tech-savvy extended family call you for help and advice when they can't figure out why their laptop/printer/cell phone/router/whatever doesn't work anymore? Do they ask you how to share or manage their digital media? My family sure does. (Now I know how doctors must feel at family reunions, with everyone asking them to diagnose their aches and pains, gratis .) Jason Buffington write an interesting article last week regarding how he uses the MediaSmart Server to share media in his family, in a household which contains multiple PCs, displays, consoles, stereos, and gaming devices. Even his young kids are easily able to access their tunes and video games from their server. Take a look, and see how Jason (a.k.a. DarkJediHunter) makes it all work together at his house: Serving Up the Goods Thanks, Jason!