HP has confirmed that the Mac side of things with the new HP MediaSmart Servers will be coming as an update to current MediaSmart Servers EX470 and EX475. As seen on one of the HP microsites (flash info site). http://www.hp.com/united-states/campaigns/mediasmart-server/?jumpid=ex_r602_go/mediasmartserver#/HomeServerComparison/.
But the Media Collector and the Remote Media Streaming will not be included in the update that will be released later in the new year.
This being said if you are going to get the current HP MediaSmart servers on the cheap and don’t mind the less software features then go ahead, if you don’t have the skills to upgrade the RAM and the processor of the current servers then hold off and get the new updated ones in Jan/Feb 09.
January 16th, 2009 at 6:07 pm
The Remote Media Streaming looks nice, but I can accomplish that via FireFly… Do you think the loss of Media Collector is a big deal? I actually already have Home Server set up on a old PC, but there is a sweet deal on a 1TB ex475 (350CAD). Really tempted… Would love your thoughts.
Thanks!
January 22nd, 2009 at 12:35 am
Yeah FireFly and WebGuide you can do it with and the good thing with WebGuide you can play videos, this is a trick that HP has not done yet. With reference to the Media Collector, being lossed its not a big deal as it does not have the smarts to just collect the media a stick it in the Music/Picture folders on the WHS, HP media Collector (EX470/5) has to put it in folders in folders, which is not a good idea as you would be able to view your music collection via the Remote Access and I dont like that. For example it will get a music folder from box1 of your network it will but all music frome that computer (box1) into the Music with a folder named box1 (or whatever your computer is called) and then all the music from the into that folder, then box2 in its own folder in the Music folder.
If you are running WHS on and old system and its running well, I would just install the 1TB drive and then when the new WHS software comes out get a new system so its faster etc.
Sorry for the late respone, have been busy with person life. Hopefully this info will help you.