The HP mv2120 500GB Media Vault is Network Attached Storage (NAS) device which provides automatic backup and centralized storage as well as remote access over a local network or the Internet. You can also share your digital content with its media streaming capabilities and photo Web site. The HP Media Vault has a reasonably small form factor and shares the same black chassis design and glowing blue hard drive indicators as its bigger HP MediaSmart Server sibling.
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Automatic back up of important files is customizable using the HP Media Vault Control Centre software and can be scheduled as weekly, daily or continuously. The Control Centre software (Windows XP or Vista) also allows access to shared folders and configuration tools.
Remote data storage is an excellent idea as having all your data in the same physical leaves you open to the risk of loss through fire or some other disaster. Using the one of the two USB ports your data can be stored on a portable hard drive for storage at a separate, secure location.
A one-step PC restore function is a huge time saving benefit if you have the misfortune to have a hard-drive failure or virus/spyware infection. It allows you to restore your operating system, applications and data on to a new HDD.
RAID 1 mirroring capability is available with the Media Vault providing the additional protection of a mirrored (identical, second) copy of your valuable data in case of a HDD failure destroys data.
Expansion of storage capacity can be achieved using the second, internal expansion bay for another Serial ATA (SATA) HDD. You will need to utilize this expansion capability if you are to set up RAID 1 mirroring.
Remote access of files and applications from any Internet-connected PC is possible with the HP mv2120 Media Vault. One can create a URL that allows authorized users Web browser access to download files. Uses include access to media files while on vacation or work documents when at the office or away on a business trip.
Sharing photos has become far more prolific with the use of digital cameras and the HP Media Vault helps out by providing Photo Webshare to create a photo Web site on the media vault. You can set up different groups for accessing different photo albums and even give visitors permission to add their own files so you can get all your friends photos from a social event as well.
Streaming of media files is simple using the DLNA compatible, UPnP (plug-and-play) HP Media Vault. Music and video can be streamed to PCs, notebooks and network connected HDTVs. The HP Media Vault also has an integrated iTunes Music server, which will aggregate iTunes libraries from the systems on the local network and make one complete library with all music and playlists available to all iTunes clients.
The HP Media Vault mv2100 comes with one year limited warranty. HP provide customer support including answers to product questions toll-free, 24 x 7, or via e-mail in as little time as an hour, at www.hp.com/go/totalcare.
A couple of important limitations to note if considering the Media Vault are that it does not include a print server and that only non-DRM-protected music files can be streamed.
The HP Media Vault comes with a power cable/AC adapter, Ethernet cable, software installation disc and printed setup poster.
Resources
HP Media Vault mv2100 Series Specification (pdf)
HP MV2120 Media Vault User Manual (pdf)
User Reviews and Price Comparisons
