The HP EX495 MediaSmart Home Server builds on HP’s reputation for building superb platforms for the now essential task of storing and protecting digital media assets. But, it’s more than that, it centralizes digital files for local network sharing, remote sharing and publishing, streaming to DLNA compatible devices such as a HDTVs and even format conversion for optimum size and playback quality for mobile devices. Once you’ve experienced the convenience you wonder how you could have managed without it.
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HP EX495 Hardware and Software Platform
The EX495 has plenty of processing power provided by a fast Intel Pentium dual-core processor and a generous 2GB of RAM. There is plenty of room for storage capacity expansion with the mini tower having three spare bays above the bottom one housing the supplied 1.5TB HDD. All drives can be installed and removed without tools and the top three can be hot swapped. If you run out of bays or want to transfer files directly from an external storage device there are three USB ports and an eSATA port at the back and one at the front.
The HP EX495 runs (as do a majority of NAS devices) the Home version of Windows Server 2003. To use a PC with the HP MediaSmart server you first have to run the supplied software installation disc. Access to the server is via the HP MediaSmart Server Control Center or a network browser such as Windows Explorer or Mac Finder.
To take maximum advantage of the HP EX495 a wireless network is near essential.
Protecting Digital Media with Automatic Backup
Automation of backup is one way to ensure it happens and with the HP EX495 you can backup multiple computers using Windows backup utility, Mac (Apple) Time Machine or the like. You can be comforted by the knowledge that valuable and sentimental digital media such as photos, music, e-books and video are stored in more than one location. Configurable security levels for various folders allows you to control who may have access.
It’s important to note that the EX495 does not support RAID so it will not create backup copies of files over other HDD which may be installed. It will also not support a printer but this is unlikely to be a problem as it is most likely connected to the router for the home network which is required anyway.
Centralized Sharing with the HP EX495 MediaSmart Server
Once your digital multimedia are in one location they are not only safe but far easier for all to access and utilize. Videos can be streamed (over a network) to a HDTV or gaming console. Music can be streamed to mobile WiFi capable devices such as an iPod Touch with a MediaSmart Server App. Sharing possibilities extend beyond the local network to the remote access via the Internet for when at work or on holidays. It’s possible to quickly access and share via social media sites such as Facebook, Flickr or Picasa Web Albums from any Internet connected PC.
Easier Sharing
A well appreciated feature of the HP EX495 MediaSmart Server is its assistance in overcoming multimedia format incompatibilities. The EX495 will automatically convert videos (including unprotected DVDs) to a suitable format. The user has control of how videos are converted by simply selecting the device they are to play on or entering the settings manually. Conveniently videos can be saved in a more compressed format suitable for playback on mobile mobile multimedia players.
Review Summary for HP EX495 MediaSmart Server
The HP MediaSmart Server EX495 offers an excellent performing platform for network storage, management, sharing and streaming of digital multimedia for both the home and a small business. Features such as media format conversion and remote access top off a wide range of productivity enhancing tools.
User Reviews and Price Comparisons
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