Hardware (5183)

CES 2007: HP launches HP MediaSmart Servers

HP moves in to the Home Server market

16 January 2007 12:46 GMT / By Stuart Miles

HP has announced that it will be launching a full blown media server designed specifically for the home user later this year.

Based on Microsoft's new Windows Home Server platform and an AMD processor, the server enables users the chance to save digital assets and back up their PC or Apple Mac on a centralise drive that can be accessed at any time.

The new model, which HP told Pocket-lint would be available in the UK for Christmas, will be expandable up to 6TB and feature a fully fledged web server so users can access content on their drive remotely from another location.

Users will also be able to share digital files, music, photos and video from any network PC as well as streaming content to an Xbox.

Furthermore HP has said that users will also be able to remotely access their files and applications from any internet connected PC.

Those concerned about backing up data will also be pleased to see that Windows Home Server software will also automatically back up any PC's hard drive image every night and only back up changes to the drive rather than every file.

HP announced a smaller simpler device November last year called the Media Vault. The drive is designed to give users and easy way to manage, protect, and share data and multimedia files across a home network.

Available in two models, 300GB and 500GB, the Media Vault is designed to expand as the consumer's needs increase better than regular USB external hard disk drives.

The Media Vault mv2010 is available for around £250, while the mv2020 will retail for £350.

Prices for the Media Server due to be launched at the end of the year have yet to be confirmed in the UK.