HP MediaSmart Connect Review Part 1: Overview

re: HP MediaSmart Connect Review Part 1: Overview

Jim Gilkeson — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 14:10:54 GMT

I have an HP MediaVault, which has UPnP capabilities. So it sounds like this device could play directly from that server, and I would not need to install software on a pc. I would be forgoing the online services, of course.

thanks for the info!

re: HP MediaSmart Connect Review Part 1: Overview

Leonard — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 22:08:02 GMT

Do recordings with Sage or BeyondTV display ok via the extender? Am able to record h.264 using these from a Hauppauge HD-PVR. This is the key additional capability am looking for until VMC works with the HD-PVR in future (hopefully).

Project HTPC » Blog Archive » links for 2008-06-30

Project HTPC » Blog Archive » links for 2008-06-30 — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 20:34:51 GMT

Pingback from Project HTPC » Blog Archive » links for 2008-06-30

re: HP MediaSmart Connect Review Part 1: Overview

chrisl — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 19:39:43 GMT

JohnCz: CinemaNow downloads to the PC still as there is PC-side software that does the real work, but yeah you have the idea right about the Media Bay and MediaSmart in general. The market for true Media Center Extenders is pretty small, the market for UPnP devices is also small, but applies to a larger % then MCX only.

Sam: This will be covered in part two (basically), but I believe HP already has UPnP software on the MediaSmart Server, so for basic functionality you are ready to go without an additional software install.

re: HP MediaSmart Connect Review Part 1: Overview

Sam Blackburn — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:36:36 GMT

Whoa. "pretty bulky software load" ??? I was hoping to have the Connect find the media files on my HP Windows Home Server machine. How will Connect interface with the MediaSmart Server EX470? Or will this be in part deaux?

re: HP MediaSmart Connect Review Part 1: Overview

JohnCz — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 17:34:20 GMT

Aaron, I think HP was smart to include that pocket media drive bay if they do what I think they will. Buying an extender currently assumes you have a dedicated PC or Home Server. To make extenders attractive to someone just starting out..they should offer some basic PC-less capabilities. I'm not sure it currently works this way, but it could make it possible to download CinemaNow locally or perhaps support NetFlix in the future. Add a PC or WHS to your network, and you've got the beginnings of a whole house entertainment solution.

It will be interesting to see what HP plans for their next generation MediaSmart Server (codenamed Encore) and how that might benefit MediaSmart Connect users. Personally, the only missing ingredient in the Media Smart hardware platform is Live TV/DVR. C'mon Microsoft, get Media Center ported to WHS!

re: HP MediaSmart Connect Review Part 1: Overview

chrisl — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:45:39 GMT

dnr: I'll have two other parts of the review coming soon. One will cover exactly what the HP MedisSmart UI of the device can do, and another will cover the Media Center Extender functionality.

re: HP MediaSmart Connect Review Part 1: Overview

dnr — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:14:13 GMT

So, I can do the normal xBox 360 Extender stuff and watch recorded TV, both standard and high definition, that is recorded on my Vista Media Center box. Right? Does it allow the streaming of DVD video in any way shape or form, e.g., as VOB's or a DVD in a physical or vitrual drive? I am guessing, not likely.

re: HP MediaSmart Connect Review Part 1: Overview

Aaron — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:58:40 GMT

I can't believe HP continues to push that ridiculous "pocket media drive bay". I have one of these things in my Slimline and I really would have preferred that they just save the space.

re: HP MediaSmart Connect Review Part 1: Overview

JohnCz — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 15:41:24 GMT

With extenders gaining improved UPnP Client functionality & UI's..Microsoft better watch it. They need to make sure Media Center/Extender capabilities far exceed what the generic UPnP clients out there are providing. Now, don't get me wrong, anyone can make a beautiful menuing system with animations, etc. But if it streams better, supports more formats, able to access local storage and connect directly to internet services...watch out.

re: HP MediaSmart Connect Review Part 1: Overview

chrisl — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:52:41 GMT

The software install is really for use of the MediaSmart UI and its features. If you are just interested in the Extender functionality you don't need any extra software installed (Just Vista Home Premium/Ultimate).

Now, you can still skip HPs software and use the MediaSmart UI with a standard UPnP server on the PC (eg. Windows Media Player), but you miss out on some of the other features of MediaSmart like online services.

re: HP MediaSmart Connect Review Part 1: Overview

James — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 14:49:33 GMT

So is the software install optional for usage with reduced functionality (or just VMC extender usage)? I don't like the idea of introducing additional 3rd part software to my HTPC.

re: HP MediaSmart Connect Review Part 1: Overview

chrisl — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:57:22 GMT

No, it has Component and HDMI. From the specs above "HDMI, Component outputs." It is not meant to be connected to an SDTV however.

re: HP MediaSmart Connect Review Part 1: Overview

Greg — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:24:06 GMT

Am I reading this right? Only HDMI...no component connections? Makes it hard for those of us using switchers with only component inputs.