HP MediaSmart Server Webcast – Replay Link

If you missed the 50 minute webcast on the HP MediaSmart Server then it is available for viewing/downloading. The free demonstaration with guest Paul Thurrott from SuperSite for Windows can be seen here.

For your convenience the questions and answers from the session are provided below for you. Good reading

Q:Looks like it has one NIC what if nic fails is there a way to add or replace new NIC

A:The failure of the NIC would require a replacement done by HP or a certified agency.

Q:What is the HD capacity limit of the Server?

A:Expanding the storage capacity is extremely easy. It does not require any tools or fumbling with connectors. Maximum capacity is only limited by hard disk drive capacities and number of bays (4), USB ports (4) and eSATA ports (1) on the HP MediaSmart Server. Once 1 Terabyte drives are widely available, the user could conceivably have 9 Terabytes of capacity in the HP MediaSmart Server. The HP MediaSmart Server will be able to use all future capacities of SATA HDDs.

Q:Can I use my MAC with this server?

A:The HP MediaSmart Server can be used as a file server for Mac and Linux computers. You can backup to the HP MediaSmart Server from these systems with your own backup software that runs on Mac and Linux systems.

Q:I am currently watching this presentation on x64…any update on when I will be able to actually use my server for this machine?

A:Please stayed tuned for a CES (January 2008) announcement

Q:I have read reviews on the media Server that say 1 gig of memory improve the servers performance. Will there be a way to upgrade to the memory from 512?

A:There is only one DIMM slot, and we don’t support more than 512MB in this model. Our testing shows that 512MB provides ample performance with this configuration.

Q:is the HP version SATA II or SATA I?

A:The MediaSmart Server can accept either SATA 1 or SATA II drives

Q:In other words, the HP MediaServers software that you install on your computer comes with a Windows and MAC OS version?

A:The software that comes with the HP MediaSmart Server is compatible with MS Windows.

Q:when will this product be sold in New Zealand

A:Currently we have not identified a date for the AP launch of the MediaSmart Server.

Q:Can you upload more than one file at a time to the server?

A:This is a current Microsoft Windows Home Server operating system feature and HP cannot discuss future features at this time. Sorry.

Q:Is there support for other music databases besides iTunes?

A:Only iTunes is supported for the automatic copying/centralization, but I’ve used the MediaSmart Server to centralize my music collection using Windows Media Player 11 and it works great, you just have to point WMP11 to watch the Music share on the MediaSmart Server.

Q:Web access is secured? and what is the certificate error showing on browser

A:The access is secure through https and 128 bit

Q:How much space does it take to back up 100GB on the server?

A:This depends. HP does make an estimate that a 500GB drive can store up to 220,000 photos, 120,000 songs, 140 hours of DVD quality video or 50 hours of HD quality video

Q:So you only use the HP MediaServer as an super external backup drive and you don’t have all the functionality that runs on the MS OS

A:You can also very easily use it as a file share.

Q:can you setup shared network printers (print queues) with WHS (assuming drivers are available)?

A:If Drivers are available for your printer, then this is possible however not something currently supported by HP. You would have to start a Remote Desktop session with the server and install the drivers on the Server directly.

Q:Is there a unique IP address or URL to access my home server from outside the home?

A:You are provided a personal, unique web address. The DNS is managed through HP’s partner TZO. Setting up the remote access with the HP MediaSmart Server is an easy wizard process. You get the opportunity to create your own personalized URL through TZO, which is free for the first year. TZO handles the DNS

Q:How does remote access work given that my ISP provider gives me a dynamic IP address?

A:This is actually a rather long answer. The short answer is the MediaSmart Server will monitor the changing dynamic address of the router’s WAN IP address, and update the address if it changes.

Q:Will I have access to my personal email using my PDA via this server?

A:The MediaSmart Server (or Windows Home Server) does not include any Exchange Server or any other email server. The MSS can send emails to friends and family as part of the HP Photo Webshare application.

Q:If you have two or three people accessing the server, does that slow it down much?

A:The speed of access is dependent upon many, many things. Such as router speed (10/100 or gigabit) as well as the network traffic and the number of hops to get to your server.

Q:Is it possible to upload several files at once through the browser?

A:Yes, but normal bandwidth restrictions would apply.

Q:Why is the Amazon.com offer not also available via the HP web site?

A:Amazon offer is specific to Amazon. HP.com is a separate business entity.

Q:Are filenames with FarEast characters supported or corrupted?

A:FarEast characters should be supported

Q:do you have a release date for Australia

A:Future release dates are in consideration. HP does not comment on future product specs or release dates.

Q:Is there webshare limited to only pictures and video?

A:Yes

Q:Can we run Windows Media Connect software on the server?

A:The HP MediaSmart Server already has MS Windows Connect media streamer installed.

Q:Are the photos downsized for the web experience?

A:Yes

Q:Can your friends download my picture free of charge?

A:Yes they can, if you provide them permission to access them. They can download the full resolution version or the down resesolution version shown on the screen.

Q:Doesn’t Microsoft provide a domain name do you have to use TZO

A:The MediaSmart Server gives you a choice of TZO or MS Live

Q:Are the original photos untouched?

A:That is correct, The original picture is not changed.

Q:Do you support zune instead of iTunes?

A:iTunes is the only application running on the server that will automatically find content on the PCs and copy it to the server. That said, any music purchased in other music stores can be manually copied to the music folder on the server and then streamed in the home. If it is protected content, as long as the playback device holds the license (e.g. playing back on the PC that purchased the song), it will playback fine from the server.

Q:How do we go about setting up our HomeServer with MSFT’s (free?) service? I saw about TZO but do not want to pay after the first year…thanks

A:That is an option as well. It is a choice during the easy to use wizard to set up the remote access.

Q:Can the server be connected to via Remote Desktop?

A:Via remote access you can access server remotely, but not provide the full remote desktop features. There are MediaSmart Server forums that do discuss unsupported methods to enable the full remote desktop feature set – though the users should enable this only after they understand the full security issues.

Q:If the OS drive crash, can the WHS be restored from the mirror drive? Or do we have to use the disk?

A:The HP MediaSmart Server comes with three discs 1) Software Installation disc, 2) Server Restore disc, 3) PC Restore disc. You can restore the WHS OS from the Server Restore disc. Just insert the disc into a computer that is attached via Ethernet cable to the router. There are options to either do a full restore back to factory condition (deletes all the info, so you have to move the data off the server first) or you can just restore the WHS OS.

Q:How does the Media Sever support Zune and Zune syncing and sharing.

A:iTunes is the only application running on the server that will automatically find content on the PCs and copy it to the server. That said, any music purchased in other music stores can be manually copied to the music folder on the server and then streamed in the home. If it is protected content, as long as the playback device holds the license (e.g. playing back on the PC that purchased the song), it will playback fine from the server.

Q:Is the backed up data on the Home Server compressed? If yes, then backing up 100GB o
n my PC should take less than 100GB to back up on the Home Server, correct?

A:The Windows Home Server software stores data very efficiently. During a backup, it never backs up the same block of data twice. Do you if you have any redundant or similar files on your PC, the server will only backup the data once (at a block level). Furthermore, if the data exists on multiple PC’s then the server doesn’t backup that same data twice.

Q:How is the server itself backed up?

A:The server does not back itself up. However, WHS folder duplication ensures that any data stored in a file folder where folder duplication has been activated can be recovered in the event of a single disk failure. Folder duplication tells the WHS OS to duplicate the content of the folder to two different HDDS. There is also a add-in that allows a USB ext HDD to be attached and files can then be offloaded to that HDD for off-site, there is also a service offered through add-ins for back to the sky.

Q:Is the back up spread over multiple drives in the server. I have 3 machines HD are 80GB, 160GB, and 500GB

A:Yes, the backup, as well as all information, is spread across the HDDs. But as mentioned, it only backs up the differences between computers, not 100% of everything. Much like is done in enterprise environments.

Q:Can I backup a subfolder of, for example, the Videos folder? Is it all or nothing for the whold shared folder?

A:It is set to back up the entire folder and every folder within that folder. However, you can create new folders at the highest level and control that folder for folder duplication.

Q:What is the certificate error showing on ie7?

A:This is a security feature built in to IE7. IE7 presents this error will all URL names that are not fully registered and users will see this will the free domain names.

Q:so it acts like a raid system?

A:You can consider it mirroring at a folder level instead of at a full HDD level.

Q:So your internet bandwidth is the main determining factor for speed and not the server. That’s good.

A:Yes. Some ISPs are increasing upload and download speeds, though today the limiting factor is really the ISP

Q:May I password protect particular folders on the WHS for access only by Admin?

A:As the administrator you can easily manage access to certain folders by the users. You can set to full access (read and write), read only or no access.

Q:Can I use my Media Center interface on my Xbox 360 to explore the media on my WHS?

A:Yes. You need to enable “media streaming” on the MediaSmart Server. The HP Setup Assistant as part of the first user setup experience will guide you through the media streaming setup process

Q:I will want to hook up external hd’s to back up data folders. How is that achieved?

A:That is not natively supported. All HDDs have to be added to the HDD storage to be available for use. However, there is an add-in created that allows for a USB HDD to be added and accessed without adding it to the storage volume.

Q:Does the MediaSmart show up as a shared drive on my home network?

A:Yes, it will automatically show up as a shared drive.

Q:Why use the WHS iTunes share function than the normal built-in iTunes sharing?

A:The iTunes server is not native to WHS, Based upon HP’s consumers, this is something they desired to have as an option, so HP has added this functionality to the HP MediaSmart Server.

Q:Can I store Recorded TV fro my Media Center on my WHS and then stream it to my Xbox 360 or any other WMC device?

A:Yes, this is certainly possible and a great way to share TV shows as well as home videos.

Q:Does Home Server uses RAID5

A:WHS folder duplication ensures that any data stored in a file folder where folder duplication has been activated can be recovered in the event of a single disk failure. Folder duplication tells the WHS OS to duplicate the content of the folder to two different HDDS.

Q:So I would set up external hard drives and manually back up folders on the server?

A:Yes, that is possible through the add-in that has been created for WHS.

Q:Is Microsoft selling an OEM version of WHS…to install on a non HP server ?

A:Yes, this is available through several vendors such as Amazon.

Q:I’d like to install applications like SQL Server and my own ASP.NET applications onto the server. How do I do this if the system is headless and Remote Desktop doesn’t work by default?

A:There are many ISVs who are creating Add-Ins for the MediaSmart Server and this is the supported mechanism to enhance the capabilities of the MediaSmart Server. HP does not support adding additional applications via remote desktop login. There are a number of MediaSmart Server forums which discuss ways to add additional software to the MediaSmart Server including accessing the server via Remote Desktop.

Q:Out of interest what is the cost of the WHS for people in the UK?

A:The retailer is responsible for pricing, you will have to refer to the stores in the UK.

Q:Why is there a certificate error when logging into the home server?

A:This is a security feature built in to IE7. IE7 presents this error will all URL names that are not fully registered and users will see this will the free domain names.

Q:is the server setup to warn you of any hard drive problems

A:Yes. You will get task tray alerts on any HDD problems.

Q:What was that feature called that backs up data on two or more drives that is not Raid mirroring?

A:Folder duplication – WHS folder duplication ensures that any data stored in a file folder where folder duplication has been activated can be recovered in the event of a single disk failure. Folder duplication tells the WHS OS to duplicate the content of the folder to two different HDDS.

Q:Inotice that when the server was accessed remotely from the web a certificate error was displayed. Is there a way to keep this from happening?

A:This is a security feature built inot IE7. IE7 presents this error will all URL names that are not fully registered and users will see this will the free domain names. You will need to purchase a full personalized domainname including a domainname “certificate” to not get the message.

Q:If you are using “Folder Copy” and a drive fails – can you remove the working drive and plug it into a normal computer and read the files without any special software?

A:The data from the File Shares is recorded onto the hard drives in standard formats, so you can pull data off the drives. That said, you really don’t know which data is on which hard drive if you have more than one working drive.

Q:i have about 500GB – 1TB of data that i will want to archive each year. i.e remove hard drives. But data will not be stored on any one drive. How would i achieve that? Manually copy files to externals?

A:there is an add-in created that allows for a USB HDD to be added and accessed without adding it to the storage volume. That way you can easily move the data to that external USB HDD

Q:Is there a release date for the HP MediaSmart server for Canada?

A:HP expects to announce availability to other regions at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) (January 2008)

Q:When will this product be purchasable in Spain

A:January.

Q:Does WHS support shadow copies to restore a past version of a file?

A:The server does have a method to restore previous versions of a file..

Q:When accessing the server remotely, can you only access photos, music and videos and not things like documents?

A:The HP MediaSmart Server has the HP Photo Webshare. HP’s Photo Webshare is an easy, secure way to share photos and small video clips with friends, family or clients directly from the HP MediaSmart Server.

Q:Will Live OneCare protect my WHS?

A:Several 3rd party Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware applications are currently under development through Microsoft’s ISV program and should be available on the market very soon.

Q:Is there a Microsoft OneCare antivirus solution for the Home Server?

A:Several 3rd party Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware applications are currently under development through Microsoft’s ISV program and sho
uld be available on the market very soon.

Q:Can you hook up a 2nd unit and mirror them as to get a remote secondary server for redundancy

A:No. You cannot currently mirror two separate units. However with folder duplication and the way the data is stored on the HDD’s, mirroring an entire unit is probably overkill for most people.

Q:How can you backup the Home Server? Is there an add-on or can you do it via an external hdd, just in case.

A:There are several way to do this that include add-ins. You can backup to a server in the sky or add an external USB HDD and back up to that using the add-ins.

Q:Are there any plans to integrate this with media center?? Meaning all media from all PCs that are saved on the server can appear on a media center extender

A:Yes, you will need to able Media Sharing on the MediaSmart Server. The HP Setup Assistant will guide you through this setup.

Q:Could you comment or list the specific differences (value adds and/or limitations) between the HP MediaSmart implementation of WHS vs. the out-of-box product.

A:I am not sure what you mean by out of the box since the HP MediaSmart Server is an out of the box solution. However, here are the differentiators. The HP MediaSmart Server provides several advantages. The first is the HP MediaSmart Server Control Center. This is a small applet that provides easy access to many features, such as direct links to the file folders, HP Photo Webshare, iTunes server, WHS console, ability to backup and more. In addition, the HP MediaSmart Server has the HP Photo Webshare. HP’s Photo Webshare is an easy, secure way to share photos and small video clips with friends, family or clients directly from the HP MediaSmart Server. We have also included an iTunes server whereby you can automatically copy iTunes music from computers on the network to the HP MediaSmart Server so it can be easily shared around your home network. In addition, the HP MediaSmart Server was designed from the bottom up as a home server. It is very small, about the size of a small book case speaker. You can easily add additional HDDs without tools for fumbling with connectors from a panel on the front of the server. The setup process is a snap with HP’s Setup Assistant. This feature walks the user through the process of creating user, file folders, remote access and more.

Q:The iTunes feature is nice, but is there such a feature to change to another media player, such as Windows Media Player? I would hate to be tied down to iTunes if I don’t use it.

A:This is a built-in feature of Windows Home Server.You can store all your Media Player content on the MediaSmart Server and enable “Media Sharing” on the server. The HP setup Assistant will guide you through the process for setting this up.

Q:I did not receive the link after the first Webcast. How can I be sure to receive it this time? Thanks.

A:I’m sorry to hear that. Please check your spam folder also. Sometimes it can wind up there. If you do not receive the follow-up email, please email webcasts@microsoft.com and we will send you the link.

Q:How can I increase the RAM, processor etc on the HP WHS if a new version of WHS requires it

A:Replacing the chip or RAM is not supported and will void the warranty.

Q:What is the url for that add-in that allows for a USB HDD to be added and accessed without adding it to the storage volume.

A:At this time there is no method to support generic HDDs that are not part of the storage volume.

Q:As an enthusiast nature photographer I often have problems sharing my highest quality images. The sharing of the photos seemed very easy through the MediaSmart server, but can it handle 2-300MB+ tif files?

A:Yes, it certainly can handle these larger files. Do keep in mind that download/upload times are dependent upon many factors such as network traffic, the number of hops, and the router speed.

Q:What happened to the audio?

A:Please click “Voice and Video” and “Join Audio” or call 866-282-6089 PIN 9470

Q:Why would i buy this over something like a synology diskstation, offers the same features, cheaper and less power consumption…

A:The MediaSmart Server is much more expandable than the Synology solution, and it’s full-blown platform which extensible with applications, much like a PC.

Q:I can’t stand iTunes and I’ll never own an iPod! I may own a Zune or any other Windows Media player device such as my Windows Mobile Smart Phone. Why is it just tied to iTunes, why not Windows Media Player, which is a superior product? I would wand to share my Windows Media Player library and my Media Center recorded TV files.

A:This is a built-in feature of Windows Home Server.You can store all your Media Player content on the MediaSmart Server and enable “Media Sharing” on the server. The HP setup Assistant will guide you through the process for setting this up.

Q:Would the speakers be willing to discuss the value-add of the HP solution over a “white box” solution built with the OEM version?

A:The HP MediaSmart Server provides several advantages. The first is the HP MediaSmart Server Control Center. This is a small applet that provides easy access to many features, such as direct links to the file folders, HP Photo Webshare, iTunes server, WHS console, ability to backup and more. In addition, the HP MediaSmart Server has the HP Photo Webshare. HP’s Photo Webshare is an easy, secure way to share photos and small video clips with friends, family or clients directly from the HP MediaSmart Server. We have also included an iTunes server whereby you can automatically copy iTunes music from computers on the network to the HP MediaSmart Server so it can be easily shared around your home network. In addition, the HP MediaSmart Server was designed from the bottom up as a home server. It is very small, about the size of a small book case speaker. You can easily add additional HDDs without tools for fumbling with connectors from a panel on the front of the server. The setup process is a snap with HP’s Setup Assistant. This feature walks the user through the process of creating user, file folders, remote access and more.

Q:When will there be a 64-bit WHS Connect client available? HP offers Vista Ultimate on new machines as only a 64-bit option. Thanks.

A:Stay tuned for our CES announcement…

Q:Will the server act as a terminal services gateway?

A:This is not a supported feature.

Q:Will the MediaSmart Server allow me to connect internal IDE drives? Or is it SATA only.

A:SATA only.

Q:Say that I want to share my media with a person that lives in Asian Country, in terms of contextual windows for them can they be in their language which differs from my as a Western country

A:The WHS OS will display the language of the WHS installed on the server

Q:Is there a plan for maybe being able to backup your XBOX 360?

A:Currently there are no plans for this from HP.

Q:I have an existing Seagate external hard drive. Can I use the USB port on the MediaSmart Server to act as a second server drive?

A:Yes, the MediaSMart Server support 4 internal SATA drives, 4 USB drives, and one E-SATA drive

Q:Will there be more devices available similar to HP’s MediaSmart Server, but unlike the Tranquil?

A:Microsoft has quite a few partnerships and many, such as La Cie, Gateway, Medion, etc have announced intentions to sell a home server with WHS.

Q:How can I change the system drive?

A:You can perform a full system recovery with the Disks we provide. I’ve done this and the process is quite simple. Ideally, you should do this before putting any data on the server.

Q:Do you have specs on the drives that ship with the server?

A:The MediaSmart Server 470 has one 500GB 7200 SATA II drive. The MediaSmart Server 475 has two 500GB 7200 SATA II drives.

Q:Do you have to leave your computers all on all night so the backup happens? Or does it wake them from standby, do the backup, then send them back to sleep or something?

A:Natively, WHS does not support wake-on-LAN capability. However, there are several add-ins created to do this feature. The computers must have a compa
tible NIC for this functionality to work.

Q:Is it possible to purchase this suite of software only and install it on a XP Home Edition?

A:WHS is an Operating System, just like XP or Vista, so you cannot “install it on XP”. WHS OS is only available to manufacturers and system builders.

Q:I use a USB attached FAT32 External Drive attached to my main PC to save 4+gb video files which NTFS can’t handle. Will Backup Application see FAT32 drives?

A:The backup utility support NTFS only.

Q:Is the Media Smart server limited to 500 GB drives? Can it handle the 750 GB drives currently available?

A:There is no limitation on the size of HDDs that will be supported. So yes, you can install 750GB and 1TB HDDs and even the 1.5TG when they become available next year.

Q:Several different WHS Add-ons have been mentioned. Is there a single place to find these add-ons?

A:please try wegotserverd.co.uk There is a fine list there, but it may not be totaly inclusive.

Q:can you use IDE drives with a SATA adaptor internally – or is it native SATA only?

A:It only supports SATA. The SATA drives “blind-mate” with the SATA connectors so that there is no room for any type of adapter. You could, however, buy a USB or eSATA enclosure for your IDE drive and attach it to the Home Server via USB or eSATA.

Q:How do I recover if the media center hard drive fails?

A:The MediaSmart Server comes with a Server Recovery DVD. Server recovery allows you to perform a “recovery” allowing you to restore all your “duplicated” files”, or “factory reset’ which is recommended for single HDDs servers.

Share this WHS Article with Others: