HP adding Streaming, Vista 64-bit Support and Anti-Virus
HP has got some more enhancements coming to its MediaSmart Server this February for free which will be available via download. The 3 updates include server protection via McAfee Antivirus which will be free for the first seven months. PacketVideo technology will enhance the the media streaming process from MediaSmart Server to other digital media devices in the home and it will also add advanced graphics such as thumbnails of photos, in-menu browsing and album art. And finally Windows 64-bit support will also be added for Vista users.
One of our contributors John Czernek, had this to say:
This raises a few questions that hopefully will be clarified during CES. Will HP offer the anti-virus to current customers? And I’m curious if the improved data streaming is some new version of Windows Media Connect.
HP is also launching a lower cost MediaSmart server based on Linux and a MediaSmart Receiver that includes Media Center Extender. Microsoft probably isn’t too happy with an alternate product offering so soon. It should be interesting to see how HP positions the two.
Thanks to Nicholas Rayner and John Czernek for the news.
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Yes indeed, it is very INTERESTING in that Microsoft is replacing WHS data streaming version of Windows Media Connect, as Microsoft had already stated NOT to use it when transferring files from your PC to the WHS appliance due to reduced throughput bandwidth issues for one.
One must wonder what other additional revisions and changes will be made ahead regarding WHS to resolve other issues like DATA CORRUPTION, because it’s already been two months without a FIX, as reported way back in October by Microsoft. Meaning, they had already known this issue then, during the beta testing stage but for some unknown reason delayed.
I don’t think offering a seven month third party antivirus offering is going to change that loss of customer credibility and the growing media reports.
It’s also interesting to note, that Steve Ballmer, stated how open source code such as Linux using the GPLv3 licensing is a cancer to Microsoft, and yet now in order to save themselves are actually considering to use Linux in a product release? How can this be?
How much “Open Source Intellectual Property” is Microsoft going to be infringing upon by selling Linux solutions? Why cannot Microsoft offer it’s own innovation or was it bought, borrowed and taken over by Microsoft all along? How can anyone know for sure, when Microsoft’s software is ALL proprietary source code, unable to be publicly reviewed?
Doesn’t this just demonstrates how much Microsoft is scrambling on it’s feet, to be releasing a Linux home server solution since WHS is broken?
Prediction, unless radical changes are made at Microsoft, your going to witness a paradigm shift into open source code community solutions.
Red Rabbit, you are misunderstanding the post. Microsoft is not releasing a solution based on Linux, HP is. HP offers a wide variety of operating system choices from Windows and Linux, to it own HP-UX and OpenVMS.
I imagine that as this market grows, you will see a wide variety of choices with different operating systems, different features and different price points.
Disclaimer: I work for HP, but not in the division that produces the MediaSmart Server.
I am excited to see the inclusion of security upgrades in the media server. As the home becomes more “wired”, I see a real issue with people being exposed to new types of hacks, cracks, and attacks on their personal media. Most people still are naive when it comes to home security on their computer – a wired entertainment server will need to come with protection from the manufacturer out of the gate.
Well, if Microsoft is not releasing a NAS solution based on Linux, they had better FIX Windows Home Server, right? 😉
Obviously, competitors who themselves have seen their own proprietary alternatives sink under the Microsoft steamroller have suddenly seen alliances with open source software as a chance to halt the Windows monopoly.
It’s a matter of providing the best product solution for the customer which benefits the society more importantly. This is because past innovation would be allowed to be built upon by everyone rather than a limited few manipulating the market for their own benefit.
For a list of FREE open source code applications see here:
http://www.digitaldarknet.net/thelist/index.php
For many of us living in Russia, open source code applications provide our solutions. Of course, we look forward about WHS too…
http://www.osliving.com (beneficial applications for anyone)
I’m a bit confused. Is the post implying that HP has developed a 64 bit solution to the connector software on their own? Or are they being given a microsoft update before everyone else? Can someone please explain.
I agree with cylon64 – Does this imply the Vista 64-bit connector software is almost done?
I also want to know more about the 64 bit Connector (which I have been patiently waiting for since WHS was first released for beta testing). How is it that HP will be offering such a much needed fix and the rest of us are consigned to “remain seated in the back of the bus?” One would presume that such a 64 bit Connector application is coming from Microsoft, since it would likely require access to proprietary source code for construction, unless, of course, HP has some sort of “sweetheart deal” with Microsoft, whereby HP gets to boost its market position selling WHS units by being first to market with the 64 bit stuff. There needs to be a FULL explanation of this issue and WHERE is the 64 bit Connector actually coming from!
@TheBeagle
Your absolutely right! Does this also include system builders selling WHS 64bit version? I see another Microsoft anti-competitive behavior software bundling lawsuit around the corner on this issue!
This is a WHS 64bit monopolistic attempt on the market to advance only HP if actually true. Gateway, Sony, Dell, Asus, and everyone else will be at a unfair disadvantage if HP is the only one allowed to benefit for what should have been provided by Microsoft to begin with in the first place.
You know Vista had this same problem of not providing the 64bit version too! You would think after XP 64bit, that by now Microsoft would have gotten it’s act together…
And Microsoft wonders why customers don’t adapt 64 bit Vista! How about 64bit Vista hardware drivers! and you can be sure this issue still applies to WHS 64 bit versions as well…
HP will also incorporate Microsoft Windows Media Center extenders into MediaSmart Receivers and TVs by spring 2008. The extenders, unveiled at the 2007 Digital Life conference in Manhattan, are intended to allow seamless transitions between home computers, TVs and other home media devices, and are being produced by Cisco, D-Link and Niveus.
HP will automatically updated existing MediaSmart TVs with the extender update via the Internet. The new line of MediaSmart TVs from HP will include an updated design, 1080p high definition, three HDMI ports and wired and wireless connectivity.
HP has reported to me that in February an update to HP’s MediaSmart home server will include antivirus support from McAfee, Windows Vista 64-bit support and upgraded data handling!!! The upgrades will be available next month via a free download.
Hi Guys,
The 64 bit connector HP is talking about is the same one that MS said would be released this first quarter (2008) with Update Release 1.
Where is this fabled 64 bit client support? It is April18th, now HP tech support says June.