HP EX495 1.5TB Mediasmart Home Server Black Description:
The HP EX495 Media Smart Server is the all-in-one solution to manage your media: a home server that can automatically backup and protect your digital memories, centralize your media and content for sharing with family and friends, and enable you to enjoy your digital media while at home or away. Network-based backup of PCs using Windows Home Server as well as Macs using Apple’s Time Machine. Media streaming of photos, music and videos to PCs, the entertainment center and remote devices including the iPhone. What’s in the box: HP EX495 (1.5TB plus 3 unused expansion bays) MediaSmart Server, Power cord, Ethernet cable, Software installation disc , PC restore disc, Server recovery disc and Setup Poster and HP support guides. One year limited warranty and our dedicated software technical support available from date of purchase both online and by phone.
- Brand: Hewlett-Packard
- Model: EX495
- Number of items: 1
- Dimensions: 6.02″ h x 3.70″ w x 6.18″ l, 35.27 pounds
- Processors: 1
Features
- 1.5 TB SATA 7200 RPM hard drive; No tools required to add 3 additional hard drives with the 3 open expansion bays – (Total Capacity 9TB)
- Intel Pentium Processor Dual Core 2.5 GHZ 64-bit ; 2GB of DDR2 DRAM
- Connects easily to the home network through a built-in Ethernet port.
- Powered by Microsoft Windows Home Server software
- 4 USB 2.0 ports (1 front, 3 back); 1 eSATA port (back)
- 10/100/1000 (Gigabit) RJ45 Ethernet – Supports both wired and wireless PCs via a wireless router)
- Provides enhanced network throughput and video conversion performance
Customer Reviews:
Not easily impressed… but I am now
Working in the computer industry for over 25 years, I’m not easily impressed. Two quad-core processor, 8 GB of RAM and 2.5 TB of storage in a home pc… nice, but just “more of the same”.
Most of the computer innovation of the last couple of years has been “more, faster and bigger”, but nothing revolutionary.
However, the new MediaSmart EX495 is truly amazing: the speed, the capacity, but more importantly: the ease-of-install, and ease-of-use that DON’T “handycap” the “power user”, are fabulous.
I had the server up and running in a few minutes. It’s now supporting 6 users, 1 MediaSmart Connect x280n (why did they stop making that!?), and 1 Roku M500. I added a second 1.5-TB hard drive and have already filled almost half of the total capacity (25,000 songs, 28,000 pictures, 600 videos, and loads of other stuff). This includes doubling almost every directory (I like this feature over Raid 1 as it provides much more flexibility), and backups of all PCs. The most impressive was how it enables external (secure) access by directly interacting with the router to open/forward the right ports. And it was immediately successful.
Still to do: connect a USB cable to my UPS and try to set up graceful shut down.
Idiot proof…even for an idiot like me
This little guy got delivered by Amazon a few days before it’s original release. I am not much of a directions guy, but was extremely pleased with how easy this was to set up and how intuitive it was when it came to setting it up. I’ve got 1 workstation, 2 netbooks, and 2 laptops that backup wirelessly to this guy. If they are already on the same wireless network, it’s simply a matter of clicking the ‘add computer’ button. There’s no need to fuss with any of the backup settings unless you are particular, as it will do the work automatically for you. You can then either access your files via the console or remotely at your convenience.
I can’t stress enough how nice and convenient it is to be able to centrally access all my files without having to shuffle files back and forth between the local hard drives and having piece of mind knowing it’s being backed up automatically. I previously did this with Time Capsule which while it worked at times, was tempermental and slow. I’m not sure how well this will work on Mac, but I am running various flavors of XP and Vista in 32bit and 64bit configs.
I even decided to add another storage drive (Seagate Barracude 1.5tb 7200rpm)for redundancy. Adding storage was a simple as pulling out an open drive bay, popping in the new drive, then going into the management console to click through the add storage wizard which took less than a minute. Now I’ve got 2.6tb’s of storage, more than I’ll probably ever need and 2 open bays to expand down the road.
Useful and solid quality – for the committed user ~ Rev. May 2010
I’m technically inclined, but not an engineer. I have some experience with this topic… I first built my own server with spare parts and run it at my home. I am reviewing this because I bought it for my parents and installed it.
Preface – as of 2010, I’ve seen a lot of heartache about Mac Compatibility. Please, do some research before purchasing this product for a Mac to see if this will fit your needs. There is a TON of outside forum support about this. Otherwise my original review still stands:
Part 1: The software, and what HP brings to the party:
Windows Home Server is actually a program (based on Windows Server 2003 with enhancements, optimized and pre-configured), and is easy to use in a home. And it is good, all by itself. HP’s contributions by adding on its own ‘add-ins’ make the software better.
As a sample of what this means for you, an example: If you are recording tv shows on in Windows 7 media center you can offload your shows here, and still stream them giving you instant access anytime. The new update to the software also makes it so you can set windows 7 up to offload your recordings from your Windows 7 pc to the server automatically so you don’t tie up your computer’s storage space. If you want to take a look at what that kind of pc setup might look like, just search listmania for “htpc build”; I’m the first search hit.
So what does HP bring to this? If you have media files that you want to convert for viewing on a mobile device, HP bundled an add-in transcoding software on this so you can offload that work to server’s CPU and not tie up your computer while you’d rather be surfing or playing games or whatever else you do to make things better. There are a lot more add-ins they bundle with this, but it’s exhaustive and there isn’t the space.
Bottom line, there are plenty of ‘WHS’ solutions. But my take is that HP has put a lot behind making this a great software bundle, and I have to say I’m impressed with the bonus they bring (and I’m picky about this stuff).
Part deux: What’s so great about the hardware.
The pictures make it look big. But it is small – about the size of a small bread box turned on end. I was surprised when I unboxed it. It’s also easy to add hard drives. It comes with one, but you’ll get hooked and want to add one. Just take out a tray, pop in a recent generation “SATA II” drive and replace the tray in the server and it self configures. I recommend buying one straight away anyway because then you can turn on ‘file duplication’. That means the server at your specific direction will keep duplicate copies of folders you select on two separate hard drives in the server as insurance against mechanical failure.
You can also back up the system drive, which I’m learning how to do, and you need an external USB drive to do that.
Energy-wise It pulls about 4 to 6 watts under normal operation. Yet another reason to buy this if you are power conscious. Don’t let that figure fool you. There’s plenty of hardware oomph for most people’s needs.
Part Three – Documentation.
There is a lot of documentation! Just not in the box that comes with the server. WHS started out of a user community/company initiative that blossomed into a server software product that now you are seeing hardware being made for. So, if you aren’t sure if this is for you – please take a look online about what other uses this is for and what alternatives are out there.
Summary:
Good build, solid software, continuous integration to Windows backed by a very committed enthusiast community that makes it so you don’t have to think ‘what if my hard drive crashes/computer shorts out/child vandalizes my computer?
It’s automated and low/no maintenance. For a commited user: a ‘no-brainer’. For someone who needs to purchase tech support from a computer vendor, I suggest that a home server is not likely a good fit for you. You are probably better off with an online backup service for your needs.
I like this one because it has extra drive bays. There are configurations that just use one hard drive, but I would pass on that.
If you are buying an add on drive, a Western Digital Caviar Black 1 TB Bulk/OEM Hard Drive 3.5 Inch, 32 MB Cache, 7200 RPM SATA II WD1001FALS should work just fine.
Cheers.
From the Manufacturer
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Tags: B002N8A098, Electronics, HP EX495 1.5TB Mediasmart Home Server Black, HP EX495 1.5TB Mediasmart Home Server Black Review.
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August 21st, 2010 by kolby1732300
Garmin 010-00762-01 GPSMAP 541 Series Marine GPS Receiver with dual-frequency transducer Description:
GPSMAP 541 Series Marine GPS Receiver (GPSMAP 541S; With dual-frequency transducer)
- Brand: Garmin
- Model: 010-00762-01
- Dimensions: 8.30″ h x 11.40″ w x 5.30″ l, 5.40 pounds
Features
- Ultra-bright 5¿ diagonal QVGA display
- 234 x 320 pixels-over 800 nits of brightness
- NMEA 2000 certified for seamless integration with the Garmin marine lineup
- Preloaded worldwide marine basemap
- Compatible with GXM 51 for XM Satellite Radio and XM WX Satellite Weather
Customer Reviews:
Tags: B002JLZLMU, Buy Garmin 010-00762-01 GPSMAP 541 Series Marine GPS Receiver with dual-frequency transducer At Amazon!, Electronics, Garmin 010-00762-01 GPSMAP 541 Series Marine GPS Receiver with dual-frequency transducer
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August 20th, 2010 by kolby1732300
Vutec ELF65116MG 133-Inch 65-Inch x 116-Inch 16:9 HDTV Format Elegant¿ Fixed Frame Projection Screens Matte Gray Description:
Eleganté Fixed Frame Projection Screens (133″; 65″H x 116″W; 16:9 HDTV format; Matte Gray)
- Amazon Sales Rank: #152357 in Consumer Electronics
- Brand: Vutec
- Model: ELF65116MG
- Dimensions: 9.00″ h x 9.00″ w x 125.00″ l, 1.00 pounds
Features
- Black velvet frame
- Extruded 1.88″ aluminum frame
- VTS fabric attaches to frame with Velcro
- Easy to assemble
- 1-year warranty
Customer Reviews:
Tags: B001TIWD34, Electronics, Vutec ELF65116MG 133-Inch 65-Inch x 116-Inch 16:9 HDTV Format Elegant¿ Fixed Frame Projection Screens Matte Gray, Vutec ELF65116MG 133-Inch 65-Inch x 116-Inch 16:9 HDTV Format Elegant¿ Fixed Frame Projection Screens Matte Gray Sale-$677.92!
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August 20th, 2010 by kolby1732300
8 Channel Nvr 250 Gb 4U Ip Camera Recorder Description:
The Toshiba Surveillix NVR Series is a feature rich, powerful IP Camera Digital Video Recorder. With available Internal RAID 5 HDD capabilities and field-replaceable hard disk drives, the NVR Series is designed to support IP-based cameras. Capable of recording at super high resolutions and at speeds of up to 480 pictures per second, the NVR offers unmatched versatility.
- Brand: Toshiba
- Model: NVR8-250
- Dimensions: .0″ h x .0″ w x .0″ l, 64.00 pounds
Features
Customer Reviews:
Tags: 064.99! Sale Only $3, 689.99!, 8 Channel Nvr 250 Gb 4U Ip Camera Recorder, 8 Channel Nvr 250 Gb 4U Ip Camera Recorder-Retail $4, B000FVBM0G, Electronics
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August 19th, 2010 by kolby1732300
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SVAT CLEARVU1 Ultra Compact Web Ready DVR Security System – Digital Video Recorder with Built-in 7″ LCD and 4 Hi-Res Indoor/Outdoor Night Vision Surveillance Cameras
Product: SVAT CLEARVU1 Ultra Compact Web Ready DVR Security System – Digital Video Recorder with Built-in 7″ LCD and 4 Hi-Res Indoor/Outdoor Night Vision Surveillance Cameras Sale-$625.02!
List Price: $1,399.99
Amazon Price: $625.02
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Compare Prices on SVAT CLEARVU1 Ultra Compact Web Ready DVR Security System – Digital Video Recorder with Built-in 7″ LCD and 4 Hi-Res Indoor/Outdoor Night Vision Surveillance Cameras
Web Ready DVR Sys w/7″LCD&Cams
- Amazon Sales Rank: #96973 in Camera & Photo
- Brand: SVAT
- Model: CLEARVU1
- Format: CD
- Dimensions: 11.50″ h x 16.35″ w x 19.80″ l, 23.00 pounds
Features
- Store up to 40 days of footage on the 160GB hard drive
- Four hi-res outdoor CCD cameras provide a clear, crisp and enhanced picture
- View live or recorded footage from any computer with Internet Explorer, anywhere in the world
- Place this DVR virtually anywhere with its compact size (smaller than a toaster)
- Cameras come equipped with 12 infrared LEDs that allow you to see in the dark, up to 15 feet away
Pretty good, great package
The thing that I like about this system is that everything is included in the kit. I also liked that it can be viewed over the internet. The software that runs the system is pretty basic, but it does everything that I need it to, so It doesn’t bother me at all. The only issue that I have had is that I wish the images were a little clearer (it may actually record clearer than the 7″ lcd displays). I have had one minor issue with this kit and that has to do with the mounting hardware for only one of the cameras. It uses a ball and socket design, but didn’t tighten enough to hold the camera in place. It’s an odd design but has worked with all the other cameras. It may have just been a little off in size…who knows, but I eventually jerry rigged it enough to get it stable. One thing that I was concerned about was the distance of the night vision and that ended up being just over 15 feet.
I would buy this kit again and would recommend it to others because it has so many features at such a great price. From my research, other comparable kits would have ended up being much more than I was prepared to spend.
Great choice for home system.
When our brand new privacy fence was vandalized just 2 days after completion we decided an out door camera system was a wise choice. After reviewing several different options and schooling myself on home security cameras I choose the ClearVU1 for many reasons. The main reasons for my choice were the monitor/dvr combo and the price compared to other systems. Except for the task of running the wires through the walls to create a cleaner look, the system was very easy to set up. The picture is very clear, and I’m able to access the unit through my computer when we are away from home. The only flaw we found with the product is that it’s not expandable. It only has enough connections for 4 cameras.
Given the ease of set up and accessibility options I would recommend this product for anyone looking for a basic home security camera system.
Defective DVR
We received a defective DVR unit with the order. We returned the product for replacement. SVAT determined that the product was defective & sent us another one. However, we were required to pay $24.03 to return the original defective unit. Seems pretty unethical to require a customer to pay for shipping a defective unit back to the company. Will never buy from them again!
Tags: B0012BH82E, Electronics, SVAT CLEARVU1 Ultra Compact Web Ready DVR Security System - Digital Video Recorder with Built-in 7" LCD and 4 Hi-Res Indoor/Outdoor Night Vision Surveillance Cameras, SVAT CLEARVU1 Ultra Compact Web Ready DVR Security System - Digital Video Recorder with Built-in 7" LCD and 4 Hi-Res Indoor/Outdoor Night Vision Surveillance Cameras Sale-$625.02!
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August 18th, 2010 by kolby1732300
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Mitsubishi WD-73C9 73-Inch 1080p Flat panel DLP Home Theater
Product: Mitsubishi WD-73C9 73-Inch 1080p Flat panel DLP Home Theater Review.
List Price: $2,299.00
Amazon Price: $1,649.00
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Compare Prices on Mitsubishi WD-73C9 73-Inch 1080p Flat panel DLP Home Theater
With picture perfomance that outpaces today’s smaller flat panels, Mitsubishi Home Theater TVs offer a larger than life, intensely vivid viewing experience. In screen sizes ranging from 60 to 82 Inches, Mitsubishi Home Theater TV’s define the large screeen entertainment category by offering incomparable value and stronger performance than smaller flat panel televisions!
- Amazon Sales Rank: #6733 in Consumer Electronics
- Size: 73 Inch
- Color: Black
- Brand: Mitsubishi
- Model: WD-73C9
- Dimensions: 43.60″ h x 65.20″ w x 17.90″ l, 92.80 pounds
- Display size: 73
Features
- Smooth 120Hz
- Exclusive 6-Color Processor
- Plush 1080p 5G Improved 12-bit Processing
- 3D Ready – 3D video, gaming and dual-screen features require compatible 3D source devices, 3D glasses and IR emitters
- Improved Video Noise Reduction
Go big or stay at home…
Actually purchased this set from [...] on a promo including the matching 73″ stand from Mits. I’m honestly surprised Costco sells any DLP sets considering how dark their picture setup was on the sales floor. I bought it 2 months ago based on the confidence taken from prior buyers experience, my own experience w/ a 2004 Samsung 61″ DLP, and lastly, the review of a similar model 65″ Mits in the Sept 2009 issue of Home Theater Mag.
When I got it setup and began trying to adjust the picture settings to my liking, I couldn’t seem to find the right combination to suit me. Fortunately, Home Theater Mag’s article gave the precise user settings they employed during their testing. I tried them and, voila, excellent picture. I actually feel the picture exceeds my prior Samsung’s quality, and I always raved about it.
If you are happy with a 50″ or smaller picture, consider all formats. But if you are drawn to a true movie experience combining picture excellence with low cost, look no further. These new Mits DLP units really perform.
The web site below will show you the settings HT Mag used for their testing:
http://hometheatermag.com/rearprojectiontvs/mitsubishi_wd-73837_dlp_rear-projection_hdtv/index5.html
Great TV, C9 and 737 are the same thing!
I got the 73″ C9 3 days ago. Blu rays, xbox 360, and HD DVR are all AWESOME on it. There are tons of tweaks to picture, color, etc.
The C9 has the same 2 settings that the 737 supposedly had exclusive (deepfield imager and sharp edge) from the C9 series.
The C9 appears to be the exact same TV as the 737 but with different marketing (big box stores, discount model etc).
It is a huge and beautiful screen right out of the box, my wife made me tone it down a bit. I love big bright colors and she doesn’t. So I changed a few settings here and there and got a happy medium for both of us. But when I play xbox 360 I crank that baby back up to brilliant on the game mode and it looks very very nice!
WOW what a TV…..
I just purchased this TV and so far the picture is very good. I have 2 plasma’s and the picture quality is better than both of those. They delivered it in less than a week, Im a huge Pittsburgh Steeler fan and I as able to watch there first game on this 73 inch TV and it was great. I would recomend this product………
Tags: B002HHLGDO, Electronics, Mitsubishi WD-73C9 73-Inch 1080p Flat panel DLP Home Theater, Mitsubishi WD-73C9 73-Inch 1080p Flat panel DLP Home Theater Review.
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August 17th, 2010 by kolby1732300
Panasonic TH 58PF12UK – 58″ plasma panel – widescreen – 1080p FullHD – black Description:
The TH-58PF12UK display shares the same Panasonic plasma essentials as the 11-series 1080p model – superior image quality, flexible plug-in architecture, and world-class support – while adding some additional enhancements.By incorporating the NeoPDP technology, these displays are brighter with the ability to achieve a brightness of 1,400 cd/m2. For even deeper, richer blacks, the 12-series Full HD plasmas achieve a contrast ratio of an incredible 40,000:1. The weight of these units has been reduced by approximately 13% over the previous versions.The large size, flexibility, and incredible image quality of the TH-58PF12UK makes it a perfect fit for classrooms, lecture halls, student centers and training facilities. Its 58″ screen-size is also a great fit for mid-size conference rooms and boardrooms, and other large-screen environments.
- Amazon Sales Rank: #87761 in Consumer Electronics
- Brand: Panasonic
- Model: 58PF12UK
- Dimensions: 17.50″ h x 39.00″ w x 62.00″ l, 106.00 pounds
- Display size: 58
Features
- Manufactured to the Highest Quality Available.
- With True Enhanced Performance.
- Latest Technical Development.
Customer Reviews:
Tags: B002RYTM7Y, Buy Panasonic TH 58PF12UK - 58" plasma panel - widescreen - 1080p FullHD - black At Amazon!, Electronics, Panasonic TH 58PF12UK - 58" plasma panel - widescreen - 1080p FullHD - black
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