ProductWiki

HP MediaSmart Server EX470/EX475

Sun, 21 Jan 2007 11:32:51 -0500

The HP MediaSmart Server, when connected to your home network, will make automated backups of all of your computers, share files with everyone on your network, and make those same available from any Internet connected computer. It features a small enclosure, with ports, connectivity, and included software optimized to operate as a home network media server. To view media content in your home theater, you will need an additional media streamer that is connected to your home theater with A/V hookups; which the MediaSmart Server does not have. There are two models of the MediaSmart Server with different included storage capacity: 1) the EX470, which features a single 512 GB drive, and 2) EX475, that includes 1 TB of storage (2 x 512 GB). Other than the initial drive capacity, the features and capabilities of EX470 and EX475 are the same. These servers retailed for $500 and $650 respectively. HP replaced EX470/475 with EX480/485, and then, EX490/495 - featuring more RAM and a better CPU.

HP EX470 and EX475 MediaSmart Server specifications

Processor: AMD 1.8 GHZ 64-bit Sempron processor
Memory: 512MB DDR2 DRAM
Network support:
- Connects easily to the home network through a built-in Ethernet port. 10/100/1000 (Gigabit) RJ45 Ethernet
- Supports both wired and wireless PCs (via a wireless router)
Interfaces: 4 USB 2.0 ports (1 front, 3 back), 1 eSATA port (back)
Storage:
- 1x SATA 7200 RPM, 500GB for EX470
- 2x SATA 7200 RPM, 1 TB (2 x 500GB) for EX475
- Four hard drive bays for easy expandability
- Additional off the shelf SATA I or II hard drives can be added to expansion. No tools required.
- Maximum storage capacity: Only limited by number of hard drive bays (4) and USB ports (4). Example: Using 500GB hard drives, maximum 4 terabytes (total supported capacity of all internal and external drives connected to HP MediaSmart Server).
Power: Internal universal power supply
Chassis: Black micro-tower designed for office or living room. Perforated steel on front and back for quiet and cool operation.
Dimensions: 5.5”(W) x 9.8”(H) x 9.2”(D) (approx.) (14 cm (W) x 25 cm (H) x 23 cm (D)

Redundancy

The HP MediaSmart Server does not include a RAID option natively. However, it does have an alternative to ensure redundancy called "folder duplication". Essentially, any folder can be duplicated to any other drive (internal or external) of the user's choosing. HP claims this to be superior to RAID since it gives the user more control on what you back up.

Sharp Aquos 108" LCD

Fri, 19 Jan 2007 12:30:46 -0500

Sharp showcased the largest LCD ever made at this year's CES in Las Vegas. This LCD screen measures 108" (9 feet) across the diagonal. This LCD was made custom for CES 2007 and is not expected to be available to consumers anytime soon. The quality of the picture is the subject of some grumbling. No word on how much this TV weighs.

WowWee FlyTech Dragonfly

Sun, 21 Jan 2007 15:20:25 -0500

WowWee, the makers of the popular Robosapien and the creepy Alive chimpanzee, have created a remote controlled dragonfly that flys by actually beating its wings. This is little flyer amazed the onlookers at the WowWee booth at CES 2007.

LG BH100

Wed, 17 Jan 2007 15:48:08 -0500

LG debuted its hybrid Super Blu BH100 Blu-ray/HD DVD player at CES 2007. This player, that hit shelves early February 2007, solves the nextgen DVD format wars by being able to play both. To hedge your bets, you will have to pay, though, as the BH100 is expected to retail for $1,199. The player is able to display 1080p resolutions via its HDMI connector. Future-proof consumers should be aware that the HDMI connector meets only the 1.2 standard and not the newer 1.3.

It does not fully support HD DVD since it cannot display any of its menus or interactive content. The second generation LG BH200 solves this problem and makes other small improvements, but still retails for $999.

Netgear Digital Entertainer HD EVA8000

Fri, 12 Jan 2007 19:14:54 -0500

Access and enjoy your digital entertainment easily on your TV and HDTV

Streams HD videos, music, Internet radio and digital photos from your home PCs and storage devices to your HDTV
Automatically finds all the digital media files on your home network and organizes them into an easily accessible library
Play YouTube™ Videos on your TV
Easy set-up using an on screen TV wizard for a fun entertainment experience
High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) for HD video resolution up to 1080p

InFocus Play Big IN1

Mon, 15 Jan 2007 10:44:12 -0500

InFocus announced their IN1 as part of their Play Big product line at CES 2007. The IN1 has been designed to be an affordable projector solution for gamers. It delivers a 480i image at about 70-80 inches with 500 Lumens and a 1500:1 contrast ratio. Another niceties include a built-in DVD player, detachable base unit, and a mirror to project on to your ceiling. Great features at a great price. Available Q2 2007.

Pleo

Thu, 18 Jan 2007 17:00:57 -0500

Caleb Chung, the co-creator of Furby, has teamed up with startup Ugobe to create Pleo, a dinosaur robot made in the image of a week-old baby Camarasaurus. Pleo is equipped with many sensors, servos, and microprocessors designed to create an artificial intelligence. Pleo learns from his experiences and his environment and will develop its own "personality". Ugobe was at the heart of a controversy when they released two demo videos of Pleo with identically scripted responses. Likely to hit American markets in March, 2007 for $200.