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HP software links MediaSmart NAS servers, TiVo

HP releases software that allows its MediaSmart NAS servers to store, manage, and stream TV content recorded by a TiVo DVR.

Dong Ngo SF Labs Manager, Editor / Reviews
CNET editor Dong Ngo has been involved with technology since 2000, starting with testing gadgets and writing code for CNET Labs' benchmarks. He now manages CNET San Francisco Labs, reviews 3D printers, networking/storage devices, and also writes about other topics from online security to new gadgets and how technology impacts the life of people around the world.
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Dong Ngo

Owners of the TiVo digital video recorder and a Windows Home Server-based NAS server from HP, I have some good news.

HP announced Wednesday the free HP MediaSmart Expander for TiVo. This is a software application that lets the TiVo DVR use the storage of HP MediaSmart servers, such as HP MediaSmart Server EX495, to storage and manage TV recordings.

The MediaSmart EX495 NAS server from HP. CNET

More specifically, according to HP, the software allows TiVo owners to:

  • Transfer shows from a TiVo DVR to a HP MediaSmart Server and back to a TiVo DVR.
  • Manage TiVo recordings stored on a HP MediaSmart Server.
  • Watch TiVo DVR recordings that are stored on a HP MediaSmart Server on any PC within the local network.

This is especially good news for those who have been looking for ways to easily expand the storage capacity of their TiVo DVR.

CNET has reviewed most of MediaSmart NAS servers from HP and found them to be great servers when it comes to throughput performance, especially the EX495 models. This model can also support up to 8TB of internal storage and even more when external devices are used.

The free HP MediaSmart Expander for TiVo application is available now and can be accessed through the Windows Home Server Console of the HP MediaSmart Server EX490/EX495 and HP Data Vault.