The home media server is an advanced set-top-box with broadband connectivity and hard disk drive (HDD) based storage that allows consumers to access digital content from any computer, TV or other device connected to the home network.

According to AMD, other PC manufacturers in addition to HP and Medion MD 90110 will be launching systems compliant with the AMD LIVE! home media server solution. The Medion MD 90110 Home Server is expected to be available in France, Germany, Spain, and the UK by the end of this year. AMD has also partnered with software providers to develop entertainment applications such as the SageTV Media Server software that offers the ability to watch, pause, and record live TV over the internet via a home media server.

The AMD LIVE! solution was designed to simplify and enhance digital entertainment experiences, and helping consumers protect their valuable digital memories is a vital aspect of that vision, said Bob Brewer, corporate vice president of marketing and strategy at AMD Computing Solutions Group.

The HP MediaSmart Server can be ordered from HP and select online channel partners in North America, and is expected to be available in select European countries in early 2008. It is offered in a 500GB version for $599 and a 1TB model for $749.

Similarly, Fuze media systems had launched a whole-home media management solution in August 2007. Fuze is a hardware and software solution that enables live or recorded TV, videos, music, and pictures to be accessed anywhere in the home.

Ustec was among the first few companies to release a home media server dubbed Mac mini home media server solution in April 2005. It combined commercial grade Ethernet Switch/Router, 350Mhz rated tecWire and tecPorts, advanced firewall capabilites, home security, and whole-home distribution for access to pictures, movies, and MP3 files.

Beyond sharing digital files, AMD has worked with software providers to develop entertainment applications such as the SageTV Media Server software that offers the ability to watch, pause and record live TV virtually anytime, anywhere over the Internet via a Home Media Server. In addition to HP’s offering, systems compliant with the AMD LIVE! Home Media Server solutions are expected to be launched by PC and consumer electronics manufacturers, which include the Medion MD 90110 Home Server.

Source: ComputerWire daily updates