It's probably right in front of me but I can't find a link to the V2 beta.

Courtesy of WeGotServed:

1. Visit Microsoft’s Windows Home Server beta site at: http://connect.microsoft.com/windowshomeserver
2. If you haven’t registered, you’ll need to do so with a Hotmail or other Windows Live email address
3. Apply to join the beta
4. When you get access, hit the Downloads section, where you’ll find the following:

- Windows Home Server Code Name “Vail” Preview Installation DVD (3.3 GB)
- Windows Home Server Code Name “Vail” Preview Server Recovery CD (197 MB)
- Windows Home Server Code Name “Vail” Preview Client Restore CD (474 MB)
- Windows Home Server Code Name “Vail” Preview Log Collector
- Windows Home Server Code Name “Vail” Preview Release Notes

Ah right didn't realise you had to register, thanks.

WHS doesnt quite cut it for me…

I want my Home Server to allow TV recording (so ideally have MCE built in). Therefore I need a “proper” OS but W7 doesnt have folder backup like WHS.

If someone can show me how or identify a simple program that automatically keeps one folder copied on another different physical HDD I'll be sorted. I don't want RAID as not all data I am that fussed about!

Methanoid
I want my Home Server to allow TV recording (so ideally have MCE built in). Therefore I need a “proper” OS but W7 doesnt have folder backup like WHS.

WHS can be hacked to allow DVB cards and MediaPortal to be installed. I've seen some people on the MP forums saying they have it working, but I can't find a guide.

I suspect it is the same as getting it working on Server 2003 or 2008, that can be done too despite it not being supported at all.

Just any old sync software would do the trick.

I've used Allway Sync in the past, but you'd have to pay for that because the file sizes would be so big.

Alternatively try SyncToy or Syncback SE (I think) - I've used both successfully in the past.

Then you just configure it to sync E:\Recorded TV to F:\Recorded TV (or whatever you want) either every hour, or in the morning, etc.

If all you want is backup without RAID, there are much easier ways to do it than WHS. WHS's main advantages are very simple sharing policies for users, automatic backup regimes, and automatic use of all inserted hard drives - in my opinion.

Methanoid
If someone can show me how or identify a simple program that automatically keeps one folder copied on another different physical HDD I'll be sorted. I don't want RAID as not all data I am that fussed about!

You could have a look through the suggestions in this thread:
http://forums.hexus.net/operating-systems-applications/182905-raid-alternatives-mirroring-solutions.html

There's a few suggestions towards the end that I hadn't heard of but I've not had the chance to look at yet.

as to WHS, surely having it properly integrated with Media Centre should be top of the list. I would love to have one NAS/server box with say 2 x dual tuner cards in, and be able to access those from any pc on the network.

(& yes, I've looked at MythTV but really didn't get on with it… Same with Mediaportal)

Anybody ever tried running WHS on a NAS box? That'd be interesting.

http://www.tranquilpc-shop.co.uk/acatalog/SQA-5H_HOME_SERVER_Series_2.html

There are many that are designed to be cute, small, and are effectively a NAS box with more RAM CPU and power consumption ;)