HP has delayed the release of its MediaSmart home server by 75 to 120 days, meaning that the product is now scheduled to appear late in the fourth quarter.

The vendor blamed the delay on a number of last-minute changes made by Microsoft to the Windows Home Server operating system, including software tweaks and bug repairs.

Microsoft said in an official statement that it had identified a number of ways to make the product even better since the initial release.

Upgrades to the operating system will include extra guidance during the setup process, improved remote server access and synchronisation features, additional firewall tools and automatic setup for the router.

"HP has decided to include these first software updates in its MediaSmart Server," said the statement on the official Microsoft Homeserver blog.

"Both HP and Microsoft believe that these updates are in the best interest of potential customers and will ensure the best out-of-the-box experience."

The industry had expected HP officially to announce the product at the CEDIA home cinema show on 5 September, including a release date and pricing details.

Microsoft is also working with Gateway, Iomega, LaCie and a number of other manufacturers on Windows Home Server products, although HP was expected to be the first major company to bring systems to market.