E14
Operation - Exter nal Storage
7 External Storage
A NaimNet music server is not only able to replay programme material ripped and stored
on its internal hard disk but will also enable playback of material stored on a variety
of externally connected storage hardware. Such hardware might be relatively small
capacity units temporarily connected via one of the music server’s USB interface sockets,
or large capacity disk drives connected via the home network. Storage hardware might
include portable music players, mobile phones, personal computers or appropriately
formatted external hard-disks. Programme material is available to all other NaimNet
connected output devices as well as locally to the music server’s audio outputs.
7.1 Network Devices
Before programme material stored on a network device
can be accessed by the music server, it must scan the
network to identify the address of each device and to
build a database of the locations and details of the
available audio files.
The music server automatically scans the network when
first switched on and will then periodically scan to find
new storage hardware and identify any changes to the
available audio files. It may however take up to 45 minutes
following connection of the music server to the network for
changes to be reflected in the music server’s database.
Note:
As a rough guide network scanning is carried out at
a rate of around 1000 tracks per minute.
The tracks found by the music server on network storage
will be incorporated into its database and remembered
until any changes are identified, irrespective of the music
server being switched off.
In order for network stored music to be available to the
music server, various constraints must be met:
•
Folders containing audio files must be set up to be
“shared”. Refer to the folder’s host PC operating
system user manual for details on setting up shared
folders.
•
Music files must be in WAV or MP3 formats (16 bit,
44.1kHz only) for network playback.
•
Music files must be unprotected by Digital Rights
Management encoding that restricts them to
specific playback hardware.
7.2 Local Devices
A locally connected storage device will most likely be an
iPod, other portable music player or a stand-alone hard
disk drive connected to one of the music server’s USB
sockets.
Note:
Apple iPod models earlier than 3rd Generation use a
Firewire interface and cannot be connected to a NaimNet
music server.
The tracks found by the music server on locally connected
storage will only be held in its database while the storage is
connected and switched on.
Note:
Local connection is only intended for relatively
small, music collections on temporarily connected storage
hardware. Any large capacity storage should always be
connected via the network.
In order for locally stored music to be available to the
music server, various constraints must be met:
•
Music files must be in WAV, MP3 or AAC formats
(up to 24 bit, 96kHz only) for local plaback, or WAV
and MP3 at 16 bit 44.1kHz for local and network
playback.
•
Music files must be unprotected by Digital Rights
Management encoding that restricts them to
specific playback hardware.
