CloudMedia Popcorn Hour A-500 PRO User Manual

A Networked Media Jukebox for Music & Movie Lovers

EN User Manual

Table of Contents

1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 5

2. Package Contents ................................................................................................................ 5

3. Safety Notes ........................................................................................................................... 6

4. Technical Specifications ....................................................................................................... 8

5. Getting Started....................................................................................................................... 9

5.1 Popcorn Hour A-500 PRO Overview .................................................................................. 9

5.2 Connecting to TV via HDMI .............................................................................................. 10

5.3 Connecting to TV via Component .................................................................................. 12

6. Remote Control ................................................................................................................... 14

7. Introduction to Home Menu ............................................................................................... 17

7.1. Switching Home User Interface ..................................................................................... 18

8. Quick Setup Wizard ............................................................................................................. 19

8.1. Setup via Wired Connection………………………………………………………………. 19

8.2. Setup via Wireless Connection………………………………………………...…..………. 24

9. Setup ..................................................................................................................................... 29

9.1. Preferences .................................................................................................................. 30

9.2. Audio Codec ............................................................................................................... 31

9.3. Video ............................................................................................................................. 36

9.4. Customizing Home Page............................................................................................. 40

9.4.1. Appearance........................................................................................................ 41

9.4.2. Home Menu Display............................................................................................ 42

9.4.3.Creating Shortcuts................................................................................................ 42

9.5. Network (Configure IP) ................................................................................................ 47

9.6. Network Share .............................................................................................................. 49

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9.6.1. Add Share ............................................................................................................ 50

9.6.2. Browse Share ....................................................................................................... 51

9.6.3. Edit Share ............................................................................................................. 52

9.7 Parental Control ............................................................................................................ 52

9.8 BD /Audio CD ................................................................................................................ 54

9.9 Maintenance ................................................................................................................ 55

9.9.1. Firmware Update ............................................................................................... 56

10. Apps Market ....................................................................................................................... 57

10.1. Login to Apps Market ................................................................................................ 59

11. File Browser ......................................................................................................................... 59

11.1. Settings ........................................................................................................................ 60

11.2. View Mode ................................................................................................................. 61

11.3. File Manager .............................................................................................................. 62

12. Movie Meta Data .............................................................................................................. 63

12.1. Movie Info Page Walk-through ................................................................................ 64

12.2. Download Movie Thumbnail and Meta Data ........................................................ 66

12.3. Edit or Update Movie Information ........................................................................... 68

12.4. Download Subtitles .................................................................................................... 71

13. Networked Media Jukebox .............................................................................................. 73

13.1. Configuring NMJ ........................................................................................................ 74

13.2. Navigating in NMJ ..................................................................................................... 79

13.3. Updating NMJ Information ....................................................................................... 83

13.4. Networked Media Jukebox Manager ..................................................................... 86

14. NMT Apps ............................................................................................................................ 88

14.1. Installing the NMT Applications ................................................................................ 89

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14.2. Using the FTP Server ................................................................................................... 92

14.3. Using the Samba Server ............................................................................................ 93

14.4. Using the Torrent Client ............................................................................................. 94

14.5. Using the Usenet Client ............................................................................................. 95

14.5.1. Setting up NZBGET .......................................................................................... 96

14.5.2. Accessing the NZBGET Client ........................................................................ 97

15. Updating firmware ........................................................................................................... 100

16. Introduction to Music Home............................................................................................ 103

16.1. Local Media............................................................................................................. 103

16.2. Networked Media ................................................................................................... 105

16.2.1. Navigation to Content via UPnP................................................................ 105

16.2.2. Navigation to Content via Samba............................................................ 107

16.2.3. Navigation to Content via NFS ................................................................. 112

16.3. Apps Market............................................................................................................ 116

16.4. Creating Shortcuts................................................................................................... 116

16.5 Content Navigation via Mobile NMJ App............................................................. 118

17. Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................ 122

18. NMJ Navigator.................................................................................................................. 124

19. Android OS…………………………………………………………………………………….… 125

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1. Introduction

Thank you for purchasing Popcorn Hour A-500 PRO, the Networked Media Jukebox specifically designed for music and movie lovers. Powered by Sigma Designs SoC and best in class ESS SABRE³² Audio DAC, ES9018K2M, Popcorn Hour A-500 PRO is a versatile Networked Media Jukebox that could deliver astounding sound for music-listening and superior video quality for movie.

2. Package Content

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3. Safety Notes

Read these operating instructions carefully before using the unit. Follow the safety

instructions on the unit and the applicable safety instructions listed below. Keep these

operating instructions handy for future reference.

1. Keep these instructions.

2. Heed all warnings.

3. Do not use this device near water.

4. Clean only with a dry cloth.

5. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the

manufacturer’s instructions.

6. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or

other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

7. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A

polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding-type

plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third

prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet,

consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

8. Protect the power cord from being stepped on or pinched particularly at plugs,

convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

9. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

10. Unplug this device during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of

time.

11. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the

apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is

damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the

apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or

has been dropped.

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WARNING:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK OR PRODUCT DAMAGE:

1. DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO MOISTURE OF ANY TYPE AND ENSURE

THAT NO OBJECTS FILLED WITH LIQUIDS, SUCH AS CUPS OR VASES ARE PLACED ON

THE APPARATUS.

2. ONLY USE RECOMMENDED ACCESSORIES.

3. DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER (OR BACK). THERE ARE NO USER SERVICEABLE

PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

CAUTION!

DO NOT INSTALL OR PLACE THIS UNIT IN A BOOKCASE, BUILT-IN CABINET OR IN ANOTHER

CONFINED SPACE. ENSURE THE UNIT IS WELL VENTILATED. TO PREVENT RISK OF ELECTRIC

SHOCK OR FIRE HAZARD DUE TO OVERHEATING, ENSURE THAT CURTAINS AND ANY OTHER

MATERIALS DO NOT OBSTRUCT THE VENTILATION VENTS.

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4. Technical Specifications

Chipset

Sigma Designs SMP8758

CPU

1.2GHz ARM Cortex A9 Dual Core

Memory

2048MB DDR3

GPU

Mali400 MP4 1600MPix/s

Video Support

M1V, M2V, M4V, M2P, MPG, VOB TS, TP, TRP, M2T, M2TS,

MTS, AVI, ASF, WMV, MKV, 3DMKV, MKV MVC, 3D BD

ISO, DVD ISO, MOV, MP4, RMP4, AVC, HEVC

HEVC Decode

Main Profile @L4.1, Main 10 Profile @L4.1

Audio Support

M4A, MP1, MP2, MP3, MPA, WAV, AIFF, WMA, FLAC,

OGG, TTA, APE, AAC, DTS, *DSD (DSF & DFF), SACD ISO,

ALAC, HD Audio Passthrough

* up to DSD512

Digital Audio

Optical & Coaxial S/PDIF, HDMI

(up to 192kHz Sampling Rate)

Analog Audio

Stereo, XLR, Headphones

Analog Audio DAC

ESS SABRE³² Audio DAC, ES9018K2M

Headphone Amplifier

Texas Instruments LME496000

Picture Support

JPEG, BMP, PNG, GIF, TIFF

HDMI Output (Max)

3840 x 2160 30Hz

Network

10/100/1000Mbps

Internal Hard Disk Dock

Yes

Android

Yes

Ports and Connections

2 x USB 2.0 Host

1 x USB 3.0 Slave

1 x SD Card Reader

IR Extender Port

Dimensions

Height : 57mm

Length : 189mm

Width : 220mm

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5. Getting Started

5.1 Popcorn Hour A-500 PRO Overview

Front Rear

Back Rear

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5.2 Connecting to TV via HDMI

TV with HDMI Terminal

Popcorn Hour A-500 PRO

Power Supply

HDMI Cable

What do you need:-

Step 1

Connect the HDMI cable to your TV HDMI terminal and the other end to your Popcorn Hour A-500 PRO.

Note: Some HDMI TVs have input and output HDMI terminals. Please make sure the HDMI terminal is connected to input rather than output.

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Step 2

Connect the AC power cord to AC power adapter. Then plug the power cord into your

wall socket and connect the power lead to Popcorn Hour A-500 PRO. Your Popcorn

Hour A-500 PRO is booting up now, check your TV for further instructions.

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5.3 Connecting TV via Component

TV with Component Terminal

Popcorn Hour A-500 PRO

Power Supply

Component Cables

(Not Included)

What do you need:-

Step 1

Connect the component cables to both the component terminals on the A-500 PRO

and your TV by matching the green, blue and red video plugs and the red and white

audio plugs to their coordinating terminals.

Note: If your component cables only include the green, blue and red plugs, you will need to use a set of composite cables to connect to the TV for audio. If doing so, you do not need to connect the yellow plug.

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Step 2

Connect the AC power cord to AC power adapter. Then, plug the power cord into

your wall socket and connect the power lead to Popcorn Hour A-500 PRO. Your

Popcorn Hour A-500 PRO is booting up now, check you TV for further instructions.

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6. Remote Control

POWER

In STANDBY mode: Press once to turn player ON.

In ON mode:

1. Press POWER once turn player in VIDEO OFF mode (video and

audio are OFF, other player tasks still run).

2. Press POWER – EJECT to soft reboot player.

3. Press POWER – DELETE to turn player into STANDBY mode

4. Press POWER for about 5 seconds, until red LED begin flashes, to

turn player into STANDBY mode.

In VIDEO OFF mode: Press once to turn player into VIDEO ON mode

EJECT

Eject the optical disc of a CD/DVD/BD-ROM drive, attached to player. Ends a media playback in Apps Market. Press POWER – EJECT to soft reboot player

TV MODE

Quick access button to select TV output resolution

SETUP

Quick access to setup page During video playback allow customization of the display output and settings of audio sync. Press SETUP – PLAY to unlock Settings after locking

SUSPEND

This button is reserved for future use

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ALPHANUMERIC

KEYPAD

Allows users to input alphanumeric values During media playback, pressing a number on the keypad will skip to a certain percentage of the total playback time of the media file. For example, pressing 3 will skip to 30% of the media file and start the playback from there.

DELETE

To erase alphanumeric values during input. Press POWER – DELETE to turn player into STANDBY mode

CAPS/NUM

To switch between capitalized, numeric and non-capitalization letters during alphanumeric value input

A-B/HOME

Press HOME to return to main menu. In App/Apps Market, press to quit app or apps market During playback, the button enables or disables Repeat A/B function.

FIE MODE

This button is reserved for future use

TIME SEEK

Allows you to time-seek in the current selected media for a jump to a particular playback time Data format hours: minutes: seconds = 00:00:00 Use numeric buttons to input the desired playback time

Context sensitive. Refer to the legend on the bottom of the user

interface

Context sensitive. Refer to the legend on the bottom of the user

interface

Context sensitive. Refer to the legend on the bottom of the user

interface

Context sensitive. Refer to the legend on the bottom of the user

interface

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RETURN

Return to previous menu

SOURCE

Returns to the Media Source screen While viewing the images (listening audio files) allows to switch to the selections of images (audio files) and toggle between audio playback, photo slideshows and the menu screen mode

ENTER

Confirm selection Start media playback of both single file and DVD / BD formats

D PAD

Navigate within the user interface Partial time seek during movie playback (LEFT and RIGHT directional keys only) While viewing the images shifts the screen into the direction buttons pressed, stopping the sequential play, if a slideshow

INFO

Bring up meta-data of selected media file. During playback displays the timeline bar and media file information

STOP

Stop media playback and returns to the menu screen

PAGE UP / VOL +

Moves up a page on a list of media files Increases the volume during media playback

PAGE DOWN/

VOL -

Moves down a page on a list of media files Increases the volume during media playback

PLAY

Creates a temporarily playlist of all files in the directory and start its playback

PAUSE

Pause media playback

MUTE

Mute the audio output

REV

Rewind the current media playback Press again to toggle 1x, 2x, 4x and fix rewinding

FWD

Fast forward the current media playback Press again to toggle 2x, 4x and 8x fast-forwarding

MENU

Bring up DVD menu during playback to allow playback customization Open menu in NMJ During the slideshow bring up the settings menu, allowing to select the type of effects and the time interval of slide changes

TITLE

Bring up title menu where supported to change scene, audio language or subtitle

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REPEAT

Repeat the current media playback During music playback, this button offers three playback modes: Press once: Chosen song is played repeatedly Press twice: Playback will restart at the top of the list once the final song on the list is done playing Press thrice: Chosen songs are played in a shuffled order

SLOW

Slows down the current media playback Toggle between ½, ¼ and 1/8 speed playback

ANGLE

Switches the camera or viewing angle during DVD playback (only applicable for supported multi-angle DVD playback formats) Switches the PMT for TS with multiple-PMT support

AUDIO

Cycle through audio tracks during video playback. In background music mode (for example, during slideshow) bring up the audio player control menu

SUBTITLE

Turn ON subtitles and toggles through its options (if available with your video playback). Use AUTO for color and subtitle ags will be observed for ASS/SSA anime type subtitles. More functions of the subtitle button: Press once for timing offset. User the LEFT/RIGHT D-Pad buttons to set the timing offset Press twice to display the language used. Use the LEFT / RIGHT D-Pad buttons to toggle between languages or turn subtitle OFF Press three times to change the color of the subtitles. Use the LEFT / RIGHT D-Pad button to change the size. Press four times to display the subtitle size. Use the LEFT / RIGHT D-Pad button to change the size. Press five times to display the subtitle position. Use the LEFT / RIGHT DPad button to change the size. Press the Subtitle button on the Media Source screen to display the time Available options vary according to subtitle type

ZOOM

Toggles between the available viewing options During single file playback the Zoom button functions Press once and use the LEFT / RIGHT D-Pad button to toggle between Actual Size. Fit to Screen, Crop or Full Screen Press twice to magnify the screen size. Use LEFT / RIGHT D-Pad button to reduce or enlarge by 1% increments Press three times to Pan / Scan. Use the D-Pad buttons to move the display screen on the X-axis/Y-axis. During DVD Playback: During playback of a DVD / BR / ISO file, press Zoom once, then use LEFT / RIGHT D-Pad buttons to zoom in/out Pressing ZOOM button the NMT browser allows to increase the screen area by 50% or 100% which improves the readability of text on the screen of a large distance to the TV.

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7. Introduction to Home Menu

Apps Market

Free and premium on-demand video, social networking and game apps

Local Media

Access your internal hard drive and connected USB storage devices

Setup Wizard

Launch the setup wizard to go through initial setup

Setup

Access advanced settings such as audio/video outputs, subtitle languages, parental control and more

Network

Browse your local area network for your shared folders that contain your digital media files

Recently Played

Quick access to your recently played media

Customized Front Page

Please refer to page 42

The HOME screen is the main hub for accessing content from a local source (USB

or internal hard drive), a network share or from the apps market. You can also

view the current time and weather.

Weather Forecast

Know the weather without leaving the comfort of your couch

Time and Date

Current Time and Date

Menu Bar

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7.1 Switching Home User Interface

Adding a whole new dimension to home interface, you can now choose your preferred

home menu to either Music Home or Media Home:

By using your remote control, navigate to:

Setup > Preferences > Home Launcher > Media Home / Music Home

For navigation in Music Home, please refer to page 103

7.2 Switching to Android OS

You can also choose your preferred Operating System to either Networked Media

Jukebox (NMJ) or Android by clicking on the switch behind the A-500 PRO device.

Please see page 125

Note: Kindly switch your device off before switching your OS (to either NMJ or Android).

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8. Quick Setup Wizard

8.1 Setup via Wired Connection

Setting up your Popcorn Hour A-500 PRO using the setup wizard is vital for proper

operation of the media player. For advance users, you may skip to Chapter 9.

Using your remote control, navigate the Setup Wizard icon and press ENTER.

Choose your desired language for the user interface. Proceed to the next step by

Note: This does not affect subtitle language.

pressing NEXT button.

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Choose your network connection type according to your setup and press the NEXT

button to continue.

1. Wired (Ethernet Cable)

2. Wireless (Optional wireless dongle needed)

DHCP connection only: Confirm the IP information and click NEXT to proceed.

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Internet connection established: Click on NEXT to proceed.

IMPORTANT: Please choose your time zone correctly according to where you live. This

affects online application. Click on NEXT to proceed.

21

Weather Forecast Widget: Display weather forecast information on the main user

interface.

Type your location correctly for an accurate weather information forecast.

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Your setup is complete. Press the DONE button to finish and return to the HOME menu.

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8.2 Setup via Wireless Connection

Using your remote control, navigate to the Setup Wizard icon and press ENTER.

Choose your desired language for the user interface. Proceed to next step by

pressing the GREEN button.

Note: This does not affect subtitle language.

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Choose your network connection type according to your setup and press the GREEN

button to continue.

1. Wired (Ethernet cable).

2. Wireless (optional wireless dongle needed).

For wireless connection only: Select your SSID listed and proceed.

25

For wireless connection only: Enter your Wi-Fi password for your router.

For wireless connection only: If your password is wrong, an error message will be

displayed. Please check your password and re-enter it.

26

Review your IP settings and press the GREEN button to continue.

Optional: If you do not have a proxy server on your network, you may proceed to next

step.

27

Verify your Internet and network connection. If you received the congratulations

prompt, your network setup is complete.

Otherwise, please press the RETURN button to go back and check your settings again.

Choose your time-zone and daylight savings setting. This will affect system timing and

the time is reflected on your home screen.

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Your setup is complete. Press the GREEN button to finish and return to the HOME menu.

9. Setup

Advanced settings such as video/audio output, color-space, subtitle languages, and

parental controls can be setup here.

Note: If you have completed the setup wizard steps, the corresponding settings can be found and update here.

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9.1 Preferences

Language

Choose display language for the user interface and subtitle language

Photo Slide Show

Transition setting for photo slideshows and determines how long each photo will remain on screen during a slideshow

Screensaver Time

Set the amount of idle time required before the screensaver turns on

Time

Adjust system time and date

Play Mode

Configure repeat option to none, repeat, or repeat all for media playback

Widgets

Configure your location and other settings for the weather widget

Prompt for firmware update

System automatically checks for firmware updates online

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CloudMedia Popcorn Hour A-500 PRO User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual