Freecom Media Player 450 User Manual

USER MANUAL
NETWORK MEDIAPLAYER 450 WLAN
EXTERNAL MULTIMEDIA HARD DRIVE / 3.5" / USB 2.0 / (W)LAN / AV
WIN & MAc
Rev. 750
Freecom MediaPlayer

Dear customer,

Thank you for buying the Freecom MediaPlayer 450, a brand-new digital multimedia player that supports dual data access mode via 3.5" HDD inside (not supplied with "Drive In Kit"-model) and 10/100Mbps Network. With this Freecom MediaPlayer you can easily enjoy Digital Movies, Digital Music, Digital Photos from a 3.5" HDD (when assembled in the device) and from all PC's in your network, directly on your TV or HiFi set.
Freecom Technologies • Germany
www.freecom.com

Warning !

All rights reserved. The products named in this manual are only used for identification purposes and may be trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective companies. This device was designed for home or office use.
Warning! This device is equipment complying with EN55022 class A. This equipment can cause radio disturbances in a residential area. If this is the case, the user has to take ap­propriate measures and assume all responsibility and costs for. It may not be used near or with any life-sustaining systems.
Freecom Technologies is not liable for any damages that may occur from the use of a Freecom system. All rights reserved. We reserve the right to upgrade our products in keeping with technological advances.
2

Table of Contents

User manual
General Information ...........................................................................................................page 5
Warnings and Safety Instructions .................................................................................pag
Product Overview ................................................................................................................pag
e 9
e 10
Chapter 1:
Use as External USB HDD ..................................................................................................page 12
Insert the Hard Disk (only Drive-In Kit) ................................................................page 12
Connect the Freecom MediaPlayer to the PC ...................................................page 13
Format Built-in HDD via USB ..................................................................................page 13
Copy Data via USB ......................................................................................................page 20
Chapter 2:
Access PC via Network .......................................................................................................page 23
Connect LAN Cable .................................................................................................... page 23
Set Network Configurations ...................................................................................page 24
Wireless LAN Connection ........................................................................................page 24
Chapter 3:
Shared File Playback (Stream) .........................................................................................page 29
Windows 2000 .............................................................................................................page 29
Windows XP ...................................................................................................................page 34
Windows Vista ............................................................................................................. page 40
© 2007 Freecom Technologies
3
Freecom MediaPlayer
Chapter 4:
Freecom Network MediaPlayer for Mac ......................................................................page 45
USB 2.0 Mode ................................................................................................................page 45
Partitioning your Freecom MediaPlayer under Mac OS X ............................page 45
FAQ Mac .........................................................................................................................page 46
Chapter 5:
Connect to External AV Device .......................................................................................page 48
Connect Video Cable ................................................................................................page 48
Connect Audio Cable .................................................................................................page 49
Basic Setup ....................................................................................................................page 50
How to Play (Remote Control) ...............................................................................page 71
Chapter 6:
Technical Specifications ....................................................................................................page 89
4

General Information

General Information
The Freecom MediaPlayer WLAN fully supports HD (High Definition) files for a really clear and sharp picture on LCD TV (HDTV support required) and can stream the contents from a PC/Network through Wireless LAN (802.11g) or Wired LAN. It also features a USB Host port for attaching external USB Storage.
• Wireless High Definition Multimedia Player
• The latest and powerful media decoding chip -Sigma Design EM8621 Chip
• Full HD file playback up to 1920 x 1080i
• IEEE 802.11g (54Mbps), 802.11b (11Mbps) wireless standard / 10/100Mbs wired LAN
• Wireless security - WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy)
• Wireless Infrastructure and Ad-Hoc Mode
• Can also be used as external USB 2.0 hard drive
• Read from external USB Storage devices via USB Host port.
• DVD Manager - Playback of DVD File same as Original DVD title
• Video output - HDMI, Component, S-Video and Composite
• Audio output – Stereo, Digital Coaxial & Optical 5.1 ch. Sound, DTS down mix to stereo
sy Firmware Upgrade
• Ea

Package Content

• Freecom MediaPlayer
• Wireless Antenna
• Footstand
• Remote controller, pilas
• AV cable (composite + stereo cable)
• USB cable (for connecting to PC)
• Power adapter
• CD with user and safety manual
• Quick Install Guide
5
Freecom MediaPlayer

Minimum System Requirements

PC:
• Intel Pentium III / AMD Duron 900 MHz or higher
• 256 MB RAM (Vista: 512 MB RAM) or higher
• Available USB 2.0, 1.1 Port (USB 2.0 recommended)*
• Available 10/100 Ethernet LAN Port, RJ-45 (100Mbps recommended) or WLAN
• LAN Cable (cross-wired or standard - see "2.1 Connect LAN Cable")
• For playback on TV, a TV with PAL or NTSC system is required.
• Support HDD: Compatible with a standard 3.5" SATA Hard Drive
• Internet connection for online warranty registration, software updates and down­loads
• Op
erating system: Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista
Mac:
werPC G3/G4/G5, Power Book G3/G4 or Intel Mac
• Po
• 256 MB RAM or higher
• Available USB 2.0, 1.1 Port (USB 2.0 recommended)*
• Available 10/100 Ethernet LAN Port, RJ-45 (100Mbps recommended) or WLAN
• LAN Cable (cross-wired or standard - see "2.1 Connect LAN Cable")
• For playback on TV, a TV with PAL or NTSC system is required.
• Support HDD: Compatible with a standard 3.5" SATA Hard Drive
• Internet connection for online warranty registration, software updates and down­loads
• Op
erating system: Mac OS X v10.3 or higher
* USB 2.0 is downwards compatible to USB 1.1. To achieve optimal performance from the Freecom
MediaPlayer your PC should be equipped with an USB 2.0 port.
6
General Information

Precautions

Please read the following in this manual carefully for proper use.
Copyright
• Fr
eecom can not be held responsible for the use of illegal software, audio sources, video sources etc. The user and/or owner of the Freecom MediaPlayer is legally responsible for the content on the device.
Check supported codec
• Th
e Freecom MediaPlayer may not play back all media files. Please check the codec type and ensure this is supported by the MediaPlayer. Please note that possible errors in the media file or use of unrecognized characters may result in improper playback.
Cautions for USB Device
• Co
nnect the power adapter as well when you connect Freecom MediaPlayer to a PC.
• Do not connect the Freecom MediaPlayer with a USB cable of more than 3 metres long. Doing so may result in low transfer speeds and/or bad connection.
• We r
• If you connect this device to USB 1.1 Host Adapter, the speed is USB 1.1 (Max. 12 Mbps),
Cautions for USB Host
ecommend you to use the supplied USB cable by our company.
so we recommend you to connect to USB 2.0 for full speed of max. 480 Mbps.
t all USB devices may be supported by the USB Host port. Please check the com-
• No patibility before use or purchase.
Cautions when inserting a HDD
• On
ly 3.5" SATA type HDD can be used.
• We recommend you to use more than 6 GB HDD. In case you use a harddrive with less than 6 GB, it may cause data loss.
Cautions when using Network connection
hen the Freecom MediaPlayer is connected to a PC using the Windows file sharing
• W option, be sure to use the Windows Network sharing function.
• Th
e sharing function may not be functioning properly as a result of errors in Windows
or the user's computer environment. Freecom can not be held responsible for this.
pending on user's network performance and computer environment, data transfer
• De through network may have intermittent data cut-offs.
pending on user's wireless network performance and computer environment,
• De data transfer through wireless network may have intermittent data cut-offs.
7
Freecom MediaPlayer
Cautions for possibility of causing Radio Waves to cross
• Freecom MediaPlayer may cause Radio Waves to cross, so it is recommended to be alert when you keep devices near the Freecom MediaPlayer. Especially concerning your health.
Data Backup
• We
strongly recommend you to make a data backup to another safe medium. Freecom
can not be held responsible for data damage or data loss on the built-in hard drive.
Cautions for drop, shock
• Do n
Do not insert materials
• Do
Do not disassemble or modify
Do not stack
• Do n
Cautions for exposure to water,moisture, etc
• Do
• Do
Cautions for magnetic materials
• Ke
ot drop the device. It may cause critical damage to the hard drive.
not insert any material in the Freecom MediaPlayer. This may cause a defect or
malfunction of the device.
ot disassemble or modify the Freecom MediaPlayer.
Do n
ot place materials, devices or anything else on the Freecom MediaPlayer.
n't expose Freecom MediaPlayer to oil, water, dust, moisture or rain and wind. Turn off the Freecom MediaPlayer immediately if exposed to any moist substance or water.
not expose the Freecom MediaPlayer to heat, keep away from heated areas. Place
the Freecom MediaPlayer in well ventilated places.
ep all magnetic devices away from the Freecom MediaPlayer. Magnets or magnetic
devices like speakers may erase or cause damage to data stored on the hard disk.
8

Warnings and Safety Instructions

Warnings and Safety Instructions
Please read and follow the below mentioned instructions. They should be observed in order to prevent injury to the user, damage to the device and damage to property, as well as to ensure safe use of the product. Not following these instructions may cause the unit to malfunction.
To ensure that your Freecom MediaPlayer functions properly, please take note of the fol­lowing precautions. If these are not followed, you may void your warranty and damage the Freecom MediaPlayer.
fely remove the Freecom MediaPlayer via your operating system - the "unplug or
• Sa eject hardware" option in the Windows taskbar - before disconnecting the USB cable or power cable and before switching off the device. Failing to do so may result in data loss.
• Do
not disconnect the Freecom MediaPlayer from the PC during file transfer. This may result in data loss and an error to the Freecom MediaPlayer. If this occurs, please run the ScanDisk utility.
not drop the Freecom MediaPlayer or expose it to other kinds of sudden mechani-
• Do cal shocks as this may result in data loss and damage to the hard drive.
not use the Freecom MediaPlayer when the ambient temperature is below 10°C
• Do or above 35°C.
the Freecom MediaPlayer is moved from a cool environment to a warmer envi-
• If ronment, please allow the drive to acclimatize to the ambient temperature before operating the device. Failing to do so may lead to condensation within the drive enclosure, which in turn may cause the drive to malfunction.
not place liquids or drinks on the Freecom MediaPlayer. When liquids are spilled
• Do and get in contact with the electronics within the drive enclosure, it will damage the drive and will cause the drive to malfunction.
not use the Freecom MediaPlayer in a dusty environment. Dust inside the enclosure
• Do may damage the internal electronics and result in drive malfunction.
• Do n
• The Freecom MediaPlayer may generate heat when used for a longer period of
ot use the Freecom MediaPlayer near magnetic fields.
time.
Furthermore, warranty does not apply to:
mages or problems resulting from misuse, abuse, accident, alteration or incorrect
• Da electrical current or voltage.
• An
y product tampered with or with a damaged warranty seal
• Any product without a warranty or serial number label.
• Batteries and any consumable items delivered with or in the equipment.
9
Freecom MediaPlayer

Product Overview

1. Front View
All basic operation functions can be done with the buttons on the device without use of the remote control.
1. Enter
3. Power
4. Play / Pause
1. E
NTER Select or play a file
2. NAVIGATION KEY Up
, Down, Left, Right
2. Navigati on key
5. Stop / Init
6. IR
7. PWR
8. NET
9. HDD
3. POWER Power On, Off
4. PLAY / PAUSE Play all files from selected file / Pause
5. STOP / INIT Stop / Return to Mode Selection Screen
6. IR IR receiving area for remote signals
7. PWR Power LED
8. NET Network LED
9. HDD HDD LED
10
2. Rear View
9. ANT
Product Overview
1. USB DEVICE
2. USB HOST
10. OPTICAL
11. CVBS
12. STEREO L-R
3. HDMI
4. S-VIDE O
5. COAXIAL
6. Y, PB, PR
7. LAN
8. PWR
1. USB DEVICE Connect to a computer with USB cable
2. USB HOST Connect to an external USB device with USB cable
3. HDMI Connect HDMI cable for digital audio- and video output
4. S-VIDEO Connect S-Video cable for video output
5. COAXIAL Connect Coaxial cable for 5.1 ch. Digital audio output
6. Y, PB, PR Connect component Y, Pb, Pr cable for video output
7. LAN Connect LAN cable for wired networking
8. PWR Connect power adapter
9. ANT Connect wireless antenna for wireless networking
10. OPTICAL Connect Optical cable for 5.1 ch. Digital audio output
11. CVBS Connect Composite cable for video output
12. STEREO L-R Connect Stereo cable for audio output
11
Freecom MediaPlayer
1

Chapter 1: Use as External USB HDD

1.1 Insert the Hard Disk (only Drive-In Kit)

• Only use a 3.5" SATA Hard Disk.
1. Unscrew the 4 screws and open the cover by slid­ing it in the direction of the arrow.
2. Connect Power and SATA connector to Hard Disk.
12
lose the cover by sliding it in the direction of the
3. C arrow.
Use as External USB HDD
1
4. Put the 4 screws back.

1.2 Connect the Freecom MediaPlayer to the PC

1. Connect the USB cable to the Freecom MediaPlayer and connect the power adapter to the DC jack on the Freecom MediaPlayer.
2. Connect the adapter into an AC outlet.
3. Connect the Freecom MediaPlayer to the PC's USB port.
4. Switch the power on by pressing the power on-off button on the Freecom Media­Player.
indows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Vista will recognize the Freecom Me-
5. W diaPlayer as a USB drive; you can use the Freecom MediaPlayer without installing a driver. If the Freecom MediaPlayer is not recognized or detected, please check that the USB connector is properly connected to the device and the PC.

1.3 Format Built-in HDD via USB

File System features
Please refer to the tables below for an overview:
File systems supported by different operating systems
Operat ing system
Windows 98SE yes yes not supported
Windows ME yes yes not supported
Windows 2000 yes yes yes
Windows XP / Vista yes yes yes
File sys tem
FAT FAT32 NTFS
13
Freecom MediaPlayer
1
Maximum size of a partition
Operat ing system
File sys tem
Windows 98SE 2 GB 60 GB
Windows ME 2 GB 2 TB
Windows 2000 4 GB
Windows XP / Vista 4 GB
FAT FAT32 NTFS
*1, 2
*2
*3
*3
32 GB 16 TB
32 GB 16 TB
n.a.
n.a.
Example for different partitions with different file systems on one Freecom MediaPlayer
File sys tem
Operat ing system
NTFS FAT32
120 GB 90 GB 30 GB
The example above is a good solution for Windows 2000/XP/Vista users who sometimes exchange data with Windows 98SE/ME PCs.
For storing the data under Windows 2000/XP/Vista both partitions can be used. As the NTFS file system is not recognized by Windows 98SE/ME data to be used on these oper­ating systems must be stored on the FAT32 partition.
Please follow the steps below to adapt the Freecom MediaPlayer for your needs.
If the built-in HDD is not formatted, the PC can not detect the hard disk drive. If so, for­mat the hard disk first referring to the following guide. If the hard disk drive is already formatted, see "Copy Data via USB".
14
*1
: A patch for Windows 98SE is required for hard disk larger than 60 GB. Further information and an update to
fix this problem can be found in article 263044 of the "Microsoft Knowledge Base"on the Microsof t Website
under http://support.microsoft.com.
*2
: Hard disk capacity will not be displayed correctly by fdisk!
*3
: FAT partitions larger than 2 GB can only be administrated by Windows 2000/XP/Vista.
Use as External USB HDD
1

1.3.1 Windows 2000

1. Connect Freecom MediaPlayer to PC via USB cable, and plug power cable of Freecom MediaPlayer.
2. S
elect "Start > Settings > Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Computer Manage-
ment > Disk Management" in Windows.
f the "Disk Signature and Upgrade Disk Wizard" is started, click Next to progress for
3. I finishing the wizard. If this wizard does not start, right click the left area of unallocated drive and start the wizard.
4. A
fter finishing the "Disk Signature and Upgrade Disk Wizard", right-click the Unal-
located Drive and then, click "Create Partition".
15
Freecom MediaPlayer
1
5. Click "Next" at the Windows Create Partition Wizard.
6. Check "Primary Partition" and click "Next".
7. Type the size that you want to use and click "Next".
16
Use as External USB HDD
1
8. Assign a drive letter and click "Next".
9. Choose FAT32 or NTFS at File system to use and click "Next".
FAT 32 system is available on Windows 9 but NTFS system is available on Windows 2000/XP/Vista only.
If you choose FAT32 system on Windows 2000/XP/Vista, one drive letter's maximum size will be limited to 32GB. If you want to use one drive letter of 32GB more, you have to format on Windows 98SE/ME.
If you want to create two or more partitions with one disk drive, it will be recommended "Primary Partition".
10. After finishing Wizard setup, formatting will be progressed automatically.
8/ME and Windows 2000/XP/Vista,
17
Freecom MediaPlayer
1

1.3.2 Windows XP / Vista

1. Connect Freecom MediaPlayer to PC via USB cable, and plug power cable of Freecom MediaPlayer.
2. C
lick "Settings > Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Computer Management> Disk Management" in Windows. If you can not find Administrative Tools at Control Panel, click "switch to classic view" in the upper left corner on the screen.
f the "Disk Signature and Upgrade Disk Wizard" starts, click "Next" to progress for
3. I finishing the wizard. If this wizard does not start, right click the marked left area of unallocated drive and start the wizard.
fter finishing the "Disk Signature and Upgrade Disk Wizard", Right-click the 'Unal-
4. A located' Drive. And then, click "New Partition".
18
lick "Next" at the New Partition Wizard.
5. C
1
6. Check "Primary partition" and click "Next".
7. Type number size you want to use and click "Next".
Use as External USB HDD
8. Assign a drive letter and click "Next".
19
Freecom MediaPlayer
1
9. Choose FAT32 or NTFS at File system to use and click "Next".
FAT 32 system is available on Windows 9 but NTFS system is available on Windows 2000/XP/Vista only.
If you choose FAT32 system on Windows 2000/XP/Vista, one drive letter's maximum size will be limited to 32GB. If you want to use one drive letter of 32GB more, you have to format on Windows 98SE/ME.
If you want to create two or more partitions with one disk drive, it will be recommended "Primary Partition".
fter finishing Wizard setup, formatting will be progressed automatically.
10. A
8/ME and Windows 2000/XP/Vista,

1.4 Copy Data via USB

It is possible to use the Freecom MediaPlayer as an external USB hard disk drive. You can copy data from your PC to built-in HDD of Freecom MediaPlayer via USB. It is possible to play media files at the hard disk on TV set.
When connecting to a PC, you have to connect power cable of Freecom MediaPlayer.
20
Use as External USB HDD
1

1.4.1 Windows 2000/XP/Vista

1. After connecting Freecom MediaPlayer and plug power cable, Windows itself will install driver automatically. And then, check the driver installation at Windows "Start > Settings > Control panel > (switch to classic View on Windows XP/Vista) > System > Hardware > Device manager > Universal Serial Bus controllers > USB Mass Storage Device".
2. C
heck 'My Computer' or 'Explorer', there should be a new volume. You can copy any
data to this volume.
If new volume does not appear, check if HDD is formatted. Windows
/XP/Vista can detect both FAT32 and NTFS file system.
2000
3. After copying data, remove the Freecom MediaPlayer by using the "safely remove
rdware" option in the Windows task bar. If you don't follow this procedure, data
ha and Freecom MediaPlayer may get damaged.
21
Freecom MediaPlayer
1
When you see 'Non High-Speed USB Hub Message'
The message will be displayed on Windows 2000/XP/Vista when you plug Freecom MediaPlayer into USB 1.1 spec. Host adapter.
1.4
.2 Mac
It can be available on Mac OS X v10.3 or higher.
There is no need to install the installation driver at Mac OS X 10.3 version. The Freecom MediaPlayer will be detected automatically. If the Freecom MediaPlayer is detected cor­rectly, an icon appeers on the desktop.
To remove the Freecom MediaPlayer safely, drag the icon to the trash and unplug the Freecom MediaPlayer.
22
Access PC via Network
2

Chapter 2: Access PC via Network

Use the FTP Server (see page 70) to copy data to the Mediaplayer via network.

2.1 Connect LAN Cable

When connecting Computer to the Freecom MediaPlayer directly
Connect LAN cable to LAN port between Freecom MediaPlayer and PC. In this case, you have to use a Cross-wired LAN cable.
If your computer's LAN card is already used for connection to Internet line, you can install an additional LAN card to your PC and connect that additional LAN card to the Freecom MediaPlayer.
When connecting with IP Router or Hub
Connect LAN cable to LAN port between IP Router or Hub. In this case, you have to use Direct LAN Cable type generally.
When you want to play shared multimedia files on network, refer to
ha
pter 3. "Shared File Playback (Stream)".
C
23
Freecom MediaPlayer
2

2.2 Set Network Configurations

After connecting the LAN cable, you have to set network configurations of Computer and Freecom MediaPlayer. You need to share a folder on Windows computer and use same 'IP address range' and same 'Subnet Mask' between Windows computer and Freecom MediaPlayer.
For example:
Computer Network Freecom MediaPlayer
IP address 192.168.1.2 192.168.1.3
Subnet Mask 255.255.255.0 255.255.255.0
It is possible to assign IP address and Subnet Mask of the Freecom Me­diaPlayer as Dynamic or Static.

2.3 Wireless LAN Connection

Freecom MediaPlayer supports two types of wireless structure modes: Infrastructure mode & Ad-Hoc mode.
Ad-Hoc Mode Infrastructure Mode (AP)
Ad-Hoc Mode
1:1 wireless LAN connection type between wireless adapter and Freecom MediaPlayer without wireless access point.
Infrastructure Mode (AP)
Wireless LAN connection type with Wireless Access Point.
Wireless AP (Infrastructure Mode) or Wireless Adapter (Ad-Hoc Mode) is n
eeded for wireless connection. IEEE 802.11g wireless standard is recommended for better wireless environment. Freecom MediaPlayer is compatible with IEEE 802.11g & b standard.
24
Access PC via Network
2
Wireless LAN Connection Setup
You have to connect the Freecom MediaPlayer to a TV set for this setup.
5.2 Connect Video Cable".
See "
1. Move to Setup screen by pressing "SETUP" button on remote control.
ove to "Wireless-I" Icon and press "OK" button. Setup box will be displayed under
2. M icon menu.
ove to 'AP Scan' and press "OK" button. Surrounded wireless stations are detected
3. M and displayed.
elect the preferred station out of the scanned wireless stations.
4. S
Wireless station information is displayed.
ID: Name of Wireless Station
- SS
- Connection Mode: AP Mode (to connect an AP) / Ad-hoc Mode (to connect wireless
adapter)
- Ch
annel: Wireless channel used by wireless station
25
Freecom MediaPlayer
2
5. Information about wireless station will be displayed. Press "SETUP" for saving con­figurations.
When connecting Ad-Hoc Mode, manual settings of IP address and Subnet mask will be needed.
Manual settings of IP address and Subnet mask of wireless adapter and Freecom Me­diaPlayer will be needed. Disable DHCP and enter "IP address" and "Subnet mask". IP address must be different between Freecom MediaPlayer and wireless adapter but the Subnet mask is to be same.
Freecom MediaPlayer: IP address(192.168.10.2); Subnet (255.255.255.0) => Wireless adapter: IP address (192.168.10.3). Subnet mask (255.255.255.0)
Note: You have to choose a channel on your own if you want to connect to an other WLAN device.
26
Access PC via Network
2
6. "WIRELESS" icon is activated. Run the icon, and the PC list on the network is displayed. Access to the preferable PC you want.
When wireless icon is not activated or not connected to wireless station.
Waiting or Rebooting" It might take some time to assign IP address from AP in case
1. " of AP Mode. So, wait for a while. Otherwise, reboot AP and Freecom MediaPlayer together.
27
Freecom MediaPlayer
2
2. "Manual Setting of IP address and Subnet mask" In case of AP Mode, disable DHCP support and do manual setting of IP address and subnet mask. At the time, each IP address is to be different and subnet mask is to be same.
AP: IP address(192.168.10.1. Subnet mask (255.255.255.0) => Freecom MediaPlayer: IP
address(192.168.10.2. Subnet mask(255.255.255.0)
When connecting to AP with WEP/WPA wireless security
If a wireless station like AP or Adapter has WEP or WPA wireless security, you have to enter WEP/WPA key same as AP or wireless adapter.
It is possible to enter WEP/WPA key at "Wireless-I". Enable Security Mode and then enter WEP/WPA Key of AP or wireless adapter.
To enter use direction key "UP" or "DOWN", or "Number". After finishing that, finally press "SETUP" for saving configurations.
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