LINKSYS NMH User Manual

Media Hub

Home Entertainment Storage

NMH Series User Guide

About This Guide

Icon Descriptions

While reading through the User Guide you may see various icons that call attention to specific items. Below is a description of these icons:

NOTE: This check mark indicates that there is

a note of interest and is something that you should pay special attention to while using the product.

WARNING: This exclamation point indicates

that there is a caution or warning and it is something that could damage your property or product.

About This Guide

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website address or e-mail address.

Online Resources

Website addresses in this document are listed without http:// in front of the address because most current web browsers do not require it. If you use an older web browser, you may have to add http:// in front of the web address.

Resource Website

Linksys www.linksysbycisco.com

Linksys International

Glossary

Network Security www.linksysbycisco.com/security

www.linksysbycisco.com/international

www.linksysbycisco.com/glossary

Linksys, Cisco and the Cisco Logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and certain other countries. Copyright © 2008 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Other brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

Media Hub

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Product Overview 1

Front Panel of the Media Hub with LCD (NMH400 Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Front Panel of the Media Hub (NMH300 Series) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Back Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Top Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Install a Second Hard Disk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Replace a Hard Disk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Chapter 2: Getting Started 5

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Media Importer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

NTI Shadow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Drag-and-Drop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Chapter 3: Ways to Use the Media Hub 11

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Centralized Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Digital Media Sharing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

On-Demand Backups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Automatic Backup of Computers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Chapter 4: Use of the Media Browser 15

How to Access the Media Hub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

How to Use the Media Browser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17

Photos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Videos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

File Browser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Chapter 5: Use of the LCD Menu 25

How to Navigate the LCD Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

How to Access the LCD Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Backup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26

Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Power O . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Alerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

Chapter 6: File Backup 29

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

NTI Shadow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29

Backup Jobs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Media Hub

Table of Contents

Chapter 7: Advanced Conguration 33

How to Access the Web-Based Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Disk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Backup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

Appendix A: Troubleshooting 41

Appendix B: Specications 45

Model NMH305 - Media Hub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Model NMH405 - Media Hub with LCD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Model NMH410 - Media Hub with LCD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Appendix C: Warranty Information 46

Limited Warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Appendix D: Regulatory Information 48

FCC Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Safety Notices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

Industry Canada Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48

User Information for Consumer Products Covered by EU Directive 2002/96/EC on Waste

Electric and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49

Appendix E: Software License Agreement 53

Software in Linksys Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Software Licenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53

Media Hub

iii

Chapter 1

Product Overview

Chapter 1: Product Overview

Thank you for choosing the Linksys by Cisco Media Hub. One Serial-ATA (SATA) hard disk is pre-installed, and a second SATA hard drive bay is available if you want to add more storage space. Use the USB ports to add USB hard drives or connect USB flash drives to access your portable files. (USB hard drives may require external power supplies.) The Media Hub with LCD (NMH400 Series) offers additional features, a LCD screen with navigation pad and memory card slots.

The front panel features vary for the NMH400 and NMH300 Series. The back panel and top panel features are the same for both series.

Front Panel of the Media Hub with LCD (NMH400 Series)

Navigation Pad Use the navigation pad to

navigate the LCD menus. Press the up or down arrow to move up or down the menu choices. Press the right arrow to move to a lower menu level. Press the left arrow to move to a higher menu level.

To select a menu choice, press the OK button. Refer to the end of this chapter for more information.

Power Button and LED (Blue/Red) To power

on the Media Hub, press the Power button. To shut down the Media Hub, press and hold the button until the Power LED starts flashing (this may take more than three seconds). A complete shutdown may take 10-15 seconds.

The Power LED flashes blue when the Media Hub boots up, installs a disk, or shuts down. It is solidly lit blue when the Media Hub is ready for use. The LED flashes either blue or red when there is an error. (Refer to Appendix A: Troubleshooting,

page 41.)

NOTE: If the Media Hub must be shut

down for a long period of time, Linksys recommends that you disconnect the power adapter from the Media Hub.

LCD Screen When the Media Hub is powered

on, the menu is displayed. Use it to initiate backup jobs, display status information, configure LCD screen settings, or power off the Media Hub. Refer to Chapter 5: Use of the LCD

Menu, page 25 for more information.

Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card Slot Insert

the SD, MultiMediaCard (MMC), extreme Digital (xD), or Memory Stick (MS) card to access its files.

CompactFlash (CF) Memory Card Slot Insert

the CF memory card to access its files.

USB The USB port connects to a USB storage

device.

Media Hub

Chapter 1

Product Overview

Front Panel of the Media Hub (NMH300 Series)

Power Button and LED (Blue/Red) To power

page 41.)

NOTE: If the Media Hub must be shut

down for a long period of time, Linksys recommends that you disconnect the power adapter from the Media Hub.

USB The USB port connects to a USB storage

device.

Back Panel

Both models of the Media Hub share the same back panel.

DISK 1 (Blue/Red) The DISK 1 LED serves two

purposes. The LED is solidly lit blue when Disk 1 is ready for use. The LED is not lit when no disk is detected.

DISK 2 (Blue/Red) The DISK 2 LED serves two

purposes. The LED is solidly lit blue when Disk 2 is ready for use. The LED is not lit when no disk is detected.

Back Up Button To initiate backup jobs

specified by the backup software on your computer(s), press the back up button.

NOTE: Your computer(s) must be

powered on for the jobs to run.

NOTE: The backup software must be

installed on every computer you want to back up.

Air Vent The air vent allows air to circulate and

cool the Media Hub.

Media Hub

WARNING: Do not block the air

vent on the back of the Media Hub; otherwise, overheating can occur.

Chapter 1

Product Overview

Security Slot The security slot is where you

can attach a lock to protect the Media Hub from theft.

USB The USB port connects to a USB storage

device.

Ethernet The 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet

port connects to an Ethernet network device, such as a router or switch. The LED on the left lights up green when there is a 100 Mbps connection. It lights up orange when there is a 1000 Mbps connection. It does not light up when there is a 10 Mbps connection.

The amber LED on the right flashes when there is network activity.

Reset To restore the factory default settings,

press and hold the Reset button for three seconds. (User data on the hard disk(s) will not be affected.)

Power The Power port connects to the included

power adapter.

NOTE: If the Media Hub must be shut

down for a long period of time, Linksys recommends that you disconnect the power adapter from the Media Hub.

Top Panel

Both models of the Media Hub share the same top panel.

The drive bay cover protects the drive bays. Disk 1, a SATA hard disk, is pre-installed.

Install a Second Hard Disk

NOTE: If you plan to install a second disk

and mirror (RAID 1) these disks, then match disk sizes for maximum disk use. For more information about disk configuration options, refer to Available Disk Configuration Actions, page 37.

To install a second SATA hard disk, follow these instructions:

WARNING: Before you install the second hard

disk, back up its existing data because all data on the second hard disk will be erased.

To shut down the Media Hub, press and hold the Power 1. button until the Power LED starts flashing.

Disconnect the power adapter from the Power port.2. Disconnect the Ethernet network cable from the 3.

Ethernet port. To release the drive bay cover, push the button on the 4.

top panel. To remove the empty drive bay, push together its clips 5.

and pull out the drive bay. Make sure the screw holes of the hard disk line up with 6.

the screw holes of the drive bay. Then insert the hard disk into the drive bay.

Use the four included screws to secure the hard disk 7. in its bay.

With the hard disk’s label facing the right side of the 8. Media Hub, slide the disk into the empty slot.

Push down on the hard disk to make sure the 9. connectors are securely seated.

Lower the cover, and push it down to secure it.10. Connect the Ethernet network cable to the Ethernet 11.

port. Connect the power adapter to the Power port.12.

Media Hub

Button Push the button to open the drive

bay cover.

Replace a Hard Disk

WARNING: The replacement hard disk must be

blank with no partitions; otherwise, the Media Hub cannot use it. (If you want to install a hard disk that was previously used in a Windows computer, refer to Before You Begin, page 44.

Chapter 1

Product Overview

To replace a hard disk, follow these instructions:

To shut down the Media Hub, press and hold the Power 1. button until the Power LED starts flashing.

If this step does not shut down the Media Hub, then proceed to step 2.

Disconnect the power adapter from the Power port.2. Disconnect the Ethernet network cable from the 3.

Ethernet port. To release the drive bay cover, push the button on the 4.

top panel. To remove the hard disk you want to replace, push 5.

together the clips of its drive bay, and then pull out the drive bay.

Remove the hard disk from its drive bay.6. To install the replacement hard disk, make sure the 7.

screw holes of the hard disk line up with the screw holes of the drive bay. Then insert the hard disk into the drive bay.

Use the four included screws to secure the hard disk 8. in its bay.

With the hard disk’s label facing the right side of the 9. Media Hub, slide the drive bay back into its slot.

Push down on the hard disk to make sure the 10. connectors are securely seated.

Lower the cover, and push it down to secure it.11. Connect the Ethernet network cable to the Ethernet 12.

port. Connect the power adapter to the Power port.13.

Media Hub

Chapter 2

Getting Started

Chapter 2: Getting Started

Overview

The Media Hub is designed to store your media content in one location for convenient access. (There are additional ways to use the Media Hub; refer to Chapter 3: Ways to Use the Media Hub, page 8.)

The Media Hub offers three ways to help you copy files to the Media Hub. This chapter describes how to use the Media Importer, NTI Shadow, and the Drag-and-Drop feature. (FTP is another option for copying files.)

You can copy media files from a computer or other network device. You can also copy media files from a USB storage device or memory card directly connected to the Media Hub.

NOTE: Only the Media Hub with LCD (NMH400

Series) supports direct connection of memory cards.

Media Importer

The Media Importer is the import tool that was automatically installed by the Setup Wizard. Use it to automatically find, copy, and update media files to the Media Hub. In the future, any changes made or new files added will be automatically updated on the Media Hub.

Files using the following file formats and extensions are imported:

If you do not see the icon, go to Start > All Programs >

Cisco Media Hub > Linksys Media Importer > Linksys Media Importer.

System Tray Icon Menu

Right-click the system tray icon to view the following options:

Importer Icon Menu

Open Click this option to open the Media Importer.

Go to Media Hub Online Click this option to open the

Media Browser.

Media Importer Status Click this option to view the

status of the file transfers to the Media Hub.

Shutdown Linksys Media Importer Click this option to

exit the Media Importer.

About Linksys Media Importer Click this option to view

the version number of the Media Importer.

Main Menu

The main menu appears with the following options:

Music • .mp3, .wma, .wav, .m4a, .aac, .lpcm, .ogg, .flac,

.ac3, .mpa, .aif

Photos • .jpg, .png, .tif, .bmp, .gif

Videos • .mpg, .mpeg, .mp2, .mp4, .avi, .wmv, .vob,

.divx, .3gp, .vdr, .asf, .mpe, .dvr, .xvid, .m1v, .m4v

If the Media Importer is not installed on your computer, run the Setup Wizard on the enclosed CD-ROM and click Connect Computers.

Access

Double-click the system tray icon to access the Media Importer.

Importer System Tray Icon (Active)

Importer System Tray Icon (Closed)

Media Importer Main Menu

Disconnect/Connect Click this option to connect or

disconnect the Media Hub from the Media Importer.

Switch Media Hub Click this option to switch to a

different Media Hub.

Manage Media Importer Click this option to select the

folders you want to copy to the Media Hub.

Media Hub

Chapter 2

Getting Started

NTI Shadow

NTI Shadow is the backup tool you installed during the Setup Wizard. Use it to automatically copy your documents to the Media Hub for safekeeping.

If you did not choose to install the backup tool, then NTI Shadow will not be available. To install NTI Shadow, run the Setup Wizard on the enclosed CD-ROM and click Connect Computers.

Access

Manage Media Importer

Choose the folders that will be regularly searched for media Select the appropriate folders.

Only these types Select the file types that will be

copied.

The percentages and size of files by type (Photos/Images, Music, and Video) are displayed.

To exit the Manage Media Importer screen, click Finish.

Media Importer Status Click this option to view the

status of the file transfers to the Media Hub.

Double-click the system tray icon to access NTI Shadow.

NTI Shadow System Tray

If you do not see the icon, go to Start > All Programs > Cisco Media Hub > NTI Shadow.

System Tray Icon Menu

Right-click the system tray icon to view the following options:

NTI Shadow Icon Menu

Shadow Setting Click this option to open NTI Shadow.

About NTI Shadow Click this option to view the version

number of NTI Shadow.

Exit Click this option to exit NTI Shadow.

Media Importer Status

Import Status The number and size of files being

imported are displayed.

Time Left The amount of time left for the import and its

speed are displayed.

Current Transfers For each file, the % (percentage),

Folder, File name, Sent (size of imported data), and Size (total size of file) are displayed.

Files imported in this session For each file, the Time

Completed, Folder, File name, and Size are displayed.

To exit the Media Importer Status screen, click Close.

To exit the Media Importer, click the X button in the upper right corner.

Media Hub

Main Menu

The main menu appears.

NTI Shadow Main Menu

Chapter 2

Getting Started

Create Backup Job

Create Backup Job Click this option to create a backup

job. For more information, refer to Create Backup Job, page 31.

Modify Backup Job

Backup jobs are listed in this section.

The Setup Wizard creates a default backup job that backs up specific files in the My Documents folder; these files use the following file formats and extensions: .doc, .xls, .pdf, .ppt, .adb, .rtf, .xml, .htm, .html, .txt, and .pst. The backup files are saved to the \backup\<Computer_Name>\ Documents folder on the Media Hub and are organized by date.

Select the appropriate backup job, and then click one of the following options:

Start Backup Click this option to start a backup job.

Edit Click this option to change a backup job.

Disable Click this option to disable a backup job.

Disable All Click this option to disable all backup jobs.

Delete Click this option to delete a backup job.

To exit NTI Shadow, click Done.

NOTE: For more information about NTI Shadow,

click Help.

Drag-and-Drop

Use Windows Explorer and the Drag-and-Drop feature to manually copy files to the Media Hub. Drop or paste music to the music folder, photos to the photos folder, and videos to the videos folder.

Windows Access

Press 3. Enter.

You can also use the drive letter or IP address to access the Media Hub.

NOTE: The drive letter is mapped directly to the

media folder, which holds the music, photos, and videos sub-folders. Use the Friendly Name or IP address of the Media Hub to access all folders: backup, ftp, and media.

Drive Letter

During the Setup Wizard, the Media Hub was assigned a drive letter to identify it on your computer.

Windows Vista

Right-click Start. Click Computer, and then click the drive letter to access the media folder of the Media Hub.

Windows XP

Double-click My Computer, and then click the drive letter to access the media folder of the Media Hub.

Drive Letter Not Found

If you do not see a drive letter for the Media Hub, run the Setup Wizard on the enclosed CD and click Connect Computers. You can also follow these instructions:

To open Windows Explorer, go to1. Start > Programs > Accessories > Windows Explorer. (You can also right-click Start and click Explore.)

Right-click 2. My Computer (Windows XP) or Computer (Windows Vista).

Select 3. Map Network Drive. In the 4. Folder field, enter \\<Friendly_Name>\media. Click 5. Finish.

For additional information, refer to Windows Help.

To open Windows Explorer, go to1. Start > Programs > Accessories > Windows Explorer. (You can also right-click Start and click Explore.)

During the Setup Wizard, you created a Friendly Name 2. or device name for the Media Hub.

In the Address field of Windows Explorer, enter the Friendly Name of the Media Hub:

\\<Friendly_Name>

(Examples: \\HomeMedia or \\Media1)

Friendly Name

Media Hub

NOTE: If you do not see the Media Hub, then

change the Workgroup of the Media Hub to match the Workgroup of your computer (refer to System, page 32).

IP Address (For Advanced Users)

In the 1. Address field of Windows Explorer, enter the IP address of the Media Hub:

\\<IP_address_of_Media_Hub>

IP Address of Media Hub

Then press 2. Enter.

Chapter 2

Getting Started

NOTE: For the Media Hub with LCD (NMH400

Series), look up its IP address through the LCD menu. Refer to Status, page 22. For the Media Hub (NMH300 Series), look up its IP address through the router’s web-based utility. Refer to the router’s documentation for more information.

File Directory

Open the folders of the Media Hub. Use Windows Explorer to add, copy, move, or delete files.

NOTE: File transfer speeds will vary, depending

on network conditions, including use of wireless, and the number and size of your files.

Right-click 2. Computer (Windows Vista) or My Computer (Windows XP).

Select 3. Map Network Drive. From the 4. Drive drop-down menu, select an available

drive letter. In the 5. Folder field, enter the following:

\\<Friendly_Name_of_Media_Hub>\<folder_ name>. (Example: \\Media1\backup.)

Click6. Finish.

Device Folder

If you have a USB storage device or memory card directly connected to the Media Hub, you can access it through the Media Hub.

If you accessed the Media Hub through its Friendly Name or IP address, the name of the USB storage device or memory card is displayed. Double-click the name to access its files.

Media Hub Accessed Through Friendly Name

Media Folder of Media Hub Accessed Through Drive Letter

Mapped Drive

You can map any folder of the Media Hub as a separate drive.

To open Windows Explorer, go to1. Start > Programs > Accessories > Windows Explorer. (You can also right-click Start and click Explore.)

USB Storage Device Accessed Through Friendly Name

If you accessed the Media Hub through its drive letter, go to media > devices > mnt. The name of the USB storage device or memory card is displayed. Double-click the name to access its files.

USB Storage Device Accessed Through Drive Letter

Media Hub

Chapter 2

Getting Started

Import Folder

The media\import folder stores the data imported from USB storage devices or memory cards. The data is organized by the date of the data import.

Data Imported from USB Storage Device

Backup Folder

The backup folder stores the data backed up from USB storage devices or memory cards. The data is organized by the date of the data backup.

Instructions to Copy Media Files to the Media Hub

Follow these guidelines:

Copy files of a single file type together at one time. • For example, copy music files at one time; do not copy music, photo, and video files at the same time.

Copy music files to the media\music folder of the • Media Hub.

Copy photo files to the media\photos folder of the

•

Media Hub.

Copy video files to the media\videos folder of the • Media Hub.

NOTE: The files you copy to the Media Hub can

be accessed by all users of the Media Hub.

The following example describes the instructions to copy music files to the media\music folder of the Media Hub. Use similar instructions to copy the other types of files, photo or video.

In Windows Explorer, select the music files on your 1. computer or other network device. Then go to Edit >

Copy.

NOTE: Use the Friendly Name or IP address of

the Media Hub to access the backup folder.

Data Backed Up from USB Storage Device

NOTE: You can map the backup folder as a

separate drive. Refer to Mapped Drive, page

NOTE: If you have a USB storage device

or memory card directly connected to the Media Hub, then its device name is displayed. Double-click the device name to access its files.

Open the 2. media\music folder of the Media Hub. Go to 3. Edit > Paste.

Copy Music Files to Media Hub

The music files are copied to the media\music folder; this may take minutes or hours, depending on network conditions, including use of wireless, and the number and size of the selected files.

Media Hub

Chapter 2

NOTE: Additional information about Windows

Explorer is available in Windows Help.

WEB: For more information about the Media

Hub, refer to the rest of the User Guide. You can also visit www.linksysbycisco.com/support, and select the Media Hub.

Getting Started

Media Hub

Chapter 3

Ways to Use the Media Hub

Chapter 3: Ways to Use the Media Hub

Overview

This chapter describes how you can use the Media Hub:

centralized storage •

digital media sharing •

on-demand backups •

automatic backup of your computers •

Centralized Storage

The Media Hub is designed to store and share files for your network. Most people use Windows Explorer to manage the files of the Media Hub.

If the Remote Access service† is enabled, then use the File Browser for remote access of the Media Hub. (FTP is another option.) For more information about how to configure the remote access settings, refer to Remote Access, page 39.

Local Access

Media files are typically stored on different computers and other network devices throughout the house. You can copy all of the media files to the Media Hub, so your media content is stored in one location for convenient access. Plus you have backup copies of your media files. Use Windows Explorer to add, copy, move, or delete files. Refer to Drag-and-Drop, page 7.

File Directory of Media Hub

Wireless Broadband

Router

Internet

Media Hub

Automatic or

on-demand backups

Watch videos on your

big-screen TV or listen to music

on your home entertainment

sound system

Remotely access your

media and data files

over the Internet

View pictures on

any computer

Digital Media Adapter

Diagram Showing the Media Hub

Includes Remote Access service for one year from date of purchase. † Fees may apply thereafter and are subject to change. Go to

www.linksysbycisco.com for further information.

Media Hub

Chapter 3

Ways to Use the Media Hub

Remote Access

If you enable and set up the Remote Access service, you can use the Media Hub over the Internet. For more information about how to configure the remote access settings, refer to Remote Access, page 39. Use the File Browser to add, copy, move, or delete files. Refer to File Browser, page 23.

Digital Media Sharing

The Media Hub automatically indexes the digital media files it stores, so you can use a web browser to access them through the Media Browser.

Media Browser

inserted into the Media Hub. Refer to Drag-and-Drop, page 7.

Local Access

You can access the Media Browser screen from any computer using a web browser.

For more information, refer to Chapter 4: Use of the Media Browser, page 15.

UPnP AV Media Server

If you have UPnP AV-enabled (or DLNA-certified) devices in your home, then you can use the Media Hub as a media server. (This service is enabled by default—no special setup required.) Such devices include digital media adapters and other devices, such as a gaming console with a built-in media player or digital picture frame.

For example, if you have a digital media adapter that sends content to your entertainment system, then the digital media adapter can locate the Media Hub using the UPnP AV standard. Media content on the Media Hub can then be accessed and played by the digital media adapter.

By default, the Media Hub automatically indexes the digital media files it stores. You have the option of indexing media files on your local network. If you use this option, the Media Hub scans its local content and any media content stored in UPnP AV-compatible servers connected to the local network. Refer to Media Server, page 40.

Media Browser

After you have copied media files to the Media Hub, use the Media Browser screen to access your home entertainment:

Play music •

View photos •

Watch videos •

Manage media files •

The Media Browser also lets you access devices directly connected to the Media Hub.

USB Storage Devices

Both models of the Media Hub support USB storage devices.

You can connect USB storage devices to the USB ports at any time. All folders and files on these devices are available while the USB storage devices are connected to the Media Hub. Refer to Drag-and-Drop, page 7.

Memory Cards

Only the Media Hub with LCD (NMH400 Series) supports direct connection of memory cards. All folders and files on these cards are available while the memory cards are

Media Hub

iTunes Server

If you use iTunes, then you can use the Media Hub as a centralized location for your iTunes library. (This service is enabled by default—no special setup required.) Open iTunes on any of the computers on your network, and play any music or video file on the Media Hub.

Remote Access

With the Remote Access service, you can access media files through the Media Browser. Use the File Browser to add, copy, move, or delete files. Refer to File Browser, page 23.

Here are a few examples of remote access:

View Pictures Remotely

You want to share pictures from your recent trip, but you forgot to bring the memory card you used. This is not a problem since you have set up your Media Hub for remote access.

On your friends’ computer, open the web browser.1.

Chapter 3

Ways to Use the Media Hub

Go to 2. http://www.ciscomediahub.com. Enter the remote device name of your Media Hub, and 3.

then click Go.

NOTE: Depending on the web browser you

are using, certificate or security warning screens may appear. To continue with the login process for remote access, accept the warnings. For more information, refer to Appendix A: Troubleshooting, page 41.

Enter the password you created during the Setup 4. Wizard (the default is admin). Then click Submit.

On the 5. Media Browser screen, click Photos. Navigate to the trip pictures.

Now you can view a slideshow of your trip pictures.

Download Videos Remotely

You want to share videos from your recent trip, but they are stored on your Media Hub. Fortunately, you can access your Media Hub over the Internet.

On your friends’ computer, open the web browser.1. Go to 2. http://www.ciscomediahub.com. Enter the remote device name of your Media Hub, and 3.

then click Go.

NOTE: Depending on the web browser you

Enter the password you created during the Setup 4. Wizard (the default is admin). Then click Submit.

On the 5. Media Browser screen, click File Browser. Then click the Upload to Media Hub option .

Now you can upload the photos to your Media Hub.

Setup of Remote Access Feature

When you enable and set up the remote access feature, keep the following in mind:

Every Media Hub has a unique Remote Device Name. If • the name you want to use is already taken, then try an alternate name for your Media Hub.

For remote access, open your web browser. • Go to http://www.ciscomediahub.com. When prompted, enter the Remote Device Name and Password of your Media Hub.

For more information, refer to Remote Access, page 39.

NOTE: Depending on the web browser you

Enter the password you created during the Setup 4. Wizard (the default is admin). Then click Submit.

On the 5. Media Browser screen, click File Browser. Navigate to the trip videos. Then click the 6. Download

to PC option .

Now you can download the videos to your friends’ computer.

Upload Pictures Remotely

Your relatives have pictures from a recent family reunion. The pictures are too large in size to send to your home e-mail address, so you decide to upload them to your Media Hub.

On your relatives’ computer, open the web browser.1. Go to 2. http://www.ciscomediahub.com. Enter the remote device name of your Media Hub, and 3.

then click Go.

On-Demand Backups

Computers

NTI Shadow is the backup tool you installed during the Setup Wizard. During installation, the Setup Wizard creates a default backup job with the “On Demand” option selected. (The default backup job also runs automatically.)

If you have backup jobs with the “On Demand” option selected, then you can use the on-demand backup feature of the Media Hub; for more information, refer to NTI

Shadow, page 29.

NOTE: Your computer(s) must be powered on

for the jobs to run.

For the Media Hub (NMH300 Series), you can press the back up button on the front panel to initiate backup jobs.

For the Media Hub with LCD (NMH400 Series), you can use the LCD menu to initiate backup jobs; refer to Backup, page 25.

USB Storage Devices

Both models of the Media Hub support direct connection of USB storage devices. You can use the Media Browser to import media files; refer to Devices, page 17.

Media Hub

Chapter 3

When you connect a USB storage device to the Media Hub with LCD (NMH400 Series), the LCD menu will ask if you want to import media files; click the OK button to confirm.

You can also use Windows Explorer to access the USB storage device. Then you can copy files to the Media Hub. Refer to Drag-and-Drop, page 7.

Memory Cards

Only the Media Hub with LCD (NMH400 Series) supports direct connection of memory cards.

When you insert a memory card, the LCD menu will ask if you want to import media files; click the OK button to confirm.

You can use the Media Browser to import media files; refer to Devices, page 17.

Windows Explorer is another alternative; use it to access the memory card. Then you can copy files to the Media Hub. Refer to Drag-and-Drop, page 7.

Ways to Use the Media Hub

Automatic Backup of Computers

NTI Shadow is the backup tool you installed during the Setup Wizard. During installation, the Setup Wizard creates a default backup job, which runs automatically. (The default backup job also includes the “On Demand” option selected.) The default backup job backs up specific files in the My Documents folder; these files have the following file extensions: .doc, .xls, .pdf, .ppt, .adb, .rtf, .xml, .htm, .html, .txt, and .pst. The backup files are saved to the \backup\<Computer_Name>\Documents folder on the Media Hub and are organized by date.

You can set up additional, automatic backup jobs. For instructions, refer to Create Backup Job, page 29.

Media Hub

Chapter 4

Use of the Media Browser

Chapter 4: Use of the Media Browser

This chapter describes the Media Browser, which is used to access your music, photos, and videos.

How to Access the Media Hub

You can use Windows Explorer or your web browser to access the Media Hub. For more information about Windows Explorer, refer to Drag-and-Drop, page 7.

You can access the Media Browser via a web browser on a local computer connected to your router. Double-click the desktop icon that was created during the Setup Wizard. (If you enable and set up the Remote Access service, you can use the Media Hub over the Internet. Refer to Remote Access Instructions, page 39.)

Media Hub Desktop Icon

NOTE: To access the Media Browser from a Mac,

use one of the following:

http://<Friendly_Name>.local •

<Friendly_Name>.local •

http://<IP_address_of_Media_Hub> •

If you do not have Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or 3. higher) installed, you will be prompted to install it. Follow the on-screen instructions. (An active Internet connection is required.)

The Media Browser screen of the web-based utility appears.

You can also follow these instructions:

Open your web browser.1. In the 2. Address field, enter one of the following:

http://<Friendly_Name> (example: http://Media1) or http://<IP_address_of_Media_Hub> (example: http://192.168.1.101)

Press Enter.

NOTE: The Friendly Name is the name you

created during the Setup Wizard. If you did not create a Friendly Name, use the default name; enter http://mediahub.

NOTE: For the Media Hub with LCD (NMH400

Series), look up its IP address through the LCD menu. Refer to Status, page 26.

For the Media Hub (NMH300 Series), look up its IP address through the router’s web-based utility. Refer to the router’s documentation for more information.

Media Browser

How to Use the Media Browser

Use the Media Browser screen to access your home entertainment:

Play music •

View photos •

Watch videos •

The Media Hub scans for music, photos, and videos. This activity may take several hours the first time the scan occurs, depending on the number of media files. Subsequent scans for updates will take less time.

The Media Browser screen displays thumbnail images of files found in the music, photos, videos, and import folders of the Media Hub (it will not display thumbnail images of sub-folders).

NOTE: The files you copy to the Media Hub can

be accessed by all users of the Media Hub.

Media Hub

You have these options:

Configuration Access advanced settings through this

option. Refer to Chapter 7: Advanced Configuration, page 33 for more information.

Chapter 4

Use of the Media Browser

Re-Scan Refresh the Media Hub’s index of media files.

Search Use this option to search your files by keyword.

Refer to Search, page 17.

? (link to User Guide) Access the online version of

this User Guide through this option. (An active Internet connection is required.)

Media Browser > Configuration, Re-Scan, Search, ? (link to User Guide)

Music Click this option to access your music files. Refer to

Music, page 17.

Photos Click this option to access your photo files. Refer

to Photos, page 20.

Videos Click this option to access your video files. Refer

to Videos, page 22.

File Browser Click this option to access the Media Hub’s

folder directory and manage your media files. Refer to File Browser, page 22.

Recent Photos

The most recently added files are displayed. To view a photo, select it. Then click the play button .

NOTE: The Media Hub’s built-in viewer only

supports the jpeg format. Other files will open in the default viewer for the files’ specific file extension(s).

Music

After you click the Music option, the Music screen appears. View your music files by category:

Album •

Artist •

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