Naim UnitiServe Reference Manual

REFERENCE MANUAL

UNITISERVE HARD DISK PLAYER

ENGLISH

Contents

Section Page
Contents
1 UnitiServe Hard Disk Player Introduction 1

1.1 UnitiServe User Interfaces 1

1.2 UnitiServe Interface Options 2

2 Getting Started 3

2.1 Internet/Network Connections 3

2.2 Power Supply Connection 3

2.3 Audio Connection 3

2.4 Switch On 3

2.5 External Screen Setup 4

2.6 First Use 4

2.7 Software Upgrade 4

2.8 Switching Off 4

2.9 Data Backup 4

5 Playback 16

5.1 Local Playback 16

5.2 NaimNet Network Playback 16

5.3 UPnP™ Network Playback 16

6 Ripping 17

6.1 The Ripping Process 17

6.2 Copyright Issues 17

7 External Storage 18

7.1 USB Storage Devices 18

7.2 Network Shares 18

7.3 Music Stores 18

7.4 Adding a Music Store 19

3 Getting Connected 6

3.1 UnitiServe Rear Panel 6

3.2 UnitiServe Connections 6

4 The Display Interface 7

4.1 The Home Menu 7

4.2 The Browse Music Menu 8

4.3 The Find Music Menu 9

4.4 The Ripping Monitor Screen 9

4.5 The Current Playlist Screen 9

4.6 Playlists 10

4.7 The Quick Play Menu 11

4.8 The System Setup Menu 11

4.9 Naim Server Remote Handset Functions 15

8 Interface Menu Structure 21

9 Hard Disk Player Terminology 22

10 UnitiServe Specifications 24

11 User Notes 24

12 Commercial Acknowledgements 25

12.1 DigiFi End-user License Agreement 25

12.2 StreamNet Acknowledgement 25

12.3 Adobe Flash Acknowledgement 25

Note: This manual is issue No. 1 and describes the operation of

UnitiServe units running software release version 1.5a SP1.

Introduction

1 UnitiServe Hard Disk Player Introduction

Your UnitiServe hard disk player will completely change the way you access and listen
to your music collection. While UnitiServe may look like a CD player and can play CDs
conventionally, it is intended to operate in a fundamentally different way.

• Rather than simply reproducing the audio on a CD inserted in its transport, UnitiServe

automatically reads and stores the CD data for replay at any later time.

• In addition to storing audio on its internal hard disk, UnitiServe can store and play

audio on network connected hard disk drives. Network stored files can be either
audio files ripped from CD or compatible audio files created by other means.

• UnitiServe can operate as a UPnP™ server providing audio files to any UPnP™

compatible playback hardware connected on the same network.

• In addition to its conventional digital audio outputs, UnitiServe can provide up to six

NaimNet/StreamNet network streams for playback in multiple remote areas.

• When UnitiServe first reads the data from a CD, it automatically accesses an internet

music database and downloads the information held for that CD. The information
can include title, tracks, artist, composer, genre and numerous additional details.
This can then be used by UnitiServe to select or search for material and to build
custom playlists. The CD cover artwork will also be downloaded if available for
display by the UnitiServe user interface.

• UnitiServe is able to operate as a conventional CD player. A CD inserted in the

transport can be played immediately with audio routed to the digital audio outputs.

The mode of control and operation of your UnitiServe will depend upon the type of system
with which it is integrated. These different “user interfaces” are introduced in Section 1.1.

If UnitiServe is your first experience of a network connected product you may find
it worthwhile to read the glossary in Section 9 before moving on to installation and
operation.

1.1 UnitiServe User Interfaces

Unlike a conventional item of hi-fi equipment, UnitiServe
can be operated in a number of different ways using a
variety of user interfaces. The user interface you use to
control your UnitiServe will depend on the type of system in
which it is installed and the ancillary equipment available.
The following paragraphs carry short descriptions of each
user interface.

1.1.1 The External Display Interface

UnitiServe can be operated via its External Display

Interface using a keyboard and mouse in combination with

an external display screen or a USB/VGA touch screen.

Note: The external display may be a monitor or TV with

composite video, S-video or VGA input.

Note: A Naim Server Remote Handset may also be used

in place of a keyboard and mouse. The Server Remote
Handset is available as an accessory.

1.1.2 The Web Browser Display Interface

If UnitiServe is installed in a home network the External
Display can be duplicated by any Flash enabled web
browser

To access the External Display Interface from a web
browser, open the web browser and type the unique
“name” of your UnitiServe into the browser address field.
The name is the last four characters of the MAC address
(excluding the colon separators) printed on the rear
panel preceded by NSSRV. A typical “name” would be
NSSRV5E6F.

Note: An interface intended for small touch screens can

also be accessed from a web browser. To do this, add the
suffix: /index.html?movie=fp.swf to the UnitiServe name. For
example, NSSRV5E6F/index.html?movie=fp.swf

Note: Depending on your web browser you may need to

type “http://” immediately before the UnitiServe name.

1

Introduction

1.1.3 The Desktop Client

If UnitiServe is installed in a home network that includes a
personal computer running Windows XP, Vista or 7, it can
be operated via the Desktop Client Interface. The Desktop

Client application provides the most comprehensive

operational and search functionality. The Desktop Client is
covered in a separate manual that can be downloaded
from the Naim Audio web site at www.naimaudio.com.

Some setup, file management and maintenance facilities
are only available via the Desktop Client.

1.1.5 iPod/iPhone App

The n-Serve app, available from the iTunes App Store,
enables wireless touch screen control of UnitiServe from an
iPhone or iPod touch.

1.1.4 The NaimNet/StreamNet Touch Screen Interface

If UnitiServe is installed in a NaimNet home network,
UnitiServe network audio streams can be controlled
from the NaimNet/StreamNet Interface. The NaimNet/
StreamNet Interface can be accessed from a StreamNet
compliant touch screen or a web browser. The interface
can also control any StreamNet compliant device.

Note: The NaimNet/StreamNet Interface is not covered in

this manual.

1.2 UnitiServe Interface Options

Interface Control Display Notes

External Display Remote handset. TV or monitor with VGA, Controls UnitiServe local output only.

Keyboard/mouse. S-video or composite input.
USB/VGA touch screen. USB/VGA touch screen.

Web Browser Flash enabled web browser. Duplicates functionality of the External Display
Interface. Network connection required.

Desktop Client Computer running Windows XP, Provides music database management and
Windows Vista or Windows 7. advanced UnitiServe setup functions. Can also
control local outputs. Network connection
required.

NaimNet/StreamNet StreamNet compliant network touch screen. Controls network streams only.
Does not control local output.
Network connection required.

n-Serve iPod/iPhone App iPhone or iPod touch Controls UnitiServe local output only.
Wireless network connection required.

Note: An internet connection is required for detailed CD data lookup. Without an internet connection, limited information is

available from a locally held database.

Note: The External Display and Web Browser interfaces are known collectively as the Display Interface. It is fully described in

Section 4.

2

Installation - Getting Started

2 Getting Started

UnitiServe should be installed horizontally on a dedicated equipment stand intended
for the purpose. Do not stand UnitiServe directly on top of another item of equipment.
UnitiServe should be installed in its final location before connecting cables or switching
on.

UnitiServe can be connected to a computer network to retrieve album data and artwork
from the internet, to stream music around the home using NaimNet hardware, or to take
advantage of one of its alternative user interfaces. If UnitiServe is to be used in a network
it is important that the network is working when UnitiServe is connected and switched on.

Locally connected audio amplifiers should not be switched on before UnitiServe is
switched on. The UnitiServe power switch is located on the rear panel.

To begin installation first identify the rear panel network, audio output and power input
sockets, and connect the appropriate cables.

Note: Ensure that the unit

has adequate ventilation.
The ambient temperature
in the vicinity of the unit
should not exceed 35°C.

2.1 Internet/Network Connections

While UnitiServe can be used in “stand-alone” mode
without any network connection, if its full capabilities are
to be realised it requires connection to an “always on”
internet service via an ethernet router/modem with a built­in firewall.

If UnitiServe is to be used in a NaimNet/StreamNet network
audio system, the network connection also enables
UnitiServe to communicate with other network devices and
provides access to its alternative user interfaces.

UnitiServe is set up when originally shipped not to require
any further network configuration but to connect to a
network automatically (it uses DHCP by default). However,
if your UnitiServe has been previously used, its network
configuration may have been altered leaving it unable to
connect automatically. Contact your retailer, installer or
Naim Audio directly if this appears to be the case.

Note: A UnitiServe used in stand-alone mode and switched

on without a working network connection will revert to
an internal IP address only suitable for stand-alone use.
To restore the default DHCP setup, switch UnitiServe off,
connect the network and switch it on again.

2.1.1 Network Hardware

Conventional ethernet network connection is strongly
recommended for the most consistent and secure
UnitiServe operation.

Ethernet-over-mains hardware may be used and provides
a simple and convenient method of home network
connection. However, depending on mains wiring factors
specific to each home environment, the presence of
network data on the mains supply may compromise
overall system sound quality. If any sound quality
compromise is found to be unacceptable, dedicated
network cabling should be installed.

2.2 Power Supply Connection

UnitiServe is powered by an external power supply.
Connect the output cable of the power supply to the
UnitiServe power input socket and the mains input cable
of the power supply to a mains outlet socket. Use only the
mains cable supplied.

2.3 Audio Connection

Connect one of the UnitiServe digital audio output sockets
(BNC coaxial or TosLink optical), to an appropriate audio
system digital input. For best performance use a Naim DC1
digital coaxial interconnect cable.

2.4 Switch On

If UnitiServe’s network facilities are to be used ensure that
it is connected to a working internet connection before
switching it on and that all the necessary peripheral
equipment is appropriately connected and configured.

Switch on UnitiServe using the rear panel power switch.

Note: If UnitiServe is to be switched on from shutdown mode,

the power switch must be switched off and on again. See
Section 2.8 for more on shutdown mode.

After approximately one minute, during which the front
panel logo will flash, the user interface Home menu will
appear on the interface display. Navigation around the
interface will depend on the interface hardware chosen.
If using a touch screen, touch the interface graphics to
select items. If using the web browser or external display
interface, select options using a keyboard/mouse or, if a
remote handset is employed, its navigation (

home and back keys.

3456), ok,

3

Installation - Getting Started

2.5 External Screen Setup

If an external display is used, the UnitiServe external display
setup may need to be modified. Navigate, via the System
menu, to the System Setup menu. Select and save the
desired External Display Theme, External Display Aspect

Ratio, External Display Mode and TV System. Initially disable

the Screen Saver (found on System Setup page 1).

Note: The External Display Mode setting configures the

external display for use with either an external touch
screen or a remote handset. In touch screen mode, four
shortcut buttons are displayed on the right of the screen
that correspond to the home, browse, find and back keys
on the remote handset. The on screen shortcut buttons
can only be accessed from the touch screen so are not
shown in remote control mode.

Note: Once you have become used to the interface and

are familiar with its functions the screen saver can be
re-enabled.

2.6 First Use

UnitiServe is shipped with some music files already stored
on its hard disk. One of these can be used to check that
playback is operating correctly. Navigate from the Home
Menu to the Quick Play menu and select Play Random to
play a track.

To rip a CD to the UnitiServe hard disk, insert a CD into the
transport slot. The ripping process will begin automatically.
When CD ripping is complete UnitiServe will eject the CD
automatically. See Section 6 for further information on
ripping CDs.

Only CDs owned personally should be ripped. Ripping a
borrowed CD may violate copyright law.

Note: Although UnitiServe contains a small internal music

database, to be able to identify a CD and download its
associated data during the ripping process, it must be
connected to a working internet connection.

2.7 Software Upgrade

Software upgrade CDs will occasionally be released for
UnitiServe. New software is installed simply by inserting
the upgrade CD in the transport. The software upgrade
process will commence automatically. As part of the
upgrade process UnitiServe will eject the CD and re-boot.
The upgrade process is complete once the interface
returns to the Home Menu.

Note: Any specific instructions included with the upgrade

CD should be followed carefully.

Never switch off UnitiServe from the rear panel power
switch or unplug it from the mains supply while a software
upgrade process is underway.

2.8 Switching Off

Switching off UnitiServe from its rear panel power switch
is not normally necessary unless it is to be un-installed. It
can be put into shutdown mode by touching the front
panel logo for five seconds. UnitiServe may take up to
one minute to enter shutdown mode during which time
the logo will flash. Wait until the logo stops flashing before
switching off UnitiServe from the rear panel power switch.

Never switch off UnitiServe from the rear panel power
switch or unplug it from the mains supply unless it is in
shutdown mode.

To switch UnitiServe back on from shutdown mode, the
power switch must be switched off and on again.

2.9 Data Backup

UnitiServe does not incorporate an integral backup disk
drive and we strongly advise that you protect your stored
music by implementing a regular backup to a Network
Attached Storage (NAS) hard disk drive.

UnitiServe backup must only be performed over the
network and we recommend that weekly, automated
time-stamped, differential backups are carried out. To help
facilitate backups, UnitiServe music is made available as a
read only drive on the network.

The majority of commercially available NAS drives
incorporate setup menus, accessed via a web browser,
that enable regular automated backup of a specified
target drive to be configured.

The automated backup setup procedure for the majority
of NAS drives will be similar to the one described in the
following steps.

Ensure that the NAS drive and Unitiserve are on the

•

same network and switched on. Read the NAS drive
user instructions and make sure you understand its
operation.

• From a computer connected to the network open

a web browser application and browse to the NAS
backup drive setup menus. The network “name” or
“address” of the NAS drive will be provided in its user
documentation or on a label affixed to its case.

•

From the NAS drive setup menus, create a new

shared folder on the NAS drive called “UServe
Backup”.

•

Again from the NAS drive setup menus, create a new

“backup job”. Select a remote, time-stamp backup
and type the UnitiServe network “name” or “address”
(“NSSRV5E6F” or “192.168.0.5” for example) in the
“host” text field. In the “path” field type “Music”. If
login and password fields are provided leave them
blank.

4

Installation - Getting Started

• If a connection test facility is provided within the

setup menus, use it and wait for a positive result.

From the NAS drive setup menus, select the desired

•

backup format and schedule. We recommend
selecting a weekly, time-stamped, differential
backup. The initial backup may take a considerable
time to complete.

Note: The backup process may reduce UnitiServe response

speed while it is underway. It is best to schedule backups
to run at times when the UnitiServe is unlikely to be in use.

Note: A differential backup only records changes that

have occurred since the last backup.

Note: If a separate NAS drive is used for rip storage in

addition to the UnitiServe internal storage, this must itself
be backed-up. The same NAS drive should not be used for
both primary rip storage and backup.

Note: As well as using a NAS drive for backup it is also

possible to use an automatic backup application running
on a network connected computer. This option however
requires sufficient hard disk space always to be available
on the computer, and that the computer is left running
permanently to ensure that scheduled backups are not
missed.

Note: UnitiServe must be switched on for automated

backups to take place.

5

Installation - Getting Connected

3 Getting Connected

UnitiServe carries a variety of connection sockets on its rear panel. These are illustrated
and described in the following diagrams and paragraphs. The numeric legends on the
rear panel diagram refer to the numbered paragraphs in Section 3.2.

3.1 UnitiServe Rear Panel

power

switch

power

input

socket

3.2.11

3.2.1

mouse

socket

3.2.2

serial

interface

keyboard
socket

3.2.10

3.2.3

network

socket

VGA
display
interface

3.2.9

output socket (optical)

USB
interface
sockets

3.2.8

3.2 UnitiServe Connections

3.2.1 Mouse Socket

Optionally connect a PS2 format mouse here to control
UnitiServe in combination with an external display.

3.2.2 Serial Interface

For use if UnitiServe is to be integrated into an RS232
controlled environment.

3.2.3 Network Socket

Connect to your network router here. UnitiServe requires a
working internet connection.

3.2.4 Optical Digital Audio Output

TosLink optical S/PDIF digital audio for connection to an
audio system digital input.

3.2.5 Remote Input

Optionally connect an RC5 control signal here for local
control of the UnitiServe from an IR control repeater.

3.2.4

digital audio

S-video and
composite video
sockets

3.2.7

3.2.6 Coax Digital Audio Outputs

3.2.7 S-video and Composite Video Sockets

3.2.8 USB Interface Sockets

3.2.9 VGA Interface

3.2.10 Keyboard Socket

3.2.5

remote
input socket

digital audio
output socket (coaxial)

3.2.6

Coaxial BNC S/PDIF digital audio for connection to an audio
system digital input.

Connect an S-video or composite video screen (television)
here for display of the UnitiServe External Display Interface.

USB control devices, such as a keyboard, mouse or touch
screen, or audio source devices such as memory sticks
may be connected here. USB source devices can be
made available across a network.

Optionally connect a VGA format screen here to display
the UnitiServe External Display Interface.

Optionally connect a PS2 format keyboard here to control
UnitiServe in combination with an external display.

3.2.11 Power Input Socket

Connect the supplied External Power Supply to the Power

Input socket and to a mains power outlet.

6

Operation - The Display Inter face

4 The Display Interface

As described in Section 1.1, UnitiServe can be controlled via a number of different
interfaces. This section covers the Display Interface.

The Display Interface is a graphical interface based on navigation around pages and
selection of icons. The Display Interface is fundamentally the same when viewed and
operated via an external display and keyboard/mouse, a touch screen, or a web
browser.

The following paragraphs and illustrations describe how the Display Interface is used
to access some of the most frequently used UnitiServe functions. Other functions can
be accessed by following the same principles of interface navigation and selection. A
navigation diagram showing the top levels of the interface can be found in Section 8. The
optional Naim Server Remote Handset is illustrated and its functions described in Section

4.9.

4.1 The Home Menu

The Home menu, illustrated below as it appears on the
web interface, is the menu from which all other interface
menus can be accessed. Select an option to access it.
Select back ( ) to return to the previous menu.

The icons stacked vertically on the right hand side of the
menu provide shortcuts to the home ( ), browse ( ) and

find ( ) menus, and the back ( ) button. These icons

remain present in all menus.

Selecting each of the options on the Home menu provides
the following pages and functions.

Now Playing: Displays the track currently playing, its

associated information and any associated artwork.
Selecting the Now Playing screen will also open a
temporary, floating transport control window containing
play/pause ( / ), step backwards ( ), step forwards ( ),
shuffle ( ) and repeat buttons ( ).

Note: If no track is playing the Now Playing information will

be blank.

Browse Music: Provides access to the library of music

stored on UnitiServe and on any network or USB connected
storage media. See Section 4.2.

Find Music: Provides access to search functions that

enable material stored on UnitiServe and on any network
or USB connected storage media to be located. See
Section 4.3.

Ripping Monitor: Displays progress during ripping. See

Section 4.4.

Current Playlist: Displays details of the tracks in the current

playlist with options to clear the playlist, remove tracks, or
save the playlist with a new name. If no user playlist has
been selected, the tracks of the currently playing album
will be displayed along with options to “remove” tracks
and to save an edited version of the album as a playlist.
See Section 4.5.

Playlists: Displays a screen showing all the saved playlists

together with options to play, edit and delete. See Section

4.6.

Quick Play: Selects a menu offering quick playback

options. See Section 4.7.

System Setup: Provides access to UnitiServe system setup

functions and status information. See Section 4.8.

7