REFERENCE MANUAL
UNITISERVE-SSD HARD DISK PLAYER
ENGLISH
Contents
Section Page
Contents
1 UnitiServe-SSD Hard Disk Player Introduction 1
1.1 UnitiServe-SSD User Interfaces 1
1.2 UnitiServe-SSD 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 3
2.6 First Use 4
2.7 Software Upgrade 4
2.8 Switching Off 4
2.9 Data Backup 4
3 Getting Connected 6
3.1 UnitiServe-SSD Rear Panel 6
3.2 UnitiServe-SSD 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
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
8 Interface Menu Structure 21
9 Hard Disk Player Terminology 22
10 UnitiServe-SSD 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-SSD units running software release version 1.5a SP1.
1
Introduction
1 UnitiServe-SSD Hard Disk Player Introduction
Your UnitiServe-SSD hard disk player will completely change the way you access and
listen to your music collection. While UnitiServe-SSD may look like a CD player and can
play CDs conventionally, it is intended to operate in a fundamentally different way.
• Rather than reproducing the audio on a CD inserted in its transport, UnitiServe-SSD
reads and stores the CD data on a network connected hard disk drive for replay
at any later time. Network stored files can be either audio files ripped from CD or
compatible audio files created by other means.
• UnitiServe-SSD 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-SSD can provide up to
six NaimNet/StreamNet network streams for playback in multiple remote areas.
• When UnitiServe-SSD 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-SSD 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-SSD user interface.
• UnitiServe-SSD is able to operate as a conventional CD player. A CD inserted in
the transport can be played immediately with its audio routed to its digital audio
outputs.
The mode of control and operation of your UnitiServe-SSD will depend upon the type
of system with which it is integrated. These different “user interfaces” are introduced in
Section 1.1.
If UnitiServe-SSD 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-SSD User Interfaces
Unlike a conventional item of hi-fi equipment, UnitiServeSSD can be operated in a number of different ways using
a variety of user interfaces. The user interface you use
to control your UnitiServe-SSD 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-SSD 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-SSD 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-SSD 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-SSD
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-SSD name.
2
Introduction
1.1.3 The Desktop Client
If UnitiServe-SSD 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.
1.1.4 The NaimNet/StreamNet Touch Screen Interface
If UnitiServe-SSD is installed in a NaimNet home network,
UnitiServe-SSD 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-SSD Interface Options
Interface Control Display Notes
External Display Remote handset. TV or monitor with VGA, Controls UnitiServe-SSD 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-SSD 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-SSD 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.
1.1.5 iPod/iPhone App
The n-Serve app, available from the iTunes App Store,
enables wireless touch screen control of UnitiServe-SSD
from an iPhone or iPod touch.
3
Installation - Getting Started
2 Getting Started
The UnitiServe-SSD is a CD-ripping hard disk player and server. It incorporates no built-in
storage but requires an external network attached storage disk drive (a NAS drive) to be
connected and configured before it can be used. Configuring a NAS drive is described in
Section 7 of this manual.
UnitiServe-SSD must be connected to a network to stream music around the home, or to
take advantage of many of its user interfaces. It must also be connected to the internet
to retrieve album data and artwork from the internet, It is important that the network is
working when UnitiServe-SSD is connected and switched on.
UnitiServe-SSD should be installed horizontally on a dedicated equipment stand intended
for the purpose. Do not stand UnitiServe-SSD directly on top of another item of equipment.
UnitiServe-SSD should be installed in its final location before connecting cables or
switching on.
Locally connected audio amplifiers should not be switched on before UnitiServe-SSD is
switched on. The UnitiServe-SSD 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.
2.1 Internet/Network Connections
Unitiserve-SSD requires a connection to network attached
storage in order to operate, and an “always on” internet
connection if its full capabilities are to be realised. It should
be connected to the internet via an ethernet router/
modem with a built-in firewall
The network connection also enables UnitiServe-SSD to
communicate with other network devices, to be used in a
NaimNet/StreamNet network audio system, and provides
access to its alternative user interfaces.
UnitiServe-SSD 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-SSD 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.
2.1.1 Network Hardware
Conventional ethernet network connection is strongly
recommended for the most consistent and secure
UnitiServe-SSD 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-SSD is powered by an external power supply.
Connect the output cable of the power supply to the
UnitiServe-SSD 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-SSD 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-SSD’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-SSD using the rear panel power switch.
Note: If UnitiServe-SSD 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 (
3456), ok,
home and back keys.
2.5 External Screen Setup
If an external display is used, the UnitiServe-SSD 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
Note: Ensure that the unit
has adequate ventilation.
The ambient temperature
in the vicinity of the unit
should not exceed 35°C.
4
Installation - Getting Started
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
Before attempting to rip a CD you must ensure that the
necessary Network Attached Storage (NAS) disk drive is
appropriately configured, connected to the network, and
switched on. Section 7 of this manual describes the use
and configuration of external storage.
To rip a CD, insert the CD into the transport slot. The ripping
process will begin automatically. When CD ripping is
complete UnitiServe-SSD 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-SSD 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-SSD. 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-SSD 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-SSD 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-SSD 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-SSD 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 UnitiServeSSD from the rear panel power switch.
Never switch off UnitiServe-SSD from the rear panel power
switch or unplug it from the mains supply unless it is in
shutdown mode.
To switch UnitiServe-SSD back on from shutdown mode, the
power switch must be switched off and on again.
2.9 Data Backup
We strongly advise that you protect your stored music by
implementing a regular backup to a second NAS hard disk
drive.
Backups should only be performed over the network and
we recommend that weekly, automated time-stamped,
differential backups are carried out.
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 backup NAS drive and UnitiServe-
SSD Music Store NAS drive are on the same network
and switched on. Read the backup 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-SSD
NAS Backup”.
•
Again from the NAS drive setup menus, create a new
“backup job”. Select a remote, time-stamp backup
and type the UnitiServe-SSD NAS drive network
“name” or “address” (“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.
•
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.
5
Installation - Getting Started
Note: The backup process may reduce UnitiServe-SSD
response speed while it is underway. It is best to schedule
backups to run at times when the UnitiServe-SSD is unlikely
to be in use.
Note: A differential backup only records changes that
have occurred since the last 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 that the computer is left running permanently to
ensure that scheduled backups are not missed.
6
Installation - Getting Connected
3 Getting Connected
UnitiServe-SSD 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.
3.2 UnitiServe-SSD Connections
3.2.1 Mouse Socket
Optionally connect a PS2 format mouse here to control
UnitiServe-SSD in combination with an external display.
3.2.2 Serial Interface
For use if UnitiServe-SSD is to be integrated into an RS232
controlled environment.
3.2.3 Network Socket
Connect to your network router here. UnitiServe-SSD
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-SSD from an IR control repeater.
3.2.6 Coax Digital Audio Output
Coaxial BNC S/PDIF digital audio for connection to an audio
system digital input.
3.2.7 S-video and Composite Video Sockets
Connect an S-video or composite video screen (television)
here for display of the UnitiServe-SSD External Display
Interface.
3.2.8 USB Interface Sockets
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.
3.2.9 VGA Interface
Optionally connect a VGA format screen here to display
the UnitiServe-SSD External Display Interface.
3.2.10 Keyboard Socket
Optionally connect a PS2 format keyboard here to control
UnitiServe-SSD 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.
3.1 UnitiServe-SSD Rear Panel
3.2.10
3.2.11
keyboard
socket
3.2.9
VGA
display
interface
network
socket
3.2.3
power
input
socket
power
switch
digital audio
output socket (coaxial)
remote
input socket
digital audio
output socket (optical)
mouse
socket
3.2.1
3.2.2
serial
interface
USB
interface
sockets
3.2.8
S-video and
composite video
sockets
3.2.7
3.2.4
3.2.6
3.2.5
7
Operation - The Display Interface
4 The Display Interface
As described in Section 1.1, UnitiServe-SSD 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-SSD 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-SSD 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-SSD 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-SSD system
setup functions and status information. See Section 4.8.
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