Naim Audio UnitiServe User Manual
REFERENCE MANUAL
UNITISERVE HARD DISK PLAYER
ENGLISH
Contents
Section Page
Contents
1 UnitiServe Hard Disk Player Introduction 1
1.1 UnitiServe User Interfaces 2
1.2 UnitiServe Interface Options 3
2 Getting Started 4
2.1 Internet/Network Connections 4
2.2 Power Supply Connection 4
2.3 Audio Connection 4
2.4 Switch On 4
2.5 External Screen Setup 5
2.6 First Use 5
2.7 Software Upgrade 5
2.8 Switching Off 5
2.9 Data Backup 5
5 Playback 18
5.1 Local Playback 18
5.2 NaimNet Network Playback 18
5.3 UPnP™ Network Playback 18
6 Ripping 19
6.1 The Ripping Process 19
6.2 Copyright Issues 19
7 External Storage 20
7.1 USB Storage Devices 20
7.2 Network Shares 20
7.3 Music Stores 20
7.4 Adding a Music Store 21
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 Internet Radio Menu 9
4.5 The Current Playlist Screen 10
4.6 Playlists 11
4.7 The Quick Play Menu 12
4.8 The System Menu 12
4.9 Naim Server Remote Handset Functions 17
8 Interface Menu Structure 23
9 Internal Storage of External Data 24
9.1 Accessing The Downloads Folder 24
9.2 Copying to The Downloads Folder 25
10 Hard Disk Player Terminology 26
11 UnitiServe Specifications 28
12 User Notes 28
13 Commercial Acknowledgements 29
13.1 DigiFi End-user License Agreement 29
13.2 StreamNet Acknowledgement 29
13.3 Adobe Flash Acknowledgement 29
Note: This manual is issue No. 5 and describes the operation of
UnitiServe units running software release version 1.7a. UnitiServe
units running earlier software will not operate fully in the
manner described in this manual. The software running in an
UnitiServe is displayed in the System Status menu.
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.
• The UnitiServe can store CD data in FLAC and WAV formats and in parallel create
and store lower resolution MP3 copies for use in applications where smaller files are
advantageous. It can also store and play audio data copied from external sources
in a variety of formats and resolutions (including high resolution).
• 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. Artwork is downloaded and stored at up to
1280 x 1280 pixel resolution for use on UnitiServe interface hardware, such as an iPad
and the n-Serve app, able to display high resolution images.
• 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 UnitiServe can play internet radio streams and access a list of available stations
from the vTuner.com internet radio server. Up to 99 iRadio stations can be saved as
favourites. iRadio streams can be played via the UnitiServe digital audio output.
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
Introduction
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.
1.1.3 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.
1.1.4 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.
1.1.5 The Desktop Client
If the 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 comprehensive operational,
search and background functionality. The Desktop Client is
covered in a separate manual that can be downloaded
from the Naim Audio web site at www.naimaudio.com.
1.1.6 n-Serve for Mac OS X
If the UnitiServe is installed in a home network that includes
a personal computer running Mac OS X Version 10.7
or above, it can be operated using the n-Serve OS X
application available for download from the Mac App
Store. n-Serve for OS X provides comprehensive operational,
search and background functionality.
1.1.7 n-Serve for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch
The n-Serve iOS app, available from the iTunes App Store,
enables wireless touch screen control of UnitiServe from an
iPhone, iPad or iPod touch.
2
Introduction
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.
n-Serve for OS X Computer running Mac OS X, Provides music database management and
10.7 or above. advanced UnitiServe setup functions. Controls
primary local output only. Network connection
required.
n-Serve for iOS iPhone, iPad or iPod touch Controls UnitiServe local output only.
Wireless network connection required.
NaimNet/StreamNet StreamNet compliant network touch screen. Controls network streams only.
Does not control local output.
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.
3
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 (3456), ok,
home and back keys.
4
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 Settings 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.
2.8 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.
Implementing regular backups to a network share can be
set up via the UnitiServe System menu. This is described in
Section 4.8.4.
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.
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 Interface
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.
Home Menu
Now Playing
Browse Music
Find Music
Internet Radio
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.
Current Playlist
Playlists
Quick Play
System
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.
Internet Radio: Provides access to the UnitiServe internet
radio functions enabling stations to be browsed and
selected, and presets to be stored and recalled. Access
details for the vTuner.com internet radio portal are also
provided. 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: Provides access to UnitiServe system setup
functions and status information. See Section 4.8.
7
Operation - The Display Interface
4.2 The Browse Music Menu
Selecting Browse Music from the Home menu will open the
browse menu, illustrated below, and provide access to the
library of tracks held either locally on the UnitiServe or on
any available network or USB storage device.
Albums: Displays an alphabetical list of material sorted by
album. The menu also provides options of Play, Add to.. (a
playlist), Tracks, Info and View.
Artists: Displays an alphabetical list of material sorted by
artist. The menu also provides options of Play, Add to.. (a
playlist), and Info.
Note: The icon to the left of the album name indicates the
file location - local ( ), USB ( ) or network ( ).
Genres: Displays an alphabetical list of the genres assigned
to albums. The menu also provides options to Play, Add to..
(a playlist), and Albums (within each genre).
Composers: Displays an alphabetical list of material sorted
by composer. The menu also provides options to Play, Add
to.. (a playlist), and Albums (by each composer).
Conductors: Displays an alphabetical list of material sorted
by conductor. The menu also provides options to Play, Add
to.. (a playlist), and Albums (by each conductor).
Performers: Displays an alphabetical list of material sorted
by performer. The menu also provides options to Play, Add
to.. (a playlist), and Albums (featuring each performer).
Music Location: Opens a menu, illustrated below, showing
the music storage locations available to UnitiServe.
Selecting one of the locations restricts browsing (or
searching) to that location.
Note: If no external storage (USB or network) is connected
this screen will not display. The interface will remain at the
CD Collection browse menu.
All Music - music stored both locally (on UnitiServe’s
internal hard disk) and on all connected storage
hardware.
CD Collection - music stored on UnitiServe’s internal hard
disk or on network shared locations converted to the status
of Music Stores. See Sections 4.8.3, 4.8.4 and 7 for more on
Network Shares and Music Stores
USB Music - music stored on locally connected USB devices
(a memory stick for example).
Network Music - music stored on network connected
hardware (a network hard disk or a shared folder on a
computer).
Note: Network storage converted to Music Store status will
not be included in the Network Music menu.
Selecting play from any of the Browse menus will clear the
current playlist, start playing the selected item and display
the Now Playing screen, illustrated below, which shows the
track playing, the artist, the album title and any available
artwork. Touching or clicking in the screen will then open
a temporary floating transport control window containing
play/pause ( / ), step backwards ( ), step forwards ( ),
shuffle ( ) and repeat buttons ( ).
Note: Selecting the handset Home key twice at any time
will open the Now Playing screen.
8
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