External touch screen for UnitiServe?

Posted by: aysil on 27 December 2010

I prefer the external display interface for UnitiServe and found this touchscreen:

The size just fits neatly on top of the UnitiServe. Does anyone have other suggestions for external touch-screeen?

It's a pity that I can not control UnitiServe and UnitiQute from the same interface. They are made to complement each other, but they can not even be controlled from the same remote control. I am not a fan of remotes and prefer to control directly from the device: It would be nice to control both from the same external touchscreen.

Posted on: 28 December 2010 by garyi

I presume the serve is compatible as its a USB device not a VGA one?

Posted on: 28 December 2010 by Tog

If you wait a few months - you should be able to use the native resolution of the Vort ....no the IPad n-stream app.
The touch screen looks kind of ugly and surely the point of streaming is that control should be mobile.

Tog

Posted on: 28 December 2010 by AMA

quote:
and surely the point of streaming is that control should be mobile.

Good point. Can anyone tell me how prompt is iPad/iTouch/iPhone in controlling nServe or HDX?

Is it the same as NARCOM on Naim CDPs or slower?

Posted on: 28 December 2010 by Tog

quote:
Originally posted by AllenB:
quote:
Originally posted by AMA:
quote:
and surely the point of streaming is that control should be mobile.

Good point. Can anyone tell me how prompt is iPad/iTouch/iPhone in controlling nServe or HDX?

Is it the same as NARCOM on Naim CDPs or slower?

Instantaneous (yes, really!)

Unlike the n-stream app which loads an update through wireless at every screen change (yawn!)

Interested in n-stream what aspects of the Serve can you control?

Tog

Posted on: 28 December 2010 by aysil

I don't plan to have an iPad and I don't need a mobile control. The only argument could be to control all Naim devices from one interface, but I think this does not apply to n-stream either.

Posted on: 28 December 2010 by Tog

Thanks, misstype on my iPad or Freudian slip or simple stupidity. Look forward to trying one out in a few days ...how much control of the serve do you get?

Tog

Posted on: 28 December 2010 by AMA

Allen, I must be stupid again -- why do you need Qute once you have Serve with S/PDIF ?

Posted on: 29 December 2010 by Tog

Thanks Allen - one of the most informative posts I've seen - with no axe to grind - fabulous.

Makes me very tempted to try the Serve - especially as it will draw together all my files (including the Vortexbox Server)

You are right about the remote 2.0 control point - it is a fantastic way to control your music library

Tog

Posted on: 29 December 2010 by AMA

Allen -- you put a lot of considerations in your posts. Thanks again.

Did you try nServe vs INT202 in hi-res? Still no difference in quality?

Posted on: 29 December 2010 by Peter_RN

Hello Allen

So now I need a Serve?

Thanks again for your detailed post. We have been coming to the conclusion that maybe this would be the answer to the unreliable server on our NAS. Albums disappear or don't play so there is a compatibility problem with it. I don't think you said, did you go for the SSD version of Serve?

The OP posed the question of using a touch screen to control the serve and this would be my preferred way of it's control; we do not use any wireless.
Are you able to advise if there is a control point type of application built in or would it be more a case of viewing the file structure and selecting from that?

There are no U/Serves locally so will be travelling to see one, any advanced info who be much appreciated.

Best wishes for the New Year
Peter

Posted on: 29 December 2010 by Develyn

I posted some screenshots of the UnitiServe awhile ago. Heres the link. http://www.flickr.com/photos/1...s/72157624623494755/

*This is the browser version, not sure what is used when direct connected via monitor.

Posted on: 29 December 2010 by Peter_RN

Develyn.........Many thanks; a useful insight.

Peter

Posted on: 29 December 2010 by Peter_RN

Hi Allen

Thanks are due again for your helpful information. Your observation concerning the Qute's radio could not be more accurate, it is essential to the way we use ours, listening many hours over the course of a week. We would not want to lose the FM tuner. I guess that it is easy to over emphisise the problem of albums not/stopping playing compared to the total number available, but I find this incredibly irritating; my CD's don't do this so why should the Server?

We do indeed navigate via remote/screen and this works well, we have tried a couple of control points but none are yet 'perfect'. Lack of wireless is not really a problem, we have 8 RJ45 points in our lounge alone so are never more than a few feet from a socket; it is the shortage of effective control software that makes it difficult. I guess that is what you ment.

With your explanations and Develyn's screenshots we have a much better understanding of the possibilities and a good chance of getting the most from our visit. I already have a much clearer idea of the questions to ask.

Thanks again, regards
Peter

Posted on: 30 December 2010 by Tog

quote:
Originally posted by Develyn:
I posted some screenshots of the UnitiServe awhile ago. Heres the link. http://www.flickr.com/photos/1...s/72157624623494755/

*This is the browser version, not sure what is used when direct connected via monitor.

@Develyn - great shots of the UnitiServe browser - Much prefer the design of this interface - clean and uncluttered - what happened when they got to n-stream? Perhaps this bodes well for the iPad app.

This level of control brings the UnitiServe very close to Vortexbox in features - although I know the Serve can do much more. The VB interface clearly lacks the class of the Serve although I'm still amazed by what VB can do for the cost of a blank CD.

Comparing a VW Beetle with a Porsche - both do similar jobs but which one do I want to take for a drive. My head (and wallet) say one thing but....

Tog

Posted on: 30 December 2010 by Tog

@Allen - thanks for your advice - now have UnitiServe on order.

Tog

Posted on: 30 December 2010 by Peter_RN

Hello Allen

Once again a hugely useful post, thank you.

We really need to see a Serve to fully appreciate some of what you are saying, each time you post you have given us new information and ideas as to how this might fit into our situation. I spoke to the dealer yesterday and we both now think it better to wait until the New Year to arrange a day to visit. We were thinking of going today but delaying will give me more time to consider the options and ensure he is able to show us what we need to see.

The Serve will without any doubt in our minds do its job well; it’s all down to how to control it. I think your idea of a netbook might well be preferable to a touchscreen on reflection; the rack is some distance from the listening position so would just be more convenient. The idea of moving the Qute out is quite appealing actually; it was initially intended for another room so might finally arrive. The problem then of course is finding a tuner to replace it. Decisions, decisions, isn’t this meant to be fun?

Thanks again for all your help.
Peter

BTW, small admission, an XPS now resides on the nDAC. Other issues, including the need to split the rack if we wanted one, meant we had to try one sooner than intended. Once fitted………………

Posted on: 30 December 2010 by Tog

@Allen

When the UnitiServe scans for music files on a network share - does it pickup full metadata including cover art?

Tog

Posted on: 31 December 2010 by AMA

quote:
I really hate (huge tongue-in-cheek) Naim with their PS philosophy!

Allen, did you ever come across KDS?

Posted on: 31 December 2010 by Tog

quote:
Originally posted by AllenB:
quote:
Originally posted by Tog:
@Allen

When the UnitiServe scans for music files on a network share - does it pickup full metadata including cover art?

Tog

DTC?

Tog (bit dim this morning)

Hi Tog

Congrats on your Serve order!

Yes, the n-serve app will display metadata via the 'Info' button, but usually not as extensive as the CD rips it does itself (which are usually very detailed and extensive). I guess this depends on the original rip, so you will normally get Track Info (Track name, Artist, Album, Genre & Track Length) plus File Info (File Type, File Format & File Location).

For album art you have to ensure you place a 'folder.jpg' in each album folder (on the shared folder), no jpg, no album art. On a few a occasions (maybe 1 in 20 or 30 or more) it doesn't seem to want to pick up the jpg, in which case I normally do a rescan of the network share (via 'Manage Networks'), if that doesn't work I will force it through the DTC and 'Upload Cover Art' in the 'Properties' of that album.

Other point to note is that when you add stuff to your shared folder you should run a rescan of the network shares to pick up the new stuff. This cannot be done via n-serve, only via the GUI interface or the DTC. I have the Serve as a bookmark on my Safari and just access it that way for this sort of general housekeeping. For uploading album art, you can only do this via the DTC which requires a Windows environment, I have periodic sessions with the DTC in Bootcamp on my MacBook, just to check everything is tickety-boo.

Allen

Posted on: 31 December 2010 by Peter_RN

quote:
Originally posted by AllenB:

I really hate (huge tongue-in-cheek) Naim with their PS philosophy! They just work don't they

Yes, why is that? I fear it’s dabbling with the dark side.

quote:
PS. Just one other thing to consider, you can get very long VGA cables, so that does not necessarily rule out a touchscreen sitting next to your listening area. I know, I know, more options . But forearmed, etc etc....

Ohh and beware of touch-screens that are powered by USB (as the OP), you need a VGA type for hooking up to a Serve (HP/Compaq, Dell)

All dully noted and added to my list, thank you. I’m thinking; we may need to book a Hotel for this visit!

All the very best.
Peter

Posted on: 31 December 2010 by Aleg

quote:
Originally posted by Tog:
DTC?

Tog (bit dim this morning)

Tog

DeskTop Client

-
aleg

Posted on: 31 December 2010 by AMA

quote:
No Linn dealers in the Channel Isles AFAIK.

Anyone -- show Tiefenbrun a map of The Channel!

Posted on: 31 December 2010 by Tog

quote:
Originally posted by Aleg:
quote:
Originally posted by Tog:
DTC?

Tog (bit dim this morning)

Tog

DeskTop Client

-
aleg

so no mac access .... no more total control of Nas via IPad ...hmmm

Tog

Posted on: 31 December 2010 by Aleg

quote:
Originally posted by Tog:
quote:
Originally posted by Aleg:
quote:
Originally posted by Tog:
DTC?

Tog (bit dim this morning)

Tog

DeskTop Client

-
aleg

so no mac access .... no more total control of Nas via IPad ...hmmm

Tog

Quote from Allen

quote:
I have periodic sessions with the DTC in Bootcamp on my MacBook

Posted on: 31 December 2010 by Tog

quote:
Originally posted by Aleg:
quote:
Originally posted by Tog:
quote:
Originally posted by Aleg:
quote:
Originally posted by Tog:
DTC?

Tog (bit dim this morning)

Tog

DeskTop Client

-
aleg

so no mac access .... no more total control of Nas via IPad ...hmmm

Tog

Quote from Allen

quote:
I have periodic sessions with the DTC in Bootcamp on my MacBook

and that makes it better? - how about WINE - does anyone use WINE to access DTC?

Tog