NAS Transcoding

Waz, this is usually a function of the server loaded on the NAS.  If Twonky cannot do this (Best check on this as upnp server software is continually developing) then you might wish to try an alternative that can.  I use Asset but this needs to run on Windows, so cannot be accomodated by most NAS drives and needs to be running on a network connected windows computer.

Hi Waz,

I had a Qnap with built in Twonky UPNP server: worked well but could not transcode to wav.

I changed it to Synology with its UPNP server and it transcodes very well.

If the UPNP server does not natively transcode, as Richard says, the only alternative is to change UPNP server (i.e. use a "stand alone" one with your current NAS) or get a new NAS that incorporates a transcode capable UPNP server (like I did).

All the best.

Stefano

I second the Synology recommendation.  I use a DS212j to transcode FLAC to WAV and it works very well with my NDX and NStream...

Hi Waz

The ReadyNAS drives that run the x86 firmware can now handle WAV files very well indeed (about 6 months now), I don’t know if the latest Duo firmware can do this now as well, maybe worth a try?

Of course if you are using compressed flac files converting them to WAV on the Duo will significantly increase the storage space required. Uncompressed flac I have found are slightly larger than their equivalent WAV files.

My preference is also to use WAV files and have re-ripped or converted my entire collection; well worth the effort IMHO.

Regards

Peter

Hi Waz,  I also use Asset. However I keep my upnp/DLNA server seperate from my NAS, which is a ReadyNAS. I run my Asset on a micro PC running Windows Home Server. The micro PC is no larger than a large text book, and is headless and usually fanless and doesn't appear to get even warm. It also runs my Apple iPad/iPhone print server to get around the ridiculous apple iPad print challanges..

Asset has never crashed on me in nearly 12 months and WHS just works nice and simple.

Simon

> It also runs my Apple iPad/iPhone print server to get around the ridiculous Apple iPad print challenges.

Simon sorry to hear that - I just point to my HP printer from my IPad and it printers over the wireless network using AirPrint. If you haven't got an AirPrint aware printer then there is an App from Collobos called FingerPrint that you could try. 

> Synology recommendation.

Stefano/SKD you may have helped me set aside one of the two NDS show stoppers ... a non-Windows UPnP server that can transcode - now if Naim can fix my other gripe about upgrading the software then I'm there. Thank you, Guy. 

Guy - Thanks that is exactly the app I use so all my networked printers whether lasers or quality photo repro can all be used by my family's  iPhones and iPad. Cracking bit of software that runs perfectly on WHS.

Simon

Simon, what MicroPC are you using? I'm looking at getting one of the Shuttle bare bones boxes and building a new server. My current server is an old XP box that runs BIND as a local DNS server, Softalk mail and share servers and used to run Logitech Media Server, but I now use the QNAP NAS for this. 

I intend to get an NDS later this year and run Asset.

Thanks, Dave.

Hi Dave, I usea little Asus micro PC, but unfortunately it's not available any more. If you look on eBay you often see surplus ones. The key thing is the WHS operating system. I'll have a look to see if I can see any that look suitable.

Simon

Ok had a quick look there seem to be quite a choice of Acer and Asus Intel Atom based miniPCs which have tiny form factor, but they come with fully fledged Windows 7 OS which isn't really necessary for   This sort of basic server function.

Thanks Simon, so far I've steered clear of WHS , but will take a look at what it offers. It's probably overkill, but I'd been planning to use an i5 so there's plenty in reserve in case the mail server ends up with some work to do while the uPnP/DLNA server is streaming something hi def.

Dave, for what's it worth this is what I use

http://www.pcpro.co.uk/reviews...-home-server-ts-mini

Thanks. The Synology sounds interesting as it can also transcode video to my PS3 via Plex. Will investigate.

Thanks Simon, was distracted by Rosol whooping Nadal's arse... World class tennis or what!?!!

Simon,

Two questions for you if I may,

1. I have a WHS dedicated server (from Ripcaster) - would I be able to install FingerPrint on that....if so would cure a big home networking and printing problem

2. I run asset and want to stream WAV via wired, but step it down to MP3 for wireless streaming.....do you know if that is at all possible

Best, David

Hi David,

1) i see no reason why FingerPrint shouldn't work on your WHS. Good thing is that there is a trial version of FingerPrint, it watermarks anything printed, but at least you can try it before it you buy it to make sure it works.

2) Yes you can, but only if your Network player is different on the wired from the wireless. (ie differnt make or software). Asset in advanced settings has a feature called 'Settings Override (Control Point Specific)'. There you can match a network player name and tell Asset to transcode or use simpliefied menus or whatever. I do exactly this. My NDX is transcoded to WAV if FLAC, otherwise send WAV on my wired network, and my PURE Evoke Flow radio I transcode everything to MP3 and send it simplified menus via wireless.

Simon

Simon, 

Thanks on both. The second solution solves a long standing headache. I was running a separate server up to this point to serve up music to the bedroom / kitchen. I will try my hand at customizing weekend after next when I get back. 

Cheers, David

Simon, 

Back home and not having a lot of luck here. I see the Edit Override settings. But I am a little unclear which field to change and when I make a change it seems to apply to all. 

Here is the what I see 

SimpleBrowse]

=PLAYSTATION 3
[ForceToWAVE]
*

=AssetControl
[NoAssetPrependTrackNum]
[NoAssetTrackWantFrontArtist]
[NoAssetTrackWantEndArtist]
[NoAssetAlbumArtist]
[NoAssetMultiDiscTrackTitle]

={no-identification}
[NoAssetPrependTrackNum]
[NoAssetTrackWantFrontArtist]
[NoAssetTrackWantEndArtist]
[NoAssetAlbumArtist]

=Xbox
[ForceToLPCM]
*
[NoForce]
.mp3

=ChorusDS
[NoAssetPrependTrackNum]

=BDP-8
[ForceToLPCM]
*

Any hint? 

Cheers