Options for operating the NDX?

Naim servers can be controlled from a Flash-capable web browser; the Naim streamers, on the other hand, require control from a UPnP control point application if you wish to stream from a UPnP server to the device.

There are applications available for iOS, Android and other Linux-based devices, as well as desktop applications which can be used to control UPnP streams to the NDX.

However–if you want full system control, including iPod browsing, Internet Radio and input selection / volume control, you really are best served with an iOS device such as an iPad or iPod touch–these are relatively inexpensive and work exceptionally well with the n-Stream application (designed and developed by Naim themselves).

Whatever your reasons for avoiding an Apple device, well–no one else on the planet is making a better tablet form factor for the money at the moment....

I agree with Mario - I would much prefer browser control. I know I'm not the only one who uses a tv screen connected to a pc to control Foobar when using my Uniti. Browser control of the  whole system would be a good step forward and would be accessible for everyone - Apple user or not.

There are very good reasons for avoiding an Apple device - the main one being locked in to proprietary technology from a company that is commercially rapacious. It is ridiculous that I can buy a physical CD on the high street (let alone the internet!) for less than the cost of the downloads from the iTunes store. I actually do have an iPod touch and when I sync it I am told there is updated software available - I click the link and find I have to purchase it from the iTunes store! It works as a  source of basically  listenable quality music to take on holiday and a way of passing round holiday snaps so it gets used only a few times a year. If I needed a tablet pc (and right now I can't see why I would) then I would by a cheaper higher spec alternative that uses open source software. I did consider a mac mini  for my audio/visual system but the lack of any one of flac, blu-ray or HDMI support was enough to put me off.

I know that a lot of people on here are Apple fanatics and that's fine if Naim want to support their needs but don't shove the rest of us into their walled garden!

Pev,

I agree with most of what you say regarding Apple and why you dont get along with them.  For example, I synced my GF's new iPhone to my iTunes.  It saw it as a new phone and I told itunes to "set-up as a new phone" when prompted. 

It then proceeded (without warning) to add all of my apps to her phone, and delete hers.  Apps weren't even ticked to be synced.  It wasn't until I remembered the DREADED "Authorize this device on this computer" BS that I could get it to sync correctly.

Then for over 3 hours I fought with iTunes "Lost Connections" trying to download the newest software update.  It would get about 90% finished and abort.  When resuming it had to re-download the entire file.  Great.  She needed to use her phone so I elected to "Download Only" (not Download and Install).  It finished, i plugged in her iPhone, hit update, and it started ALL over again downloading the update.  Finally it came through but the phone had to be connected the entire time.

I don't even want to get into the whole limitations and strange behavior surrounding syncing to more than one computer.  Sometimes it works flawlessly, other times it errors and deletes all my apps, videos or music.  I sync contacts and calendar at work.  I sync music, videos and photos at home.  This would seem typical to me.  Every time I plug in the iPhone/Pad, I cringe at what is going to pop up when I hit sync.  Some times there is not issue.  It is all very bizarre.

But I can say the iPhone and iPad are fantastic pieces of hardware.  Any headaches, bigger phone bills, or limitations are fully worth the pain.  I love them both, although i prefer the much faster performance, and better screen on the iPhone4.  The iPad is usually reserved for controlling Foobar and J River from the couch.

I cannot find a way to get along with the Mac OS, or iTunes (on either platform).  I have tried and it just isn't for me.  But Apple hardware is top notch in my opinion.  Buy without hesitation.

-patrick

Trying our best to get away from the apple bitch fest there is a reason you cannot control the NDX from a browser, and thats because its a music renderer.

It gets its music from a server, and if there is a bit in between its call the 'control point', i.e. an iPod or iPad.

All of this is dealt with via UPNP, not flash, a browser or anything else.

There are options however.  What you are after is a 'control point'

I cannot help on PC for specific software, as I am a mac person, who for what it is worth have never had an issue syncing iPods, but hey ho.

On mac songbook works well, Asset is mentioned a lot for PC but I think that might be server.

So anyhow goto google and type in control point software for PC and try some of the things out. once the software is installed an launched you should see any renderers such as the NDX and any servers, i.e. anything that is broadcasting your music via UPNP such as a NAS, the control point simply 'bridges' the two from a location on neither.

Hope that makes sense.

Try "Asset Control".

It is a free software and works well on Windows PC with NaimUniti. Please let us know if it also works with NDX.

Pev,

How about using your media player as the UPNP server rather than an additional piece of software.

Foobar (free) and J River Media Center ($50) are both great options.

You can control either in a myriad of ways from browser control, to iOS devices.

And Garyi, to clarify, it wasn't strictly an Apple bitch fest.  Read the end of my post for gushing about Apple hardware. 

-Patrick

Patrick
thanks for the advice - I actually do use Foobar  as my upnp server and get on fine with it. What I would like is a way to control the other aspects of my Uniti - volume, iRadio  browsing etc. Basically I'd like to put the tiny Uniti screen on to my HDTV so I can read it from the sofa and ideally have it look as nice as the Darkone Foobar interface.
Garyi
thanks for the constructive suggestions - what really upset me was a major Naim distributor implying that my choice is Apple or nothing. As I said, I'm fine with Naim supporting Apple users but we should be allowed to choose other options...

Hi Pev.

I understand your dislike of apple in as much as I dislike PC, its choices we have made.

That being said, apple have sold 15 million ipads and over 300 million ipods, so I guess in that context naim took the road that would reach by far the most users. (on the basis that other UPNP control point software is available for desktop computers)

Your fear like Patricks is right now you dislike apple, and you know if you buy one, you will love it and that will be annoying, patrick is conflicted and annoyed, one day he will let it all go and become a fanbois.

Its alright, we'll see you soon

I would prefer to have the choice, just like Pev, and have the Naim application running on a different platform. We made this point several times on this forum.  But realistically,  I do not think it will happen.

Offering a control application on a different platform than Apple would be a convenience for us customers, but probably it will not have any significant impact on Naim sales.  Customers bought NaimUniti even without control application. They are buying UnitiQute knowing that exists only a control application running on Apple hardware. Is Naim missing sales because they do not have a control application on Windows or Android? Probably not.
Therefore the logical decision from Naim's point of view is to continue with the existing application on the existing platform (Itouch/Iphone and soon Ipad)

The only reason to change strategy would be a collapse of Apple market share. In the short term, a low probability scenario given the success of the Ipad.

I am neither garyi.  But i appreciate you trying to speak for me.  Although I may incite conflict and be annoying.

I dont see the ANY conflict whatsoever in liking iOS devices, but not the Mac OS.  Ive owned a Mac.  I already dipped the toe and didnt like it.  Sorry buddy.

As an aside..... I synced new music to my iPhone last night.  I got ALL of my GF's apps synced to my iPhone.  Brilliant.  Her's are set not to sync, and somehow all of her paid apps are on my iPhone.  And they work.  Hilariously annoying.

-p

That will NEVER happen.  At least not have it look anything as slick as Darkone.  If you like that interface I would stick with it.

You can currently control Foobar's internal volume right?  Why not simply use that rather than the Uniti?

I think you can use an Android or Windows phone with a version/clone of Remote App to control Foobar with foo_touchremote.  Go to Wintense.com

Everything you want from is the responsibility of the Server.  Maybe you should get a UNitiServe?

-Patrick

Well that's not true.  A very good reason to allow development of an Android or Windows phone app would be to cover all major devices.

I personally dont care because i have 2 iPhones and an iPad, and I dont own a Naim UPNP product.

But I could see why others would.

Just because Naim isn't currently supporting it doesn't mean it isn't a good idea.

-p

Went to the big shopping mall this morning shortly after stores opened at 10am.  Mrs. Hook is under the weather, so I offered to return a coat she had bought and decided not to keep.

My path to the department store took me past the Apple store.  Outside their front door, by my estimate, over 200 people had queued up to buy the iPad 2, which was to go on sale in 7 hours (5pm local time).  Folding chairs and coolers, they all appeared very happy and chatty (and nerdy).  Many were surfing with their Pro's and Air's and phones, while the rest listened to their pods.  I imagined this scene repeated at every Apple store, at every Best Buy, etc., nationwide.  It boggled the mind.

Now I  like Apple laptops as much as the next guy.  Nice screens.  The Pro's backlit keyboard is useful.  And the tracking pads are far better than any Windows laptop I've tried.   But a whole freaking day in line?  And how many of those people already the iPad 1?  I'm betting most!

I thought back to that old Saturday Night Live episode where William Shatner, playing himself, surprised an audience of convention-attending trekkies by saying...

"GET A LIFE, will you people? I mean, for crying out loud, it's just a TV show!"

Or in this case, a tablet computer...

Hook

A "good" idea that costs money and does not bring additional sales usually gets a low priority in corporations. If not covering other devices than Apple at some point becomes a competitive issue for Naim, then they will react, but I doubt they are going to invest resources in the short term. All their communication in the forum are consistent in this regard. It does not make me happy as an existing customer, but I am just trying to be realistic.  Probably I will not make a decision to buy additional Naim products because the control application runs or does not run on any given device.
Naim is not Sonos. Customers do not buy Naim products because they have a competitive edge on the user interface or because they are innovative in the way they use wireless technology. Naim products are bought because of sound quality and because retailers recommend them. So probably it makes sense for Naim to invest in those areas, rather than trying to beat Sonos and Apple at their own game.

Why not try the applications that already exist.

For all of the superb features of the naim uniti, ndx etc it is at heart a UPNP renderer.

Here for instance is a UPNP control point for android phones.

Instead of the constant trickle of moaning have any of you guys actually tried it?

Andromote UPnP Control Point for Android based phones like T ...

 If it does not work with the uniti, email the developer, usually these guys are very accomodating, especially if it means a few more sales.

There is a "list of UPnP AV media servers and clients" on Wikipedia. I haven't tried them but will probably try one or two next Saturday as I have an android phone. Not sure if I'm allowed to place this link, but if you search for the above quoted phrase you should find it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_UPnP_AV_media_servers_and_clients

Regards,
Frank.
All opinions are my own and do not reflect the opinion of any organisations I work for, except where this is stated explicitly.

This topic has been discussed several times with the only one statement - if you want full control of your Naim renderer you need Naim own app for iOS. According to another thread Naim will support Airplay towards end of this year and I asked there if this does mean support for the different platforms, as abstracted by the Airplay API. Unfortunately, I didn't get reply to this question, so you are free to ask it again...

Your piece is an unwarranted rant. Who's shoving Apple products down your throat? And anyway if you want to take the self-flagellating route of switching on the PC to effectively control the hifi then power to you.

And what if I'd like to "power on" my Samsung Galaxy instead of my non-existing iPad? According to the latest researches Android market will eventually outcome the Apple market share - and it is logical - that's the way how the PC / Mac market is shared. A single company can't rule the world and that's the way the free market economy works...

And right now I'm trying to download a video from my ipnone 4 to my PC - I can't get it, so very nice usability and feature-rich device / app...

Honeycomb will undoubtedly be a peach but, as it stands, universal consensus on the Galaxy is that Samsung were genius with the hardware, but Android comes up short on the software. Google admitted Android currently did not have tablets in mind.

Once Android 3.x for tablets is shipping, who knows what Naim might be capable of...? Until then, iOS is a more mature development platform with readily available control devices. This trumps any androgyny that some of you may be clamoring for.

Trying to be realistic, I do not think Naim's decision to develop on iOS instead of Android had anything to do with the respective features of those systems. It simply boiled down to the market penetration. They had to pick one platform and they thought iOS was the safest bet.  This rationale was clearly articulated by Naim's representative on this forum a few months ago. Now since the iPad2 is going to be another tremendous success, it is becoming increasingly clear that Naim did the right decision.

At a personal level, am I going to like the Ipad2 enough to buy one? We will see.
As a side note, this is the first reasonably priced Apple product.So if Apple is starting to offer good products at a good price, then I am interested. It was not the case before, but things are evolving in the right direction, so why not.

Preamp control through the nApps is very cool.  But it probably wouldn't make me splurge for the app.

I am very happy to attenuate the volume in Foobar/JRiver via Remote/PlugPlayer.  No need to control the 102's volume.  Although if needed the Harmony is on the coffee table.

The best part of this is when listening late and I need to keep the volume low.  If using standard line level source (or Foobar at 100%), at very low volumes I only hear the left channel.  Ever so slightly louder than that the right will come in but still lower.  It takes a bit of volume for the channels to normalize.  If i turn up the pre to this level, I can then lower the volume in Foobar or JRMC until desired level is achieved.  Using this method the levels are equal all the way down to a mute (0% Vol.) state. 

Another positive side of things is I get much more useable volume attenuation.  With 6am being mute on my 102, at 9am it is ear splitting.  I rarely go above that unless seriously killing it.  The steps on the supplied remote, or as low as I can tweak the harmony, are pretty huge steps.  Often at night, one click up is way too much.

Anyway.... there are many options for everyone out there.  I do fancy myself a Naim UPNP renderer at some point to pair with my DAC (Qute most likely).  But I dont think I would change anything else in my system other than pointing Foobar at the Qute and firing up the Remote app (or PlugPlayer), on my iPhone/Pad, as ironic as that is given this thread.

-Patrick

I was going to stay out of this but being accused of "an unwarranted rant" begs some kind of response. I am not just anti Apple but anti all organisations that abuse market dominance and exploit consumers they have locked in to their product group. That includes Microsoft. Like  another Apple sceptic (PCS) I do own and use Apple products.
In the mid 90s my research unit was involved in a Europe wide project to develop a communication aid for people with aphasia (a communication disorder  suffered by around 30% of stroke survivors). We chose the Apple Newton for our platform (I had a big say in this). At the time the Newton was as far ahead of other PDAs as the iPad is of other tablets today. Of course Apple pulled the Newton a couple of years later so we were left with a problem. Fortunately the results of our user trials were good enough to persuade a commercial partner to reengineer it for another platform and it is still in use today. It could easily have meant years of work and public money wasted.
IMHO Naim would be ill advised to commit too strongly to any proprietary platform. If the only way to get an optimal interface for a Naim product is to buy an Apple product that puts Naim in a very vulnerable position.  My first Naim amp I bought  over 20 years ago is still going  strong in my friend's system.  Product life cycles in the IT industry are very different from Naim's! I'm not claiming that Android or other open source platforms are future proof but I think they could form part of an insurance strategy both for Naim and us as Naim users. That is not to say they should not cater for Apple users. They are clearly a significant proportion of the Naim community and their needs should be met if at all possible. Just don't put all our eggs in one basket!