[NaimAudio] Firmware Version 4.4 (TIDAL) for Naim Streamers Now Available

the server firmware actually a slimdown operating system, is at 1.7B I think, and is totally different from the streamer firmware. Last update was december 2014, and that did not add new features. I hope for an update but it is very unlikely we will see support for streaming on the servers.

Claus  

Thanks !

The UnitiServe is a server, not a streamer . . . No it doesn't.  Some UnitiServe owners who use it as a player are hoping that it migrates to the server, but no news of that yet.

Right. On the other hand: isn't the US a full fledged computer? It could run a UPnP client in much the same way as it runs a UPnP server. I guess the problem is the OS which is not really usable. I have thought about buying a second hand US and trying to install Vortexbox or some other Linux distribution on it. That would be fun. I might give it a try. Best, nbpf

Chris, strictly speaking yes it does, but it's not a UPnP streamer....

You say the US does support internet streaming but not streaming from a UPnP server in the local network? Not even from its own? That would be very funny or perhaps not at all funny, depending on the viewpoint. Maybe worth considering a vortexbox? Best, nbpf

Possibly not too difficult, but given the ongoing streaming integration challenges between Naim streamers and Tidal, it's probably fair to say it's not straightforward.

i suspect John above is on the money... I say it's 50/50 whether we see web streaming services on the Naim server components.

Simon

Different Things are happening as I see it. With the streamers upnp  servers on the streamers are left to others. As it is clear on tis forum, this makes many happy, but also leaves others with frustrations, because they have to figure out if it is the Naim  streamer,  the upnp server,  the upnp specification or upnp implementation that causes the problems they have.

Sonos probably the most successfull Company is doing everything their own way, and seems to gain many benefits from that approach.

Claus

This is probably better served by a new thread but IMHO the current model of specialist manufacturers (such as Naim, Linn, etc.) producing upnp streamers is in the long term unsustainable.

This is because as we increasingly move from file to subscription based services - where to the end user choice is key - the constant state of flux makes it impossible for them to keep up and integrate these services into their products - both new and existing units in the field. As a result residual values are reduced and it will become ever harder to justify the high price tags demanded to balance the books when selling new units.

A much more sensible idea would be to leave the heavy lifting [server, streaming service integration, control, transcoding] to software developed by specialists and running on cheap PC/Mac hardware and relayed to the [Naim/Linn whatever] box over a universally agreed protocol.

This would release the likes of Naim from the burden of software development and multiple licences and would enable them to concentrate on what they are good at - audio hardware. A spin off benefit to the consumer would be a better experience and better longevity/residual values. Easier for dealers to configure as well.

Just a thought...

Naim does already develop its own proprietary control apps and UPnP client firmware. It would not be difficult for them to implement a "Naim" UPnP server. And tie it up in a Sonos-like solution. But would this make sense? It would be yet another proprietary software to maintain, support, take care of and further develop. Naim does not actually manage to support all the hardware they sell: look at the Uniti Serve. On the other hand, there is a lot of open source software Naim could take advantage from and contribute to improve. Best, nbpf   

My point. Leave all that computer stuff to specialists running their software on cheap boxes and concentrate on making high quality end points.

Other than if a streamer can do web radio, it should be able to web streaming services.. And no 'computer' needed. The days of networks needing computers is decidedly retro.

Now I admit control points are another matter, in terms of GUI and here Sonos have a good model, and fingers crossed Naim are getting there with new incorporated Tidal app, which may look quite similar to the possibly forthcoming  Qobuz and Deezer apps...

So you are suggesting Naim stops developing their DACs, streamers, servers and control apps and focus on amplification and speakers.

This is a legitimate viewpoint but it is unlikely Naim will follow such a strategy.

On the contrary, Naim should think hard how they can integrate increasingly available (and demanded) streaming services in their systems while at the same time keeping the costs and the complexity of firmware development and testing in check.

To this end, I think that an approach based on open source software running on a dedicated music server -- a sort of up-to-date UnitiServe, if you wish so -- would be a better strategy than their current one. It would also allow them to focus on end points while at the same time taking advantage of community efforts and expertise.

Best, nbpf