Updates for the UnitiServe

What updates are you looking for?

Naim did the last update to the US about a year ago. If they have anything else in the pipeline, no-one here can tell you, because those that know anything are prohibited by Naim from saying and most of us don't know.

Naim have though made the point in this forum that the US is a server not a streamer, so they aren't going to be adding streaming features to it.

best

David

Its a great product. I was only hoping that Naim felt the same, and that the scarcity of updates wasn't hinting at anything.

I also enjoy my US, but updates generally either fix bugs or add features.

I haven't seen people saying there are any bugs currently, although there are plenty who think the US is expensive in comparison with a NAS, and with a quirky way of handling metadata.  I'm not sure what features Naim could be expected to add though.

As with everything else, Naim will no doubt go on supporting the US enthusiastically until sales   dip so low that the product is no longer viable.

best

David

David Hendon posted:

What updates are you looking for?

Naim did the last update to the US about a year ago. If they have anything else in the pipeline, no-one here can tell you, because those that know anything are prohibited by Naim from saying and most of us don't know.

Naim have though made the point in this forum that the US is a server not a streamer, so they aren't going to be adding streaming features to it.

best

David

David I've not paid attention for  a while . . what sort of update last year?  We've been at ver. 1.7b since 2014 I think.  Did I miss something?

I'm slowly moving to the 'I like my nas running MinimServer better' camp.  The nas picks up new music quicker once it's added, and never goes 'offline' as my uServe does randomly.  They sound the same to me.  I've had duplicate libraries on the uServe and nas for a while now; the nas is my go-to source now.

Would be good if the US could serve DSD files natively....

ATB.  G.

Yes 1.7b was released in Dec 2014, so not quite last year I agree.

best

David

I'm a little confused, I am using the UnitiServe with 2 NASes because of the IPad interface. How would you get remote functionality, like the IPad app, with only a NAS. How would you get a  hook into the stereo?

Are you using the Naim app with a Naim streamer, or using nServe to play the UnitiServe into a DAC? If the former, you simply load upnp server software, such as Minimserver or Asset onto your nas. Note that Asset doesn't run on Synology. 

Yes I am using nServe to play the UnitiServe into a DAC. Maybe the UnitiServe is still viable for this. It sounds great.

If it works and you are happy with it, it seems easier just to carry on. I imagine the obvious alternative is to use a Mac mini, but it sounds like hassle for no reason. 

antmast posted:

Its a great product. I was only hoping that Naim felt the same, and that the scarcity of updates wasn't hinting at anything.

Antmast - is there a feature that you currently miss? Perhaps we could let Naim know about it....

Interesting comment from HH about "simply" installing minim or asset on the NAS. I have a Synology NAS to back up the U.S. Out of interest I searched this forum to explore what it would take to install minim on the NAS.  Found several threads...... Utterly incomprehensible, and I wouldn't even attempt it.

Yes, setting up the US to back up to the NAS is a faff, but painless if you simply phone up the wonderful Phil Harris from NAIM. I can't think of anyone I could phone up to put minim on the NAS.....I guess if you're computer literate enough to do it then it makes a great solution, but not for me.

cheers, Paul 

If you go to the Minimserver website, everything you need is there. I am hopeless with IT and I managed it, all by myself. 

Hungryhalibut posted:

If you go to the Minimserver website, everything you need is there. I am hopeless with IT and I managed it, all by myself. 

And installing MinimServer in the spring of 2016 is much easier than it was a couple of years ago!  As HH wrote, if you go to their website they will tell you exactly which version you need for your specific nas, and what you need to do.

In the past, with a Synology nas, there was a need to install Java first.  That seemed harder than installing MinimServer itself!  I think that even that is much easier now.

Bart, HH

thanks guys, I'll have another look at their website. I got scared off last time because I couldn't even figure out the Java stuff. My NAS is getting on a bit, about 5 yrs old, but I would like to explore the NAS as a possible option for the future, whilst I have the luxury of not being in a hurry do do anything. 

Paul

PBenny1066 posted:

Bart, HH

thanks guys, I'll have another look at their website. I got scared off last time because I couldn't even figure out the Java stuff. My NAS is getting on a bit, about 5 yrs old, but I would like to explore the NAS as a possible option for the future, whilst I have the luxury of not being in a hurry do do anything. 

Paul

At 5 yrs old, you might like a new one.  They are much faster now.  As they age, they seem to not get on as well with the newer versions of the operating system. At least that's my experience.  And if the hdd's have been spinning for 5 years, well, they won't last forever.

Just for info, MinimServer is now available on the Synology App Store , downloads and installs direct to your Synology NAS through the Package Center.

KR, J

Dr_J posted:

Just for info, MinimServer is now available on the Synology App Store , downloads and installs direct to your Synology NAS through the Package Center.

Its been available for quite a while,  at least since DSM-5 intro.   Still needs Java installed tho',  

Good point. I must have had Java already installed as I didn't have to install it when I installed MinimServer......

Too easy to forget the not everyone happens, or wishes, to be computer literate/technically capable even in the digital/streaming era. 

KR, J

Heres a wishlist of updates for the UnitiServe and its remote application on the IPad.

1) Album Covers mostly appear when they should but sometimes, especially with my Quboz classical, they stubbornly will not display. They show in TagScanner, but the UnitiServe client app on the IPad as well as the Desktop client app sometimes show the default Naim cd cover instead, even when the cover is renamed to cover.jpg.  For most a database rebuild can resolve the problem.

2) PDF reader, many downloads come with librettos, or album information. Remember the days you listen to the music while reading the album cover. Can we do that again? Especially on the IPad.  

antmast posted:

Heres a wishlist of updates for the UnitiServe and its remote application on the IPad.

1) Album Covers mostly appear when they should but sometimes, especially with my Quboz classical, they stubbornly will not display. They show in TagScanner, but the UnitiServe client app on the IPad as well as the Desktop client app sometimes show the default Naim cd cover instead, even when the cover is renamed to cover.jpg.  For most a database rebuild can resolve the problem.

2) PDF reader, many downloads come with librettos, or album information. Remember the days you listen to the music while reading the album cover. Can we do that again? Especially on the IPad.  

Yes you can - UnitServe, when used via iPad NAIM app will 'serve' you a digital booklet. It's not strictly the printed version, as it contains loads of information complied from the internet.

I downloaded the NAIM app but does it work with the UnitiServe-SSD. I don't see it or the regular UnitiServe in the device list.

The Naim app is for streamers, not servers, so unfortunately it's no use to you. 

antmast posted:

I downloaded the NAIM app but does it work with the UnitiServe-SSD. I don't see it or the regular UnitiServe in the device list.

You need n-Serve app to mnage the UnitiServe.

What I meant, is that if you have both the US and one of Naim streamers, when playing your music through a streamer (from the US) you will have that digital booklet.

Wishlist being realistic so omitting support for streaming services.

Information about tag problems. The upnp server is really unforgiving about tags it does not like. Usual solution it to strip out anything apart from the most basic tags if there is a problem with downloaded files.

Ability to play in sync with the streamers. Much more important since the mu-so and qb launch, would be really great both with upnp and internet radio.

Claus