Software Wishes for the HDX

quote:

- a "screensaver" for the touchscreen turns it off after a few seconds. When listening to music I do not want to see the album cover. It is a little like turning off the green button lights of the pre.

The screen can be set to turn off after a preset time (1/5/10 mins etc). Have a look in the system setup menu > front display backlight and set the timeout.

quote:

Originally posted by OutOfPhase:

quote:

- a "screensaver" for the touchscreen turns it off after a few seconds. When listening to music I do not want to see the album cover. It is a little like turning off the green button lights of the pre.

The screen can be set to turn off after a preset time (1/5/10 mins etc). Have a look in the system setup menu > front display backlight and set the timeout.

Make sure any changes to the screen saver are done from the touch screen as performing them at this point via the IPIU or DTC does not effect the changes. Naim is aware of this "glitch."

Some Other wishes

* For me, it's a waste of time that the NAS is scanned everytime the HDX is turned on. Scanning should be only on request (I know best when changes have been done to the content of the NAS). This should make a NAS much quicker on-line.

* Divide the screen (touch screen + web browser) in two parts. When clicking on the cover, the usual buttons (like pause) appear. When clicking on the time-bar, the remaining time of the album appears.

* Possibility to delete an artist via the desktop client.

* Backing up the HDX harddrive to a NAS or to a USB connected HDD --> full and differential back-ups

* I noticed that the HDX scans for all music files, also those that are outside the "Music" directory. Scanning should be restricted to the directories that are mentioned in the system setup

* Browsing artists and titles
Browsing starts with artists (titles) starting with "A". One can only go down. It takes a while till you encounter the letter Z. Browsing should also be possible in the "upward" direction (so going from A to Z directly by pressing the up button)

When I go to "quickplay" and hit recent for example, I get a 50 song playlist made up which starts to play. When a song or artist comes on that I want to focus on, it would be nice if I could touch the artist name and go to that artists albums directly, if I wanted to add more of them to the playlist or just play an album from them that I want to make my current playlist. Now it seems I have to go to the main menu>artists> and then scroll down to Tom Waits, or whatever, and then select from the albums presented there.

Not a big deal but that would be more intuitive and fluid from a user standpoint for me.

quote:

Originally posted by Hans Vereecken:
Possibility to delete an artist via the desktop client.

Hans, you can do this now. You just cannot delete individual tracks.

Also if you grab the grren bar on the side of the artist browse window and quickly pull it down you can browse in reverse. I just did this and it's very fast and I have over 400 cds on the HD

Okay, it's not directly a software wish, but I would like to see the ability to connect to an existing network WIRELESSLY.
This could make life easier for some of us...

BTW: the NaimUniti seems to have this ability as well as internet radio!

Regards,
Michel

Question guys - How does the HDX cope with SACDs? Would you get the full hi-res benefit if they were ripped?

Fender (Strat)

SACD's cannot be read at all (just the same as any standard CD player). If it's a hybrid disk, the HDX will read the CD layer.

How about a feature for the database to prioritise tracks found on the HDX rip disks and only show the delta (difference) between the internal database and any NAS drives so that you would then make sure to play the local copies of tracks?

Also, what about an ADD button on the NOW PLAYINNG screen which goes directly to the ADD to PLAYLIST screen.

And a PLAY ALBUM option on the NOW PLAYING screen?

These two would make using the random playlist a better way to 'discover' music in your collection..

Peter

1) THE RIPPING ENGINE

The HDX ripper works very well with perfect CD's, but it not so great when it comes to 'imperfect' ones...
How about "Ripping method" options, to enable error correction when ripping 'imperfect' disks? I mean ones that have minor damage on them...
I ask because my PC has often taken a 'copy' of, or merely 'played back' such CD's better than the HDX, and the reason is because the PC uses the full extent of available error correction techniques in order to 'reconstruct' the data that is corrupt.
It should be an option either set-up selectable or offered only when poor CD's are detected, and should not be the default ripper behavior.
In a similar vein, the ripper should report ALL errors, not just hard errors. I know from experience having ripped some 'fauly' CD's that the HDX will take an exact copy, complete with faults, and still report "zero errors" on the ripper summary screen after ripping. The error correction data provided on the disk should allow at least detection of these errors, and in minor cases, correction. And the error summary should be kept forever with the ripped copy, as a record of any such errors found and corrected would be be useful for reference in the future (it may act as a reminder to go get a better CD copy if one is available, one with no errors!).
Why doesn't the HDX ripper do at least some of the above?

2) REMOTE KEY OPERATION & TIMING

a) The HDX remote/HDX IR receiver combination is poor when operating at more than 40 degrees lateral dispacement from the ideal 'straight-ahead' position, and is particularly poor when compared with the 252 remote. Ok this is probably a hardware issue, but it needs mentioning by someone, 'cos it's poor.
(YES I've tried new AAA batteries in the remote - I'm NOT that stupid!)

b) Repeat keypress timing on the remote is decidely 'iffy'.
What I mean by this is that sometimes, while navigating through a list with the remote control, a single press will be interpreted as two presses. This is possibly a timing issue in in the HDX or in the remote control device itself.
Whichever it is, it can be very annoying.
For example, when in the artists list and an artist is selected, it occasionally not only changes to display the albums by an artist, but goes straight ahead and plays the first one in the list, so disrupting what you were previously listening to!

ps. I have the latest-but-one HDX software version, circa November 2008.

Tonytronic.



Tonytronic.

I'd like to have the option of Playlists organised by album and or artist not just tracks. Also a 'search within playlist' function.

I created a playlist of my wife's favourite music on the system so she could quickly access the 25% or so of my collection that she generally dips into. I then realised it was just a long list of tracks and not that useful at all.

Bruce

Guys,

While the forum is a good place to post these things, I'd be sending this info to tech support at Naim so you are sure they see this.

I have no idea what was corrected in SP9 as some of the issues which were present before are still there. I'm not sure if they are firmware or software issues.

Bruce, at least when the new software comes out if they didn't add that function you could then move your wife's music to a NAS and connect it to your HDX so it's separate from yours.

Tony I've noticed the same things when accessing the HDX from the front panel screen. None of these issues occurs with a tablet, internet tablet, or notebook pc. Personally, I never use the HDX remote as I couldn't see the screen anyway from where I sit. I use my regular remote for volume control anyay as the buttons are larger and easier to use.

I know that the idea was that you can use the HDX without any other computer gear, but I'll tell you the ease of use and functionality are much better with a separate device. Still need the remote for volume, balance control (which BTW is not on the HDX remote).

quote:

Originally posted by Bruce Woodhouse:

I created a playlist of my wife's favourite music on the system so she could quickly access the 25% or so of my collection that she generally dips into. I then realised it was just a long list of tracks and not that useful at all.

Bruce

Bruce,

What you could do now, it's a work around but, it to create a new "genre" and then drag all of your wifes's music into that genre. This way she would see only her music when she searched by genre and then she could make playlists from there as she pleases.

quote:

Originally posted by gary1 (US):

quote:

Originally posted by Bruce Woodhouse:

I created a playlist of my wife's favourite music on the system so she could quickly access the 25% or so of my collection that she generally dips into. I then realised it was just a long list of tracks and not that useful at all.

Bruce

Bruce,

What you could do now, it's a work around but, it to create a new "genre" and then drag all of your wifes's music into that genre. This way she would see only her music when she searched by genre and then she could make playlists from there as she pleases.

A good idea, the only thing is that 'her' music is also stuff I enjoy (well, mostly) and will be filed in the 'wrong' genre when I go looking for it as a result.

I realise now that she previously picked CD's out of the rack to play by familiarity with the cover image rather than actually knowing the name of the artist or album. This means that she is not sure what she is looking for on the HDX now.

Bruce

(The other night she was tempted to try the 'Random Play' button. She discovered some rather raucous Yo La Tengo and gave up!)

PPS. Gary, just another HDX quickie if you don't mind. I need to replace a broken iPod and was wondering if I could use the iPod Touch to control the HDX (via the Safari web browser). I see something about the iPod not having 'Flash enabled', would this mean it will not work. I'll just buy an iPod classic if not.

Thanks again

Bruce,

I'd email Naim technical support for that one just to confirm. My understanding is that ipod touch does not have flash enabled software, therefore, you cannot use the this device to control your HDX. I sent you a website which explains this (not for the HDX specifically). So I'd have to say no. You can download flash to a MAC OS and use it, but not the ipod touch.

Gary

http://www.flashdevices.net/2007/06/iphone-does-not-support-adobe-flash.html

BTW, what are you currently using to control the HDX? The remote?

quote:

Originally posted by Bruce Woodhouse:
I realise now that she previously picked CD's out of the rack to play by familiarity with the cover image rather than actually knowing the name of the artist or album. This means that she is not sure what she is looking for on the HDX now.

Bruce, not a total disaster. Just have her use the following on the IPUI:

Browse music-->albums--> click view (bottom right of IPUI screen)

This will display all the albums with title and artist with the album cover picture at the top.

Gary

quote:

Originally posted by gary1 (US):
Bruce,

BTW, what are you currently using to control the HDX? The remote?

Yes, or the front screen.

Bruce

does someone think naim will enlarge the internal hard discs by time ?...

i really like the concept of the one box player, but for my collection , the capacity it is simply too small.

i really wished a wireless connection to the net for getting the information about the artwork and performer as well. and of course internet radio.

for me the hdx is an idea of a one box system. i know , that many prefer an disc and hard disc empty device a la linn. but this would be a streamer. the hdx is a ONE BOX player, with many possibilities, but as a ONE BOX soultion limited by the capacity of the internal discs.

Pylod,

Why do so many people continue to harp about the HDD space?

Firstly, Naim chose the particular hard drive because of the music replay, electrical issues, noise factors etc... so I would not expect a larger hard drive.

The HDX is a "streamer." When the software upgrade is done in May you will be able to rip directly or transfer what's already on the HDX to a NAS. Storage is not an issue whatsoever.

If you want wireless to the net, the you can use a Vudu wireless kit or you can use your router and add a "bridge connection" For example, Linksys makes a bridge which would plug directly to your HDX via ethernet port and then with some software programming you'll be "wirelessly" connected. You may need a cable for the intial programming, I'm not sure, but then this can be put away. Advantage with Vudu, it's two boxes which are "pre-programmed", so essentially "PnP"

NaimUniti will have internet radio. I see no reason why the HDX should not be able to have the same with a software upgrade.

I have 450 CDs ripped to the HDX HDD and another 70 as 24 bit on a NAS which holds a total of 1TB.

I don't see the limitation.

quote:

Originally posted by Bruce Woodhouse:

quote:

Originally posted by gary1 (US):
Bruce,

BTW, what are you currently using to control the HDX? The remote?

Yes, or the front screen.

Bruce,

With what you've spent do yourself a favor an get a nice notebook pc and enjoy the interface it provides. A nice 8-10 inch screen which you can "see" and none of the issues which others have mentioned with the screen or remote such as delayed response, or "overshhoting" what your selecting or searching for.

As much as you enjoy your HDX now, you'll like it so much better with a much larger and convenient interface. Just buy a $30 USB small wireless mouse and your done.

I don't use the dirct to TV route as there is some electrical noise in my system when the TV is connected at the same time, so I don't bother.

See this thread: http://forums.naim-audio.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/8772903417/m/5332988817 someone just commented that Apple may be releasing a notebook or netbook pc later this year. I know that Asus' are popular and they are really trying to drive prices down. If your using the device only for you HDX then you can get a stripped down version for under $300

quote:

Originally posted by gary1 (US):
Pylod,

Why do so many people continue to harp about the HDD space?

because it is simply not large enough. the hdx was launched one year ago . i think soon there should be larger discs avalaibel. of course i understand , why naim is choosing this specific discs. and thank god they do that because of the sound performance.but time is moving on and i was just asking about a possible disc upgrade. and regarding the wireless : uniti has it , why not the hdx ? keep it tidy..no switches or external devices

all i ask for is just a simple one box solution,for those , who don´t want to attache any cables or nas or whatever...this doesn´t mean , the hdx shouldn´t be ( and it is ) capable of possibilities other want.

I'm quite happy with the functionality of the screen and remote actually, I have used the web browser via my laptop but don't feel the need to have that up and running for typical everyday use.

I think the screen in particular is easy to use, just as long as the machine is not busy doing a back up after having loads of new discs ripped whereupon it gets a bit slow.

Bruce

quote:

Originally posted by pylod:
all i ask for is just a simple one box solution,for those , who don´t want to attache any cables or nas or whatever...this doesn´t mean , the hdx shouldn´t be ( and it is ) capable of possibilities other want.

The solution you want doesn't exist. You will need some type of ethernet/USB whatever cable to connect to the streamer to gain access to the internet. Even the Linn DS series requires a NAS and an ethernet connection.

Even if we get 16 bit wav and 24 bit streaming by subscription you still need the internet.

As far as storage is concerned if Naim can find an HDD with better storage cpacity than currently used and sounds the same or better great. They may have to if their supplier stops making the 400GB hard drives.

I'm confused that many, many people want audiophile quality playback from a computer type source, but at the same time they don't want cables, connections, NAS device etc...?????

quote:

Originally posted by gary1 (US):
Pylod,

NaimUniti will have internet radio. I see no reason why the HDX should not be able to have the same with a software upgrade.

Anybody here on the forum knows if and in what timeframe this will be implemented in the HDX??

Regards,
Michel