Difference between revisions of "FAQs"

From LinnDocs
Jump to: navigation, search
Line 1: Line 1:
−
== [http://docs.linn.co.uk/wiki/index.php/Troubleshooting DS Trouble shooting] ==
+
== DS Troubleshooting ==
  
 
Some points may also be listed in the [http://docs.linn.co.uk/wiki/index.php/Troubleshooting DS troubleshooting] section,
 
Some points may also be listed in the [http://docs.linn.co.uk/wiki/index.php/Troubleshooting DS troubleshooting] section,
 +
 +
<br>
  
 
== What is a DS player? ==
 
== What is a DS player? ==
Line 7: Line 9:
 
A DS player is an open digital music player from Linn. It is a source product, like a CD player, but rather than retrieving music from a CD, it retrieves music from a standard Ethernet network.
 
A DS player is an open digital music player from Linn. It is a source product, like a CD player, but rather than retrieving music from a CD, it retrieves music from a standard Ethernet network.
  
−
== Can the DS player play 5.1 channel surround files? ==
+
<br>
  
−
No, the Klimax DS, Akurate DS, Majik DS and Sneaky DS are stereo Music players.
+
== Can the DS player play multi-channel files? ==
  
−
Linn Records has released some of the Music Albums in 5.1ch surround due to many customer requests
+
No, the Klimax DS, Akurate DS, Majik DS and Sneaky DS are stereo only.
  
 +
<br>
  
 +
== What Linn PreAmplifiers can the DS products control? ==
  
−
== What Linn PreAmplifiers can the DS products control? ==
+
Bute and Cara software can control:-
  
−
The Bute software can control:-
+
* Klimax Kontrol
 +
* Akurate Kontrol
 +
* Majik Kontrol
 +
* Majik-I
 +
* Kinos
 +
* Kisto
 +
* Unidisk SC
 +
* Classik Movie (from 2006 manufacture)
 +
* Classik Music (from 2008 manufacture)
  
−
Klimax Kontrol, Akurate Kontrol, Majik Kontrol, Majik-I, Kinos, Kisto, Unidisk SC, Classik Movie (from 2006 manufacture) and Classik Music (from 2008 manufacture). Some of these products may need their software updated to allow the DS products to control them.
+
Some of these products may need their software updated to allow the DS products to control them.
  
−
Exotik, AV5103 and older Linn pre-amplifiers cannot be controlled by the DS products
+
Earlier Linn pre-amplifiers cannot be controlled by the DS products
  
 
<br>
 
<br>
Line 27: Line 39:
 
== What makes the DS players open? ==
 
== What makes the DS players open? ==
  
−
They have open standard interfaces as follows: Firstly, they have a standard Ethernet input, and standard audio outputs. Secondly, they support the open UPnP AV 1.0 specification for control. Thirdly, they supports open file formats (e.g. FLAC). Fourthly, it is possible, and actively encouraged by Linn, for individuals and third parties to write applications that utilise the DS.<br>
+
They have open standard interfaces as follows:
 +
 
 +
* Standard Ethernet input, and standard audio outputs
 +
* Support the open UPnP AV 1.0 specification for control
 +
* Support for open file formats (e.g. FLAC)
 +
* It is possible, and actively encouraged by Linn, for individuals and third parties to write applications that utilise the DS.<br>
  
 
<br>
 
<br>
Line 33: Line 50:
 
== How does music get onto a standard Ethernet network in the first place? ==
 
== How does music get onto a standard Ethernet network in the first place? ==
  
−
From a network attached hard drive. A dedicated networked attached hard drive is called a NAS, which stands for Network Attached Storage. We have tested with the Netgear ReadyNAS. This is a secure, flexible, modular and upgradeable unit that keeps your music collection safe and independent from any manufacturer or product.
+
From a network attached hard drive. This may be within a standard PC or Mac, or can be a dedicated device called a NAS, which stands for Network Attached Storage. For data security and data availability a low-power dedicated NAS is recommended.
  
 
<br>
 
<br>
Line 39: Line 56:
 
== How do I get my music onto a NAS? ==
 
== How do I get my music onto a NAS? ==
  
−
Use dbPoweramp, EAC, Max or Grip for accurately ripping CDs to your NAS (see links below). If you have a large collection of CDs it may be worth using a ripping service. These can be easily found via an Internet search.
+
Using ripping software - see [http://c2.com/cgi/wiki?Ripping_Software here], or use a ripping service
−
 
 
−
<br>
 
−
 
 
−
== When I buy a new CD, how do I rip it onto the NAS? ==
 
−
 
 
−
Using a program called Ripstation Micro DS or EAC (Exact Audio Copy). These are free for non-commercial use. Once installed on your Windows PC, you simply put the CD in the computer drive and transfer the CD to the NAS. Apple customers can use a program called Max in exactly the same way. Ripstation Micro DS is available here: http://www.ripfactory.com/rsmicrods.html EAC is available here: http://www.exactaudiocopy.de/ Max is available here: http://www.sbooth.org/Max/
 
  
 
<br>
 
<br>
  
−
== I download music from the Internet? Will downloaded music play on the DS players? ==
+
== Will downloaded music play on the DS players? ==
  
−
Yes, so long as the downloads are in one of the supported open file formats, or are transcoded to one of those formats. Here are two free open source transcoding programs: Windows: http://mediacoder.sourceforge.net/ Mac OS X: http://www.sbooth.org/Max/
+
Yes, so long as it is not protected by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_rights_management Digital Rights Managemant] (DRM) restrictions and is in one of the supported formats, or transcoded to such a format
  
 
<br>
 
<br>
  
−
== Can the NAS be used by my other networked products, like other music players, or used for other purposes, like storing home videos? ==
+
== Can the NAS be used for other purposes? ==
  
−
The NAS can be accessed by Linn and non-Linn networked products, for both music and non-music applications.
+
Yes. The NAS can be accessed and used by any ethernet connected device.
  
 
<br>
 
<br>
Line 63: Line 74:
 
== Should the NAS be backed up? ==
 
== Should the NAS be backed up? ==
  
−
You should back up all your data. The Linn DS Ripping Service will provide a backup as part of the service, so your music collection can be recovered in the event of fire or other catastrophic failure or damage to the NAS. If you are a retailer, you can configure a customer’s Netgear ReadyNAS to back-up to a server on your premises. Rsync is a free program can be installed on the NAS and configured to automatically back-up to a second NAS or any other hard drive: http://rsync.samba.org/
+
You should back up all your data. RAID, which is built into many NAS devices, protects against the failure of a single drive ''ONLY''. A full backup should be created using a USB attached external drive or similar, and kept synchronised with the NAS.
  
 
<br>
 
<br>
Line 75: Line 86:
 
== What should I do if my CD collection is too big to fit on one NAS? ==
 
== What should I do if my CD collection is too big to fit on one NAS? ==
  
−
You can have as many NAS as you like connected to the network. The Linn GUI will browse and select the music from multiple NAS, and the DS player will play the music from multiple NAS.
+
Add more or larger drives to the NAS, or use multiple NAS devices and split collection across them.
  
 
<br>
 
<br>
Line 83: Line 94:
 
Yes. You can have several DS players running from one NAS, with concurrent, independent access to the stored music.
 
Yes. You can have several DS players running from one NAS, with concurrent, independent access to the stored music.
  
−
<br>The exact number of DS players your system will support is dependent on the NAS you are using, and the bandwidth of your network.&nbsp;
+
<br>
−
 
 
−
<br>Most home networks will easily cope with 6 DSes without problems.&nbsp;If you want more zones, you can install&nbsp; suitably high performing network equipment.<br>
 
  
 
== Should I use wired or wireless Ethernet? ==
 
== Should I use wired or wireless Ethernet? ==
  
−
Definitely wired. There is no guaranteed quality of service over wireless networks today. It might not matter when downloading a Word document – so long as it arrives eventually it’s OK – but when streaming music the information must arrive at the DS player in a predictable way to avoid audio drop-out.
+
Wired. There is no guaranteed quality of service over wireless networks. When streaming music the information must arrive at the DS player in a predictable way to avoid audio drop-out.
  
 
<br>
 
<br>
Line 95: Line 104:
 
== How should I control a DS player? ==
 
== How should I control a DS player? ==
  
−
Using the Linn GUI software provides the best interface. It is designed to run on a touchscreen handheld PC. We have tested with the Samsung Q1 and Sony Vaio UX. You can also use the simple infrared remote control that ships with the Klimax and Akurate DS to play, stop, pause and skip tracks.
+
There a variety of options dependent on personal hardware and software preferences
 +
 
 +
* LinnGui/Kinsky on UMPC/Windows PC. Supported under mono on Mac and Linux
 +
* KinskyPDA on Windows PDA devices
 +
* LeiaDS on Nokia N800/N810
 +
* SkweezyDs plugin for Logitech's SqueezeCenter
 +
* Catwalk for J River Media
 +
* Philips Pronto
 +
* AMX control
  
 
<br>
 
<br>
Line 101: Line 118:
 
== Can other UPnP controllers operate the DS players? ==
 
== Can other UPnP controllers operate the DS players? ==
  
−
Yes, so long as they conform to the UPnP AV specification, although with a reduced feature set compared to the Linn GUI software. Here are two such products that can control the DS players: Nokia n800: http://www.nseries.com/products/n800/#l=products,n800 Nokia N95: http://www.nseries.com/products/n95
+
Yes, so long as they conform to the UPnP AV specification, although with a reduced feature set. <br>
−
 
 
−
<br>
 
−
 
 
−
== Can I save playlists that I create using the Linn GUI? ==
 
−
 
 
−
Not at this time. The Linn GUI is optimised for simple browsing and selection from your music collection, and queuing up music in its own playlist. Here is a program that is suited to playlist creation and editing: Windows OS: http://www.mediamonkey.com
 
  
 
<br>
 
<br>
Line 113: Line 124:
 
== What audio formats do the DS players support? ==
 
== What audio formats do the DS players support? ==
  
−
DS products currently support FLAC, WAV, AIFF, Apple Lossless (ALAC) and MP3. Linn recommends flac.
+
DS products support FLAC, WAV, AIFF, Apple Lossless (ALAC) and MP3. Linn recommends flac. AAC will be supported as of ''Cara'' release.
  
−
DRM files cannot be played on the DS products
+
DRM protected files cannot be played on the DS products
−
 
 
−
Note: MP4 files do not state what audio format is within it.
 
  
 
<br>
 
<br>
Line 130: Line 139:
 
<br>
 
<br>
  
−
== Why doesn't the DS players support other audio formats (AAC, WMA, etc.)? ==
+
== Do I have to use a NAS or can I use my existing PC/Mac hard drive? ==
−
 
 
−
We decided not to support proprietary formats such as Microsoft’s WMA and Apple’s version of AAC, because it is not clear that these companies are committed to supporting a wider adoption of their formats, beyond their own product ranges.
 
−
 
 
−
<br>
 
−
 
 
−
== I already have lots of music stored on a hard drive. Do I have to transfer it to a NAS or can I use my existing PC / Mac hard drive? ==
 
  
−
You can install TwonkyMedia on your existing PC / Mac and use your existing PC / Mac hard drive if you wish. However, Linn recommends transferring all media to a NAS for: • RAID fail-safe protection and notification • Upgradeability and scale-ability of hard drives • Independent availability of music collection when PC / Mac powered off • Long-term future-proofing and system flexibility
+
You can install a UPnP Media Server on your existing PC/Mac and use your existing PC/Mac hard drive if you wish.
  
 
<br>
 
<br>
  
−
== I already have a NAS running SlimServer, which I use with Squeezeboxes around my house. Can I also run TwonkyMedia or another UPnP server on the same NAS and access my music from a DS player in one room and Squeezeboxes in the other rooms? ==
+
== Can I run a UPnP server as SqueezeCenter on the same NAS? ==
  
−
Yes, you can. You can use the Linn GUI to browse and play your music collection on your DS player from the NAS, and use the Squeezebox remote control to browse and play your music collection on the Squeezebox from the same NAS.&nbsp;
+
Yes, you can, and they can both access the same audio files.
  
 
Additionally you can use SqueezeCenter and Squeezeboxes to control and media-serve your DS players using the [http://oss.linn.co.uk/trac/wiki/SkweezyDs SkweezyDs plugin]
 
Additionally you can use SqueezeCenter and Squeezeboxes to control and media-serve your DS players using the [http://oss.linn.co.uk/trac/wiki/SkweezyDs SkweezyDs plugin]

Revision as of 16:04, 5 March 2009

DS Troubleshooting

Some points may also be listed in the DS troubleshooting section,


What is a DS player?

A DS player is an open digital music player from Linn. It is a source product, like a CD player, but rather than retrieving music from a CD, it retrieves music from a standard Ethernet network.


Can the DS player play multi-channel files?

No, the Klimax DS, Akurate DS, Majik DS and Sneaky DS are stereo only.


What Linn PreAmplifiers can the DS products control?

Bute and Cara software can control:-

  • Klimax Kontrol
  • Akurate Kontrol
  • Majik Kontrol
  • Majik-I
  • Kinos
  • Kisto
  • Unidisk SC
  • Classik Movie (from 2006 manufacture)
  • Classik Music (from 2008 manufacture)

Some of these products may need their software updated to allow the DS products to control them.

Earlier Linn pre-amplifiers cannot be controlled by the DS products


What makes the DS players open?

They have open standard interfaces as follows:

  • Standard Ethernet input, and standard audio outputs
  • Support the open UPnP AV 1.0 specification for control
  • Support for open file formats (e.g. FLAC)
  • It is possible, and actively encouraged by Linn, for individuals and third parties to write applications that utilise the DS.


How does music get onto a standard Ethernet network in the first place?

From a network attached hard drive. This may be within a standard PC or Mac, or can be a dedicated device called a NAS, which stands for Network Attached Storage. For data security and data availability a low-power dedicated NAS is recommended.


How do I get my music onto a NAS?

Using ripping software - see here, or use a ripping service


Will downloaded music play on the DS players?

Yes, so long as it is not protected by Digital Rights Managemant (DRM) restrictions and is in one of the supported formats, or transcoded to such a format


Can the NAS be used for other purposes?

Yes. The NAS can be accessed and used by any ethernet connected device.


Should the NAS be backed up?

You should back up all your data. RAID, which is built into many NAS devices, protects against the failure of a single drive ONLY. A full backup should be created using a USB attached external drive or similar, and kept synchronised with the NAS.


Does the NAS have to be in the same room as the DS player?

No, as long as both the NAS and the DS player are connected to the same Ethernet network, the DS player will retrieve music from the NAS.


What should I do if my CD collection is too big to fit on one NAS?

Add more or larger drives to the NAS, or use multiple NAS devices and split collection across them.


Can I create a DS player multi-room system?

Yes. You can have several DS players running from one NAS, with concurrent, independent access to the stored music.


Should I use wired or wireless Ethernet?

Wired. There is no guaranteed quality of service over wireless networks. When streaming music the information must arrive at the DS player in a predictable way to avoid audio drop-out.


How should I control a DS player?

There a variety of options dependent on personal hardware and software preferences

  • LinnGui/Kinsky on UMPC/Windows PC. Supported under mono on Mac and Linux
  • KinskyPDA on Windows PDA devices
  • LeiaDS on Nokia N800/N810
  • SkweezyDs plugin for Logitech's SqueezeCenter
  • Catwalk for J River Media
  • Philips Pronto
  • AMX control


Can other UPnP controllers operate the DS players?

Yes, so long as they conform to the UPnP AV specification, although with a reduced feature set.


What audio formats do the DS players support?

DS products support FLAC, WAV, AIFF, Apple Lossless (ALAC) and MP3. Linn recommends flac. AAC will be supported as of Cara release.

DRM protected files cannot be played on the DS products


Why does Linn recommend FLAC?

  1. FLAC is a free open format. It is non-proprietary, which means your music collection is safeguarded for the future, can be played through any open digital music player, and is not tied to a particular manufacturer or product. The specification is published for all to see. In contrast, SACD has failed to achieve significant success because it requires proprietary music content and disc players with proprietary hardware inside.
  2. FLAC allows even better than CD quality encoding and decoding. Linn Records (http://www.LinnRecords.com) provides studio master quality downloads in FLAC, at the same quality as SACD.
  3. FLAC supports metadata, or tags, so that useful information about a piece of music can be stored with the music; for example, album, artist, genre, cover art, sleeve notes, etc. User interfaces can make good use of these tags. Here are programs that support tag editing: Windows OS: mp3tag: http://www.mp3tag.de/en Mac OS X: Tag: http://sbooth.org/Tag/
  4. Because it is open and free, there are an extensive set of players, tools, transcoders (to convert between other formats and FLAC), tag editors, and other programs for FLAC.


Do I have to use a NAS or can I use my existing PC/Mac hard drive?

You can install a UPnP Media Server on your existing PC/Mac and use your existing PC/Mac hard drive if you wish.


Can I run a UPnP server as SqueezeCenter on the same NAS?

Yes, you can, and they can both access the same audio files.

Additionally you can use SqueezeCenter and Squeezeboxes to control and media-serve your DS players using the SkweezyDs plugin


Does the DS work with an Apple Mac?

The DS is a high performance audio product which is designed to operate without the need for a desktop computer.

If you wish to use your existing Apple equipment to control your Hi-Fi, you can find some hints and tips here: DS And Apple


How do I set up a Computer Network?

This should be done by someone with a sufficient level of I.T. training, ideally a professionally trained I.T. specialist. The people involved should be proficient in a minimum of :

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/tech/tk389/tk214/tech_digest09186a0080091a86.html

Networking-Basics-Part1.html

  • Firewalls, their configuration and importance

http://www.windowsnetworking.com/articles_tutorials/Firewalls-101.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/10BASE-T


Where can I get training on Computer Networks and Ethernet systems?

There are many training courses on networks and Ethernet systems to suit your requirements. Different levels of training are available to match the complexity of the systems that you will be designing or supporting. This can be via online training courses e.g.

It is also possible to attend training courses in person at local technical colleges and universities.


What are the firewall settings required for LinnGui/LinnConfig operation

For firewalls which support 'exceptions-by-program' (such as Windows Firewall on XP and Vista), add the executable to the exceptions list. However where the firewall requires setting of absolute port addresses for exceptions the following ranges are required

  • Port 1900 on 239.255.255.250 (UDP)
  • Ports 47832 to 47932 (TCP)
  • Ports 49832 to 49932 (TCP)
Retrieved from "https://docs.linn.co.uk/wiki/index.php?title=FAQs&oldid=2284"