UPnP software

[cosmoliu]

I just bought an Iomega NAS HDD (360GB) thinking I would be able to use it to feed audio files to the streaming client in my T+A Music Player (Audiophile gadget with a high quality CD player also capable of playing music files and streaming internet radio). What I didn't realize was that such a NAS device needs to have UPnP software. The Music Player recognizes it on the home network, displaying its MAC address on the front panel. However, it can't "see" the music files on the disc. Is there a good add-on solution, cheap if not free, that I could use? If so, how do I install it? I can't quite picture how to install software on a NAS device. I now realize that there are simple NAS devices out there with UPnP software preloaded; I just didn't happen to buy one.

[computoman]

Traditionally nas devices were only file servers. Only recently with the boom in multimedia are nas devices trying to be multipurpose. Some nas devices have had their firmware modified by third parties to let them do other things. I know I did that with my linksys nslu2 (ie. http://computoman.wordpress.com/2008/12/03/linux-still-amazes-me/) so it could serve media and even acted as a complete web server. Most but not all vendors of nas devices have locked down their products so that can not be done. Now most of the advanced nas boxes have some kind of multimedia server included. you just have to read the fine print so to speak before you buy it. Now the makers of nas devices are leapfrogging each other with capabilities to stay competitive. Now they are pretty much a computer without a keyboard or a monitor (excepting neuros). I just save money by using a computer to do the same thing and have the advantage of the keyboard and the monitor.. Though on my nas/media server I leave it headless without a monitor) and just access it remotely. Two one half dozen of another. Some of the media servers will let you add hard drives externally but that gets messy in terms of cables and more electricity used. There is add-on software that will let your desktop computer act as upnp server. I use several at one place or another. (i.e. mediatomb, jinzora, firefly (itunes compatable server). you can start at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UPnP_AV_MediaServers to give your self a choice.

[cosmoliu]

Thank you, Computoman,

I actually had come across that Wikipedia page earlier, and I still seem to be no closer to knowing whether or not I can "hack" the Iomega NAS. I'll try to research more of the references listed in the Wikipedia page. I'm beginning to wonder if it is worth the hassle, particularly since Twonky comes imbedded in several similar sized NAS HDDs.

[computoman]

I do not think it can be, but a lot of prople are trying do hacking to nas's.
http://www.nslu2-linux.org
http://www.batbox.org/nslu2-linux.html
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=nas+hacking&btnG=Google+Search&aq=f&oq=

[cosmoliu]

I just called Iomega and they definitely do not sanction attempts to get to the root directory of the drive. The good news is that I can return the drive no questions asked, which I think I will do as I do not currently have any great need for a network HDD. Thanks for your input.

[computoman]

Just get an old pc from goodwill for whatever and throw freenas on it. I think that freenas does support upnp to a degree. I get a free one every once in a while at the local user group meeting place. People are always upgrading. With the economy tanking, it might be a bit harder now to get those goodies. It's almost dumpster diving time. After xmas there are a lot of goodies to be gotten. I do not actually go into dumpsters, but I do eye the discards.

[xcorvis]

If you want to get a different NAS instead of building your own, Engadget had a nice post about it recently:

http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/12/ask-engadget-whats-the-best-budget-nas/

[cosmoliu]

Thanks, guys. Interesting reading and very helpful in furthering my knowledge. An old computer would be OK, except that I like the idea of bypassing the computer altogether. The Engadget web site looks like a good place to return to on a regular basis.

[computoman]

I am sure you will get what's best for you. The commercial nas (once a nas always a nas) boxes are computers, but only have for the most part a single purpose. I believe in multitaskers as Alton Brown (food tv) might say.