MX-7x0HD Media Storage options
From MvixCommunity
This article focuses on the available storage options for the Mvix player, discussing the pros and cons of the various choices. Contrary to popular belief, an internal Hard Disk Drive (HDD) is not a requirement in order to realise full functionality of the Mvix MX-700-series media player. Having an internal HDD allows for the portability of your media content, but this unit is quite capable of streaming media from network shares or reading from USB storage devices.
The Mvix player is not always sold with an internal HDD - perhaps one could put a spare HDD to use, or else use the opportunity to get a better HDD deal elsewhere - the choice is personal. There are however several considerations one needs to keep in mind when deciding on the most suitable configuration. Not including a HDD brings about possible challenges for owners who are not familiar with installations and formatting. This article will hopefully provide assistance in this area, explaining the options available and lead you in the right direction in respect of tutorials, detailing how to go about setting up your Mvix player for your intended requirements.
Contents |
Internal HDD
Having an internal HDD is optional - really only necessary for firmware updates - and even updates can be performed using USB flash-drives.
When making the decision to fit an internal HDD, it is always a good idea to be sure you get the one that is correct for your specific model of Mvix player - where the Mvix MX-780HD provides connectors for both SATA & IDE and can use either standard, the MX-760HD can only natively connect an IDE HDD.
NOTE - There has been discussion on an adapter that can be used to connect a SATA HDD to the MX-760HD. For more information and to discuss this subject click here.
Internal HDD installation & trouble-shooting
- Ensure that the internal IDE/SATA HDD is physically installed into the Mvix player correctly;
- Be sure that the HDD is appropriately formatted and partitioned for your intended use; Mvix players do not come factory-installed with a HDD so if your Mvix was purchased with an internal HDD, it was most likely a 3rd-party installation from the reseller, and it quite possibly will not have a file system installed on the drive. In this event, connect the Mvix player to a PC via USB and format it with an appropriate file system.
- Always double check the connections and jumper settings - a loose-fitting connection or an incorrect jumper setting is the highest reason for failure in many instances;
- Ensure that the HDD jumpers (in respect of IDE drives only) are set to "MASTER" or "SINGLE". Mvix player enclosures generally do not work with the SLAVE or CABLE SELECT setting. In most cases it shouldn't be necessary to change the jumpers of a new HDD at all - simply plug it in as it arrives;
- If your internal or external HDD is partitioned and formatted and is still not recognised by your PC, then it is possible that the drive was not assigned a drive letter by the PC operating system. To correct this click here;
USB Drive
This device can function as any external USB HDD enclosure when connected to a PC using the Mvix player's USB "Type B" Connector. The benefit of using this method to copy your large media files to the internal HDD of your Mvix player is obviously the high speed of the USB 2.0 connection - in terms of speed, this option is clearly a winner. Connecting in this manner provides your fastest file transfer method if connected to a USB 2.0 port (up to a maximum 480 Mbit/s). It is highly advisable to use this method when attempting a large file transfer. The downside is obviously having to disconnect your Mvix player from your audio/video media equipment and physically take it to the source PC to connect it directly into said USB port. You need to decide whether speed is more important than convenience. If you do not want to move your Mvix player around then consider the Network Storage option discussed below.
Troubleshooting USB connection issues
- When connecting your Mvix player's internal HDD to a PC via USB, be sure to use the proper USB port and cable on the Mvix - do not use the USB 'Host' ports ('Type A' connectors) at the back of your Mvix player. The USB cable needs to be connected to the 'Type B' (rounded) port connector on the Mvix player. Sometimes trying new cables can eliminate a possible problem. You can also try a suspect cable on another device such as a card reader connected directly to the PC to eliminate the cable as the problem.
- Ensure that the Mvix player is not connected to the PC via a USB hub. The Mvix needs to be connected directly to the PC's USB port.
- Disable MS-Windows USB Power Management as follows:
- Right-click on My Computer -> Properties -> Hardware -> Device Manager.
- Look for the Universal Serial Bus controllers tree, and expand it.
- You should see a number of 'USB Root Hub' instances.
- Right-click one of them -> Properties -> Power Management.
- Uncheck the box labelled "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power".
- The Mvix player cannot function as both a media player and a USB-drive at the same time - this is by design. Once the USB Type-B plug goes in, all media player functionality is disabled. A connected screen will display "This device is connected via USB... Unusable until disconnected" - this functionality is restored on removal of the USB Type-B connector. It is never advisable to connect or disconnect any USB connections while the Mvix player is turned on.
- Provide independent power to any USB HDD connected to the Mvix Player's USB 'Host' ports ('Type-A' connectors) wherever possible.
USB Host
The Mvix player has two USB 'Type A' host ports where one can insert most USB storage devices (e.g. External HDD enclosure, Flash Drive, Cellphone, etc.) and play the media content directly off this device. Keep in mind that the Mvix GUI does not allow one to copy media content off the storage device onto the internal storage HDD (if installed) - this is a view- or play-only arrangement. This feature could be particularly useful if you run out of storage space on the internal drive or even if you do not use an internal HDD at all and wish to upgrade the firmware.
- When using an external drive be sure that the USB and power cables are properly connected. Connecting the cable to the correct USB port is very important. An external HDD needs to be connected to the 'Type A' (flat) port connector of the Mvix - the 'USB Host'. Sometimes trying new cables can eliminate a possible problem. You can also try fitting a suspect cable on another device such as a card reader connected directly to the PC to eliminate a possible problem with the cable.
Network storage
This is a highly recommended option for those who do not necessarily require portability of their media and have a suitable network available with which to connect the Mvix player to the media storage host, whether such host is a shared folder on a networked PC or dedicated Network Attached Storage (NAS) server. It is possible to buy an off-the-shelf NAS box such as the MvixBOX WDN-2000, or Windows Home Server, or even build your own using an old PC and installing FreeNAS or similar NAS OS. Media stored on such shares can be streamed to your Mvix player through the network. Be aware that on wireless networks there may be evidence of stuttering while playing high frame-rate or High Definition content - in this event a wired CAT5e or better network is recommended.
While using network storage in a home environment may suit most requirements, should you decide to take your media out on the road, it may be necessary to move your large media files onto the internal HDD itself. In this event, there are two option available without having to physically move the Mvix player to within range of a USB port. The first is the official NDAS route; the second option is via FTP by means of hacked firmware. Either of these two options make file transfer possible from a networked PC to and from the Mvix player's internal HDD.
A more detailed discussion on the subject of managing files on the internal drive of your MX-700-series Media Player can be found here.
NDAS
The NDAS route requires that 3rd-party Ximeta software be installed on a networked PC. The Mvix player can then be mounted and will appear as an additional drive within the Windows Explorer GUI whereby files can be managed. A detailed installation guide can be found in this MvixUSA Knowledgebase article.
FTP
A FTP/HTTP/Telnet firmware hack by Olav Kolbu provided us with access to the Mvix live system as well as attached storage via FTP as well as configuring the Mvix player to run a live HTTP server. This option is best suited to those who are familiar with the intricacies of FTP and have formatted the internal HDD using an appropriate file system that allows write access to the UCLinux-based OS (such as FAT or EXT 2/3).
Troubleshooting Network storage issues
- If you experience an 'access deny' error, please check the Wired or Wireless configuration setup discussed in this Wiki - also check: * Is the host share switched on? * Is there an IP conflict? * Try a REFRESH of your shares.
- Ensure that no firewalls are blocking network connectivity - check Windows Firewall too even if there is a 3rd-party firewall installed.
- If you are suffering from slow copy speeds, particularly with large files over a wired network, try using specialised 3rd-party copy software such as TeraCopy or SuperCopier to assist in the file transfer.
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