MX-7x0HD NDAS Configuration
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History
The MX-760HD was originally launched without the ability to transfer files to the internal HDD via the network. This facility was introduced later via a firmware update, in version 1.1.27. The method chosen by Unicorn was NDAS, an acronym for 'Network Direct Attached Storage'. This is a proprietary means of file transfer to networked devices owned by Ximeta. The MX-780HD was launched with this facility built into the firmware from the outset.
Meanwhile, the Community produced their own method of file transfer in Olav Kolbu's hacked firmware which included FTP, Telnet and HTTP Server protocols. This hack has been carried through various generations of MX-760HD firmware and even ported across to the MX-780HD firmware derivatives. The Community felt that the NDAS method was limiting in that it did not cater for Linux operating systems. There is a limitation in the FTP method of file transfer - the file system of the HDD cannot be NTFS.
How does NDAS Work?
File transfer via NDAS works as follows:
- Firstly, NDAS-ready firmware version needs to be installed (MX760HDs only - use firmware 1.1.27 or better) on your Mvix player and it must be connected to your network, either wired (recommended) or wireless.
- Then the Ximeta software must be installed on the PC from which one intends to manage the Mvix HDD.
- The Mvix Player must then be turned on (manually, either via the remote control or the front-fascia power button - you cannot turn it on via the network).
- Register the Mvix Player using the NDAS ID and Write Key (A once-off process to configure the NDAS link to a specific Mvix Player).
- Right-click on the NDAS utility icon running in the Task bar notification area and select 'Mount' - a choice is available as to whether the Mvix HDD is to be mounted as 'Read Only' or with 'Read-Write' access; obviously if one would like to copy files to the Mvix then the Read-Write choice must be made.
- The Mvix Player will then display on the PC's Explorer tree as a new drive, and the user may navigate through the HDD directory structure as though they had plugged it in as a USB-drive (without the USB-2.0 speed of course!)
Installation and configuration
- A detailed guide on NDAS configuration can be found in this MvixUSA Knowledgebase article
How does one acquire the NDAS ID and Write Key?
- You should find your NDAS ID and Write Key printed on a sticker inside your Mvix box or in some cases on the back. Refer to this MvixUSA Knowledgebase article in this respect.
- Earlier models of the MX-760HD did not have these stickers and you would need to contact your vendor for these details - response used to be within a day or two:
- Quote: "If you have purchased the Mvix MX-760HD prior to May 31st, 2007, you may request the ID and KEY by providing the MAC addresses of your Mvix MX-760HD to your local reseller. US and Canada customers can request their ID and KEY directly by completing this ONLINE FORM. (Caution: Kindly verify the MAC address of your Mvix MX-760HD. DO NOT enter MAC addresses from your computer, router or any other networking equipment). Upon verification the ID / KEY is e-mailed within 48-72 business hours."
- Then there is the DIY route where you get the NDAS ID & Key yourself using a little hack which is referenced in this Wiki article
(Please don't try this if you are not technically-minded.)
Troubleshooting
- If your NDAS refuses to connect, yet you can successfully ping the IP address of the Mvix player, take a look at your firewall settings - ensure that the following two processes have permission to access your network: ndasmgmt.exe and ndassvc.exe.
- How to locate the MAC addresses on the Mvix MX-7x0HD Media Player
- Refer to this thread in the forum for additional suggestions and support.
- Ensure that the NDAS setting in your Mvix GUI SETUP is 'ON' and obviously that the Mvix itself is on while you are attempting to connect.
- Check that you are using the latest version of XiMeta NDAS software.
- Remember to dis-mount your NDAS share from your PC after file transfer - leaving your Mvix mounted in this manner may result in freezing during movie playback.
- For facilitating large file transfers, try using specialised 3rd-party copy software such as TeraCopy or SuperCopier2 to assist - these types of applications are far better at managing the copy queues than the Windows Explorer shell copy process.
- While NDAS does provide one with access to the HDD storage of the Mvix media player, and this is perfectly adequate for transferring a few files on a wired connection, you may want to consider USB slave connectivity for transfer of large batches, especially over a wireless connection.
Back to the MX-760HD Main Page.
