Hello all,

For those who want to monitor the entre's progress during any of its processes here is the scoop.

1. A Female to Female serial cable configured as follows (null modem)
- Pin2 to Pin3
- Pin3 to Pin2
- Pin5 to Pin5
- Pin8 to Pin7 (not 100% necissary)
- Pin7 to Pin8 (again not 100% necissary)
2. Any type of serial port program such as hyperterm with the following settings.
- 9600-baud, 8-data bits, No Parity, 1-stop bit
3. Connect one end to the pc and the other to the Entre's top serial port (marked receiver)

As for my iRadio question- does anyone know of a good place to find a listing of internet radio stream URL's. Has anyone had any luck adding their own selections to the entre's list. and last but not least did anyone happen to write down the sirius URL's while they were listed in the default iRadio list?

Thanks all,
Fred

Fred,

I've been using a straight thru female to female serial cable. It works just fine. Is straight thru another term for null modem?

Also, I usually have to press return about 2 to 3 times for the display to come up.

-NiteOwl

fz1234,

I've added this to the FAQ (http://homepage.mac.com/jbryer/sovereignfaq.html).

Jason

Originally posted by NiteOwl
Fred,

I've been using a straight thru female to female serial cable. It works just fine. Is straight thru another term for null modem? Yes. The opposite of a cross-over cable (std modem cable)

Jon,

I suspect it didn't work because I have the coax digital from the changer to the receiver and optical digital between the receiver and the Entre. I doubt the receiver transcodes the coax digital to the optical digital out.

Mike

Or... it's because the Entre only outputs MP3s via analog outputs to your receiver.

Originally posted by Mkellyvich
Jon,

I suspect it didn't work because I have the coax digital from the changer to the receiver and optical digital between the receiver and the Entre. I doubt the receiver transcodes the coax digital to the optical digital out.

Mike

Jon,

Hmmm. Not sure I follow you. Recording signal path should be from changer (via analog or digital) to Receiver (in my setup) to Entre.

Analog out from the Entre works fine since I can listen to my MP3s...

Mike

OKAY... I think I have finally cracked how to change all the FONT colors & sizes on the Entre, making changes to the GUIFonts.prp although all I've done so far is make changes to the main MOVIE screen, (what a difference though!!) Anyone proficient in Photoshop or a graphic software can use the RGB values to make the changes they want to each line item in the PRP file. Using CuteFTP allows the edit and save back to the Entre.

Each line shows a value of RGB with the last digit representing the background highlight, (example of the default yellow/orange lettering for the DVD title at the top would be "Guides.TitleText.fgColor=255,214,126,0" standing for "R,G,B,BG highlight"). Changing these values in RGB numbering and saving back to the Entre in ANSI clear text format will give you your desired changes (after an Entre reboot of course).

I no longer have to look at that crappy yellow/orange color anymore (nor the black color when highlighting a title)! I went with a muted gray on the movie titles and when you cursor highlight a movie, it turns bright paper white.

Anyone interested in details on how to do this to their screens PM me.

Once I get it all documented I thought it would be good to add to HM FAQ database.

Hope that helps! ;o)

I forgot to add in the attachment of my changes so you can see how different it looks....

Also be careful of changing the font sizes because most of maximum's (like the "Guide Title" that was originally '7' and I tried changing to '8' and it reverted back to default '4')

Enjoy!

Originally posted by krichter1
OKAY... I think I have finally cracked how to change all the FONT colors & sizes on the Entre, making changes to the GUIFonts.prp although all I've done so far is make changes to the main MOVIE screen, (what a difference though!!) Anyone proficient in Photoshop or a graphic software can use the RGB values to make the changes they want to each line item in the PRP file. Using CuteFTP allows the edit and save back to the Entre.

Each line shows a value of RGB with the last digit representing the background highlight, (example of the default yellow/orange lettering for the DVD title at the top would be "Guides.TitleText.fgColor=255,214,126,0" standing for "R,G,B,BG highlight"). Changing these values in RGB numbering and saving back to the Entre in ANSI clear text format will give you your desired changes (after an Entre reboot of course).

I no longer have to look at that crappy yellow/orange color anymore (nor the black color when highlighting a title)! I went with a muted gray on the movie titles and when you cursor highlight a movie, it turns bright paper white.

Anyone interested in details on how to do this to their screens PM me.

Once I get it all documented I thought it would be good to add to HM FAQ database.

Hope that helps! ;o)

Wow, that looks great! I was trying for the longest time to use the prp files from my Fireball (it has a better looking GUI) -- it was a nightmare and I finally just put that project aside.

If you have the time, it would be great if you could post the prp files -- I'd love to use them.

btw, I can't take credit for the FAQ, s omeone else came up with that idea ;)

hm

Thanks! It took my quite a while to figure it out as well and I too used the fireball PRP but all it really did was change the DVD titles to Green and make the 'MOVIE' & 'MUSIC' titles gray.

The rest of what you see in the picture is not in the PRP but custom backgrounds and images I placed in /7.0.5/GUIResources/Images/Generic & English. If you want I could send the folder to you to make yours the same as mine (sans the 'Richter Movie Collection' of course, but could make you up one with your last name if you want in Photoshop). I don't mind doing that for the one's who have been a staple on this forum and helped us all enjoy it a whole lot more! Just send me an email and I'll reply with a custom zip file.

I know it was others that came up with it especially Scott who has been one of the "Pioneers" of this forum. Not to infer you are OLD Scott!

Here's a potentially stupid question I've been meaning to ask... Does anyone know how to change the internal time in the Entre? My date is correct but when I change files on the Entre the timestamp is 5 hours ahead. Maybe something to do with GMT offest or something?

Thanks in advance!

A null modem cable is a cross over cable. pin 2-3 and pin 3-2 etc.
A straight through cable is Pin 2-2 and 3-3 etc.

I have found that a null modem cable works and I expect if one were to use an ohm meter to test the cable that that works for them they would find it to be a crosover/null modem cable.

Most PC to Equipment cables are crossed over.

Please let me know if you find this is not true for your cable as
it may be possible for the Entre to do it both ways, hoever its doubtful.

Fred

Thanks Stickman for adding it to the FAQ!

Fred,

You are correct. The cable is labeled straight thru yet its a null modem. Go figure.

-NiteOwl

OK, Folks, I received my Entre back fro Cerritos. I must get a few things off of my chest:

First of all, the unit was a greasy as hell. Second, the unit was packaged extremly poorly. Third, Who knows what they really did to the unit, I called them and they couldn't even tell me what was stated on the invoice meant. "Special Improvment For User [99/01/HD/96]. What the **** does that mean. The drive wasn't even loaded with the current 2.0.0.8 of the software. The funniest part of the whole story is, they referred me to tech support, which I called and was told to go to Escient's "WebShare" and download the files I had downloaded two weeks ago.. I had to re-initialize the drive in order to get the unit up and running. Another funny thing was that even with the original version of software, my USB Ethernet abapter was recognized and its a Belkin, go figure.

:mad: I performed the 120gb upgrade using a Western Digital WD1200AB. I must say that the instructions were flawless and went off without a hitch.
Although I did decide to go back to the 20gb Seagate, The WD1200AB was to damn loud. Is anyone using something thats quiet. I couldn't stand sitting in the kitchen and hearing that damn drive whining.I recall someone else here using the same drive. I was wondering if your drive is noticibly loud???

Hey DannyFresh,

Is that WD1200AB a 5400rpm drive? I remember having a WD(something small) 5400rpm in one of my Win machines and it would make lots of noise.

I use a WD1200JBRTL in my Entre its 7200rpm around $100 from best buy and its as quiet as they come. I set the fan to on all the time and have had my unit playing on random title for almost a week without any trouble or reboots.

Fred

Originally posted by fz1234
<snip>As for my iRadio question- does anyone know of a good place to find a listing of internet radio stream URL's. Has anyone had any luck adding their own selections to the entre's list. and last but not least did anyone happen to write down the sirius URL's while they were listed in the default iRadio list? Thanks all, Fred

I've used MS Player see attached screen layout/format. If you right click on the FM 80's area and click properties it will show the URL. Only some are ASXs and some require a browser window. I have not had a ton of luck, however, even with ASX urls that play fine in MS Player. I usually get a mysterious "stopped" message on my Axcess right after clicking play. I think the Entre didn't play them either.

The sirius URL had a temporary password/parm built into the URL so it is of no good now.

DannyFresh,

Try a Samsung, 120GB 5400 RPM drive -- they're very quiet and don't put off much heat.



Originally posted by DannyFresh
:mad: I performed the 120gb upgrade using a Western Digital WD1200AB. I must say that the instructions were flawless and went off without a hitch.
Although I did decide to go back to the 20gb Seagate, The WD1200AB was to damn loud. Is anyone using something thats quiet. I couldn't stand sitting in the kitchen and hearing that damn drive whining.I recall someone else here using the same drive. I was wondering if your drive is noticibly loud???

Sorry to hear that Danny. I guess they have run out of new Entres to ship out instead of repairing, or mabye Kenwood read this forum and stopped the practice.

What a pity.

Danny,

I use the WD1200AB and find it's noise level quite acceptable in an open cabinet about 10' away from the seating postition. I can just barely hear it when everything else is quiet but don't notice it when there is any volume on the system. The fan on the Entre is louder than the drive.

I first tried a WD1200JB 7200 RPM drive and found that to be unacceptably loud.

Mike

Mike, My Wd1200AB was much to noisy. The unit is in a home theater unit in my family room and that is at least 20 feet from the kitchen and I could hear it loud and clear..


While I had my Entre's cover off I noticed a button on the "Board" is some sort of reset button, "Reset" is actually printed on the board next to the button. What is this for?? Also after receiving the Entre back from Cerritos, I noticed the "Dynamic" ethernet configuration is working for me now. It never worked for me before, I always had to use a "Static" IP. All of the fields on my "Internet Configuration" page no longer has to have any info typed in the boxes. My Entre is working fine using this setting. Also as I stated before, my "serviced" unit was returned to me with the original version of software on it. The ethernet was functioning with that version. I am not using a "NetMate" adapter. It is a Belkin. When I first purchased the unit, the Belkin would not function with the old version of software. I always had to use Kenwood's Earthlink account to upgrade to 2.0.0.8 before, I couldn't even plug the Belkin in. If I had the Belkin plugged in the unit wouldn't even boot up until I removed it. I found this to be kind of strange.. Anyone have any insight????

the reset button is used to reset the entre. just like the reset button on your computer. instead of holding the power button for 5 secs you can press reset and it will reset (aka reboot).

The button you see on the mainboard labeled reset is similar to a reset button on a pc. It does the same thing as holding the power button. It reboots the Entre.

Can someone try an experiment for me to see if it's my system setup or the Entre software that's the problem?

As I mentioned earlier, I am trying to mass-rip my library to MP3, but when a track begins recording (real-time), you can audibly hear how the song starts for an instant, then stops for a second (like a silent burp) and then continues on. The resulting problem on playback in about a 1/4 to 1/2 second of the track is missing from the beginning, making for an annoying start to many tracks that start exactly at 0:00.

I have tried recording via TOSlink and COAX from changer to Entre, with the same effect.

Can someone else quickly try to record a track using this method (preferably a track that really starts instantly with substantial sound so that it's obvious you'd hear the problem if it existed)?

Any info greatly appreciated.

My saga with the DV-5900M has lasted 6 months, and still a busted player!

Jan 04 unit failed to read disk, sent to CA for repair and upgrade. Got the unit back and it worked for about 90 days. Failed with no video output.

April 04 sent the unit back for repair, was quoted $400, when I complained that I had just had it repaired they sent me a refurbed unit. This took about 4 weeks to resolve.

May 04 received the refurbed unit, it worked for 15 min before failing for no video output. Unit sent back to CA.

June 24 04, received replacement refurb unit. Loaded 300 DVD's and let the Entree do it's thing. It made it through 125 before getting jammed up. Pulled the cover and noticed that the discs hit the interior wall of the carousel as they spin around. Also notice that the disks hit the slot in the carousel that feeds the DVD drive, so back it will go again. I will insist that they send me a new unit if possible but I am not sure if they still have any left.

Some time in May I went out and got a Sony 777es changer thinking that it may be possible to connect it to the entree. I read the other posts that state Sony changer control is possible before ver 2 of the software. I did a factory reset and got back to ver 1. something but no luck.

Is there anyone that's truly been successful connecting the Sony to the entree? I was thinking that the Sony RS232 connector might be pinned differently with TXD and RXD reversed compared to the Kenwood.

From what Danny is reporting, it's possible that they slipstreamed 2.0.0.8 into version 1.0.

Slocko, What about the Dynamic Ethernet setting???? It seems to be working again. Although it never worked for me before..

Originally posted by JonDeutsch
Can someone try an experiment for me to see if it's my system setup or the Entre software that's the problem?<snip>Any info greatly appreciated. Sorry if I have missed this but have you ripped directly from the Entre's transport/tray?!? I ripped all my CDs that way and don't think I've had any problems. This method is "direct" and not going through several components/cables.

I assume that if you are going to put all your CDs in the Entre that you won't need them in the changer anymore so taking them out a few at a time needs to be done anyway.

Scott,

Thanks for the reply. I have not yet tried this approach. Why? Because a 350 disc mega-rip seems just too compelling to give up on so quickly! I am going on vacation on Thursday, and I was hoping to just rip 1/2 of my CDs (albeit real-time) while I was gone for that week.

Ripping 1-by-1 in the Entre seems laborious in comparison... but I will do this if there is no other alternative.

I'm kind of surprised no one has attempted to rip from the changer to the Entre... it doesn't really go through conversions... the bits are sent via the digital interface, compressed in the Entre, and burned. Other than the speed issue, is this really less accurate than the Entre-ripping process?

Any info appreciated.


Originally posted by ScottF200
Sorry if I have missed this but have you ripped directly from the Entre's transport/tray?!? I ripped all my CDs that way and don't think I've had any problems. This method is "direct" and not going through several components/cables.

I assume that if you are going to put all your CDs in the Entre that you won't need them in the changer anymore so taking them out a few at a time needs to be done anyway.

I received my Entre back from service last week. I installed a 120gb Western Digital HD and it was I bit noisy so I reverted back to th 20gb Seagate OEM. I began ripping mp3's via entre's internal cd drawer. OK heres the strange part. After ripping a CDR loaded with 700mb of mp3 files, I removed the cd and was getting ready to insert another. Entre will not remove the CDR's info from the guide. I have removed the CDR and Entre acts like it is still in the drawer. I have rebooted, rebuilt etc. Nothing happens the info will not dissappear.... I don't understand this one. Any Help Guys????

This happened to me, when I was in the middle of a record session and the Entre rebooted itself.

YYMV, I finally had to use ftp to remove the "CDs" & "DataCDs" directories from 7.0.5/Database/Music. I then rebooted. The Entre will rebuild the directory structure on it's own.

hm

Originally posted by DannyFresh
I received my Entre back from service last week. I installed a 120gb Western Digital HD and it was I bit noisy so I reverted back to th 20gb Seagate OEM. I began ripping mp3's via entre's internal cd drawer. OK heres the strange part. After ripping a CDR loaded with 700mb of mp3 files, I removed the cd and was getting ready to insert another. Entre will not remove the CDR's info from the guide. I have removed the CDR and Entre acts like it is still in the drawer. I have rebooted, rebuilt etc. Nothing happens the info will not dissappear.... I don't understand this one. Any Help Guys????

Originally posted by hmatos
This happened to me, when I was in the middle of a record session and the Entre rebooted itself.

YYMV, I finally had to use ftp to remove the "CDs" & "DataCDs" directories from 7.0.5/Database/Music. I then rebooted. The Entre will rebuild the directory structure on it's own.

hm

Thanks, That was actually what I was going to try to do. I did realize that this method works with the Mp3 "Ghosting" issues that Slocko resolved a while back. Thanks again for your help "H"...........

Originally posted by hmatos
This happened to me, when I was in the middle of a record session and the Entre rebooted itself.

YYMV, I finally had to use ftp to remove the "CDs" & "DataCDs" directories from 7.0.5/Database/Music. I then rebooted. The Entre will rebuild the directory structure on it's own.

hm

Entre's "Internal CD" ghosting issue is resolved. As hmatos stated I removed the "CDs" & "DataCDs" directories from "7.0.5/Database/Music" but, you must also delete the "CD's.xml" file from "7.0.5/Database/Music/Groups/CDs" in order for Entre to re-create the file system correctly. After this was done the ghosts were no more.

Oops, I forgot about that one. My bad. I'm glad you solved your problem.

hm

Originally posted by DannyFresh
Entre's "Internal CD" ghosting issue is resolved. As hmatos stated I removed the "CDs" & "DataCDs" directories from "7.0.5/Database/Music" but, you must also delete the "CD's.xml" file from "7.0.5/Database/Music/Groups/CDs" in order for Entre to re-create the file system correctly. After this was done the ghosts were no more.

maybe that is the only file you need to delete and not the directories also. it sounds exactly like the mp3 ghosting issue.

Originally posted by DannyFresh
Entre's "Internal CD" ghosting issue is resolved. As hmatos stated I removed the "CDs" & "DataCDs" directories from "7.0.5/Database/Music" but, you must also delete the "CD's.xml" file from "7.0.5/Database/Music/Groups/CDs" in order for Entre to re-create the file system correctly. After this was done the ghosts were no more.

Originally posted by slocko
maybe that is the only file you need to delete and not the directories also. it sounds exactly like the mp3 ghosting issue.

No Slocko, I tried it both ways. First I deleted the directories and the listing was still present in Entre's GUI, but when it we selected the track titles were present but not playable. Then I restored the directories I deleted and then deleted the "CD's.xml" file, Entre rebuilt the file but the GUI read NA/NA next to the listing. Lastly I deleted both and it fixed the issue all together. Funny thing I realized though, You know how when you put a custom CDR into Entre's drawer it reads something like "Unknow Disc #4" or something to that effect?? well after deleting the directories and the xml file the Entre "Unknown Disc" goes to the next numeral ie. "Unknown Disc #5" etc.. There must be another file in there that stores the number of discs, because after deleting both of those directories, I would think the "Unknown Disc" would be reset to 1..

I added this to the FAQ: http://homepage.mac.com/jbryer/sovereignfaq.html

Originally posted by DannyFresh
Entre's "Internal CD" ghosting issue is resolved. As hmatos stated I removed the "CDs" & "DataCDs" directories from "7.0.5/Database/Music" but, you must also delete the "CD's.xml" file from "7.0.5/Database/Music/Groups/CDs" in order for Entre to re-create the file system correctly. After this was done the ghosts were no more.

I had that problem once, but I fixed it a different way. I don't remember how, but it wasn't the way you did it.

I remember that i was doing some ripping and one of the cds stayed listed in the guide, even though I had removed it.

Oh well. As long as we know there is a sure way to fix it :)

Originally posted by DannyFresh
No Slocko, I tried it both ways. First I deleted the directories and the listing was still present in Entre's GUI, but when it we selected the track titles were present but not playable. Then I restored the directories I deleted and then deleted the "CD's.xml" file, Entre rebuilt the file but the GUI read NA/NA next to the listing. Lastly I deleted both and it fixed the issue all together. Funny thing I realized though, You know how when you put a custom CDR into Entre's drawer it reads something like "Unknow Disc #4" or something to that effect?? well after deleting the directories and the xml file the Entre "Unknown Disc" goes to the next numeral ie. "Unknown Disc #5" etc.. There must be another file in there that stores the number of discs, because after deleting both of those directories, I would think the "Unknown Disc" would be reset to 1..

Could you imagine spending $1500-$2000 on something that only worked 75% of the time? Well that is what we would all have if it weren't for these message boards and all who contribute to them. Joe has created an extremly valuable piece of software that allows us Ftp access to our Entre's file system. Without this priceless option, all of our units would be at the service center constantly. Nevermind the wonderful idea of customizing our GUI's. Thanks to HMatos we can all have 6X the storage of a factory unit. My unit is already out of warranty so voiding the warrany no longer applies to myself. I am willing to try just about anything now. They have already charged me $85.00 to repair my unit the last time it was serviced, for what, even they couldn't tell me. I am looking foward to the release of "Media Edit" as "DVDEdit" stopped working for me a long time ago. And how about that awesome program Kenwood gave us, MEDIA MANAGER WHAT A JOKE!!!!!

Originally posted by DannyFresh
<snip>Joe has created an extremly valuable piece of software that allows us Ftp access to our Entre's file system.<snip> Hey what about the guy that found the 'allow FTP' command for the software to issue :eek:

Mad props to Scott! :)

Danny you've had your Entre longer than 2 years???? All the sovereign products have 2 year warranties. Time flies when you are having fun or making your entre setup work :)

Scott, I didn't mean to leave you out, my daughter was waking up at the time I was posting and you know what its like when thay are hungry..


Slocko, No the unit isn't 2 years old yet but Kenwood won't honor the warranty because I didn't buy fro a authourized dealer.. At $1800 retail.... I only paid $750.00 for the unit and it cost me $85.00 to have the unit repaired and shipped back to me....They way I look at it, I'm still close to $1000 ahead of the game..........

C'Mon I need a Fix!!!!!

here you go.

i am happy to report that the Axcess that Kenwood replaced with a new unit, is working much better than the one I bought from a benelovent soul on this thread.

even though I can't use dynamic network configuration, because it makes my entre lose it's internet connection, the static configuration works really well.

before, the axcess will require that i hit enter for every ip parameter when using manual everytime i powered the unit. it was like it couldn't retain it's settings.

now when i power it on, it knows it's manual, and it finds the entre automatically.

so there was something definitely wrong with the unit I bought.

I've owned an Entre for about a year now, and purchased my 5900 about a month ago. I have experienced many of the issues discussed in this forum. I've learned alot from the technical discussions in these threads. I'm however having an issue connecting to the Entre via ftp. My MM, Niteowl's MP3 player, and DVDEdit 2.4 work fine with exception of the occasional reboot. I've downloaded multiple ftp programs recommended in this thread. While having DVDEdit2.4 loaded, I try to connect to the Entre via ftp, port 80. The programs say connected, but say the server disconnected due to no response. It appears the Entre is accepting the login and password, but goes no further. What am I missing? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Here's a question for the tech wizards here...

I've just embarked on a mission of ripping my 300+ CD collection to 320kbps MP3s for storage on my new 120GB Entre. I purchased MusicMatch software for the PC, and I'm ripping away.

I have found two issues that I would like to improve, and I wanted to get some advice:

1. Is there a way to FTP the MP3 files directly to the Entre? This would be the "killer app" since the burning and copying process takes almost an hour, and at 320kbps, I can only fit 5 or 6 albums on a CD-RW disc. This will take a long time to complete if I must continue with this procedure.

2. As I noted on the non-tech Entre forum, I had a problem with the ordering of tracks within albums. The Entre seemed to read in the MP3 files in alphanumeric order, and not taking the track# metadata into account when assembling the album in the music guide. This seems very strange to me. How could the Entre ignore the track# metadata? Isn't this really important for organizing tracks? What gives?

As I noted in my posts on the other forum, I have gotten around this issue by changing how MusicMatch names the files... I use track#-Artist-Album-Title.mp3 now, so the Entre now seems to assemble the tracks in the correct order. It's kind of a backwards way of solving the problem, but I think it'll work.

Any info/tips on either of these would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,

If you are trying to ftp on port 80, that would be your problem. FTP generally connects on port 21.

-Jason

Originally posted by gtalum
I've owned an Entre for about a year now, and purchased my 5900 about a month ago. I have experienced many of the issues discussed in this forum. I've learned alot from the technical discussions in these threads. I'm however having an issue connecting to the Entre via ftp. My MM, Niteowl's MP3 player, and DVDEdit 2.4 work fine with exception of the occasional reboot. I've downloaded multiple ftp programs recommended in this thread. While having DVDEdit2.4 loaded, I try to connect to the Entre via ftp, port 80. The programs say connected, but say the server disconnected due to no response. It appears the Entre is accepting the login and password, but goes no further. What am I missing? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

JonDeutsch,

I don't believe anyone has figured out a way to ftp mp3s to the Entre. Since it stores meta data in several locations (including a database), files put on the Entre using ftp won't show up in the menus. I've tried with no success. Right now there are two ways of getting music onto the Entre, via the Entre's own CD drive or using the Media Manager Software. jslepicka was working an a piece of software for Escient's products that should work with the Entre, but I haven't seen much activity lately. Here's a link to that thread: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=392539

-Jason


Originally posted by JonDeutsch
Here's a question for the tech wizards here...

I've just embarked on a mission of ripping my 300+ CD collection to 320kbps MP3s for storage on my new 120GB Entre. I purchased MusicMatch software for the PC, and I'm ripping away.

I have found two issues that I would like to improve, and I wanted to get some advice:

1. Is there a way to FTP the MP3 files directly to the Entre? This would be the "killer app" since the burning and copying process takes almost an hour, and at 320kbps, I can only fit 5 or 6 albums on a CD-RW disc. This will take a long time to complete if I must continue with this procedure.

To be able to ftp successfully, you either need an Axcess unit in your setup, or a special utility that opens up the port for FTP access.

I'm sure someone here might be nice enough to email you the utility :)

Originally posted by gtalum
I've owned an Entre for about a year now, and purchased my 5900 about a month ago. I have experienced many of the issues discussed in this forum. I've learned alot from the technical discussions in these threads. I'm however having an issue connecting to the Entre via ftp. My MM, Niteowl's MP3 player, and DVDEdit 2.4 work fine with exception of the occasional reboot. I've downloaded multiple ftp programs recommended in this thread. While having DVDEdit2.4 loaded, I try to connect to the Entre via ftp, port 80. The programs say connected, but say the server disconnected due to no response. It appears the Entre is accepting the login and password, but goes no further. What am I missing? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Jon,

NiteOwl was working on a replacement for MM. I don't know if it was going to include copying mp3s.

Has anyone ever tried copying the mp3s into one of the directories and then rebuilding the index by deleting the mp3.xlm file? or the data directory that was mentioned by Danny and Herioldo? or maybe both.

Originally posted by DannyFresh
OK, Folks, I received my Entre back fro Cerritos. I must get a few things off of my chest:

First of all, the unit was a greasy as hell. Second, the unit was packaged extremly poorly. Third, Who knows what they really did to the unit, I called them and they couldn't even tell me what was stated on the invoice meant. "Special Improvment For User [99/01/HD/96]. What the **** does that mean. The drive wasn't even loaded with the current 2.0.0.8 of the software. The funniest part of the whole story is, they referred me to tech support, which I called and was told to go to Escient's "WebShare" and download the files I had downloaded two weeks ago.. I had to re-initialize the drive in order to get the unit up and running. Another funny thing was that even with the original version of software, my USB Ethernet abapter was recognized and its a Belkin, go figure. Originally posted by slocko
Sorry to hear that Danny. I guess they have run out of new Entres to ship out instead of repairing, or mabye Kenwood read this forum and stopped the practice. I received my brand new Entre today! If you complain and its your Entre's third trip to Cerritos, their policy says you can get a new one. I noticed the same thing as DannyFresh when my old one was returned (both times) .. when returning from Cerritos with a new HDU, it has v1.1.0.11 (I think) software on it, yet my Netmate USB/Ethernet adapter is recognized and works. With my old unit (that I returned 3 times now) after downloading v2.0.0.8 successfully it would reboot and never come up again. The unit returned to me this third time is definately brand new and came from Long Beach, not Cerritos (err, well, it is labelled reconditioned, but I guess that's as new as it gets. Now I have 2 remotes, cables sets, manuals, etc.). This reconditioned unit has v1.1.0.10 on it and the NetMate Ethernet adapter does not work (static or dynamic) so I have yet to get 2.0.0.8 on it.

Update 7/20/04: My fault. The ethernet adapter didn't work because my router needed rebooting. None of the PCs in my network could get an IP. I downloaded v2.0.0.8 and have been running fine ever since. A mere 4 hours to catalog the 317 DVDs I have -- with 17 "Unknown DVDs" and 2 mislabelled. I'm just glad that's all (mostly) automatic since the DVD catalog is my primary use. I won't be ripping a ton of music again -- just don't want to go through that effort on such an unstable platform.

Ok Folks, My Entre has crapped out again... It is currently on its way to Cerritos for the second time. The unit worked for about a week or so, then the reebooting issue started all over again. I did not notice a new HD when I received it back the first time. Personally I don't beleive it is a problem with the HD. I replaced the IDE cable to be sure it wasn't that, I also put a brand new exact duplicate seagate drive in the unit and created a boot disc to recreate the drive, and still the reeboots. I beleive there is some sort of hardware problem. I did state my case to the young lady I spoke with in Cerritos. They were nice enough to issue a UPS call tag so I didn'i have to pay freight again. I am just hoping theyreplace the unit.
RonAuger, I feel your pain, I too don't plan to rip any music this time. I never realized how spoiled I was, not having to know the locations of the 500+ DVD's and CD's I own... Wish me some luck guys, I have my fingers crossed this time. I hope they are nice enough to replace it this time. Ah hell, I'll be more than happy with a refurb, its got to be better than what I have gone through already...

NiteOwl... if you could make this happen.... I'd pay you.

Slocko, I tried uploading a disc full of MP3s to the main directory (the actual dir name escapes me since I did it a few weeks ago)... but it was the parent directory for all of the MP3 files stored. Unfortunately, when I rebuilt the index file, these MP3s did not end up in my Entre's UI, and they were also no longer in the directory where I placed them!

Weird.



Originally posted by slocko
Jon,

NiteOwl was working on a replacement for MM. I don't know if it was going to include copying mp3s.

Has anyone ever tried copying the mp3s into one of the directories and then rebuilding the index by deleting the mp3.xlm file? or the data directory that was mentioned by Danny and Herioldo? or maybe both.

I don't use the Entre for MP3. I had to reboot to factory default one time and lost everything, so I don't want to go thru that again. I wish they just set it up to stream from MP3's on your pc.

Originally posted by DannyFresh
Ok Folks, My Entre has crapped out again... It is currently on its way to Cerritos for the second time. The unit worked for about a week or so, then the reebooting issue started all over again. I did not notice a new HD when I received it back the first time. Personally I don't beleive it is a problem with the HD.I don't think so either. There's a design issue on the motherboard or the IDE controller or something. I replaced the IDE cable to be sure it wasn't that, I also put a brand new exact duplicate seagate drive in the unit and created a boot disc to recreate the drive, and still the reeboots. I beleive there is some sort of hardware problem. I did state my case to the young lady I spoke with in Cerritos. They were nice enough to issue a UPS call tag so I didn'i have to pay freight again. That's their SOP. They did the same thing for me. I only paid to have the unit returned the first time. The return to me and the second and third round trip was 'on the house'. Their policy is to replace the unit if you have to return it to Cerritos a third time. And it will take 7-10 days to process the paper work for a "new" unit after a tech confirms the problem (the third time).RonAuger, I feel your pain, I too don't plan to rip any music this time. I never realized how spoiled I was, not having to know the locations of the 500+ DVD's and CD's I own... Wish me some luck guys, I have my fingers crossed this time. I hope they are nice enough to replace it this time. Ah hell, I'll be more than happy with a refurb, its got to be better than what I have gone through already... I'm going to rip some, just so I can make same party playlists. But I am not going to rip lots or expend lots of effort archiving. So far this refurb Entre is acting just fine but it's only been two weeks.

If it were a popular demand unit and still selling (or evolving), we would probably have better support, not be on v2.0.0.8 still, and have an upgrade path. All we have now is this Entre emotional support group (EW - Entre whiners;) )

Originally posted by RonAuger
If it were a popular demand unit and still selling (or evolving), we would probably have better support, not be on v2.0.0.8 still, and have an upgrade path. All we have now is this Entre emotional support group (EW - Entre whiners;) )

I have to agree with you about the tech support issue. Although there are a bunch of good people over there at KW Tech Support, (Thay have helped out plenty of times) it seems that all of the problems are being expereinced by multiple users. At the present time, I beleive more is known about the Entre by the people posting on this board than the support group itself. It is kind of funny how they now give out the address and password to Escient's FTP site allowing access to the files needed to recreate the drive. On one hand I thought they thought when we all upgraded to 2.0.0.8, most of us had to use standard phone lines to download the upgrade because of the ethernet issues, the Entre received some sort of corrupt files. I beleive that is why they went foward with allowing access to those files. On the other hand maybe they thought they could slow down the steady flow of Entre's finding their way to Cerritios, by allowing us to fix them ourselves. We all know there will come a day in the near distant future when they will cease to support the unit at all, and then all we will have is our Entre's and each other. (I wonder when the last "NEW" Entre sold goes out of warranty???:D) I WOULD SERIOUSLY CONSIDER PURCHASING ESCIENTS SETUP IF I WAS POSITIVE THESE PROBLEMS DIDN"T EXIST< THE ONLY PROBLEM IS THEY DID BUILT THE ENTRE FOR KENWOOD RIGHT!!!

Under the "anything worth asking for is worth asking twice for" philosophy...

I'm within days of finishing the massive exercise of burning my 330 CDs to 320kbps MP3s on my PC's hard drive (via MusicMatch). This process has basically taken me a month. Now the daunting task of loading all of these MP3s onto my 120GB Entre is ahead of me, and frankly, I'm not looking forward to it.

Why? Because I have this belief (fantasy?) that there is a way to FTP MP3s to my Entre. Because I've seen how cover art can be so gracefully FTP'd to a base directory, and get scooped up by the Entre and added to a list. And I can't help but intuit the same process for bulk-loading the thousands of MP3 tracks onto my Entre. I know loading MP3s is quite different than loading a cover jpg. However, I also know that MM does both, and I can't imagine someone really couldn't sniff out what MM was doing when adding an MP3.

If there really is no answer, I will need to burn 4-5 CDs onto a CD-RW, and then load them into the Entre, 1 CD-RW at a time. And keep track of what I've burned. And essentially keep the Entre on-screen during this process so I can see the status. Painful.

I wouldn't be asking if I thought it were impossible. There have been some quite brilliant discoveries in the Entre community of late, and I'm extending the hope that another discovery of the FTP MP3 nature is just around the corner... simply requiring a NightOwl, ScottF, hmatos or similar "entre"preneur to unlock the secret.

I knew what I was getting into when I started this, so it's not like I'll crumble if nothing comes up. I just want to throw out that last request before I turn heads-down and start burning away for the next month.

Thanks,

this doesn't answer your query, but you might want to use 2 cd-rw discs. so while the entre is copying from one, you can be prepping the other disc.

Another suggestion for you Jon - Burn the MP3s onto CD-Rs. The discs will burn faster (most drives burn CD-Rs at higher speeds than CD-RWs), and you'll have a fairly permanent archive of your MP3s should you ever have to reload them on your PC or Entre. Another benefit is that you can burn the CDs as time permits and load them into your Entre as time permits. I found it took about 7-8 minutes to burn and verify a full CD-R, while it took anywhere from 15-30 minutes for the Entre to read a full CD-R. I stacked up a bunch of full CD-Rs, then often put a disc or two into the Entre before going to bed, another when I first got up, and maybe another before leaving for work. It took about six weeks to finish the project from start to finish including all the time to rip the originals and burn the CD-Rs.

Over the course of burning ~520 CDs onto the PC, then onto CD-R, then copying them into the Entre I found that it seems to work best (in terms of getting the cover art to transfer with the MP3s) if you let the Entre identify all of the tracks on your MP3 before telling it to copy the disc to the hard drive (you can watch the Entre ID the songs by scrolling or paging down as it works its way through the song list) or just let the first track play through, then page through the list to see if the Entre is done identifying songs. As you get more songs loaded on the Entre it will take incrementally longer to determine the record time for each disc - by the end I was looking at around 30-45 seconds after I selected "rip to hard drive" before it would let me hit "record" to start the copy process.

It was a lot of repetitive work to get all the discs in there, but it sure is nice having all the music at my fingertips without having to put the second changer back into the system. I've been done for nearly a month and have had no trouble with the Entre (nor have I have any significant trouble with it at any period since I installed the 120Gb drive in late May).

Cheers,

Mike

Scott,

What tool are you using to find the modified files? What I'm trying to do is to sniff the Entre file structure (in real time) to see what the Entre does when it begins copying the MP3 files from the Entre CD-RW drive.

Any info greatly appreciated.

Thanks,


Originally posted by ScottF200
After adding a new DVD today I saw that several files were changed. No surprises tho.

A new XML file was added: 7.0.5\Database\Movies\DVDs\s5\s8\1066030158.xml : <dvdname>Italian Job - Special Collector&apos;s Edition, The</dvdname>

An existing XML file was updated: 7.0.5\Database\Movies\Groups\Action\Action.xml : <count>36</count>
(was 35)

The "database" files were updated: 7.0.5\Database\Movies\Movies.db and Movies.dbref (internal format unknown (binary & text)

Originally posted by JonDeutsch
Scott,
What tool are you using to find the modified files? What I'm trying to do is to sniff the Entre file structure (in real time) to see what the Entre does when it begins copying the MP3 files from the Entre CD-RW drive.
Any info greatly appreciated.
Thanks,

Beyond Compare
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=2810358&highlight=compare#post2810358

Superior Search (sync'ing Entre with PC drive directory mentioned here too)
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&postid=2854135&highlight=superior#post2854135

HTH

All, Check Out Nightowl's DVD Edit Download Page.. Whats Up With That????http://www.geocities.com/josesampo/

Originally posted by DannyFresh
All, Check Out Nightowl's DVD Edit Download Page.. Whats Up With That????http://www.geocities.com/josesampo/ Sorry, but this project has been discontinued.
As of July 20, 2004, DVDedit and related projects have been sold.
As part of the agreement, I can not disclose who made the acquisition.
-Jose Sampo Is that a good thing or a bad thing? Could be a good thing if they (E/OG?) actively work on it!

Sorry To Be So Blunt but,

What are the chances of that happening? Once all of our Entre's go out of warranty we are F*****!!!

And I Finally Thought Things Were Looking UP!!!

C'mon Danny. You think someone bought him out just to shut him down?

Well, I seriously doubt KW bought him out.... And even if E/OG did, why would they care about us???? If KW bought him out it would mean they actually cared about the current owners of Entre's and from what I can see the Entre has some sort of flaw either on the main board or the ide controller. Too many of us have expereinced the same problems over and over. The only way I would be convinced the problem was fixed is if when the units are refurbed the problem was taken care of then., and I hope thats the case cause if the unit still functions the same way it did before, we are all screwed. We are going to have to wait for KW New version of the Entre, and hopefully it will still be compatible with our 5900M's

Hopefully Waiting......

Originally posted by JonDeutsch
C'mon Danny. You think someone bought him out just to shut him down?

I agree. DVDedit is really of no use whatsoever unless someone is making a product that it will work with. It would be of little value to an OEM of the Entre to buy off competition that poses no threat, if the only reason for the purchase were the elimination of competition.

So, whoever it is that bought DVDedit (I'm sure we all have our guesses) has got to be likely to want to use it as an added feature for an Entre or Entre-like box. If that means that Joe's great program can be developed further, I'd agree that was a good thing.

I hope we see DVDedit in a later and more developed state. Remember, CEDIA is right around the corner, and the real breaking news will get delivered at that show.

Maybe we'll hear something from the Usual Suspects on further developments for the control of DVD changers.

Nick :cool:

Wow, that is breaking news.

Of course, if it is Kenwood planning on the Entre version 2, then it might make sense for them to buy it, since we saw what crap they produced with Netnamer. I guess the question is, "Does Kenwood still plan to continue forward with another Entre design?"

Here is another angle, Escient is about to announce a major software upgrade for their products. Coincidence?

hmmmmmmmm. Wow.

Joe you little sneaky devil!!!!! ;)

I would make the changers only, and market them as being compatible with the Escient DVDM100.

Think of the opportunity. The only real competition for a DVD changer today is the Sony. But Sony has reasons why it won't make a universal DVD player ("DVD-Audio? What's That?").

If Kenwood makes a new changer with DVD-Audio and SACD capability, it will be the only one being marketed. That makes choosing between models fairly easy.

Hmm. . . .

Nick :cool:

Nick,
Do you mean SACD as well as DVD-Audio?

Originally posted by Adam Mrotek
Nick,
Do you mean SACD as well as DVD-Audio?

Yes, thanks. I've edited the post to correct my omission.

Thanks,

Nick :cool:

P.S. Should've been posted in the general thread, where I'll take it as well.

Thanks for the suggestions...

Bad news: I have yet to find a way to reliably transfer my MP3 files to my Entre!

I've tried burning MP3 and Data Discs from MusicMatch to CD-RWs. They burn fine (and all show up fine on the PC), but when the Entre reads them, I get a spattering of songs that end up being 0:01 in length (where the actual song is much longer). I am also getting entire albums with all songs being 4:00 long (when that's clearly not the case), and the Entre won't play these songs at all.

I've also just tested copying the files directly using Win XP to the CD-RW. Same thing: many files simply aren't read properly by the Entre. The ID3 info comes up most of the time, but the length is screwy, and it won't play.

I'm currently using 700MB CD-RWs (Maxell) for the file transfer.

Help!


Originally posted by Mkellyvich
Another suggestion for you Jon - Burn the MP3s onto CD-Rs. The discs will burn faster (most drives burn CD-Rs at higher speeds than CD-RWs), and you'll have a fairly permanent archive of your MP3s should you ever have to reload them on your PC or Entre. Another benefit is that you can burn the CDs as time permits and load them into your Entre as time permits. I found it took about 7-8 minutes to burn and verify a full CD-R, while it took anywhere from 15-30 minutes for the Entre to read a full CD-R. I stacked up a bunch of full CD-Rs, then often put a disc or two into the Entre before going to bed, another when I first got up, and maybe another before leaving for work. It took about six weeks to finish the project from start to finish including all the time to rip the originals and burn the CD-Rs.

Over the course of burning ~520 CDs onto the PC, then onto CD-R, then copying them into the Entre I found that it seems to work best (in terms of getting the cover art to transfer with the MP3s) if you let the Entre identify all of the tracks on your MP3 before telling it to copy the disc to the hard drive (you can watch the Entre ID the songs by scrolling or paging down as it works its way through the song list) or just let the first track play through, then page through the list to see if the Entre is done identifying songs. As you get more songs loaded on the Entre it will take incrementally longer to determine the record time for each disc - by the end I was looking at around 30-45 seconds after I selected "rip to hard drive" before it would let me hit "record" to start the copy process.

It was a lot of repetitive work to get all the discs in there, but it sure is nice having all the music at my fingertips without having to put the second changer back into the system. I've been done for nearly a month and have had no trouble with the Entre (nor have I have any significant trouble with it at any period since I installed the 120Gb drive in late May).

Cheers,

Mike

Originally posted by JonDeutsch
Bad news: I have yet to find a way to reliably transfer my MP3 files to my Entre!<snip>Help! Perhaps you have done this (now or in the past) but if not then as a test to rule out a problem with your physical CD drive in the Entre, put an ORIGINAL CD in the Entre transport/CD and see if you can rip from there.

Also do those CD you created play in the 5900 directly? In your car? In some other home stereo system (boom box, etc)

I haven't had a problem with burning original CDs in the Entre thus far. That said, I haven't re-tried this since trying the CD-RW process.

It doesn't feel like a hardware problem. It feels like a compatibility issue.

Some thoughts I had (with no data to back it up other than just general technology experience):

- Entre doesn't read 700MB (80min) CD-RWs well
- Entre doesn't read my 320kbs MP3 files well (certain files confuse it?)

However, it looks like others on this board have had good experiences with both. So, that data kind of cancels out my hunches.

Originally posted by ScottF200
Perhaps you have done this (now or in the past) but if not then as a test to rule out a problem with your physical CD drive in the Entre, put an ORIGINAL CD in the Entre transport/CD and see if you can rip from there.

Also do those CD you created play in the 5900 directly? In your car? In some other home stereo system (boom box, etc)

Jon,

I have not seen the problem you describe. I had a few (maybe 6-8 of 100+) CD-Rs with errors (I think my PC's CD burner was getting too hot), but the Entre typically read through the disk fine up till the damaged files, then just quit identifying the files.

One way I found of identifying the bad discs early was to allow the Entre to identify all the tracks before trying to rip the CD. My Entre plays the first track off the MP3 disc when the disc is first inserted in the Entre drive - it identifies the remaining tracks while that first song plays. On bad discs the Entre typically would stop playing when it tried to read the ID tags on the damaged track. If the song stopped mid-stream, I scrolled through the track display and junked the disc if all the tracks had not been properly identified.

Not sure this is of much help...

Mike

Jon,

Forgot to state that all my CD-Rs were 700Mb discs (many filled into the 690Mb range) and all the files were ripped by MusicMatch at 320kbps. Burning was done at 40x in either a HP DVD+R/RW burner or a TDK CD burner.

I second the suggestion to see if your MP3 discs play in the DV-5900 or from your computer's drive.

Mike

Huh. Well, it turns out that the files that aren't being read properly are also not being read on my PC! I could have sworn this was not the case before, but I tried again tonight, and voila, dead files that more-or-less match the files that are being read improperly on the Entre.

So, that's weird, that out of 60 files on a disc, 2-3 would be bad.

For the record, I'm burning 4X CD-RWs on my laptop's CD-RW drive. The Drive is a Toshiba SD-R2102 8X CD-RW.

I guess it's time to try another burner...

Originally posted by Mkellyvich
Jon,

Forgot to state that all my CD-Rs were 700Mb discs (many filled into the 690Mb range) and all the files were ripped by MusicMatch at 320kbps. Burning was done at 40x in either a HP DVD+R/RW burner or a TDK CD burner.

I second the suggestion to see if your MP3 discs play in the DV-5900 or from your computer's drive.

Mike

Grrrrrr....

So, I moved to a desktop CD burner. Burned a disc on a CD-RW, and all but 1 files worked properly. Unfortunately, even 1 bad file means removing the entire CD and re-burning, since it only orders songs in order of ripping to the HD... not based on MP3 Track #. :(

So, I figured I'd try using high-speed CD-Rs instead. Found some CD spanning software (which burns in reverse order, which is a real pain, so I'll have to find new software), and started burning across 3 CDs.

Well, on my first CD, this is what happened:

I let the 1st track play through most of the way, while the Entr ID'd all of the tracks on the disc. It did this successfully with no break-up in playback. Things looked good.

Then I ripped to the HD. When I go through the newly ripped albums on the HD, many, many, many songs are 4:00 long and are not playable. Some CDs are fine, and some have 9/10s bad tracks at 4:00 length.

What is going on??? Any ideas out there? Thanks again for all help provided so far and moving forward.




Originally posted by JonDeutsch
Huh. Well, it turns out that the files that aren't being read properly are also not being read on my PC! I could have sworn this was not the case before, but I tried again tonight, and voila, dead files that more-or-less match the files that are being read improperly on the Entre.

So, that's weird, that out of 60 files on a disc, 2-3 would be bad.

For the record, I'm burning 4X CD-RWs on my laptop's CD-RW drive. The Drive is a Toshiba SD-R2102 8X CD-RW.

I guess it's time to try another burner...

Joh, try burning at a lower speed. I would try 8x max. The software you use should have a setting to throttle the speed.

http://www.slimdevices.com/pi_overview.html

click on remotes and you will see that you can even control via a bluetooth phone.

Jon, you used to have the audiotron, why did you give it up? Now that you went through the pain of ripping all your cds, maybe it's time you revisit the medium again?

If only the entre could read from network shares, sigh............

Slocko, I have been looking for a alternative to share my mp3's files based on my hard disc with my home theater. I have ordered one of these. I haven''t received it yet, but I downloaded the server software and its pretty damn cool. ChecK out the link!!!
http://www.buynetgear.com/searchresults.asp?partnosearch=keyword&search_field=mfg_partno&search_criteria=MP101NA

Here's the thing:

One of the tracks that did not rip properly (won't play on the HD and is of 4:00 length) is currently, as we speak, playing just fine from the Entre's CD-RW drive. This MP3 file is currently playing on the same disk that I just used to ripped to the HD, which created the bad file.

In other words, "Available Jones - Track 1" (length 2:27) is playing just fine (all the way through, no problems) on the MP3 disc in the Entre's CD-RW drive. This same track did not properly copy itself to the HD, and is of length 4:00, and is unplayable. In fact, the first 4 tracks of this CD are of 4:00 and unplayable. The next MP3 "disc" ripped just fine from the same CD-R -- all tracks, no problems.

See how weird this is? Do you still think it's burning speed? Let me know if you have any more ideas.

Thanks, and frustratingly yours....


Originally posted by slocko
Joh, try burning at a lower speed. I would try 8x max. The software you use should have a setting to throttle the speed.

Jon,

Not sure what else to suggest - I did not ever see any of the problems with 4 minute songs etc.

Mike

Slocko, I like the digital out's on that squeezebox!!!

I have been using an OmniFi on my Home Theater and Car. They both work very nice. The car unit syncs wirelessly overnight and makes the appropriate changes.

The home unit works great also.

Jon it's still possible that the songs are corrupt on the cd, but the corruption is minor enuff that the entre can play it from the cd. A lot of these drives have error correction (or is it the driver?) and in music a few bad bytes might not be noticeable since music has repeating patterns.

With data a few bad bytes can make the file un-useable. I think that is why they sell data cds and music cds.

So it's possible that when you ripped to the entre, that corruption was enuff to throw off the writing process.

One more thing, do the mp3 ghosting trick to rebuild your mp3 index. You could also be seeing some weird ghosting issue, where the mp3 is being indexed incorrectly.

If I were you, I would play with different burning speeds, just to rule it out. Computers are 50 percent logical and 50 percent mystical :)

Case in point, I have an ipaq with no media card int it, that all of a sudden has decided that my contacts are holy objects that cannot be touched. I've let the battery drain to empty, hard reset, and everything resets, but my contacts keep coming back.

This is supposed to be impossible because a hard reset should bring back the ipaq to it's virgin state. Indeed it does do that, but after that I can clearly see when the ipaq says restoring contacts and brings them all back.

It's like doing a factory reset on your entre, going through the setup, and then seeing it restoring all your data.

That's a very good point, and you've just renewed my hope that not all hope is lost on this project.

Thanks, I will take your and Scott's advice and try some burns at 8X.

Question: does anyone know of a good, free/cheap CD burn tool that will span multiple CDs? I want to select all of my mp3 files, load them into a burning tool (I have Nero, which does not do this) that will just prompt me to insert the next disc until it's done.

Thanks.

Originally posted by slocko
Jon it's still possible that the songs are corrupt on the cd, but the corruption is minor enuff that the entre can play it from the cd. A lot of these drives have error correction (or is it the driver?) and in music a few bad bytes might not be noticeable since music has repeating patterns.

With data a few bad bytes can make the file un-useable. I think that is why they sell data cds and music cds.

So it's possible that when you ripped to the entre, that corruption was enuff to throw off the writing process.

Thanks to the support and good ideas from you guys, I think I'm on my way to MP3 completeness with my Entre.

I have successfully ripped 5 consecutive CD-Rs full of MP3s to my Entre! And I plan to rip 35 more to upload my complete library.

What's working:

Using Nero 6 to burn MP3 files to a data disc, which is an HP 40x CD-R. I am burning at 8X, and have selected the option "check for burning errors" option in Nero. As a result, the software does a read-pass after the write pass to ensure proper burning, bit for bit.

So far, it's slower than I hoped for, but it's reliable, and at this point, that's a fine compromise.

I'll be back in a month when I'm done with the final phase of this MP3 conversion saga.

What do you wanna bet that as soon as I am done, Kenwood announces the Entre II complete with live streaming from a PC on the LAN. :rolleyes:

It's much less than a month, and I'm back to report that my massive ripping-burning-ripping process is essentially complete!

All told, I got 295 discs moved from CD to MP3 albums, with only 3 discs that got "lost" in the process (ie., somehow did not move to MP3 from CD). I will need to go find these CDs and rip them individually.

The Entre did a pretty good job in finding the cover art for titles, and using the cover art I set using MatchMaker's jukebox software. I only needed to manually select about 5% of the art.

The performance of the Entre is quite respectable even with all the MP3s and MP3 meta-data loaded. I see no appreciable degradation in interface speed.

A lot of the problems I encountered during the burning stage were related to cheap CD-R media (Memorex) and burning software that did not perform data transfer verification. I ended up using Verbatim media with Nero 6 Express with verification set to ON.

Overall, I'm thrilled with this upgrade, and will listen to even more music more often due to this configuration.

There is, however, a big bugaboo that keep this from being an end-all-be-all solution:

The Entre introduces a sizable delay between MP3 tracks. This really stinks for albums that are recorded such that the tracks are just marks for a continual stream of music (like many classical and new age discs). The result is really choppy playback on these discs, and I may need to revert back to the original CDs for these specific recordings.

Thanks again for all the great advice I received on this forum. I now have all my CDs MP3'd on my PC hard drive as well, so I'm ripe for an iPod or Archos portable music player.

And with your music on your hard drive, you can now also easily switch to an audio streaming solution like the Squeezebox in the future or the Entre II ;)

Originally posted by JonDeutsch
There is, however, a big bugaboo that keep this from being an end-all-be-all solution:

The Entre introduces a sizable delay between MP3 tracks. This really stinks for albums that are recorded such that the tracks are just marks for a continual stream of music (like many classical and new age discs). The result is really choppy playback on these discs, and I may need to revert back to the original CDs for these specific recordings. This problem exists with many, indeed nearly all, MP3 playback devices. There are a few devices (Rio Karma and AudioRequest's servers) that do gapless playback, but that's it. What I do with these discs is the following:

1. Instead of ripping the CD into MP3 files, I extract the audio to my hard drive as WAV files. There are a large number of programs that will do this, but the very best is Exact Audio Copy.

2. Use an audio editing program (I use CoolEdit Pro, which I don't think still exists) to stitch the WAV files into one giant WAV file.

3. convert the new WAV file to MP3 using your encoder of choice (I use LAME).

4. Transfer your MP3 file to your device.

Note that the only drawback to this approach is that you now can't play the individual tracks unless you copy them too, which means a waste of disk space.

Slocko, you're absolutely right. I am very glad I went thru the extra effort to get these files on my PC for future integration products. FYI - I also own a cool little bugger called a "Play@TV" which is a dedicated streaming device for music, photos, and video. It's got a really nice GUI (tho, not up to Escient standards) and it handles almost all media formats. And it's less than $150. :) I use it primarily for photo slide shows.

Robert: Actually, that's a really good idea. Thanks for the tip.

I received my replacement Entre today. I came straight from Kenwood's Long Beach California location. Unlike the units some have received, this unit is absolutely, positively brand spanking new. I set the unit up and it is looking up disc's as I post. I'll post again tommorrow to state unknowns and the look up time. There are about 180 DVD's in changer #1. I removed changer #2 and will probably connect it by the end of the week. (Music Changer)

Originally posted by DannyFresh
I received my replacement Entre today. I came straight from Kenwood's Long Beach California location. Unlike the units some have received, this unit is absolutely, positively brand spanking new. That's what I thought also. It appeared to be 'brand spanking new' -- except for the little slip of paper I later found in the box that said "This is a Refurbished Unit". But it's working fine for me for a couple of months now with 350 DVDs in 1 changer and 750 tracks from 140 CDs ripped to the HDU. BTW, I only had 17 "Unknown DVDs", 12 of which I could coerce the Entre to lookup and find. Only a few CDs that it couldn't find jacket covers for (again coerced).

Ron, I searched the box an also the accessories box and nothing states refurbished. I know for a fact Kenwood replaces the serial numbers on refurbed equipment. I own another receiver and cd changer that were both purchased at a Kenwood Outlet Store and the serials start with an "R". This unit appears to be brand new, haven't had a chance to look at internals but I did have a problem with the unit already. After the initial lookup of 180 DVD's, I placed 15-20 CD's into the changer and it refused to notice there were new disc's in the changer. I subsequently updated to 2.0.0.8 from 1.01...... or something like that. It seemed to work fine after the upgrade. Also I had a few lockups while editing info through the guide, I had to do a few reboots already. I haven't ripped any music as of yet I am kind of afraid to. I have also decided not to change the guides skins with the fireball theme. I curious to see how long the unit will function properly..... Wouldn't it be really nice to see a more stable software version??? I won't hold my breath though!!!

I have been using the entre to edit info in my dvd collection, dvdedit stopped working for me aa long time ago. (runtime errors and a mscomctll.ocx problem) Entre still locks up when editing info through the guide. I have also noticed that the unit fails to see new disc3 that have been added to the changer. They don't even come up as unknowns when you try to manually discover them. A index rebuild from the setup 5555 menu seems to fix the problem temporally. I have ripped about 10 cd's to the hd. I have been ripping 2 cd's at a time and then allowing the unit to compress before attempting any more This seems to be working, I haven't had any trouble yet. Originally I had to changers, one 5900 for music and another 5900 for dvd's. I have chosen a different route this time I have mixed both cd's and dvd's in my main changer which now has a total of about 300 disc's in it in total. I plan to re-install the other changer when I hit about 350 or so.

I'm wondering if anyone has tried to do an SDI modification to the Entre...I have heard from some here that the mod to the 5900M results in a superior picture, but not sure what to do about a multi-changer system, since it runs though the Entre...anyon ehave ideas or thoughts?

Thanks.

You could also bypass the Entre for movies -- just use the Entre for the GUI on a separate controller, ie. VIA,Crestron,AMX,etc. or a separate screen. As to daisy-chaining with DVI, wouldn't you need to have DVI outs as well as ins on two of the changers?

Originally posted by Adam Mrotek
You could also bypass the Entre for movies -- just use the Entre for the GUI on a separate controller, ie. VIA,Crestron,AMX,etc. or a separate screen. As to daisy-chaining with DVI, wouldn't you need to have DVI outs as well as ins on two of the changers?

That is true as well. The more I think about it, the more I think it probably just isn't worth it. I have been so blown away by the picture I get from the momitsu to my plasma via dvi that i thought I might try to emulate it with the changers. But it sure isn't easy. The other option is not to have two changers filled with dvds i will likely never watch again!

yeah you would need mutliple sdi inputs into your scaler or perhaps a sdi switch box that responds to ir to change the sdi source.

I don't use the entre.

I have 1 dvd changer that connects to my htpc. 400disc on that one.

If I got another dvd changer I would have to get another sdi mod in it and have it connect into some kinda sdi switcher that can be switched by my remote control. The entre would be out of the picture for me.

how much did it cost for the sdi conversion?

it's 449 at jvb

I have been doing some research about the remote that came with every Entre. Turns out the remotes were manufactured by "Computime" aka "One For All". A recent gripe about the remote was, the remote was not able to navigate a DVD's internal menu. I think I might have found a solution to the problem, If anyone still cares. Behind the battery cover is what looks like three jumpers. They are actually used to "Flash" program the chip that controls the remote. Entre's remote has four devices available. (MR-H1, TV, DSS, CBL). The TV, DSS and CBL "device banks" will only accept codes for those types of devices, trying to enter a say DVD device code will not work, the remote will not accept it. However I have recently learned there is a way to "re-flash"the remote so the respectable buttons and countless others can take on new uses. The three prong jumper is the key. I have ordered a cable, and now have a spare remote to work with. I will keep this post updated as to my findings. If what I have read is true, a "code set" for the 5900M or 5050M could be stored within either of the thre available device buttons. (TV, DSS, CBL). This would allow navigation of a DVD's menu by just selecting the device button it is stored under, the directional buttons and select would control the DVD player. This beats having to have the DVD player's remote around all the time. (Where's did I put that damn remote!!):D I currently use Kenwood's PowerTouch III but the remote is a little intimidating for my wife. This would be a perfect solution.

Danny,

No sweat about the Axcess - just wish I had picked up a couple when Crutchfield had them at $225 on closeout. Did you have any luck reprogramming the Entre remote?

Mike

No, I didn't have any luck with the remote, When I was nosing around the JP1 sites I did notice slocko had posted some stuff last year.. Slock, what did you find out about the Entre's remote???? Did you ever get those "definition Files"???

All I did was post a dump of the remote. Since it's not a learning remote, I don't think anyone really was too interested in it.

Not sure how much you can do with it since you can't learn with that remote. Usually they build the definition files by learning to the remote and figuring out the protocol from that.

Did you post asking for help?

I wasn't even able to dump the contents of the remote. I thought We would be able to change the properties of the DSS button so it would hold codes for a DVD player. ie dv5900-5050..

Are there any updates on the new line of Sovereign receivers? I keep holding out on purchasing a VR-5900 since the newer finelines don't seem to have a rs232 port for remote control via the Entre.

I'm trying to figure out if I should jut buy the VR-5900 to complete the set or keep waiting ( also hoping the receiver doesn't cost almost 3,000 like the VR-5900.

Thanks..

I think the VR-5900 is a great receiver. You should be able to find one for well under $3000 though. I got mine for about $1000 new on clearance. They go for about the same on eBay. As far as waiting for the next product, you could be waiting a while. Kenwood only hinted at something coming in 2005 but we haven't heard anything for at least 9 months. My opinion is why wait when you can have a really great receiver now. Just my .02

Jason

Originally posted by sbonaparte
Are there any updates on the new line of Sovereign receivers? I keep holding out on purchasing a VR-5900 since the newer finelines don't seem to have a rs232 port for remote control via the Entre.

I'm trying to figure out if I should jut buy the VR-5900 to complete the set or keep waiting ( also hoping the receiver doesn't cost almost 3,000 like the VR-5900.

Thanks..

I posted this on the main thread, but since getting a new computer, I'm trying to reload all the good stuff. Two kind souls have sent me the exe. file, but I get an error message, indicating that "a file is missing or is invalid."

I seem to recall that there was an installer for that program, and perhaps that is what I am missing? If anyone can help, please email a zipped file to me at:

nsatullo@reminger.com

and

nicksatullo@msn.com

Thanks,

Nick :cool:

Originally posted by sbonaparte
Are there any updates on the new line of Sovereign receivers? I keep holding out on purchasing a VR-5900 since the newer finelines don't seem to have a rs232 port for remote control via the Entre.

I'm trying to figure out if I should jut buy the VR-5900 to complete the set or keep waiting ( also hoping the receiver doesn't cost almost 3,000 like the VR-5900.

Thanks..

I also own a VR-5900, I am very satisfied with. I don't want to put the hex on myself but, it is the only piece of "Sovereign" equipment that hasn't seen a trip to a service center. :D Obviously, receivers are "Solid State" but when its Kenwood's stuff, it wouldn't suprise me....:rolleyes:

The VR-5700 has a THX problem. With THX on, you will hear a fluttering sound in your rear speakers. So even that has a problem. But yes, overall, I am very happy with my kenwood receiver. I don't care too much for THX anyway.

Hello Guys,
I seem to be having the same ftp problem discussed earlier in this thread, but I can't seem to find a fix. I do have an Axcess in my setup, can the entre still seems to close the connection when I try to ftp. DVDedit work fine, but no ftp. Any ideas?
Thanks

Entre/OpenGlobe couldn't find anything on the new Star Wars Trilogy discs -- all 4 came up "Unknown DVD". You would think the most anticipated discs of all time (arguably) might have found their way into the database by now.

Wasn't there a place, either an AVS thread or separate website, to post missing titles on OpenGlobe?

If you are still interrested there is a 5900 going on eBay now.
Crap I give up posting a damn url. Just search on Kenwood 5900 and you will find them!

Originally posted by RonAuger
Entre/OpenGlobe couldn't find anything on the new Star Wars Trilogy discs -- all 4 came up "Unknown DVD". You would think the most anticipated discs of all time (arguably) might have found their way into the database by now.

Wasn't there a place, either an AVS thread or separate website, to post missing titles on OpenGlobe? I'm curious if they've made it yet. We haven't openned the box the bigger fan (wife) wants to watch one tonight.

My hits on the OG/E database have been impressive lately.

There was a unique thread that Robert started to aid in people helping each other type in the "correct" manual search criteria as it was *finicky* (sp?). There was this e-mail address but I don't think it is monitored any more according to some previous poster (?) dvdtitles@kenwoodusa.com

No Star Wars as of today.

Nick :cool:

Originally posted by fredpd
Hello Guys, I seem to be having the same ftp problem discussed earlier in this thread, but I can't seem to find a fix. I do have an Axcess in my setup, can the entre still seems to close the connection when I try to ftp. DVDedit work fine, but no ftp. Any ideas? Thanks With my axcess unit on and connecting to the Entre it openned up FTP (started the daemon). Not sure that it matters but do you have any MP3s on your Entre that the Axcess is looking up and displaying a menu for. I don't recall if I had to hit the music button before my ftp worked. Are you a techie...in other words do you FTP to other sites and use your FTP software regularly. No offense...just couldn't tell. Using CuteFTP or other software mentioned? IE will not work per previous post reasons (PASV).

DVDEdit doesn't use FTP, BTW. It use the same method that Media Manager uses (UDP packets).

Thanks for your help, you do have to hit the music button on the Axcess to FTP into the entre. The Axcess just being connected doesn't do the trick. Once I had the Axcess load the music on the entre CuteFTP could connect. Once I powered off the Axcess or changed it to AUX the entre stops responding.
Thanks again, I now have no more ghost MP3s!!

Originally posted by Nick Satullo
No Star Wars as of today.

Nick :cool:

Nick,

I updated mine again tonight and whadya know... Spladdow! . . . they're now found! ;o)

Originally posted by krichter1
Nick, I updated mine again tonight and whadya know... Spladdow! . . . they're now found! ;o) Hey you must've gotten unsubscribed from the main thread. Go subscribe...or what I sometimes have to do is unsubscribe and then subscribe again.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4419329#post4419329

Originally posted by krichter1
I updated mine again tonight and whadya know... Spladdow! . . . they're now found! ;o) Too bad they didn't title them consistent with Ep. 1 & 2 so they would apear in order.

Ron,
You might think about editing the titles as others have done. The Entre will record them which ever way you choose.

My Entre has been working great ever since I got it. A couple weeks ago I transfered over an album of mp3's via Media Manager. Now today anything I do cannot get Media Manager to download the Entre's database. I have tried to reboot the Entre and have uninstalled Media Manager and reinstalled Media Manager. I have windows xp sp2 and it has worked for me up to today under this operating system.

Questions are, is there anything I can delete (via ftp) and have the Entre rebuild upon reboot so that Media Manager can now see the database? Any other suggestions other than stop using Media Manager? I have tried DVDEdit and it works for DVDs! I have tried Escient's Pipeline and it stops because it cannot see my library (on the Entre). I have tried Conduit and it goes nowhere after install.

Is there something that is a proven alternative to Media Manager?

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Even though Media Manager sucks, it has been my only option for transferring mp3s from my computer, other than burning a disk and loading them that way.

Any hacks to get the Pipeline software to work? Help please.

New Entre, screwy IP/connection issues. I've been trying to get my entre to connect past the 'registering' state. I am using a Linksys 100usbTx and cabled e-net to a router. Now, it connected once and all seemed to work, that was after doing the escient/webshare, burn cd and do 2.0.0.8 upgrade. My linksys adapter gets no link lights. KW tech support thinks I need to send it in - QUESTION - Does anyone use the Linksys and get link lights on their USB-Enet adapter? I know the usb is 1.1 but it should be powered, correct? This is brand new, and I don't relish sending it in. I have hard-coded the IP, using the primary e-net and 'none' for secondary. It did connect and work once, 2 weeks ago, after I jacked with it for 2 weeks without luck. Then it only has gotten to 'contacting open globe, registering, DNS error" Should I sell it? It's frustratring. I saw you guys are thinking a design/production issue, and maybe returning it will get it fixed? Thanks for any support.
Tom

Tom the 100tx is not 100% supported however I have heard that people have gotten it to work. You must set the primary and secondary IP addresses to the same address in order for the entre to be happy. Try a reboot (holding power button for five secs.) and see if the link light comes on. If not hook up a pc to the top serial port with a null modem cable and run hyperterm. unplug the 100tx and then plug it back in and see what the entre ays about it. If it says unrecognized usb device then you may be out of luck with the100tx.

I'm 99% sure this is the one I'm using (I'll check tonight when I get home) and no, the link light never goes on. I do have the Entre set up with a static ip.

Hope this helps,
Jason

Originally posted by TomBudC
New Entre, screwy IP/connection issues. I've been trying to get my entre to connect past the 'registering' state. I am using a Linksys 100usbTx and cabled e-net to a router. Now, it connected once and all seemed to work, that was after doing the escient/webshare, burn cd and do 2.0.0.8 upgrade. My linksys adapter gets no link lights. KW tech support thinks I need to send it in - QUESTION - Does anyone use the Linksys and get link lights on their USB-Enet adapter? I know the usb is 1.1 but it should be powered, correct? This is brand new, and I don't relish sending it in. I have hard-coded the IP, using the primary e-net and 'none' for secondary. It did connect and work once, 2 weeks ago, after I jacked with it for 2 weeks without luck. Then it only has gotten to 'contacting open globe, registering, DNS error" Should I sell it? It's frustratring. I saw you guys are thinking a design/production issue, and maybe returning it will get it fixed? Thanks for any support.
Tom

Thanks. So I am willing to give up the ethernet-USB, which seems like a kludgee setup anyway, and move to HPNA-ethernet because many others have and are satisfied, no issues. What was the HPNA-ethernet adapter folks are using? I've searched the threads, can't find one. Yes, I've hard-coded the IPs, many times. I've put HPNA as the secondary adapter and configured, no-go. I've listed a secondary ethernet adapter, and it won't hold the IP settings, always reverts back to dynamic after rebooting. I've set port fwding on the router, unblocked firewall...etc. Still very buggy. I can reset (5555-restore) and get through the first 4 screens and get to Contacting openglobe, registering...(then DNS failure) The unit is not connecting at this point and I'll bet it's the usb drivers and adapter failure. Anyway, if HPNA is working I'll move to an HPNA-ethernet adapter and be done with this. Thanks, Tom

i think ebay is the only place. check the other thread. Adam just finish buying a netgear PE something. highly recommended because it seems to work well the Axcess units if you decided to get one of them in the future.

Slocko is correct. Tom, it seems the only way to have a stable internet/intranet connection is through some form of ethernet bridge or router/hpna combination. I had strictly used the Belkin 5050 usb adapter. I was able to get it to work, however, after a day or so I would inevitably have to reboot to reacquire a connection. After buying an axcess I became militant on the connection issue. I talked to tech-support and found someone competent to help me (Nicholas). He had me log onto my router (type in your IP address) then he had me fill in every field including the 2nd DNS address. Initialy I was able to connect to the internet, however, when the Axcess tried to access the entre the entre would lose the internet connection. It was always only one or the other (intranet or internet only). After rereading some of the prior posts I decided to go with ScottF's set-up (usb adapter with PE-102 HPNA Netgear bridge). After I plugged in the bridge my system has worked flawlessly! Scott reports that he is also able to use media-manager with this set-up. Only problem is that they are not producing the PE-102 any longer (I had to buy mine on ebay). The d-link is also no longer available but I think you can still buy hpro200 linksys ($200 I think). The HPNA has sure made a difference!

i have the linksys hpro200 and it has the same problems with the axcess. so i would stick with netgear. the linksys is stable for everything else, but still have problems with the axcess.

Originally posted by Adam Mrotek
<snip>After rereading some of the prior posts I decided to go with ScottF's set-up (usb adapter with PE-102 HPNA Netgear bridge). After I plugged in the bridge my system has worked flawlessly! Scott reports that he is also able to use media-manager with this set-up.<snip> I currently only use the PE-102. My pri and secondary are HPNA. I am able to use Media Manage and DVDEdit without problems.

I don't know if I mentioned this before but I am using a usb adapter directly connected to linksys wireless router (This is for my Primary internet connection). For secondary, or intranet connection I am also using the usb adapter to connect. There is no phone line connected to the entre. Then the PE-102 is wired to the linksys router and also to my telephone hub on my futuresmart panel (This connects my Axcess). Both Primary and Secondary ae set to ETHERNET.

Scott, Adam, Slocko,

I sweated through adding an Axcess to my system over the last week. Had a wide variety of problems, including getting my 120gb HDD hung in endless reboot for several days while trying to make a direct HPNA connection between the Axcess and Entre. Finally got it all working yesterday - Axcess is on a Netgear PE102 bridge running automatic config settings, Entre is on the Netmate USB-Ethernet adapter running static IP with the primary and secondary settings identical. Router is a Linksys 8-port running DHCP (which also allows simultaneous static IPs in the first 50 slots). Seems pretty reliable so far.

I think the reason I had so much trouble is that my Entre's HPNA port is dead - it never produces a connect light on the PE-102, and Entre reboots about every two minutes in any configuration that has HPNA selected on primary or secondary TCP/IP.


Cheers,

Mike

Well, you guys are great! What a wide variety of answers and solutions. This is how I solved my problem. I did try both the Belkin and Linksys USB adapters. The Belkin just kept pinging my router every 2 seconds, never making the Enter->Router connection. And you know the Linksys story. So after reading your replies and searching for HPNA, I went to our local Goodwill computer store looking for old stuff, and there it was! In a box, with Cd's (no manual) and power supply, a 2Wire Ethernet HPNA Router, HomePortal 100. I plugged it in to my Netgear wireless router, plugged in the Entre thru HPNA, set the static addresses (both pri & sec) and Viola! It's been humming along, mostly. 2 times it has locked up while reading discs from the dvd 5900m, but power off/on seems to un-freeze it. Hopefully it'll keep on tickin. Thanks for the replies. Now, I should be able to connect to it using Media Manage or DVD edit from my pc?
Thx again,
Tom

Hi Guys,

I bought one of Nick S's entre units from ebay and he pointed me to the avsforum for background information on it all.

I'm a novice to the entre and kenwood threads but hoped someone could provide a bit more detail on the procedure for installing a 120 Mb hard disk steps a - c or is there an iso image available for the cd?

Originally posted by hmatos

<snip>
(a) create a CD-R containing the boot code for the Entre (not that hard to do, it's only a couple of files and we have all the files we need, just sitting on our units (so I'm sure it's more than legal).

(b) modify the part.prp and update.prp files (not that hard, I already have them and they're plain text) -- modify the part.prp to re-define partitions 6 thru 16 -- yes, you can have 16 (my Fireball does).

(c) modify the update.prp file to execute the initialize command for the new partitions

<snip>


Also hoped someone could provide a bit more detail on enabling ftp to the entre without an axcess unit.

Apologies if these sound like dumb newbie questions / no effort me toos, I've been working my way through the two main threads I've found but still got a long way to go before I'm up to speed with it all but would really like to start learning on the bigger hard disk as opposed to having to redo it all at some later stage once I've got over my learning curve.

Thanks in advance,

Alan.

I'm a live performer and us Mini-Discs to record my shows. How can I record my mini-discs to CD using the Entre? I've connected my Sony mini-disc player all correctly and the transfer goes fine but then the Entre tells me that the CD I put into the burner is not license paid media. Is there some way to get around this? I would really like to start backing up my performances on to CD so that I don't have to keep rebuying mini-discs.

Also, in reading through this thread I noticed others with the MP3 ghost problem. Is there anyway to get rid of them without the use of an FTP?

Thanks,
Snoopy2882

Snoopy,

You need to buy Music CD-Rs - available at any Best Buy or Circuit City. Since the Entre is a consumer music CD recorder, it won't record to standard computer CD-Rs. Only difference between the two types of media is a form of copy protection.

Cheers,

Mike

From main thread post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=4739745#post4739745)


Originally posted by alan_m_2004
<snip>On a more positive note I did manage to manually update a single entry in the entre 'database' from my dvdprofiler export. Bit of a copy and paste fest at the moment, but I think I understand how it works!

Assuming I can automate it and it proves to be stable I'll post up some details on the technical thread; that will be in a couple of weeks though. Above krichter1 mentioned "Most of my DVD-r's come up as "unknown discs" and I just use FTP to make the changes directly in the XML."

Perhaps it would be a good idea to talk about what XML entities can be changed in the tech thread (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=311141&perpage=30&pagenumber=1) for those that are editing the XML. Sounds like you guys are even editting the DVD title...which I would have guessed was a no no. That is I assumed that was part of the key to the database.

Heck I'd probably be happy just editing the Entre title and description to match the DVD Profiler "sort title" (there are 2 types right) and description.

To automate this you need to be able to sync the XMLs up...meaning have a common key. I've considered adding the MD5 value from the Entre files to some field in the DVD Profiler (Features table and "other" field). I've talked to Alan a little off line about how I've experimented a little in building one big XML file from all the little (individual DVD titles) ones on the entre. That is remove the DTD line and put a "wrapper" elements (http://www.w3schools.com/xml/xml_elements.asp)<alldvds> </alldvds> at the beginning and end. This would allow XML processors to treat it as one big element and break it down into sub elements (me thinks). ie. it could be read into MS Excell or Access and be understood or by a real XML processor/tool.

Originally posted by hmatos
I'm sure there are a hundred ways to do this -- but this is how I did it. The goal was to keep the unit as close to factory condition as possible (since I have an extended warranty).

The Entre uses a Delta Electronics DC Brushless Model # AFB0612L fan. For some odd reason, the engineers decided it shouldn't be on 100% of the time. I can only assume this was done to keep the unit as quiet as possible.

I happen to have one fan laying around, probably from an old TIVO or PC upgrade project. I also happen to have the following laying around:

http://images.tigerdirect.ca/skuimages/large/I136-1078-rn.jpg

Steps:

1. Remove the fan from the Entre -- this way, you can put it back if you have warranty issues later. There are 4 screws in the back on the outside of the case (fan cutout).

2. Using a very small screwdriver, press down on the little silver plugs for the black & red wires of the 3-pin portion of the y-adapter. The goal is to pull out the red & white wires. Alternatively, you can just cut them.

3. Perform the same operation on your new fan.

4. Using electrician's tape, twist & join the black wire of the fan to black wire of the y-adapter and join the red wire of the fan to the red wire of y-adapter.

5. Put the new fan in the Entre. Be sure to gather all the wires as neatly as possible (promote better air flow).

6. Unplug the cd-rom or the hard drive's molex power connector (4 pin) and connect it to the y-adapter, then connect the y-adapter to the drive. It seves as a power pass-thru.

That's it. You're done. Of course, it goes without saying -- be sure the unit is unplugged and I am not responsible for any damange you do to your Entre ;)


hm

HM - (or anyone else for that matter).

Anyone know of a way to splice this configuration so that the fan runs ONLY when the Entre is powered on or will this be the case even though the Entre is really only in idle mode when you power off?

Any insight would be appreciated.

(PS - I am interested because I am going to upgrade to 120Gig and will be the guinea pig for restoring ALL movies and Music through FTP! Too bad I can no longer find that Samsung SV1204H drive for $65 :o( )

Oh . . . By the way (on a side note for MP3 loading on the Entre)

I have been using MusicMatch to convert my CD's to MP3 (making sure all the tags look good with cover and track numbers which is important else the titles on the CD come out alphabetical instead of how it was recorded by the artist), then recording them to CD (usually getting almost 180 songs at CD quality), and ripping them through the CD drive on the Entre. The whole process has only taken less than 40 minutes, which I thought wasn't bad for that many songs, and no one yet finding a better way that I've read.

Only strange thing is some times I am having a problem with the Entre where I open the drive for the next CD and the Entre locks, requiring a reboot. Anyone else experience this and if so a good workaround? I know one thing for SURE (documented I think previously), you definitely DON'T want to reboot with a CD in the drive, cause the Entre doesn't like that.

Thanks and Happy holidays to all my AVS Entre buddies!!

I believe, the fun will run as long as the unit is powered (plugged in). I don't think the Entre is ever really "off" while plugged in. My fan has been running since I upgraded and it seems to be working fine.

As for you CD eject/lockup issue. I don't think I've ever had it lock up like that. It might have happened a few times during the initial loading of my music. I don't recall.

hm

Originally posted by krichter1
HM - (or anyone else for that matter).

Anyone know of a way to splice this configuration so that the fan runs ONLY when the Entre is powered on or will this be the case even though the Entre is really only in idle mode when you power off?

Any insight would be appreciated.

(PS - I am interested because I am going to upgrade to 120Gig and will be the guinea pig for restoring ALL movies and Music through FTP! Too bad I can no longer find that Samsung SV1204H drive for $65 :o( )

Thanks HM! That's what I thought, so now I'm wondering (actually there's got to be a way) what wire (maybe the yellow) would be required to tap into that would shut the fan off when you hit the power button. How cool (no pun intended!) would that be!?

Also can you PM me with your updated .prp files so I get the right size of the partitions? If all the music is supposedly held in 7.0.6/ then why wouldn't you make that part. as big as possible, (I'm not a Linux guy so this is a but Greek to me)?? Maybe my buddies Dave or Scott can chime in as well, (help a brutha out).

Thanks! Ho, Ho, Ho . . . I gotta GO :)

krichter1,

I'll forward the info -- but, the music is not just stored in 7.0.6 on a 120GB drive, there are multiple partitions (chunks of space). It's just the way Escient set it up -- I don't think it'd be a good idea to change it, since I think it might have something to do with limitation in their OS.

hm

Originally posted by krichter1
Thanks HM! That's what I thought, so now I'm wondering (actually there's got to be a way) what wire (maybe the yellow) would be required to tap into that would shut the fan off when you hit the power button. How cool (no pun intended!) would that be!?

Also can you PM me with your updated .prp files so I get the right size of the partitions? If all the music is supposedly held in 7.0.6/ then why wouldn't you make that part. as big as possible, (I'm not a Linux guy so this is a but Greek to me)?? Maybe my buddies Dave or Scott can chime in as well, (help a brutha out).

Thanks! Ho, Ho, Ho . . . I gotta GO :)

You guys have been busy. Has any one done any experimentation with the Entre's serial interface protocol?

NiteOwl I have done extensive work with the serial protocol what do you need to know?

FZ

I have been without an Entre for a few months. During this time, alot of my free time has been spent working on a Windows MCE add-in to manage my movies. I would say that I am about 70% complete. I am thinking about adding support for my DVD changers. All I need is specifics on Kenwood's protocol. Has Kenwood published any technical manuals?

-NiteOwl

MY D@MN Entre IS DOING IT TO ME AGAIN!!!
Sorry for the shout, but I am so frustrated. Every one in a while the Entre hangs in some weird way. This time it responded to cursor movement keys and nothing else; not power off, select, any other guides, options, .. nothing. So I did a 5 second Power button to force a reboot and it never rebooted again. I just get the stupid flashing power light and it never finishes. This has happened to me 4 times over two different units over the course of 18 months! I'm screwed!!! Again!!!

This time it keeps popping the tray out (sticking its tongue out at me, is more like it) but still never finishes booting. I've tried disconnecting all the cables (Netmate too), unplugging AC, but nothing gets it going. I've attached a serial cable to the top RS232 port but that hasn't been to telling in the past. Anyone remember what the Receiver COM port settings were (baud, parity, stop bits)?

Not looking for magic pills here .. just had to vent.

Anyone have a Fireball they have better experience with (and wish to trade for an Entre)?

tray coming out not good. it means it can't find the OS so it wants you to stick the golden cd in. most likely the drive died on you. i don't think anyone has ever been able to recover from that one.

good news is that if you haven't done the 120 gb drive upgrade, now would be the time :)

Originally posted by NiteOwl
You guys have been busy. Has any one done any experimentation with the Entre's serial interface protocol?

Joe,

Here's an option out there for sniffing RS232 data to a PC and can even output to a file for your review (AND it's free!). There are more options out there but I thought I would post to possibly set you down the right path:

http://www.kmint21.com/serial-port-monitor/

Let us know if this is what you were looking for.

Kevin

Well, I guess I'm the first to recover from that one! Actually, I didn't do anything. I kept rebooting and watching the boot sequence output on the first serial port. It would get to a certain point and fail on what looked like a caluclated checksum: :
:
Mounting ACTIVE partition - 7.0.5/

Try to mount CD! ....

No RAM image found on CD!!!
decrypting ram image
Loading app image(lck file).....
3870720Invalid application image signature.
Done! (5814 msec)

Error opening encrypted file!!!
Ejecting CD!!!Totally random, while I was watching the boot sequence in Hyperterminal, it made it past that spot and finished booting. Even though what I thought was a checksum spun up to be the same number as when it failed, it claimed success and finished booting: :
:
Mounting ACTIVE partition - 7.0.5/

Try to mount CD! ....

No RAM image found on CD!!!
decrypting ram image
Loading app image(lck file).....
3870720 Done! (5777 msec)
start address = 0x101c4c

Transferring control to the downloaded code now
:
:God help me if it hangs and I have to reboot again! I even have the sucker on a UPS so it won't reboot over a power failure!

Ron, it might be a sign that your drive is failing?

You might want to at least make a backup using ghost or the other product Scott uses.

krichter1,

I'll let you know how it works out.

-joe

Ron,

Sounds to me like you have a bad sector on your hard drive, because the Entre cannot read that area well enough to load the file, however being a "soft" sector it may read it properly from time to time. I suspect another reboot could cause it to fail again (unforatunately).

You could possibly find that file that it cannot always load (when it does load it properly) and copy it through FTP to your PC then rename that file on the Entre to ".OLD" (or something) and then rewrite that file from your PC out to 7.0.5/ so that the old file continues to take up the bad space, and the rewritten file is now in a new space.

Of course... you'd have to know the file name it cannot load!

Just a thought although I am not a Linux expert.

Kevin

Originally posted by NiteOwl
krichter1,

I'll let you know how it works out.

-joe

Anything to get you that extra 30% of the way there so we can ALL enjoy your hard work! ;)

Originally posted by slocko
Ron, it might be a sign that your drive is failing?

You might want to at least make a backup using ghost or the other product Scott uses. "Can't move ... ... too scared! ..."

krichter1,

I took a look at the software... seems that it would work fine if i was trying to snoop on an application on the pc that was talking over the com port. However, I think that I might have to use some sort of cable splitter inorder to see traffic b/w the entre and dvd changer. I'll do a few searches and talk to a hardware guy at work.

-joe

Joe,

"seems that it would work fine if i was trying to snoop on an application on the pc that was talking over the com port. However, I think that I might have to use some sort of cable splitter inorder to see traffic b/w the entre and dvd changer. I'll do a few searches and talk to a hardware guy at work."

Capturing RS-232 is easy you just need two comm ports on whatever machine you are going to use to capture the traffic.

Go to R/S and either get a M/F pin swapper or build a new RS-232 cable that is straight through. From that you also take off the transmit, receive and ground pin.

(Look up an RS-232 pinout diagram for DB9 or DB25)

From those 3 pins you bring the transmit and ground to another db9 (or db25) and hook the transmit to that plugs receive.

Then take the receive and ground to another db9 (or db25) and run the receive to the receive.

Then just run two comm programs, each looking at its comm port set for whatever the baud rate is with any and all flow control turned off.

One program will show the send from the Entre to the changer, the other program will show the send from the changer to the Entre. Because each port is only receiving it won't screw up the communication between the Entre and the changer.

There are programs specifically to do this which will watch both comm ports for you and sort of parse it by time so you can see command/response but I don't know of any freeware/shareware programs to do this off the top of my head.

For just watching a comm port I like to use ZOC. It has a lot of options for how much or how little translation it does to the data (usually is easier viewing it in hex directly as you will see the control characters) and you can definitly turn off all flow control with it.

Hope this helps,

Shawn

Originally posted by RonAuger
"Can't move ... ... too scared! ..." LOL. I leave mine on 24/7 along with those changers. I have/used spinrite from GRC.COM that is quite impressive to fix/check drive problems on PCs. Doc here: http://www.grc.com/srdocs.htm

For you techngeeks see the FAQ ( http://www.grc.com/sr/faq.htm ) - brief quote "Will SpinRite work on non-standard "weird" drives? A: The simple rule of thumb is that if drives can work and be recognized under DOS, perhaps with the addition of extra device drivers, they should be "seen" and usable by SpinRite. The only types of drives which probably won't work under SpinRite are those which totally depend upon Windows device drives and which have no DOS support. Otherwise, SpinRite should be able to see the drive and work with its contents. ".

We obviously have backed up these drives with Ghost and TrueImage so they are recognizable.

Your tag line is good. This Dilbert(c) had me LOL.
http://www.dilbert.com/comics/dilbert/archive/images/dilbert2004152561209.gif

Some old info perhaps but just documenting.

From this press release we know the Entre is using Wind Rivers.
http://www.windriver.com/news/press/pr.html?ID=391

From their download page: http://www.windriver.com/download/
there are a couple of DBs listed.

http://www.sleepycat.com/
http://www.birdstep.com/

Has anyone with two Entres tried copying one of the drives and installing it into the other entre? Just got my second Entre and would prefer to copy my current 120GB drive rather than editing all of the DVDs and re-loading all the MP3s.

Cheers,

Mike

I haven't taken mine out of the box yet.

I was able to clone the 20 gig drive using ghost and since then i have been using the new drive. the original drive i stored away as a backup.

i don't see why you can't clone the 120 gig drive.

if you use ghost, make sure you use the correct switches. i think it's -ir that tells it to make a bit by bit copy.

Theoretically, you "could" do this -- but, your music & movie database may not function. I believe the database keys rely on a unique identifier -- maybe serial number. They could just be in the database and not actually used, but I don't think that's likely.

I'm not sure though ...

hm

Originally posted by Mkellyvich
Has anyone with two Entres tried copying one of the drives and installing it into the other entre? Just got my second Entre and would prefer to copy my current 120GB drive rather than editing all of the DVDs and re-loading all the MP3s.

Cheers,

Mike

Well, looks like you can't swap drives between entres (at least not without heroic measures beyond my level of interest). I ghosted the 120GB drive from the old Entre onto a new 120GB drive, verified the new drive worked in the old Entre (it did), then swapped it into the new Entre.

Entre would not complete a boot with the new drive (didn't open the CD drawer, but would not get past the flashing standby LED - after a few minutes the HDD powered down). I pulled the power plug and tried booting under a few different circumstances (HPNA connected, HPNA not connected, etc) - same result.

Pulled the drive back out, stuck it into the old Entre, drive still boots fine.

Just for grins, I made a 2.0.0.8 upgrade CD and tried to use it with the new drive in the new Entre - no luck (stuck at the "updating software to 2.0.0.8 message).

At this point I bit the bullet and re-initialized the new drive in the new Entre. Everything works fine, now I just have to decide whether I want to upload all the music (~60GB) and edit all the DVD info again...

Cheers,

Mike

BTW, you can simplify the ghost procedures provided earlier in the thread by connecting both drives to your computer (in addition to your computer's windows drive; I did this by connecting one Entre drive as a slave on the HDD IDE channel and the other in place of the DVD drive on the CD/DVD IDE channel). Boot, start ghost 2003, select the advanced tab, select clone, pick your souce and destination drives appropriately, then select advanced options, select the command line option tab, and put the -IR command line option in. From here you can allow ghost to run through the remainder of the process by following the prompts (no need to exit the PC-DOS GUI etc). During the copy the screen will indicate that you are making a raw image copy. It took just under two hours to clone the drives.

bummer.

good idea on the drive to drive. still good to have a copy of the image on the pc though. if you lose a drive, you can't ghost from it.

Slocko,

Agreed, but the image for a 120GB drive takes up a lot of space...

Cheers,

Mike

Well today I decided I am not going to use the Entre any more. I need something reliable. All discs now showing up unreadable. This unit has been sent back twice. I am biting the bullet.
Just purchased a DVDM-100 - hope I have more luck with that

Guys, I am hoping for help again. My computer died on me, and with it went my installed DVDedit. I know NiteOwl sold it, but does anyone have a version with the installer? Thanks again

I was doing some searching for DVDedit on the web and ran across these files:

w w w.geocities.com/nodvdedit/DVDeditv22full.zip

w w w.geocities.com/nodvdedit/DVDedit24.zip

It would appear that the first one is the full install and the second one is just the EXE which we all know could just overlay the v2.2 EXE in that full install.

Looks like you could point your brower to them and get prompted where to save the files.

by the way, if you haven't done a "get movie info" in a while, do it. I did it yesterday and it found some of my titles it had never found before.

Originally posted by slocko
by the way, if you haven't done a "get movie info" in a while, do it. I did it yesterday and it found some of my titles it had never found before. I noticed that also, just before Xmas. It found: "PoolHall Junkies" and one of the 12 LOTR extended edition discs (forgot which one). And I just did it again and it found "Taming of the Shrew", although its the wrong one. It loaded 1976 info but the disc is 1967 (Burton & Taylor).

It still doesn't find several of my 400 DVDs; for instance:[list=1] Abyss: In Depth (Disc 2 of the not-so-Special Edition)
Cleopatra Disc 1 (Odd it found disc 2 and 3 but not disc1)
Junkman (somewhat unknown B movie, but it has a Bricklin (http://www.bricklin.org/) in it)
Pirates of Carribean Disc 2
Tron Disc 2
[/list=1] I've tried emailing dvdtitles@kenwoodusa.com but can't tell if it is monitored. I could've sworn one title I emailed showed up a few days later, but since then, it's become fruitless. First time was probably coincidence.

I am looking to organize the mp3's on my PC. Not all files have the same file name format. Can anyone suggest software that will go through and reformat the file name and maybe even check with cddb to make sure all info is correct and cmplete.

Thanks,

FYI form the iPAC thread:

Yes, the XML files on an MC-1 have all the "base" data which is then
indexed in the "database". I think I remember actually deleting the
database file to cause it to rebuild on my MC-1, as well. (Back up
everything before you do anything, and proceed at your own risk.)

Kerry

--- In ipaqmusiccenter@yahoogroups.com, "Scott" <ipaqmusiccenter@f...>
wrote:
>
> Hello,
> I'm an Entre owner (same/similar underlying "OS").
>
> Is it my understanding that changing any of the library.prp entries
> to true and rebooting will cause the "OS" to rebuild the
> corresponding database from the xml files that are located in the s0-
> s9/s0-s9 (subdirs)?
>
> Movies.indexRebuild=false
> Music.indexRebuild=false
> Radio.indexRebuild=false
>
> So is the DB only used for "index" and quick access to the XML files
> then? Meaning the "source" for everything is the XML files?
>
> Thanks, Scott Fauque

Hi guys!
I'm new to kenwoods entre, I have had mine for about 2 months now. I have upgraded the 20gig hard drive to an 80 gig with no problems.

My question is, is it possible to FTP without an Axcess unit?
Thanks for any help

The latest update will sometimes work if you set it to dynamic. In order for it to work 90% of the time you must set it to static and enter your network info. And, in order for Media Manager to work properly you will need to set your computer up as Dynamic also.

Originally posted by ScottF200
FYI form the iPAC thread:
Yes, the XML files on an MC-1 have all the "base" data which is then
indexed in the "database". I think I remember actually deleting the
database file to cause it to rebuild on my MC-1, as well. (Back up
everything before you do anything, and proceed at your own risk.)
Considering we had various discussions about that mysterious database and directly updating XML I thought this may have generated a bit of excitement...ie. we can update the XML without "corrupting the database" because we can rebuild the it from the "source" XML.

There was a chap I exchanged e-mails with who seemed to be a XSLing expert of sort. Seems like there could even be a browser interface to update your Entre information.

Or updating the Entre XML with the DVD XML info...

Scott

That is great news please keep us lurkers apprised

Wayne

Originally posted by ScottF200
There was a chap I exchanged e-mails with who seemed to be a XSLing expert of sort. Seems like there could even be a browser interface to update your Entre information.

Or updating the Entre XML with the DVD XML info...

Assuming you mean me thank you for the complement :) I wouldn't say expert but I program with java for a living and am interested in getting my entre displaying dvd information (still 0 region 2 dvd's recognised so it will have to be done manually). Importing from dvdprofiler and even a web interface (less likely) are both doable it's all a question of time.

To be honest since the tivo arrived it's been on the backburner. I've allocated some time to look at it this weekend, probably nothing to post from that but hopefully some progress made.

Kind Regards,

Alan.

Originally posted by alan_m_2004
<snip>Importing from dvdprofiler and even a web interface (less likely) are both doable it's all a question of time.<snip> Yep, I meant you or any other like skilled developer. I do zOS assembler language development so my related skills are limited. Syncing with DVD Profiler would be the coolest think IMHO. ie. defining the syncable elements in an external "table"...ie. Entre element x syncs to DVDProfiler element y. Matching the desc/title would be the hardest aspect probably. Anyway...

BTW, regarding the web interface I was thinking local LAN (192.168.x.x) and not WAN/internet. ie. update your Entre from your work office.

Has anyone figured out how to keep and play WAV files from the Entre?

Originally posted by BigDaddyP
Has anyone figured out how to keep and play WAV files from the Entre? Since noone responded...while I'm not a hardcore music listener I don't quite understand your question/want. It will rip/keep MP3s at the various compression rates (and even 320kbps CD Audio+ : best upgrade the Entre HD tho :) ). Aside: when the blue light is flashing it is converting files to MP3s after you have ripped them via the Entres transport as documented.

I am a really BIG listener to music, and don’t get me wrong MP3’s are great for there size, but they will never compare to the original. So for me it is important to keep my favorite music as close to the real thing as possible (.wav). I do have a 5900 for all of my favorite cd’s but the 30 sec switch time is horrible for someone who has the bad habit of not listening to the entire song before I’m on to the next disc. From FTPing into my entre I see that there is an mp3 ripper mp3 player wav ripper but no wav player. So I would like to record WAV files to my 80gig entre and keep them as wav files (playable) along with the MP3’s.

Thanks guys love this forum.

Originally posted by BigDaddyP
I am a really BIG listener to music, and don’t get me wrong MP3’s are great for there size, but they will never compare to the original. So for me it is important to keep my favorite music as close to the real thing as possible (.wav). I do have a 5900 for all of my favorite cd’s but the 30 sec switch time is horrible for someone who has the bad habit of not listening to the entire song before I’m on to the next disc. From FTPing into my entre I see that there is an mp3 ripper mp3 player wav ripper but no wav player. So I would like to record WAV files to my 80gig entre and keep them as wav files (playable) along with the MP3’s.

Thanks guys love this forum.

Your post was interesting so I did a google search and found this site that allows you to do comparisions. NOTE there is a link on it to a larger Santana clip as well.

WAV to MP3 comparisons (http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art17930.asp)

It was hard to tell the diff for me with the higher bit rates of 128 & 160 compared to the WAV. They don't have 320 which was the highest I think the Entre will support. I'm curious if you tried 320 on the Entre?

Perhaps you have super human hearing just like the Bionic Woman/Lyndsey Wagner. :D Of course as we age we can't hear so well either so perhaps you are a teen. :p

Like I said I'm not a big music listner but this caught my curiosity.

Some people, like musicians, have really keen ears. And others like pilots, have really good vision.


Thankfully, I have neither!!!!! :D

I am young only 27, and a Jazz drummer (past, not currently playing). Some people (okay a lot of people) can’t here the difference between .mp3 320 bit rate and .wav files, but for me it is night and day. I have yet to decide whether this is a great gift from on high, or a curse so “eeevil it’s from the fruuits of the deeevil”.

Originally posted by BigDaddyP
I am young only 27, and a Jazz drummer (past, not currently playing). Some people (okay a lot of people) can’t here the difference between .mp3 320 bit rate and .wav files, but for me it is night and day. I have yet to decide whether this is a great gift from on high, or a curse so “eeevil it’s from the fruuits of the deeevil”. Ah...I understand more.

I'm 37 and I recently had CustomVue Lasik done and now I see close to 20/15. It is like I see the world in HD now <grin>...this is normally good but now I am more critical in my video watching.

Regarding sound, I realize that I almost always look at the DVD setup to see if DTS is available instead of listening to Dolby. I supposed this is a similar analogy to WAV vs MP3 :eek:. Somehow I'd guess you'd pick DTS as well. Aside: Interesting details on DTS vs Dolby that I forget regularly. Via: (http://www.dvdreview.com/html/what_makes_dts_so_special_.html)In order to keep the bandwidth at bay that is required to play back a multichannel audio track, Dolby Digital uses a compression scheme that Dolby calls "Perceptual Encoding." It is based on an algorithm that enables one to squeeze more audio in a data stream, while running the risk of degrading it to a degree. In general, DTS does exactly the same thing, but it utilizes a scheme that can keep more of the original's signal intact. DTS calls this scheme "Coherent Acoustics Coding," but the claims that it delivers "master quality" and that it represents a sonic "clone" of the original are pure marketing tirades, as the terms "master" and "clones" themselves both would not allow any degradation whatsoever. Also the militant use of the word 'encoding' rather than 'compression' doesn't change the fact that both Dolby and DTS formats actually compress and alter the original source.

i believe someone stated that the entre first copies a cd as wav files, and then it rips them to mp3 format.

but somehow i doubt in can play wav files.

have you tried simply copying a wav file via ftp and then seeing if the entre can play it?

if it works, maybe you can just copy the music via ftp.

somewhere in this thread there is talk about which partition the music has to be copied to, to show up in the guide. i think i copied it to the first page when i started this thread.

Originally posted by slocko
i believe someone stated that the entre first copies a cd as wav files, and then it rips them to mp3 format.
but somehow i doubt in can play wav files.
have you tried simply copying a wav file via ftp and then seeing if the entre can play it?
if it works, maybe you can just copy the music via ftp.
somewhere in this thread there is talk about which partition the music has to be copied to, to show up in the guide. i think i copied it to the first page when i started this thread. Re: conversion: yes, see my flashing blue lite post; Re: play wave, yes, see his post where he couldn't find a wav player, Re: ftping WAVs, the XMLs would need to be created/updated to show up in the guide. Hope that makes sense.

You are correct I do choose DTS over Dolby Digital, as well as SACD and DTS Audio over DVD Audio for the same compressed, or overly enhanced (DVD Audio tends to add a lot of surround sound fluff to the recording) reason. My fear however is that SACD and DVD Audio will never take off. There just aren’t enough (insert blessed or cursed) people in the world like myself to drive such a format.

Well seeing as I’m the only one interested in having the Entre do this, and I can’t write the Wav player program and do the tweaking needed for it to work…. It’s dead in the water.

Originally posted by BigDaddyP
<snip>Well seeing as I’m the only one interested in having the Entre do this, and I can’t write the Wav player program and do the tweaking needed for it to work…. It’s dead in the water. If I were in your situation I would get 2nd big harddrive for my PC and rip to there. Then buy one of the many devices out there that stream from your "server" and manage from a PC interface and/or the new devices. The Entre doesn't seem like a flexible or easy to manage your music. Media Manager only works for some and it is certainly 1st generation/proto type of software that is going nowhere.

This is the message I get any time I try to upload to my Entre using DVDEdit.

I am using the 2.2 installer with the two 2.4b files added to it that were available on a website a few weeks ago.

Very stumped and frustrated. I've been lookinh through here for a few days now, just to make sure it wasn't just a case of PEBKAC or RTFM on my part.

Thanks as always.

Originally posted by gerharz
<snip>Very stumped and frustrated. I've been lookinh through here for a few days now, just to make sure it wasn't just a case of PEBKAC or RTFM on my part.<snip> I don't recall if we discussed this. Does this work on any of your other home computers (assuming you have more than one)? Have you googled? run-time error 50003. Perhaps there is a missing vb file or incorrectly registered. See this (http://www.kb.techknow-how.com/exports/partner_data/30/html/30-234882908.html) or other links from google. Food for thought.

Sadly I have tried the same setup on 2 computers with the same no results. I have also tried installing the VBruntime 5 and 6 updates with ne results.

Oddly this only happens when I attempt to ssend up DVD covers. When I just send text it works fine.

I am trying fixes from the site below differently on each machine to see if one will work better than the other.
http://www.angelfire.com/biz/rhaminisys/vboledll.html#FixControls

Any suggestions? As always thanks in advance.

DVDEdit, great as it is, is really unpredictable, and works some times, and not at others, and sometimes it works on one machine and not on another. I have three different versions of it on my PCs. I try each one, and try it repeatedly, and sometimes I can get it to work. Usually one of the versions will take when the others don't. I have one PC where it stopped working for 6 months, and now it runs most reliably there than on any other machine. One key thing that helps is to always delete all the XML files in the DVDEdit folder before starting it up.

Originally posted by gerharz
<snip>Oddly this only happens when I attempt to ssend up DVD covers. When I just send text it works fine.<snip>Any suggestions? As always thanks in advance. My suggestion is to just FTP the coverart which is what got me started in figuring out FTP access in the first place when I could do it but Nick (and others) could not. You have the abilitiy via DVDEdit to update the text which is the easier thing to do with your PCs keyboard.

In this post (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=2795496#post2795496) I clarified where the DVD coverart should go. It is then selectable via the Entre interface. I don't recall the ordering of the coverart list but you may want to start it with "1" or something.

Looks like one too many indiscreet and googleable post like this (http://www.linux-hacker.net/cgi-bin/UltraBoard/UltraBoard.pl?Action=ShowPost&Board=technical&Post=2709&Idle=0&Sort=0&Order=Descend&Page=0&Session=) got the kenwood subdirectory yanked. I don't actually recall that kenwood.zip "utility" being mentioned before. I was thinking this was "reverse ngineered"...

Would seem like KW/E/OG would let us use it.

Looks like one too many indiscreet and googleable post like this (http://www.linux-hacker.net/cgi-bin/UltraBoard/UltraBoard.pl?Action=ShowPost&Board=technical&Post=2709&Idle=0&Sort=0&Order=Descend&Page=0&Session=) got the kenwood subdirectory yanked. I don't actually recall that kenwood.zip "utility" being mentioned before. I was thinking this was "reverse ngineered"...

Would seem like KW/E/OG would let us use it.

I know that some folks here have moved from the Entre to the Escient DVM-100 (and some to even more recent Escient models). I'm wondering whether any of you who've done that actually tried moving your DVD database files from the Entre to the DVM-100. I'm considering making the move, but I have spent many many hours customizing the data in the Entre, and I'd hate to have to redo it all in the new unit. If the structure of the two databases and their directories are pretty much the same (which I think that they are), one should, theoretically, be able to FTP into the Entre, grab all the XML and JPG files and then copy them over to the same place in the DVM-100. I say "in theory," though. I'm wondering if anyone has actually tried it.

Also, I think that Nick reported this, but I forget what he said: how does the DVM-100 deal with DVD-Audio discs (if you use it with Kenwood changers) or SACD discs (if you use it with Sony changers)?

Originally posted by rbienstock
I know that some folks here have moved from the Entre to the Escient DVM-100 (and some to even more recent Escient models). I'm wondering whether any of you who've done that actually tried moving your DVD database files from the Entre to the DVM-100. I'm considering making the move, but I have spent many many hours customizing the data in the Entre, and I'd hate to have to redo it all in the new unit. If the structure of the two databases and their directories are pretty much the same (which I think that they are), one should, theoretically, be able to FTP into the Entre, grab all the XML and JPG files and then copy them over to the same place in the DVM-100. I say "in theory," though. I'm wondering if anyone has actually tried it.

Also, I think that Nick reported this, but I forget what he said: how does the DVM-100 deal with DVD-Audio discs (if you use it with Kenwood changers) or SACD discs (if you use it with Sony changers)?


Sorry for not getting back earlier, Robert. I really can't answer the first question, since I too wanted to "move" what was on my original Entre to the DVDM-100 that controlled my music changers (DV-5900M, + 2 DV-5050Ms), but had no clue how it might be accomplished. I just rebuilt from scratch, and, frankly, never really got it fine tuned the way it had been with the Entre, mainly because DVDEdit just sort of fizzled out.

As for the second question, the DVDM-100 will deal the same way with DVD-Audio discs as did the Entre--i.e., borderline useless. It is even worse with SACDs. At least with DVD-Audios, it will identify it as an "unknown DVD-Audio." With SACDs, it will treat it as a CD, but retrieve no information.

However, with the Escient, there is an FTP ability for either Movies or Music that is part and parcel of the Escient (and a FTP program) that will allow you to transfer cover art and some limited disc information. The "workaround" for SACDs, is to do a manual lookup by entering the title, and you get the CD version of the disc. It's horribly painstaking, as you have to enter song titles too. There is a dedicated wireless keyboard that comes with the Escient.

When I first substituted the DVDM-100 for the Entre (for my music changers), it looked up--generally--all the CDs, but was extremely erratic with DVD-Audio discs. Rather than identify the discs as unknown DVD-Audios (which it would do for many, but not enough to be comfortable), I kept getting numerous readings (for different discs) of a DVD-video entitled "Circus," several times it would read another video (a movie) called "Giant," and miscellaneous wrong identifications of Chicago (the music group),and even some Neil Young.

While I first attributed this to some general incompatibility between the DVDM-100 and the Kenwood changers, I am now convinced that the problem lies in the OpenGlobe/Escient database. That is because I subsequently swapped out the DVDM-100 for a brand new (no refurb) Entre, that I purchased from Vanns.com (I moved the DVDM-100 to another set of Kenwood changers in the basement, since the Entre there had truly gone bad). The result? With the Entre identifying the discs in the changer, the same newfound errors began to appear--i.e. "Circus," "Chicago," "Giant," etc.

The DVDM-100 works with the Kenwoods in the daisy-chain configuration, or if you set each of them to "main," and connect via the 232 port to the three available ports on the rear of the Escient unit. In fact, now that I've rechecked, I had my movie-Kenwoods attached in the latter fashion, while the music Kenwoods were attached only by way of daisy chaining the changers, and hooking up the "main" unit to the first 232 port.

I'm now short one unit, but that will be cured upon receipt of the DVDM-300. I'll keep you all posted.

Thanks,

Nick :cool:

P.S. DVDM-300 received today. Box not yet opened. More to come.

Well Nick... we're waiting! ;o) How does the 300 compare to the 100? What are the main advantages and is it worth the added money?

Thanks!

Kevin,

Re: our offline discussion
BTW, here is the post that talks about the .DB being rebuildable via the XML files. ie. change/update(/delete?) xml files then force the rebuild via updating library.prp 'xyz.indexRebuild=true'.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=5061225#post5061225

P.S. I have not tried this myself....someone with a fresh (without lots of customization) Entre should...

I am new to this forum, but I have owned an Entre, and 2 DV - 5900Ms for a while. I love the system, even though it is a little quirky at times. (don’t you love holding down the shift key to get lower case letters when using the keyboard remote!?) I just purchased a 60” HDTV, which made my older Kenwood VR – 3090 receiver somewhat obsolete. I have gotten very tired of using a chart next to my chair to match up which video input on the TV goes with which audio input on the receiver. I have decided to upgrade my receiver, and need the help of some of the VR -5900 users on this forum.

How good is the integration between the Entre, the DV - 5900Ms and the VR-5900? If you were buying a receiver now, would you get the VR-5900 or would you get something like the Denon AVR-3805? Both units have similar features. The VR-5900 is THX certified, the Denon AVR-3805 is not. The Denon AVR-3805 is a true 7.1 system, and the VR-5900 needs an additional amplifier for the rear surround channels. The VR-5900 is about three years old and the Denon AVR-3805 is about a year old. I am afraid that if I go with the VR-5900 I will be trading old technology for almost old technology. If there is truly useful integration with the VR-5900 and the Entre and DV - 5900Ms I may buy it.

Any insight that any of you may be able to give me would be appreciated.

The integration between the entre and the vr-5900 is very limited. All the entre does is signal the vr to power on or off, and change the input on the receiver. All that you can do with a univeral remote control using macros.

Between the vr and the dv, i don't think there is any integration.

Personally I would go with the newer technology in the Denon, unless you can get the kenwood for a steal.

DAS961,

I've been running the entre, VR-5900, DV-5900M and axcess combination since fall 2002, and am very pleased with the integration. As Slocko said, the integration is fairly basic, but it hits the key points very nicely. Press on, and the Entre and VR-5900 come on together (I leave the changers on all the time). Select a DVD or CD from the menus, and the VR-5900 switches to DVD input automatically. Select an MP3 or put a CD into the Entre's drive, and the VR-5900 switches to CD-R input automatically. Select a radio station (internet or AM/FM) from the entre radio menu, and the VR-5900 tunes the station or switches to CD-R input (for internet radio) automatically. Another benefit of the VR-5900 is transcoding composite and s-video to component. As long as you have fewer than two component sources you should never have to switch inputs on your TV - just run one set of component cables from the receiver to the TV, and run your satellite/cable box outputs, VCR(s), DVR(s), etc to the receiver. This feature was unique when the VR-5900 came out, but is now becoming more readily available.

Technology wise, the VR-5900 handles pretty much all the digital formats available today except SACD.

Now for the drawbacks to the VR-5900:

Only two sets of component inputs, one of which will be taken by your DV-5900m. That leaves only one input for your HD satellite or cable box, or whatever other component source you have. This is currently my biggest beef with the VR-5900, as I have four devices with component outputs in my system.

The touchscreen remote is neat, powerful, and flexible, but not as useful as a good aftermarket remote, partly because of the way Kenwood sets up the screens and mostly because to use it you have to look at the remote to see what buttons you are pressing. If you get the VR-5900, I'd recommend finding a good learning remote with hard buttons for play, stop, channel change, etc. I use the Marantz RC-2000 mk II for day to day control and use the Kenwood touchscreen for system maintenance.

Back surround channels require an extra amp - this doesn't really bother me. I ran the system in Maryland for a while with the back channels installed, but have not set them up here in Texas and don't really miss them. If you decide you want the back channels, the matching Soveriegn 2-channel amp is available pretty cheap (mine sits in its box unused at the moment).

No DVI/HDMI switching - this is the next big shortfall with this amp, as more and more sources seem to be using these connections. To me, this is the real reason you should think twice about the VR-5900. That said, if you don't currently have any DVI or HDMI sources and don't plan to upgrade to such sources in the next couple of years, this may not be a problem for you. If you will be using multiple DVI/HDMI sources you probably want a different receiver.

So, whether you want a VR-5900 or not probably depends on what gear you have for your theater now and what you plan to buy in the near future. You should be able to get a VR-5900 for around $1000 via e-bay or one of the discount e-tailers - at that price you are getting a lot of receiver for the money, and the sound and features should carry you for several years.

I figure the VR-5900 satisfies my receiver needs now, and the integration works well for the components I have. I figure I can buy an autoswitching component video selector to add component inputs for about $150 and continue to use the Sovereign system until the HD disc formats settle out and we know what processing will be required for them.

Hope this helps,

Mike

Thanks everyone for your comments. After much thought and consideration I went with the Denon AVR 3805. I needed the extra component input and liked the true 7 channel speaker ability. I would have liked the added integration though. Has anyone tried to use the RS-232C connection with another brand of reciever? The input from this forum was very helpful in my decision. If anyone is interested, Vanns has a great deal on a VR 5900 new in the box. Mike, your comments almost made me change my mind, but I appreciate the detail that you gave me. This is a great forum, thanks for your help.

Great Forum!

My HD on my Entre recently died and I have read in newgroups and forums that upgrading to a 120GB drive was not a problem. All I needed to do was get kenwood.zip file and then edit part.prp and update.prp file to accommodate the additional partitions. How do I go about doing this? I see its an ASCII text file with block sizes....How do I modify the part and update prp files to work with a Maxtor DiamondMax 16 120GB 5400rpm 2M cache.....

Any help would be appreciated.

GdnMatrix:confused:

These are the new backgrounds I made for my entre, currently working on all the buttons and icons.

Thanks for getting me started krichter1!

No problemo!

Does any one know if it is possible to place the small code string that is on Audio cdr's on to normal cdr's? I have a TON of normal cdr's that of course my Entre can't burn to except for making MP3 discs that don't play in my wife’s van (hence the whole reason for this). If I could make my standard cdr's into Audio cdr's by embedding the code, I would be able to use them in my Entre to make "Audio Mix CD's" under the record menu. And, make my wife happy. I have searched the internet to no avail, so if any one can help GREAT!

PS I see that some of you have checked out my new backgrounds.......Well What do you think, good, bad, ugly? :)

Great Forum!

My HD on my Entre recently died and I have read in newgroups and forums that upgrading to a 120GB drive was not a problem. All I needed to do was get kenwood.zip file and then edit part.prp and update.prp file to accommodate the additional partitions. How do I go about doing this? I see its an ASCII text file with block sizes....How do I modify the part and update prp files to work with a Maxtor DiamondMax 16 120GB 5400rpm 2M cache.....

Any help would be appreciated.

GdnMatrix:confused:

If you PM me with your email, I'll show you where to get it.

I checked all the post but I can not find anything about the digital output TOS "turn on" Did anyone ever tried to turn on the digital out when playing MP3 ?
I like to use my AMP DSP to decode it....

mp3 only plays through analog outputs I believe. something to do with complying with anti-copying measures?

mp3 only plays through analog outputs I believe. something to do with complying with anti-copying measures?


Strange .. I could believe that for DVD's but MP3 files ??

I tried to upgrade my Entre with the Samsung Spinpoint Model 80 SV1203N and I have a problem with that the unit "hangs" after boot. It starts with "re-index" MP3 files and than hangs at "94 %". I used the Kenwood.zip file and renamed the part file to part20 and the part120 to part. If I use the original part file it works fine but as expected it does only a 20 gig partition. Do I have to change more than the part120 file ? The only difference between the SV1203N and the SV1204H is that the SV1204H has ATA100 and the SV1203N ATA133. ???

The only difference between the SV1203N and the SV1204H is that the SV1204H has ATA100 and the SV1203N ATA133. ???I'd be interested to see if the SV1203N is an issue or not, also. Since I bought a SV1204H on Ebay and received an SV1203N.

I don't believe the motherboard on the Entre has drivers in its CMOS to support ATA133. That may be your problem.

You also have to make sure the drive is pre-formatted under FAT. I tried my first upgrade of the popular Samsung everyone was recommending, and was pulling my hair out when it too would stick on about 93% but after I reformatted from NTFS to FAT, the upgrade worked flawlessly.

You also have to make sure the drive is pre-formatted under FAT. I tried my first upgrade of the popular Samsung everyone was recommending, and was pulling my hair out when it too would stick on about 93% but after I reformatted from NTFS to FAT, the upgrade worked flawlessly.

That is what mine is doing. I did not format it because I thought the entre is doing it ? Why would I format it when the kenwood.zip file is doing the partition afterwards ? Is that to address bad sectors ?

I'd be interested to see if the SV1203N is an issue or not, also. Since I bought a SV1204H on Ebay and received an SV1203N.you bought it probaly from the same guy I bought it from ebay. This is actually a better drive than the 04 ! lets see if the format works. If not the guy told me he will replace it with the 04 drive.

No it's because the Linixlike OS by iRiver is older and the drivers on the Mboard has to recognize the drive first before overlaying the partition info. There is no format commands within that kenwood.zip CD. I'm pretty sure this is your problem. Format to FAT then retry your CD load instructions.

No it's because the Linixlike OS by iRiver is older and the drivers on the Mboard has to recognize the drive first before overlaying the partition info. There is no format commands within that kenwood.zip CD. I'm pretty sure this is your problem. Format to FAT then retry your CD load instructions.

I tried to do that by connecting the drive to my PC and with windows XP I did format the 9 partitions. Than I installed the drive back with the same problem. At 94% it stopped again. Do I have to delete all partitions firs, do one big partition and than connect it back to the enre ? The Kenwood zip file does always the partition part so I was wondering even when I do the format the software will get rid off my partion and create 9 new ones. Than it has somehow format the drive.
I am not sure what I am doing wrong. More input would be nice.

Greetings all:

I've missed participation in the Great Sovereign discussions, but I figure I'll bring you up to the current evolution of my madness/system, because I'm having a connectivity issue with my Escient units (I still use an Entre downstairs), but I'd love to hear what the guys on this site might opine.

Rather than redescribe the scenario, I'll copy what I sent to Escient Support today:

I have four fireballs in my theater/music room.

1. DVDM-100 controlling three Sony changers
2. DVDM-300 controlling three Kenwood Changerss
3. DVDM-100 controlling three Sony Changers
4. DVDM-100 controlling one Sony changer (for SACD alone)

My internet connectivity is via cable modem which is connected to a wireless router, and which has a switcher connected to it, due to the multiplicity of ports necessary.

This past week, I had a Crestron system added to the mix. Once the Crestron had been developed to some basic functionality (including with all the Escients), Itried getting both DVDM-100s to look up some basic discs (one of which was The Birdcage), and couldn't find them. I tried with both.

I also tried getting the DVDM-300 to look up some Concert DVDs, things like Bruce Springsteen, Rod Stewart (I.e., expected titles), and it wouldn't work.

I wanted to see if I was getting out to the internet with the Escient units. Cory at Escient had me try the 8020 force reregistration trick on one of the DVDM-100s and, despite "passing" the tests of ethernet connectivity, the Escient would begin to register . . . then fail. Sometimes after a few minutes, sometimes immediately. We attributed the problem to something in the routers/switcher that was just failing me to get out.

I tried to download the software on the DVM-300 and this didn't work. So I tried the 8020 trick there, and, voila, same problem. Can't re-register the unit (all of these units had previously registered in the past through these same routers, so I was gettting impatient.

Then I tried something that should have solved the problem--if it was the routers. Rather than connect the ethernet cable from the cable modem into the router, I connected it directly into DVDM-100(1) (with all the movies in it). Same problem.

In a fit of desperation, knowing that I had a direct connection to the internet that was working for every possible device in the world except these four Escients, I tried a factory restart. Well, it restarted, but entering my ip information, etc. and once again passing the "connectivity" test, I tried registration . . . which again failed.

I need to get this problem solved, and it seems very likely that the problem could be at the Escient server's end. I was hoping that someone would be there over the weekend to try and troubleshoot me through this, but I've got to get this resolved by tuesday, because the Crestron folk are returning and my system is literally built around Escient control units.

I think I've described the problem adequately, and I'm hoping there's a solution.



The way I look at it, they can't blame the router if the same thing happened (unable to re-register with the Escient Server) if I took the router out of the loop. Am I missing something?

Thanks,

Nick :cool:

No it's because the Linixlike OS by iRiver is older and the drivers on the Mboard has to recognize the drive first before overlaying the partition info. There is no format commands within that kenwood.zip CD. I'm pretty sure this is your problem. Format to FAT then retry your CD load instructions.

Any sugestions ? How do I format this HD ? Imean with windows ? Fdisk and format ?

Nick,

If it was the server then we couldn't do lookups. But I did some lookups today with no problems.

In the past I have seen the server that does the registration go down for days. It was very frustrating. It seems to be a different server than the one that does the lookups.

Any chance you have a bad cable?

Do I have to change the "Update" file as well ? I copied the part120 to part and thought that might do it. The "Update" file shows only to PART9 ?? Does anyone have the right "UPDATE" file for the Samsung 120 GB ?? Help would be nice !!

There must be an "update.doc" document .. Does anyone know about it ?
The kenwood.zip file has 2 part.prp file.
1) part.prp (for the original 20 gig version)
2) part102.prp (guess for the 120 gig version)
4) Update.prp (guess for the 20 gig version)
5) Updat000.prp (don't know)
6) Updateal.prd (dont know)

Do I have to change one of the Update files ??




Do I have to change the "Update" file as well ? I copied the part120 to part and thought that might do it. The "Update" file shows only to PART9 ?? Does anyone have the right "UPDATE" file for the Samsung 120 GB ?? Help would be nice !!

Do I have to change the "Update" file as well ? I copied the part120 to part and thought that might do it. The "Update" file shows only to PART9 ?? Does anyone have the right "UPDATE" file for the Samsung 120 GB ?? Help would be nice !!You need to copy Updateal.prp to update.prp and burn a new CDR.

I have the same drive as you but I am attempting to upgrade to 120GB without wiping out the first 9 partitions. I've gotten far enogh to verify that the drive works (the SV1203N). It's in my Entre now with my music and DVD guides intact. But it's not utilizing any more than the 20GB (yet -- I'm still experimenting.)

You need to copy Updateal.prp to update.prp and burn a new CDR.

I have the same drive as you but I am attempting to upgrade to 120GB without wiping out the first 9 partitions. I've gotten far enogh to verify that the drive works (the SV1203N). It's in my Entre now with my music and DVD guides intact. But it's not utilizing any more than the 20GB (yet -- I'm still experimenting.)
I got a update file from one member but I can not make it work :-( On the Samsung webpage I found a nice utility "hutil" to low level format and change the ata MODE FROM 133 TO 100. It is also possible to change the mode from "quiet" to "normal" and "fast" The drive is amazing quiet !
My problem still is that the update "hangs" and the unit freezes.
I am using the original PART120 copied to PART and the update file from a one forum member ... no luck so far... I do not know how to format the drive to FAT ???? I need to "partition" first to format it but the kenwood cd will "repartition" and the FAT format is useless. Do I miss anything ??

Sky-Chicken

As I mentioned to you earlier, you need to format the drive BEFORE installing in your Entre. Just put the drive in your Windows XP machine as a slave (remembering to change to primary before Entre install), and format the drive to FAT for the full 120gb size.

Once that's done the Entre CD will repartition the drive to the correct 17 segments.

Again, I had the same problem from a drive I got off ebay (the Samsung) which was preformatted to NTFS which the Entre could not handle. Once I reformatted to FAT (not FAT32) all was flawless on the Entre install CD.

Sky-Chicken

As I mentioned to you earlier, you need to format the drive BEFORE installing in your Entre. Just put the drive in your Windows XP machine as a slave (remembering to change to primary before Entre install), and format the drive to FAT for the full 120gb size.

Once that's done the Entre CD will repartition the drive to the correct 17 segments.

Again, I had the same problem from a drive I got off ebay (the Samsung) which was preformatted to NTFS which the Entre could not handle. Once I reformatted to FAT (not FAT32) all was flawless on the Entre install CD.


Will try today. Thank you for the clarification :-)
One more question ... aon partition 5 it shows "tarfilename=part.prp,partitions.prp"
partition.prp is not on my kenwood.zip file. ?? Is this on yours ?

shows "tarfilename=part.prp,partitions.prp"
partition.prp is not on my kenwood.zip file. ?? Is this on yours ?part.prp gets renamed to partitions.prp when it's installed.

For those that have done a 120GB upgrade and reinstall -- how do you know you are making use of the additional 8 partitions space? The only way I know of is to view the 'Options-Delete Music' screen and reference the space statistics to those from the 20GB drive. It would have to be done with like DBs, i.e. default bit rate and default 18 MP3s on the 20GB then the 120GB drive. Has anyone done this before/after comparison?

I am attempting the 120GB upgrade without using the reinstall CDR but using the update CDR. I'm restoring a ghost image of my 20GB drive, manually editing the partion tables (extremely tedious!), then installng in the Entre and running the update CDR with files I've edited. Everything seems to work OK. When I watch the update process in hyperterminal, the update CDR does initialize the extra partitions. When I watch the normal boot process, the OS does seem to recognize the extra partitions. The partitions.prp file shows the extra partitions and has the partition.nummedia=12 line. But when I go to 'Options-Delete Music', the space info looks the same as when running the 20GB drive. I don't think the OS is using the extra 8 partitions. Hence the question above.

I'm running out of ways to experiment :confused:

Sky-Chicken -

The part.prp file is renamed to "partitions.prp" during the install.

Sky-Chicken -

The part.prp file is renamed to "partitions.prp" during the install.

Agin failure ... I did as you mentioned ...put the disk in slave mode and used windows xp to create a 120 gig (114 Gig) partition. After that Windows ask me to format this drive but the only option is NTFS ?? So I started windows xp and tried explorer and it shows me 111 Gig and offers Ntfs FORMAT ??

I was wondering because the FAT allocation table is for max 33 gig if I am not wrong ?? For a large partition like that I am almost sure that fat only supports to max 32 gig.
Right now the partition is in RAW format and I have the same problem ... I would rip my hair out but unfortunaly it went out years ago so I can only scratch my bald head.

HELP is needed !!!

Without being there we can't help you/show you how to do these things, BUT... the key to the benefit program is to get that drive formatted for FAT (not RAW, not NTFS, not FAT32). That IS your problem for sure.


Maybe you can take the drive to someone who is more familiar with FAT formatting?

Good Luck.

Agin failure ... I did as you mentioned ...put the disk in slave mode and used windows xp to create a 120 gig (114 Gig) partition. After that Windows ask me to format this drive but the only option is NTFS ?? So I started windows xp and tried explorer and it shows me 111 Gig and offers Ntfs FORMAT ?? This will never work. You can't format the drive with FAT from within WinXP. You have to get to a command prompt (Start>Run>cmd) and thrn run the format command from there. The syntax is "format [x]: /fs:FAT". That should work, but if you still have problems, you'll have to boot to a command prompt and do it there. To do that, you have to boot into Safe Mode with command prompt. I have had a problem where even that doesn't work. Do you have a floppy disk drive? If you do, you can create a bootable floppy rescue disk and boot from that. If not, I'm told that you can boot from the XP system CD but don't do the install. I've never tried that, so you do it at your own risk.

Now as I recall my steps in Windows XP I do remember that you can format all 120GB's using FAT32, (FAT having a 2G limit). It's been a while since I had to do this.

Sky-Chicken - Use FAT32 in XP and retry.

bring up my computer, select the 2nd drive, and right click and click on Format. Change it to Fat32 and it should format it.

FAT32 only works with XP if the drive already partioned. My problem is iff I use the partion done by the kenwoond zip file' than I can format them to FAT32. With only one partion the only option XP offers is NTFS. Sure I can use the kenwood.zip disc and let the unit create the partion, put it back into the computer and format the partionen with with FAT32 (now it works because the partion are smaller and supported by FAT32. My problem is that after I reinstall it to the entre and redo the update the software will delete the' partion and "redo" them
I do not get the point of format it than in the first place ??
If I use the standart 20 Gig version it works flawless ??? Even' the drive is in RAW because I did the lowlevel format the software creates 9 partions and installs the 2.0.0.8 software and everything works great ... except I only have 20 gig from 114 gig.
I wild guess is that it has problems to create more than 9 partions. So far I only found max of 9 partion when using the 20 gig version and 4 partions when I used the 120 gig version ???

Without being there we can't help you/show you how to do these things, BUT... the key to the benefit program is to get that drive formatted for FAT (not RAW, not NTFS, not FAT32). That IS your problem for sure.Now as I recall my steps in Windows XP I do remember that you can format all 120GB's using FAT32, (FAT having a 2G limit). It's been a while since I had to do this. You can't format the drive with FAT from within WinXP. You have to get to a command prompt (Start>Run>cmd) and thrn run the format command from there. The syntax is "format [x]: /fs:FAT". Alot of misinformation here. Actually, regardless of which Windows product you use or MSDOS/CMD Prompt, you can format a FAT volume up to 4GB only, and FAT32 to 32GB. Oddly enough, you can read/write files in a single FAT32 volume up to 2TB, you just can't fomat that volume. For those that think they formatted the 120GB drive as one single 114494MB volume, you probably missed the message "The volume is too big for FAT/FAT32" at the end.

I'm still skeptical that any of you that have performed the 120GB upgrade and reinstall of the Entre are utilizing any more than 20GB. I've been trying to do the 120GB upgrade without losing my DB and media. Even though the Entre works fine, it's not using more than 20GB. I guess I'll try the proposed method with a fresh install for myself tonight.

Alot of misinformation here. Actually, regardless of which Windows product you use or MSDOS/CMD Prompt, you can format a FAT volume up to 4GB only, and FAT32 to 32GB. Oddly enough, you can read/write files in a single FAT32 volume up to 2TB, you just can't fomat that volume. For those that think they formatted the 120GB drive as one single 114494MB volume, you probably missed the message "The volume is too big for FAT/FAT32" at the end.

I'm still skeptical that any of you that have performed the 120GB upgrade and reinstall of the Entre are utilizing any more than 20GB. I've been trying to do the 120GB upgrade without losing my DB and media. Even though the Entre works fine, it's not using more than 20GB. I guess I'll try the proposed method with a fresh install for myself tonight.


Got it work now. :)

The are two problems I found. :rolleyes:

First the original Part120.PRT has an typo in the partion 1 blocksize has to be changed from blocks=204800 to blocks=204768.

Second the max partion are "15" for the drive we use (it is actually 114 Gb not 120). With this change the unit shows space for "26268 more tracks and 1809.6 hours of recording time left"
There is no "format" necessary at all.

Here the right "part.prep" file for the SAMSUNG SV1203N

partition.readonly=7.0.1/
readonly.label=readonly
readonly.blocks=204768
readonly.fdbs=32768

partition.update=7.0.2/
update.label=update
update.blocks=204800
update.fdbs=32768

partition.backup1=7.0.3/
backup1.label=backup1
backup1.blocks=204800
backup1.fdbs=32768

partition.backup2=7.0.4/
backup2.label=backup2
backup2.blocks=204800
backup2.fdbs=32768

partition.active=7.0.5/
active.label=active
active.blocks=204800
active.fdbs=32768

partition.media1=7.0.6/
media1.label=media1
media1.blocks=5120000
media1.fdbs=8192

partition.media2=7.0.7/
media2.label=media2
media2.blocks=5120000
media2.fdbs=8192

partition.media3=7.0.8/
media3.label=media3
media3.blocks=5120000
media3.fdbs=8192

partition.media4=7.0.9/
media4.label=media4
media4.blocks=5120000
media4.fdbs=8192

partition.media5=7.0.10/
media5.label=media5
media5.blocks=5120000
media5.fdbs=8192

partition.media6=7.0.11/
media6.label=media6
media6.blocks=5120000
media6.fdbs=8192

partition.media7=7.0.12/
media7.label=media7
media7.blocks=5120000
media7.fdbs=8192

partition.media8=7.0.13/
media8.label=media8
media8.blocks=5120000
media8.fdbs=8192

partition.media9=7.0.14/
media9.label=media9
media9.blocks=5120000
media9.fdbs=8192

partition.media10=7.0.15/
media10.label=media10
media10.blocks=5120000
media10.fdbs=8192

partition.nummedia=10


Here the right update.prp file:

##Partition 1
#===========
partitionnumber=1
tarfilename=KMC.tar
initialize=YES
tarfiletype=UPDATE
partitionnumber=1
tarfilename=KMCDB.tar
initialize=NO
tarfiletype=UPDATE
partitionnumber=1
tarfilename=KMCEcom.tar
initialize=NO
tarfiletype=UPDATE
partitionnumber=1
tarfilename=pshell.tar
initialize=NO
tarfiletype=UPDATE
partitionnumber=1
tarfilename=part.prp,partitions.prp
initialize=NO
tarfiletype=COPY


#Partition 2
#===========
partitionnumber=2
tarfilename=Media.tar
initialize=YES
tarfiletype=COPY
partitionnumber=2
tarfilename=pshell.tar
initialize=NO
tarfiletype=UPDATE

#Partition 3
#===========
partitionnumber=3
tarfilename=
initialize=YES
tarfiletype=UPDATE

#Partition 4
#===========
partitionnumber=4
tarfilename=
initialize=YES
tarfiletype=UPDATE

#Partition 5
#===========
partitionnumber=5
tarfilename=KMC.tar
initialize=YES
tarfiletype=UPDATE
partitionnumber=5
tarfilename=KMCDB.tar
initialize=NO
tarfiletype=UPDATE
partitionnumber=5
tarfilename=KMCEcom.tar
initialize=NO
tarfiletype=UPDATE
partitionnumber=5
tarfilename=pshell.tar
initialize=NO
tarfiletype=UPDATE
partitionnumber=5
tarfilename=part.prp,partitions.prp
initialize=NO
tarfiletype=COPY

#Partition 6
#===========
partitionnumber=6
tarfilename=part789.tar
initialize=YES
tarfiletype=UPDATE
partitionnumber=6
tarfilename=Media.tar
initialize=NO
tarfiletype=UPDATE

#Partition 7
#===========
partitionnumber=7
tarfilename=part789.tar
initialize=YES
tarfiletype=UPDATE

#Partition 8
#===========
partitionnumber=8
tarfilename=part789.tar
initialize=YES
tarfiletype=UPDATE

#Partition 9
#===========
partitionnumber=9
tarfilename=part789.tar
initialize=YES
tarfiletype=UPDATE

#Partition 10
#===========
partitionnumber=10
tarfilename=part789.tar
initialize=YES
tarfiletype=UPDATE

#Partition 11
#===========
partitionnumber=11
tarfilename=part789.tar
initialize=YES
tarfiletype=UPDATE

#Partition 12
#===========
partitionnumber=12
tarfilename=part789.tar
initialize=YES
tarfiletype=UPDATE

#Partition 13
#===========
partitionnumber=13
tarfilename=part789.tar
initialize=YES
tarfiletype=UPDATE

#Partition 14
#===========
partitionnumber=14
tarfilename=part789.tar
initialize=YES
tarfiletype=UPDATE

#Partition 15
#===========
partitionnumber=15
tarfilename=part789.tar
initialize=YES
tarfiletype=UPDATE

Good news Sky-Chicken!

What is your default but rate selected on your preferences? Using the original part/update.prp's I have 2036hrs. left at 128k (default).

Also can you expand on your statement about not formatting the drive? Ron is right about the "misinformation" (thanks for pointing that out Ron). It is in fact Windows98 that will format the full drive size (Microsoft limited the 32g size so it would force most to go NTFS).

So does this mean you can copy a 20 gig drive to a 120 gig and then just modify the prp files?

Alot of misinformation here. Actually, regardless of which Windows product you use or MSDOS/CMD Prompt, you can format a FAT volume up to 4GB only, and FAT32 to 32GB.

Correct on the 4GB limit on FAT drives (DOS had a 2GB limit), but the FAT32 32GB restriction is an artificial limit placed on the Windows 2000 and XP format commands by Microsoft. My guess is they want to force you to NTFS for larger drive sizes.

The Windows 98 & ME format commands will format a FAT32 drive beyond 32GB. The FAT32 design supports up to 8 terabyte drive sizes.

Correct on the 4GB limit on FAT drives (DOS had a 2GB limit), but the FAT32 32GB restriction is an artificial limit placed on the Windows 2000 and XP format commands by Microsoft. My guess is they want to force you to NTFS for larger drive sizes.

The Windows 98 & ME format commands will format a FAT32 drive beyond 32GB. The FAT32 design supports up to 8 terabyte drive sizes.

Your are right on this but I don't think that format the drive is nessasary at at all.
ess and The 15 part version works flawless with out touching the drive.

Good news Sky-Chicken!

What is your default but rate selected on your preferences? Using the original part/update.prp's I have 2036hrs. left at 128k (default).

Also can you expand on your statement about not formatting the drive? Ron is right about the "misinformation" (thanks for pointing that out Ron). It is in fact Windows98 that will format the full drive size (Microsoft limited the 32g size so it would force most to go NTFS).

My default rate is 128 k. You have about 200 hours more by squeezing it out to the last bit. I think that I might not use 6-10 gb from the drive but I am fine with my 1800 hours. (might nevewr use all of it) and It does not need any work with fformat. Only disc in and it upgrades.
Thank you for your help !

Good news Sky-Chicken!

Also can you expand on your statement about not formatting the drive? .

There was no need to format the drive when using 15 partition. I low level format the drive and it was in "RAW" mode with no format at all. First I tried the 15 partion and it worked great. Than I tried 16 with same block size and It hanged again. Than I burned on cd with partition 16 and smaller block size with the same problem. Than I used the first cd with my 15 partition and the unit worked flawless again. With 16 partions it will install the software and eject the CD but it will not boot at all. My wild guess is that the last partion has to be exact the size of the remaining leftover space on the hard disk. The software will remove all partions every time you install it and create new ones. I don't know how you did it with the format but I think there is no need to format when the partion part is right.
I will ftp into my unit this weekend and check the remaining space. Does the windriver software use standard UNIX command to check the drive size and partions??

You da man! (Or I guess in your case, You da chicken ;) )
I came to the same conclusion about fewer partitions last night, but I ran out of CDRs to experiment with -- bought some more tonight. I'm glad you found the two adjustments that work for these drives. I tried it tonight and it worked for me also; saved me alot of experimenting. Interesting that Windows Disk Manager couldn't see the extra 6 partitions (see attached), nor ptedit.exe nor partinfo (from Partition Magic). And showed we have 12GB unallocated; I can live with that.

I'm still trying for the holy grail, though -- creating the extra partitions on top of a 20GB image that was restored to a 120GB drive. If I get anywhere, I'll surely post the results.

You da man! (Or I guess in your case, You da chicken ;) )
I came to the same conclusion about fewer partitions last night, but I ran out of CDRs to experiment with -- bought some more tonight. I'm glad you found the two adjustments that work for these drives. I tried it tonight and it worked for me also; saved me alot of experimenting. Interesting that Windows Disk Manager couldn't see the extra 6 partitions (see attached), nor ptedit.exe nor partinfo (from Partition Magic). And showed we have 12GB unallocated; I can live with that.

I'm still trying for the holy grail, though -- creating the extra partitions on top of a 20GB image that was restored to a 120GB drive. If I get anywhere, I'll surely post the results.

I had the same problem :rolleyes: (running out of CD-R) that the reason I used the working one. Let us know if you find the setting to use the last 12GB

--Chicken--