NAS devices with UPnP

Maxtor's Shared Storage Drive will soon be UPnP compatible out of the box. Next gen versions of it (supposedly out any day now) will be so-called "Shared Storage Plus" and will feature out of the box UPnP server software able to stream to any UPnP device. Older Shared Storage drives will be able to upgrade to the new "Shared Storage Plus" via free firmware upgrade.

I saw this at the Digital Life exhibit and am waiting with baited breath for it to be released!

Take a look at the buffalo linkstation / terrastation. It's under-documented but both ship with what they call pcast. I believe this is a UPnP server.

good luck!

EDIT: I just saw that the linktheater was one of your choices. I think that that box is supported to work with the link/terrastations. I also think you get the benefit of a little better gui than UPnP devices usually have.

I am pretty sure the LinkStation/PCast is not UPnP. I have two, and a Roku, and my SoundBridge (which is supposed to work with any UPnP server) does not recognize the LinkStation. Also, many people hack their LinkStations to install Twonkyvision, which I don't think they would do if PCast were already UPnP compliant. But I would love to be wrong and find out that there is some simple fix I could perform to stream from my LinkStation to my Soundbridge!

The Infrant ReadyNAS X6 has a uPnP server, and they have indicated it will be upgraded in the future. You can check out the infrant thread in this forum.

I recently installed Maxtor's latest release for the shared storage drives because I want to do exactly what you are describing. I did get the media server to work and was able to use it with my netgear mp101. Getting it to work was by trial and error, however, because the documentation is limited and Maxtor's tech support knows little about the media server and how it is suppose to work.

It's fairly simple to open up a Buffalo Linkstation and install wizd on it.

The best site I know of for this type of stuff is http://linkstationwiki.org/

I'm in the process of retiring my Kurobox (hackable PowerPC Linkstation) due to the inability to power manage and retrieve SMART information across a USB-SATA bridge. I'm replacing it with a very quiet PC running SuSE 10.0 where all my media storage drives spend most (>95%) of their time in standby mode. I've also given up on trying to keep my root drive spun down all the time - too many daemons that I need to run want to hit the disk at least a couple times an hour. Instead, I'm keeping all media files off my system drive, so none of my content has to live on a drive that's spun up 24x7.

Seems that allot of Networking / NAS manufacturers are working to include media server capabilities in their new products. Linksys's new Network Storage router (WRTSL54GS) has a built in UPnP Media server. As does Freecom's new FSG-3.

Twonky's website (http://www.twonkyvision.de/UPnP/nas.html) has allot of good info on existing NAS's that with some work will run their media server. The linkstation is the preferred platform because it has more memory 64 (Linkstation HD)or 128 meg (Linkstation HG) compared with 32 meg for popular alternatives like Maxtor Shared or the famous little Linksys NSLU2. Although apparently the new version of Twonky overcomes previous issues (hanging) with large media collections on the 32 meg platforms.

By the way PCCast is not a full UpNP implementation. It's apparently close. ie close enough that a Buffalo Linktheatre can see (discover) it as its media server. None of my music adaptors saw PCCast on my Linkstation so I installed Twonky. Its awesome and so is the linkstation !

I think I want to do the same thing. I want to have my music and movies on a NAS and use a device like the TViX HDM-5000U to go get the and play the files through my network and either play the movies to my HD tv or play my music through my sound system receiver. Am I correct in saying that the NAS has to have UPnP as well as the TViX HDM-5000U (or whatever device I choose, any recommendations?)?

I have a Linksys WRTSL54GS and the built-in media server doesn't work. I tried with pc based upnp enabled software (nero showtime, intel development kit, on2share etc) and media adapters (pinnacle showcenter 200) - couldn't make it to work. The furthest I got was to see the device on the network. It does not index avi files and files which do appear (eg. mp3 or mpg) do not play and crash the media renderer.

If someone made it work please share how and if anyone from Linksys reads this would be nice to get some help as the customer service phone couldn't help at all.

Thanks

Does anyone know if you can import DVDs onto the Maxtor Drive Plus? I know the Kalediescape 2500 allows DVD import.

Thanks

It has built-in UPnP media server.

The Pinnacle Showcenter 200 and 1000 aren't really UPnP compliant. They have a primitive client that never worked with WIZD on my Infrant. The Dlink DSM-520 however does work with WIZD. The DSM-520 was just reviewed on Tomshardware.com. Based on my own experience the review is a pretty fair review.

Alan

I use a Dlink DSM-G600 vB1 w/ a 500gb Seagate drive installed in it. I use a samba share by way of Xbox Media Center to connect to the G600. It also has improved uPnP support in the latest bios patch. I am also am able to see the device in "My Network Places" on my home pc. I can also stream video from external usb2 drives that I have connected to one of the two usb ports available on the DSM-G600. The DSM-G600 also has wireless functionality w/ WPA & WEP support. I mainly use the wireless to stream divx files to my laptop in the bedroom... or just to transfer small files to and from my laptop.

I just ordered one of these from CompUSA:
Iomega's StorCenter Network 250GB High-Speed Ethernet Hard Drive

The new wireless compatible Iomega® StorCenter Network Hard drive 250GB has the storage capacity, value rich features, and simplicity to become your ultimate storage center! Store and share critical files, photos, music and video content across PCs and from ANY standard or wireless computer connected to your home or small office network - all without the cost and complexity of a server.

The Iomega StorCenter Network hard Drive is a UPnP A/V Media Server, that supports UPnP-compliant DMAs for the non-PC environment. This allows you to stream media content (photos, music, video etc.) using a digital media adapter (DMA) directly to your home entertainment system without the need of a computer - bridging that digital content gap between your PC and home entertainment devices (TV, stereo...). The StorCenter digital content center also allows for a central print station (one or two printers) to print digital content from any PC on your home or small office network. Also included, is Iomega Automatic Backup Pro for Touch-Free backup and full system disaster recovery.


At-A-Glance:
Easy Plug and Share Capability - Easily store and share files from ANY networked home or office computer; No host or server required; Single cable install; no drivers required
Supreme Speed - The StorCenter Network Hard Drive transforms the network experience on Windows®, Mac® OS X, and Linux® networks at Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1,000 Mbps) transfer rate
Expandable Data Storage - In addition to the 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet, there are two USB 2.0 ports which will enable more expansion and flexibility to add additional storage (i.e. external hard drive and USB Flash). You'll also have network printer support via USB 2.0!
Versatile - For wireless networks, simply attach your network hard drive to your wireless hub or access point, and instantly begin to store and share photos, music and files. This wireless compatible network hard drive supports all major OS: PC, Mac and Linux
Affordable - Network storage for a small office or broadband home users without the expense of a server
Touch-Free Backup and Configuration - Includes automatic backup software that runs seamlessly in the background, keeping critical data protected 24 hours a day. Also has the ability to do a system restore from a wired network attached device
Effortless Automation - The included automated Discovery Tool Wizard automatically configures the drive to your computer to provide for an easy and secure setup
Secure - Password-protected network storage for multiple users
A/V Media Support - Stream media content (videos, music etc.) directly to your home entertainment system without the need of a computer using a digital media adapter (DMA) device. Must be UPnP compliant

I'm looking at getting the Vantec NST-375LX. It's due out by the end of July or early August. Also has FTP built in and impressive cooling system with built in fan and heatsinks.

Vantec Storage Link

Looking at the specs, it doesn't seem to have a native UPnP server capability out of the box.

Poppagene,

How did the Iomega's StorCenter Network 250GB High-Speed Ethernet Hard Drive work out for you? What playback device have you used with it?

Just found this thread from Google...

I've just got myself a Thecus N2100, which has the Mediabolic UPnP AV server built-in and am streaming audio to a couple of Pinnacle (previously Roku) M1001's - one connected to the hifi in the living room and one in the kitchen. It all works like a dream!

I also heard good reports about the QNAP TS-101 and TS-201, which have the TwonkyMedia UPnP AV server built-in.

freenas
u can build nas using a old pc & freenas, which is fantastic!
google freenas, it is my ist post , not allowing me to post link
I just build mine 1T nas under $250, woking great w/ xbmc
according to the manual it supports uPnP

The Synology 106 series NAS devices have a built-in UPNP server.

I have a Maxtor Shared Storage Plus NAS, and it's a nice piece of hardware. However, the built-in UPnP server is just OK if you're not very picky. It's not very configurable. I installed the Twonky server on this NAS, and I'm much happier with it.

What's the word with the latest and greatest UPnP NAS units these days? i would like to get one that's 1 TB. I think I would rather have a container so that later I can upgrade the hard drvice to even larger sizes.

For what its worth I just bought a ReadyNAS NV+, it looked to be the best solution for the price and since I live in Florida, I can just take the box with me when the hurricanes come calling.

The HP MediaSmart will do the trick when it comes out.

i just bought a NAS (from encore). It supports UPNP but i can't make the xbox 360 to connect it. any help?

You may have already done this but -- On bestbuy.com, came across a review about Maxtor (pretty sure it's Maxtor) network storage. Reviewer said that you have to set up an address through your computer, for the NAS, for network to work. I can't remember the whole thing, was reading it in Best But in a hurry. Came across something similar in other reading. Hope it helps. There are only 3 reviews to look through, I think.

Well, hopefully they found a solution...in the nearly 3 years since that was posted. Thanks Mr. Helper

CD

I have been using DNS-323 with Twonky for a while and quite happy with it. I use it mostly with PS3 and Xbox 360 and does a great job of streaming mp4, music and photo. I recently saw on sale for $130. The bundled UPNP is supposed to do the job but Twonky is little more flexible.