McIntosh MS300 Advanced User's Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. McIntosh Manuals
  4. Server
  5. MS300
  6. Advanced user's manual

McIntosh MS300 Advanced User's Manual

Music server
Hide thumbs Also See for MS300:
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual See also: Service Manual, User Manual
MS300 Advanced Users Guide
3/3/2005
MS300 ADVANCED
USER'S GUIDE
An Advanced Guide to the McIntosh MS300 Music
Server
Page 1 of 65
2 Chambers Street • Binghamton, NY 13903-269 Phone: 607-723-3512 / 800-538-6576 • Fax: 607-724-0549
Technical Support 866-458-6910 9:00AM to 6:00PM EST, M-F
www.mcintoshlabs.com

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the MS300 and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel

Related Manuals for McIntosh MS300

Summary of Contents for McIntosh MS300

  • Page 1 MS300 Advanced Users Guide 3/3/2005 MS300 ADVANCED USER’S GUIDE An Advanced Guide to the McIntosh MS300 Music Server Page 1 of 65 2 Chambers Street • Binghamton, NY 13903-269 Phone: 607-723-3512 / 800-538-6576 • Fax: 607-724-0549 Technical Support 866-458-6910 9:00AM to 6:00PM EST, M-F...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    RS-232 Connections ......................7 External Modem Connections ....................7 IR Connections........................7 Ethernet Connections......................8 External Changer Connections..................... 11 MS300 Networking: Beyond Ethernet .................. 13 Wireless Networking......................13 Powerline Networking......................14 HPNA Networking ........................ 15 Registration ..........................16 Testing a Broadband Connection ..................16 Testing a Dialup Connection ....................
  • Page 3 Status Commands........................ 58 Control Commands ......................59 Optional Accessories ......................61 Hayes Compatible Modem ....................61 MS300 to Sony DVD Changer Serial Cable ................. 61 Optical Digital Audio Cable (3’)..................... 61 MS300 IR Keyboard ......................61 MS300 IR Remote........................ 62 Technical Support........................

  • Page 4: About This Guide

    3/3/2005 About This Users Guide This manual describes the advanced features of the McIntosh MS300 Music Server and is intended for McIntosh Dealers, custom installers, and experienced customers. Most customers should refer to the printed “MS300 User’s Manual” which is included with every MS300.

  • Page 5: Additional Connection And Hookup Information

    Information Digital Audio Inputs The MS300 defaults to the TosLink inputs for changer audio. If you are using the coax inputs it is necessary to manually change the digital inputs from TosLink to Coax using the Setup / Audio / Digital Input Preferences screen.

  • Page 6: Video Outputs

    All video outputs are active at the same time, so you can use as many as you like without causing signal degradation. The Component Video output will provide the best possible video quality for the MS300 User Interface, but will require that your video system has an available component input.

  • Page 7: Rs-232 Connections

    COM port 4 is to be used for connecting an external modem or to interface with a third party control system such as AMX or Crestron. Note: You should use the Ethernet control system for controlling the MS300 from a third party control system whenever possible. Using the Ethernet control system frees up COM port 4 for other purposes, allows much longer distances between the MS300 and the control system, and provides a much faster path for data transfer.

  • Page 8: Ethernet Connections

    3/3/2005 Ethernet Connections The Ethernet jack on the back panel of the MS300 accepts any standard twisted pair CAT5 Ethernet cable. If you are connecting the MS300 to a home network, you typically connect a standard Ethernet cable from your Ethernet router or hub to the MS300.
  • Page 9 MS300 Advanced Users Guide 3/3/2005 In a straight-through cable, wires 1, 2, 3, and 6 at one end of the cable are also wires 1, 2, 3, and 6 at the other end. In a crossed cable, the order of the wires change from one end to the other: wire 1 becomes 3, and 2 becomes 6.
  • Page 10 MS300 Advanced Users Guide 3/3/2005 Page 10 of 65 2 Chambers Street • Binghamton, NY 13903-269 Phone: 607-723-3512 / 800-538-6576 • Fax: 607-724-0549 Technical Support 866-458-6910 9:00AM to 6:00PM EST, M-F www.mcintoshlabs.com...

  • Page 11: External Changer Connections

    (1/8" mono or stereo mini) • S-link cable must 15' or less • All audio outputs from changers are connected to the MS300 (do not daisy chain) • TosLink cables are required for digital audio connections to the MS300 (Sony CD Mega Changers do not support Coax digital outputs) •...
  • Page 12 • An RS-232 cable is a standard DB9 null modem cable (not included with the changer) • All audio outputs from changers should be connected to the MS300 (do not daisy chain) • The analog audio connection is required when recording from external changers •...

  • Page 13: Ms300 Networking: Beyond Ethernet

    2.4GHz radio signals to transmit and receive data over distances of a few hundred feet using the ethernet protocol. The MS300 can be added to a wireless home network using an external Ethernet to Wireless adapter such as the Linksys Wireless Ethernet Bridges. The Ethernet Bridge will “bridge”...

  • Page 14: Powerline Networking

    For more information on Powerline Networking, please visit the HomePlug Official Site The MS300 connects to a Powerline network using a Powerline to Ethernet Bridge. The Powerline to Ethernet Bridge will “bridge” the gap between the MS300’s Ethernet port and the home Powerline network.

  • Page 15: Hpna Networking

    Network adapters, routers and bridges are all available. The MS300 connects to an HPNA network using an HPNA to Ethernet Bridge. The HPNA to Ethernet Bridge will “bridge” the gap between the MS300’s Ethernet port and the HPNA home phoneline network.

  • Page 16: Registration

    Internet Service Provider and the McIntosh Servers. Testing a Broadband Connection 1. Check the Ethernet Network Link - The green LED next to the MS300’s back panel Ethernet jack should be on when properly connected to an Ethernet network.

  • Page 17: Testing A Dialup Connection

    2. The modem should be automatically detected after you select “dialup” as the connection type. If it fails to be recognized, make sure that the modem is connected to COM port 4 of the MS300 using a serial cable. (USB modems are NOT supported) 3.
  • Page 18 The login and password for the user’s account. e. The connection to the McIntosh servers. If any of these tests fail, check your modem and phone line wiring with the proper test equipment. Using the same modem and cables, test that you can access the internet using a standard PC.

  • Page 19: Retail Demo Mode

    3/3/2005 Retail Demo Mode The MS300 has a Retail Demo Mode for use in retail display environments. The Retail Demo Mode (RDM) is a special screen saver that is activated during idle time. The RDM continuously displays key features and benefits of the MS300 product on the attached TV.

  • Page 20: What Is Flac

    MS300 Advanced Users Guide 3/3/2005 What is FLAC? FLAC stands for Free Lossless Audio Codec. Grossly oversimplified, FLAC is similar to MP3, but lossless, meaning that audio is compressed in FLAC without any loss in quality. This is similar to how Zip works, except with FLAC you will get much better compression because it is designed specifically for audio, and you can play back compressed FLAC files just like you would an MP3 file.

  • Page 21: What Flac Is Not

    MS300 Advanced Users Guide 3/3/2005 yield a single file representation of the entire CD. If your original CD is damaged, the cue sheet can be exported later in order to burn an exact copy. • Error resistant: Because of FLAC's framing, stream errors limit the damage to the frame in which the error occurred, typically a small fraction of a second worth of data.
  • Page 22 MS300’s web server from any standard web browser on your network. If a password is entered here, the user will be asked to enter it when connecting to the MS300 from their PC. This password is provided to protect access to your MS300 through the standard HTTP port 80 on your subnet.

  • Page 23: Backup And Restore

    Backup and Restore MS300 Music Backup It is possible to backup and restore the music contents of the MS300 using the CIFS or “Windows” Networking feature. Backup is accomplished by mounting the MS300 onto your PC or Mac desktop and using your computer’s backup software.

  • Page 24: Ms300 Music Restore

    You can restore music to the MS300 using the same method used for importing audio files into the MS300. Restore and Import both use the CIFS Networking feature to add audio files to the MS300. Simply drag your music files to the Import directory and let the MS300 import the audio files.

  • Page 25: Advanced Utilities

    MS300 Advanced Users Guide 3/3/2005 Advanced Utilities The MS300 has several Advanced Utilities which are intended for use by experienced installers or when instructed by McIntosh Tech Support engineers. The Advanced Utilities include: • Restore Factory Defaults • Rebuild Databases •...

  • Page 26: Restore Factory Defaults

    Upon power up, you must complete the Quick Start registration process again, which will in turn cause the unit to re-register with the McIntosh Internet servers, at the end of the process. An internet connection is required to complete the re-registration process.

  • Page 27: Library Index Rebuild

    The Library Index utility is used to rebuild the database index files in the unlikely event that your database becomes corrupt by a power failure or other unknown cause. The MS300 will go through each database entry for music, and radio and reconstruct the correct indices.

  • Page 28: Lookup All Covers

    MS300 Advanced Users Guide 3/3/2005 Lookup All Covers The Lookup All Covers feature is to be used by customer service in the unlikely event that a system failure causes the cover art links to become corrupt. You will be asked to...

  • Page 29: Remote Control Programming

    8. You will be instructed to press the MS2 key on the remote, then select the OK button. You have set the MS300 to listen to the MS2 code bank. Repeat these steps to tell the MS300 to respond and listen to any of the four code banks.

  • Page 30: Controlling Other Components

    3. Press and hold the CODE SET key until the LED blinks twice, then release. 4. Locate the Manufacturer’s Code for your brand of TV (see the end of this chapter) 5. Enter the first four-digit code for your TV using the numeric keys on the MS300 remote.
  • Page 31 Remote to control the new component, following the instructions above. The following devices can be assigned to the TV, CBL, RCV, and DVD source mode buttons on the McIntosh Remote Control. Source Button Device Assignment Cable, Video Accessories, Satellite, DSS Amplifier, Tuner, Phono, Misc.

  • Page 32: Changing The Volume Lock

    “0084” for MS3 o “0085” for MS4 5. The LED will again flash twice indicating the programming was successful. Repeat these steps for each MS300 in your system, selecting a different MS button for each. Page 32 of 65 2 Chambers Street •...

  • Page 33: Using The Macro Key

    MS300 Advanced Users Guide 3/3/2005 Using the Macro key The Macro key is used to enter a command sequence of two or more IR commands. Macros are used to directly access any title, group, or station from the wireless keyboard, remote control, or an external IR control system.
  • Page 34 MS300 Advanced Users Guide 3/3/2005 Example 3: Use the remote to play disc 14 in changer 1. Press: MACRO, 2, 1, MACRO, 1, 4, ENTER Example 4: Use the remote to play playlist number 5. Press: MACRO, 7, 5, ENTER Example 5: Use the remote to play the movie number 123.

  • Page 35: Manufacturer Ir Codes

    MS300 Advanced Users Guide 3/3/2005 Manufacturer IR Codes PRAMPLIFIER CODES AMPLIFIER CODES Kenwood 0028, 0190, 0826, McIntosh 0619 GE 0078 0037, 0626, 0681 Harman/Kardon 0892 Krell 0157 VIDEO CODES JVC 0331 LXI 0305 Panasonic 1120 Marantz 0892 Linn 0157 Pioneer 1010...
  • Page 36 MS300 Advanced Users Guide 3/3/2005 Next Level 0869 Futuretech 0180 Prism 0051 Panasonic 0247, 0701 GE 0047, 1347, 0051, 0178, Proscan 0047 Philips 1076, 1142, 0722, 0724, 0451, 1147, 0093 Proton 0178 0749 Gibralter 0017, 0019, 0030 Pulsar 0017, 0019...
  • Page 37 MS300 Advanced Users Guide 3/3/2005 Vidtech 0019, 0178 LXI 0037 Sears 0037, 0042, 0000, 0035, Wards 0054, 0178, 0016, 0019, Lloyd’s 0000 0047, 0104 0030, 0056, 0179 Logik 0072 Semp 0045 White Westinghouse 0624, MEI 0035 Sharp 0048 0623, 0463...
  • Page 38 MS300 Advanced Users Guide 3/3/2005 Samsung 0573 Sharp 0630 Sony 0533 Technics 0490 Theta Digital 0571 Toshiba 0503 Yamaha 0490, 0545 Zenith 0591, 0503 Page 38 of 65 2 Chambers Street • Binghamton, NY 13903-269 Phone: 607-723-3512 / 800-538-6576 • Fax: 607-724-0549 Technical Support 866-458-6910 9:00AM to 6:00PM EST, M-F www.mcintoshlabs.com...

  • Page 39: Keyboard Programming

    Only the MS300 source button (the one with the swoop) can be programmed to operate the MS300. The three source buttons on the remote labeled TV, RCV, and DVD can be programmed to operate other devices. Programming the Keyboard to Control MS1, MS2, MS3, or MS4...
  • Page 40 CBL button has been pressed. However, the CBL button is not available as a universal source when it has been programmed as the MS300 transport source button. DO NOT program the CBL source button to control any other devices. Doing so will prohibit the use of the transport keys for controlling the MS300.

  • Page 41: Programming The Universal Source Buttons

    MS300 Advanced Users Guide 3/3/2005 Programming the Universal Source Buttons Use the following steps to program the AUX, DVD, TV, and RCV source buttons to control other devices. The following table indicates which device types can be programmed on which source buttons:...

  • Page 42: Mcintosh Ir Key Codes

    The MS300 Remote Control uses the Philips RC6 Mode 6A IR protocol. The following table lists the RC6 Mode 6A key codes used by the MS300 that can be used in the ProntoEdit PC application to generate the IR codes for the Philips Pronto remote products and can also be used to generate the CCF files that can be imported into other 3rd party applications and control systems.

  • Page 43: Discrete Rc6 Mode 6A Key Codes

    MS300 Advanced Users Guide 3/3/2005 - (CH/PAGE) Primary GUIDE Primary OPENGLOBE Primary Primary DOWN Primary LEFT Primary RIGHT Primary SELECT Primary INFO (ALL) Primary VIEW (MENU) Primary REW (BACKSPACE) Primary PLAY Primary FF (SPACE) Primary PAUSE Primary STOP Primary RECORD...

  • Page 44: Control Cable Pin-Outs And Requirements

    MS300 Advanced Users Guide 3/3/2005 Control Cable Pin-Outs and Requirements The MS300 uses a standard null modem cable to connect between its RS-232 COM ports and external changers and control systems. Cables must be 25 feet or less in length. MS300 DB-9 Female...

  • Page 45: External Control Protocol Specification

    The external control protocol is standard ASCII based. ESCX is the four letter preamble that is used for all commands. This preamble must be uppercase. The commands provided in this protocol allow an external control system to navigate the McIntosh Music Server, get library information to build custom user interfaces, perform transport controls, and receive unsolicited feedback on system status.

  • Page 46: Unsolicited Status Events

    (play, stop) have alternate functions in various modes. Unsolicited Status Events Unsolicited status events can be sent to report the state changes of the McIntosh products. There are two currently defined message levels: 5 - track changes, and 10 - all (including 1-second playing time updates).
  • Page 47 MS300 Advanced Users Guide 3/3/2005 “RDY” = when power is first applied and it boots into the off state (standby mode) – ready for power on. “ON “ = if power on turned on (GUI appears) “OFF” = if power is off (standby mode) (Video out off)
  • Page 48 01 = Video is in passthru mode (DVD changer video) The Remote Button / Keyboard commands are used when the video output of the MS300 system is displayed on a TV or large screen projector and it is desired to directly select the MS300 control functions through an external control system.

  • Page 49: Remote Button / Keyboard Commands

    MS300 Advanced Users Guide 3/3/2005 Remote Button / Keyboard Commands COMMAND COMMAND DESCRIPTION GROUP COMMAND NUMBER Left Right Down Select Move To X and Y Coordinates and Select The upper left point on the screen is (0,0) and the resolution of the screen is 720 by 480 pixels.
  • Page 50 MS300 Advanced Users Guide 3/3/2005 Mode Play – Random Title – Only works in Player Mode Play – Random Group – Only works in Player Setup Option Guide (toggles between Guide and Player) ** Guide Explicit (always goes to Guide) **...
  • Page 51 MS300 Advanced Users Guide 3/3/2005 “E” “F” “G” “H” “I” “J” “K” “L” “M” “N” “O” “P” “Q” “R” “S” “T” “U” “V” “W” “X” “Y” “Z” ** This command does not function if the Options screen, OpenGlobe CE-Commerce screen, or Playlist Edit screens are displayed.

  • Page 52: Database Commands

    MS300 Advanced Users Guide 3/3/2005 All the Database commands are available regardless of the power state, except for Command 05, Play which will return an error response if attempted during standby. The groups, styles, and custom genres are grouped into system groups and user groups. The system groups have system groupings such as the All group, MP3 group, and Playlists groups.
  • Page 53 MS300 Advanced Users Guide 3/3/2005 xxxx = number of titles in the group YYYY = length of item #2 (length of group name) yyyyyyyy = group name (length depends on YYYY) GROUP2, etc… have the same format as GROUP1 Get title (music or movie) or station (radio) information...
  • Page 54 MS300 Advanced Users Guide 3/3/2005 ESCX20050040002aa0004bbbb0004cccc0004dddd aa = which database to get groups from, where 01 = System Music Groups 02 = User Music Groups 03 = System Radio Groups 04 = User Radio Groups (allow direct play of movies even though we don’t track...
  • Page 55 MS300 Advanced Users Guide 3/3/2005 04 – User iRadio group name examples are: Alternative Classic Rock Classical Country Eclectic Hip Hop Holiday International Jazz New Age Oldies R&B Religious Soft Rock News/Talk Top 40 Rock Other Reply Format: ESCX20060010004xxxx, Where xxxx = group number for the group specified by...
  • Page 56 MS300 Advanced Users Guide 3/3/2005 xxx = number of tracks in the title for Music, running time title for Movie, bitrate of station for Radio 0004 = length of item #2 (always 4) zzzz = title/station number Most likely only one title will be returned for this command, however if you have duplicate titles, TITLMS300, etc…...
  • Page 57 MS300 Advanced Users Guide 3/3/2005 dddd = ending title number Reply Format: ESCX2009xxxTITLE1TITLMS300etc…, Where xxx = total number of titles multiplied by 2, Each title is made up of two or four items so For Music and Radio, TITLE1 above = xxxxXXXXyyyyYYYY...

  • Page 58: Status Commands

    MS300 Advanced Users Guide 3/3/2005 xxxx = length of group name yyyyyyyy = group name (length depends on xxxx) Change music playlist name ESCX20110020004aaaabbbbcccccccc aaaa = which playlist to rename (number in the Playlists group) bbbb = length of new playlist name...

  • Page 59: Control Commands

    MS300 Advanced Users Guide 3/3/2005 Get current playing title (music or movie) or station (radio) information Reply Format: ESCX5004004aaaabb0004cccc0003ddd0002ee aaaa = length of the title/station that is playing bb = title/station name (length depends on aaaa) cccc = number of the playing title/station in the All group...
  • Page 60 MS300 Advanced Users Guide 3/3/2005 ESCX7003 Set Music Play Mode ESCX70040010002xx xx = music play mode, where 01 = normal 02 = repeat track 03 = repeat title 04 = repeat group 05 = random title 06 = random group...

  • Page 61: Optional Accessories

    MS300 Advanced Users Guide 3/3/2005 Optional Accessories Please contact your McIntosh Dealer for more information on any of these accessories. Hayes Compatible Modem Any Hayes compatible modem (such as the US Robotics USR5686E) which supports the standard AT command set can be connected to COM port 4 and used for Internet access where broadband is not available.

  • Page 62: Ms300 Ir Remote

    MS300 Advanced Users Guide 3/3/2005 MS300 IR Remote Page 62 of 65 2 Chambers Street • Binghamton, NY 13903-269 Phone: 607-723-3512 / 800-538-6576 • Fax: 607-724-0549 Technical Support 866-458-6910 9:00AM to 6:00PM EST, M-F www.mcintoshlabs.com...

  • Page 63: Technical Support

    MS300 Advanced Users Guide 3/3/2005 Technical Support McIntosh Technical Support engineers are available from 9am to 6pm (EST), Monday through Friday (US holidays excluded). 1-866-458-6910 Technical Support is available from the McIntosh Web site http://www.mcintoshlabs.com/support.aspx or via email mailto:feedback@mcintoshlabs.com. Page 63 of 65 2 Chambers Street •...

  • Page 64: Troubleshooting

    If you experience problems registering the MS300 or connecting to the Internet to lookup disc information, try these possible fixes before calling McIntosh Tech Support: • Make sure that your MS300 is properly connected to your home network and that all cables are in working order.

  • Page 65: Repeated Lockup Or Crash Problems

    Repeated Lockup or Crash Problems Obtaining the MS300 Core and Log files. If you are experiencing difficulties with your MS300, you may be instructed by a Technical Support engineer to retrieve and email the MS300 “Core” and “Log” files to McIntosh.

Table of Contents