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Delayed play with NAS HDD

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Alex B:
A few things about local area networks in general,

- the best commonly available option is a wired gigabit connection. Its maximum data transfer rate is close to what can be achieved with a local hard drive, though the file access time through LAN is still unavoidably a lot worse than the access time of a modern local hard drive. The network connection system adds an additional complex layer to the data traffic. It sends data in small packets and checks the validity of each packet.

- the second best option is a wired 100 mbit connection. When it is correctly configured (= all PCs and devices connect as full dublex through a high quality switch) it is most likely still better than even the fastest new wireless technologies. Especially the access times are snappier.

- wireless technologies are getting better and better, but in my opinion they are still the last option if the intention is to share lots of large media files over a LAN.

- the OS and file sharing system in a NAS device might work at a slower speed than Windows file sharing on a modern PC. This difference may or may not be significant. It would be nice to see comprehensive independent comparison tests. All reviews I have seen have been quite subjective opinions about a single NAS device without actual reliable LAN speed measurements.


--- Quote from: blindjim on January 30, 2009, 02:16:54 am ---Could the wireless Vista, or J River, be chaching some of the packets?
--- End quote ---

MC doesn't adjust anything according to the file's location. It handles local files and files that are shared over a LAN in a similar manner. It just uses what the operating system provides. (I don't mean MC's built-in server/client systems with this. They are quite different things.)


--- Quote ---Also, I continually get (on one pc) an info window when closing MC 12 that some files need to moved and retagged... How can I prevent this from happening?

I actually thought I had turned off all such getting info, tagging, download art etc.
--- End quote ---

I don't think MC has any feature that would automatically move files, but it is probably a general text that is used when files are either moved or tagged (or both).

The Auto-Import feature could cause background tagging and additional network traffic. I'd recommend switching the "Run in background" setting off when files are accessed through a LAN (if you have it enabled).

You can always start the import process manually when needed. It will then run through the process once and stop. (Tools > Run Auto-Import Now)

blindjim:
RE Alex B.

Thanks much... you're a real sport.

It sure seems something, Vista sp1 or MC 12 is caching file packets... but as you say neither inherently does such a thing.

the intended use here is as a digital source for solitary music playback. Only one machine at a time will be playing files off the NAS. The Vista notebook mainly via wireless access works best for me.

it is doable to use a ethernet wire, but I'd prefer not as I've already one lengthy usb CABLE EMPLOYED RUNNING TO THE dac.

btw... THE SAME usb CABLE WAS USED IN ALL MY TRIALS WHICH POINTED TO THE VISTA pc & MC 12 as the problem childs.

I'll look into upgrading to a Gigabit router ASAP.

the current 10/100 router used now has no issues when going with a wired application... only wireless.

I'll double check that Auto Run thingy.

Another bothersome thing is when playing via playlists, and some other ways, album art is displayed and I have to hit escape or alt + F4 to rid the image...

HOW CAN I MAKE THINGS NEVER SHOW ANY IMAGE IN ANY WAY WHEN PLAYING AUDIO FILES?    WHAT MUST I CHECK OR UNCHECK, AND WHERE.... PLEASE...

I WILL GET BACK TO ALL ON THE TRIAL OF THE OLDER OS VIA WIRELESS THIS WEEKEND...  OR ASAP.

I PROMISE.

THANKS MUCH

BE WELL,
JIM

JimH:
I probably have said this to you before, but a virus checker can cause a slowdown.

JimH:
Network hardware or configuration is also a possibility.

There is a long list of problems that have been solved in my signature.  It's called "Weird Problems".

Here's an example of one (read the next to last post):
http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?board=3;action=display;threadid=24041

There was another problem with Intel cards and a setting called something like "mammoth packets".  Mammoth isn't the right word though.

The Weird Problems thread is worth a long look.  You may not find your solution but you will find ideas.

Google searches are also useful.

blindjim:

hi folks... thanks so much... I sincerely appreciate your efforts. Believe that.
RE Virus checker

Got it. I disable it during file playback… usually the notebook is not the preffered web  crawling device for me as it is awkward to manage. Consequently, it’s used only as a jukebox 98% of the time.

RE Weird stuff…

I’ve. Googled till I’m  ga ga, on this and usually only get ads or websites selling high speed routers or NIC cards. Little else worthwhile.  In a search for increasing wireless vista operation.

The Litmus test will be connecting the desktop running another OS via wireless, I suspect.  At that point the only item still in common is the router itself..

I’ve gone to the Toshiba website and looked  for updates… even found at MS a beta sp 2 for vista I am deliberating on installing.

Trust me, I’m doing all I can and remain mystified as to this annomoly.

I’ve also been a avid proponent of informing the improvements in audio quality via MC to other’s routinely… and am now wondering myself as to what’s up…

I asked Alex B. about disabling image displays during audio file playback… either randomly, or via playlists… any thoughts as to how to stop that?

I haven’t given up yet.

Thanks

Be well,
jim

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