Thinking of moving from Twonky to Minimserver

[TomP]

I originally asked these on the Linn forum, but it was suggested I ask here...I have just bought a new QNAP 253A, so that may be the opportunity to try Minimserver, but having checked out the info on line, it looks a bit daunting to install, so I have a few questions...

1. It says to install JRE or JRE_ARM from the APP Center first, but only the _ARM version is shown on my current TS112, so will the other one be shown on my TS253A?
2. It mentions 32- and 64-bit versions so which is the TS253A?
3. I see mention of using the QPKG Center page but I can't see where it is on the QTS server web page
4. If successful, will it automatically set up so I can use 'Album / Artist' from Kinsky, as I did with Twonky? or is setup required to get any trees / artworks
5. There are a whole bunch of QNAP apps that are automatically enabled, so which ones to I need to disable (or remove?) before I start installing Twonky?
6. I see mention of Intel and ARM versions of Minimserver stuff, so which one is needed for the TS112 or TS253A?
7. Any other advice or things to watch out for?

Thanks...TomP

[DavidHB]

(19-12-2016 20:57)TomP Wrote:  1. It says to install JRE or JRE_ARM from the APP Center first, but only the _ARM version is shown on my current TS112, so will the other one be shown on my TS253A?
2. It mentions 32- and 64-bit versions so which is the TS253A?

The TS-253A is an Intel model. 32- or 64-bit will depend on which QTS you are using (see 3. below).

(19-12-2016 20:57)TomP Wrote:  3. I see mention of using the QPKG Center page but I can't see where it is on the QTS server web page.

[EDIT.] See Simon's advice below.

(19-12-2016 20:57)TomP Wrote:  4. If successful, will it automatically set up so I can use 'Album / Artist' from Kinsky, as I did with Twonky? or is setup required to get any trees / artworks.

Yes, though Artist > Album may be an easier sequence to use. The point is that MinimServer does not have Twonky-style 'trees'; it sets up its browsing options on the fly, in response to selections made by the user. This means that there can be multiple paths to any particular selection; it is a much more flexible and dynamic arrangement than the one used by Twonky.

(19-12-2016 20:57)TomP Wrote:  5. There are a whole bunch of QNAP apps that are automatically enabled, so which ones to I need to disable (or remove?) before I start installing Twonky?

If there were anything you needed to disable, the MinimServer instructions would say so, and they don't. MinimServer can co-exist with Twonky, and you can use your control point to choose the one you want to use.

(19-12-2016 20:57)TomP Wrote:  6. I see mention of Intel and ARM versions of Minimserver stuff, so which one is needed for the TS112 or TS253A?

You need the version for the relevant processor - ARM for the 112 and Intel for the 253A. But, as Simon explains, the App Center sorts it out for you.

(19-12-2016 20:57)TomP Wrote:  7. Any other advice or things to watch out for?

Generally, no. It's easiest to get MinimServer working, see how you go, read the comprehensive and well-written manual carefully about any issues that arise, and come back with questions if necessary. The one point to make now is that you should not skip the step of installing the MinimWatch control program on your PC or Mac. It is only through MinimWatch that you get access to all the MinimServer settings and logs.

David

[simoncn]

(19-12-2016 20:57)TomP Wrote:  I originally asked these on the Linn forum, but it was suggested I ask here...I have just bought a new QNAP 253A, so that may be the opportunity to try Minimserver, but having checked out the info on line, it looks a bit daunting to install, so I have a few questions...

Welcome to the MinimServer forum! The information on the QNAP install page was slightly out of date and I have made some some updates that should help clarify things.

Quote: 1. It says to install JRE or JRE_ARM from the APP Center first, but only the _ARM version is shown on my current TS112, so will the other one be shown on my TS253A?

Yes.

Quote: 2. It mentions 32- and 64-bit versions so which is the TS253A?

For QTS 4.2.2, you will automatically get the correct version from the App Center. If you are using QTS 4.3, you need to download the x64 version.

Quote: 3. I see mention of using the QPKG Center page but I can't see where it is on the QTS server web page

The icon is named App Center and it is on the QTS home page.

Quote: 4. If successful, will it automatically set up so I can use 'Album / Artist' from Kinsky, as I did with Twonky? or is setup required to get any trees / artworks

MinimServer doesn't do trees in the same way as Twonky. The MinimServer approach is more flexible and powerful. To see all albums by an artist, you would first select Artist > artistname and then select nn albums.

Quote: 5. There are a whole bunch of QNAP apps that are automatically enabled, so which ones to I need to disable (or remove?) before I start installing Twonky?

There is no need to disable or remove anything.

Quote: 6. I see mention of Intel and ARM versions of Minimserver stuff, so which one is needed for the TS112 or TS253A?

The App Center takes care of this for you automatically. If you ever need to do a manual install for some reason, the processor types for all models are listed in this section.

Quote: 7. Any other advice or things to watch out for?

Thanks...TomP

Only to post back here if you have any more questions.

[TomP]

(19-12-2016 20:57)TomP Wrote:  2. It mentions 32- and 64-bit versions so which is the TS253A?

(19-12-2016 22:52)simoncn Wrote:  For QTS 4.2.2, you will automatically get the correct version from the App Center. If you are using QTS 4.3, you need to download the x64 version.

Thanks Simon (and David) !!

Does this mean I get a 32-bit Minimserver version if I load 4.2.2 and a 64-bit one if 4.3 is loaded?

Am I better to wait for 4.3 which is not yet offered as available on QTS?

Finally, there are a whole bunch of QNAP apps relating to library / management / streaming / media add-on, etc so are these necessary or should they be stopped and / or deleted

Best Regards and Merry Xmas...TomP

[simoncn]

(20-12-2016 10:27)TomP Wrote:  Thanks Simon (and David) !!

Does this mean I get a 32-bit Minimserver version if I load 4.2.2 and a 64-bit one if 4.3 is loaded?

Yes.

Quote:Am I better to wait for 4.3 which is not yet offered as available on QTS?

4.3 is available as a beta download at present. I suggest that you start with 4.2.2 now and move up to 4.3 when it becomes a regular non-beta release.

Quote:Finally, there are a whole bunch of QNAP apps relating to library / management / streaming / media add-on, etc so are these necessary or should they be stopped and / or deleted

Please see my previous reply. MinimServer can coexist with any other apps that you have running. You don't need any of these other apps to run MinimServer so it is your choice whether you run them or stop them.