UPnP Bridge
Introduction
UPnP MediaRenderer Bridge
Prismiq MediaRenderer Bridge Plug-in
The UPnP bridge software allows non-UPnP devices to be used in a UPnP network. The bridge software is implemented using a flexible two-tiered plug-in architecture to support a variety of devices. The upper level plug-in provides generic support for a specific UPnP device type, such as a networked media player (UPnP MediaRenderer). The lower-level plug-in handles the communication details for a particular non-UPnP device, such as the Prismiq media player. This architecture is capable of supporting bridging of numerous devices of different types using a single instance of a Java Virtual Machine, allowing for ten or more devices to be easily supported simultaneously.
Bridge Configuration
The bridge currently comes preconfigured with support for a single UPnP device type - a UPnP MediaRenderer. It should not need to be configured (yet) by most users. If you are developing your own plug-in for a different device type, edit the configuration file in
$USER_HOME/.cidero/Bridge/Bridge.properties. Note that the file will not exist until after you have run the bridge at least once.
The first available UPnP bridge implementation is a UPnP 'MediaRenderer' bridge. This provides the framework for supporting a number of non-UPnP media players, such as the Prismiq (now) and the AudioTron (implemented based on user response) in a UPnP environment.
MediaRenderer Bridge Configuration
The generic UPnP MediaRenderer bridge comes preconfigured with a single plug-in for the Prismiq media player. It should not need to be configured (yet) by most users. If you are developing your own plug-in for a different device type, edit the configuration file in
$USER_HOME/.cidero/Bridge/MediaRendererBridge.properties. Note that the file will not exist until after you have run the bridge at least once.
The Prismiq media player can be controlled via its 'Media Agent' interface, a TCP-based interface with a simple ASCII-based command-response protocol. There is no native UPnP support, nor is there likely to be as the device is no longer being actively enhanced. A module already exists that makes use of the TCP inteface to allow the Prismiq to be used with the 'Slimserver' software from Slim devices. This is a very nice approach to improve the music browsing experience on the Prismiq, since it includes a Web page that can be accessed via the Prismiq on-screen display. If a user's primary music server is UPnP-based, however, and a laptop is available for the UPnP controller's UI, the bridge software may sometimes prove handy. Note that a web-based interface to a UPnP control point is under consideration for development (primarily for the PocketPC), which would further improve the experience since control via a PC would no longer be needed for the Prismiq.
Prismiq Plug-in Configuration
There are a few simple steps involved in setting up the Prismiq plug-in. Note
that you can skip steps 2,3, and 4 if you already have the media agent interface enabled for use with the slimserver software.
- Configure the Prismiq device to use a static IP
- Enable telnet on the device (via the setup menu)
- Log into the device using 'telnet IPAddr' and edit the file '/etc/magent.conf'. Change the value of the line beginning with CFG_MAGENT_LOCAL to 0. (Use the VI editor to do this)
- Reboot the Prismiq device
- Run the UPnP bridge for the first time to initialize the configuration file in your home directory.
- Edit the configuration file $USER_HOME/.cidero/Bridge/PrismiqDeviceManager.properties to reflect the address(es) of your Prismiq(s). Under Windows, $USER_HOME is normally C:\Documents and Settings\userName Note that the .cidero directory may not be visible under Windows if 'hidden' directories are not being displayed in your file explorer browse windows.
- Start up the Cidero MediaController, select a server and the Prismiq renderer, add some tracks to the play queue and hit play!
If you are attempting this procedure, you are likely aware about the
Unofficial Prismiq Forum. If not, check it out to see what's cookin.
Please report problems (or even success) with the Prismiq bridge software via the Cidero forums. Happy UPnP'ing!
