Detailed instructions for use are in the User's Guide.
[. . . ] This product includes some software components that are licensed under the General Public License (GPL). All rights reserved. Music recognition technology and related data are provided by Gracenote®. CD and music-related data from Gracenote, Inc. , Copyright © 2000-2003 Gracenote. Gracenote CDDB® Client Software, Copyright © 2000-2003 Gracenote. [. . . ] Your choice here provides direction for the PMA how to build up this theme when new music is added to the media server. 21
Configure a Theme
PMA Effect
You can also limit how much "control" your PMA has over your theme.
Only Random
Choose this if you want to build your theme with no PMA help.
Mostly Random
This selection lets the PMA help a little, but you are still in charge.
Mostly PMA
Your PMA has much more control, but you can still put in your two cents.
Only PMA
The PMA is holding the reins and you are along for the great ride.
When you request the PMA to play songs in a row, I set out to play two or three in a row by choosing a single song. I then select two or three more songs from the same artist in the theme. If there aren't two other songs by the same artist, I add less, or if the songs selected are already in the song queue, I won't add more.
What to Play
What's your preference?Do you want to hear two or three Beatles songs in a row whenever they come up to be played?How about albums only, so you can get the full effect of Pink Floyd's The Wall?Maybe you're in the mood for a change, so you want to hear a variety of single songs. You can change this setting at any time, in case your preferences change and they will!
Add Music
This is another place where you can have it your way. Choose "Manual" if you want control over what songs are added to your theme, and "Automatic" if you want the PMA to do it for you.
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Configure a Theme
If "Manual, " you must visit the "Add or Exclude" section under "Edit Theme" to add or delete music to/from your theme. If "Automatic, " the PMA will add any song you select to play while your theme is active. Music added to the media server that fits any theme "Recipe" will be automatically added to that theme.
Add or Exclude
OK, your theme foundation is built. You can add items to your theme's "recipe" here to build up its contents as you add more music. Add or Exclude songs by Genre, Artist, Album, Song Title, Longest Since Played, Recently Played and more. You can also choose "Add All Songs" to your theme which adds all the SMS3's songs to the theme. Do you want to block a genre (jazz) or an artist (Johnny Cash) from becoming part of your theme?Once you have selected your preferred music criteria, the pop-up window lets you view more details, or Add or Exclude from the theme. For albums, an Edit Album option is available.
Remember, if your theme's "Add Music" setting is "Manual, " you must visit the "Add or Exclude" section of the Edit Theme menu to add music to your theme!
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Exploring Your New Theme
Exploring Your New Theme
Let's check your progress to this point. Now you have cataloged CDs, created and named a Theme, set your preferences for PMA interaction, set music additions, and finished your recipe. Once you return to the Home page, and select your new Theme from "Themes, " you can explore your new theme. Let's start with "What's Playing" on the Home page. Underneath the album art and name of the song currently playing in the chosen theme, you will see some options: Skip, Play Again, Rate Song and More Details.
When manual choices are made to Theme contents, such as skip or repeat a song, as the Dean of Media I pay attention to the changes you've made and will follow your wishes when the song cycles within the theme. You decide within the Theme Editor how much power I can use when choosing music for you.
Skip
This choice tells the media server to stop playing this song and move to the next song in the list for this theme.
Play Again
This choice tells the media server to play this song again when the song is over.
Rate Song (Not active in All Songs, New Songs, or Requests Only Themes)
This choice opens another window with more options: Play More Often, Play Less Often, and Drop From Theme. [. . . ] Deletion is permanent and it can take some time to delete a large number of songs at one time.
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Backups
Network Information
You can easily locate your media server's IP address through the Network page (under Options & Status). Here you will see the current IP address plus other network information.
Backing Up Media Server Hard Drive
Your media server is actually a compact computer, with a processor and hard drive. As with a PC or laptop, hard drive backups should be performed on a regular basis to preserve and protect the files. We HIGHLY recommend the use of an external hard drive (FireWire IEEE 1394 or USB 2. 0/1. 1 interface) to back up the music and directory files from the media server. [. . . ]