NuVo NV-MPS4 / NV-MPS4-E — Music Port Server Installation Guide

Installation and configuration guide for the NuVo NV-MPS4 and NV-MPS4-E Music Port Server, a source component that provides full music library browsing (iTunes, Media Player, Internet radio) for NuVo Essentia, Grand Concerto, and Renovia distributed audio systems.

Overview

The Music Port (or Music Port Elite) fully communicates with NuVo Essentia, Grand Concerto, and Renovia systems via the NuVoNet communication protocol. Once installed, it provides full metadata feedback (including album art with NV-CTP36 Touch Pad or iPad/iPhone app control) for browsing personal music and online Internet radio. The Elite model adds third-party IP control, cloud sync, music event scheduling, and onscreen "now playing" display via VGA/DVI outputs.

Important Safety Instructions

• Exposure to extremely high noise levels may cause permanent hearing loss — wear ear protection if operating this system at high sound pressure levels for extended periods.
• Do not use near water; clean only with a dry cloth.
• Don't block ventilation openings or install near heat sources.
• Don't defeat the polarized/grounding plug — consult an electrician if it doesn't fit your outlet.
• Protect the power cord from being pinched or walked on.
• Unplug during lightning storms or extended non-use.
• Refer all servicing to qualified personnel — no user-serviceable parts inside.

Front Panel Features

1. Power — turns the unit on; blue LED lights when active.
2. USB Port — for NuVo Technical Support use only.
3. NuVoNet Error LED — red LED lights if there's no communication over the CAT5 NuVoNet connection; unlit during normal operation.
4. LAN Error LED — red LED lights if there's no Local Area Network signal or an interruption in it.
5. RS232 Error LED — red LED lights if no serial connection is detected at the back-panel DB9 output.
6. HDD Status LED — green LED lights when the hard drive is active.
7. Source Address LEDs — green LEDs (1–6) indicate assigned source inputs on the NuVo system.
8. Reset Button — recessed button resets the Music Port's operating system.

Back Panel Features

1. Video Outputs (Elite only) — VGA or DVI for a photo slide show or "now playing" info.
2. USB Ports — NuVo Technical Support use only.
3. Ethernet (RJ45) — connects to the home network for shared music files and Internet radio streaming.
4. Passthrough RS232 — passes incoming third-party serial commands through to the adjacent RS232 output.
5. NuVo RS232 — DB9 port that connects to the attached NuVo system for Client interface control.
6. NuVoNet (RJ45) — connects to the NuVo system for full metadata display/control from Control Pads.
7. Audio Outputs — four independent stereo RCA outputs.
8. AC Power — detachable IEC power cord; universal-voltage switching power supply.

Installing as Part of a NuVo Distributed Audio System

Make all connections before applying power, then press the front-panel Power button. Boot-up takes about 60 seconds (watch the HDD LED for activity).

Audio Outputs

Connect the four independent audio outputs to the desired inputs on the Essentia, Grand Concerto, or Renovia system using standard stereo RCA cables (4 supplied). For Renovia, use stereo RCA-to-3.5mm mini cables instead.

NuVoNet Connection

Use a standard CAT5 cable (one included) for full communication. For Essentia/Grand Concerto: plug the CAT5 into the "NuVoNet" RJ45 output on the Music Port's back panel and into a "Device" input on the Essentia Allport or Grand Concerto EZ Port; run another CAT5 from the Allport/EZ Port's NuVoNet output to the audio system input. For Renovia: plug the CAT5 directly into one of the three "NuVoNet" inputs on the Renovia Source Hub.

RS232 Connection

A DB9 cable between the Music Port and the NuVo system enables full integration (iPhone/iPad app control, network Client interface, and home automation control via AMX/Crestron/URC modules from NuVo's Dealer Resource Center). The passthrough port allows serial control to pass to the common RS232 port on the NuVo system.

Accessing the Remote Configuration Tool

Ensure the Music Port is powered, plugged into the router via its "Ethernet" port (use the white CAT5 to avoid confusion with NuVoNet cables), and shows a green LAN link LED.

Understanding the LAN Error LED

• Not lit: good communication, no problem.
• Solid red: no cable connection detected at the Ethernet port.
• Blinking twice: no WAN/Internet connectivity detected.
• Blinking three times: no DHCP server found on the LAN.

To access the tool from a computer on the same network, open a browser and go to music-port/config. If that name doesn't resolve, find the assigned IP address (e.g. 192.168.0.124/config) via a Control Pad's Menu → Source Options → Source Info → IP Address, via the Music Port Sync Tool's Advanced tab, or on the startup screen of the iPhone/iPad app.

Setting Up via the Remote Configuration Tool

• Machine Settings: set the Machine Identification (default "music-port"), time zone/date settings (optionally syncing the NuVo amplifier's clock), Wired Ethernet (auto or static IP), and Logging (for tech support).
• Display (MPS4-E only): select photo content and the display zone for the onscreen "now playing" info and slide show.
• Photo/Music Shared Folders: access via \\<ip-address> from the Windows Start menu Search field to copy content directly.
• Source Settings (MPS4): set the source address for connecting the NV-MPS4 to the NuVo system; select the number of Active Outputs in use.
• Source Settings (MPS4-E): choose the control mode — None (stand-alone, Apple/Client app control only, no zone selection beyond the 4 audio outputs), NuVo (control from NuVo Control Pads plus third-party IP control, requires a serial connection), or AMX/Crestron/other (third-party automation controls zone/source; requires associating with the automation system's IP address).
• Content: enter account info for MP3tunes cloud sync (Elite: access cloud content, or add server content to the cloud) and streaming Internet radio services. Also lists Contributing Computers (removable) and Network Content (Elite: add NAS folders).
• Scheduling (MPS4-E only): create recurring time/zone/music-selection events via "Add New Schedule."
• Firmware: update firmware via the provided link (only via this tool — not over NuVoNet); install the Music Port Client (browser-based or standalone PC app) and the Music Port Sync Tool for Windows or Mac.

Using the Music Port Sync Tool

Loads from the Firmware tab's link; installs on any networked PC (or via System Preferences on Mac, requiring OS 10.5/10.6+ and an Intel processor) to contribute music from that computer's library.

• Status tab: shows current sync activity/progress; toggle automatic monitoring on/off, or manually sync; can remove that computer's contributed content when off.
• Music tab: add iTunes/Media Player libraries or specific folders (multiple folders supported) to sync. Supported formats: ACC, WMA, MP3, WAV, FLAC. M4P-protected iTunes purchases are not supported (moot since April 2009, when iTunes dropped DRM).
• Advanced tab: reference summary of firmware/software versions and assigned IP address.

Specifications

NuVo reserves the right to change specifications without notice.