Re: Idratek ...

["David Gumbrell" <david.gumbrell@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Chris,

I standardised on XP Pro for all machines ... although now I am down to 1
real Windows machine :-)  OEM version since I was the system builder. I'm
not aware there's any difference in functionality, the difference in
licensing is that you can move the retail version between machines.

I think you have to use Pro on the machine that you are controlling via
RDC,
but I'm not really a Windows expert.

I use the RDC client for the Mac to talk to the Cortex machine. It works
very well, except for when doing updates. If you do these with an RDC
session running Cortex will crash on the restart. So either set the updates
to occur automatically at a time when you are unlikely to have an RDC
session running, or use VNC instead just to perform the update. VNC is OK,
(I use ChickenoftheVNC client) but much slower than RDC.

I've used Parallels for one or two programs that I don't have Mac
replacements for, but so far it has not been involved in the HA equation.
I'm not sure if you would be able to run Cortex on Parallels on a Mac due
to
the virtualisation of the serial ports. Would an Xserve have real serial
ports ? I've got a USB to serial adaptor, so I may see if Cortex on
Parallels on the Mac can control a PCD via USB to serial. I doubt that it
would though.

I've upgraded to v21, there's several features in there that I've asked
for,
so pretty happy with it.

The new MFP will be interesting. If you look at the Polish site
www.idratek.pl you can see some images, but I understand that the UK
version
will be different. I think it was something to do with the size of wall
box.
If it mounts on a single pattress and I can afford it I will be very
tempted
indeed.

I haven't had a chance to try out the Squeezebox functions yet. I have all
the bits, just need to sit down and configure it. Communication will be via
Ethernet, ie your Cortex PC needs to be networked to the Slimserver (or on
the same machine). I don't think Cortex audio gets redirected to the
Squeezebox, more that you can use it to display messages and integrate
direct control of Squeezebox into other schemes. So you could have Cortex
switch on an amplifier and then have Squeezebox play very aggressive dog
barking MP3 if the alarm is triggered. I think.

Seems like there's quite a difference in spec between an Xserve and a Via
EK. Would it a more powerful Windows machine not be a simpler option, or
were you planning on running other stuff as well ?

Cheers,

David


On 2/24/07, Chris Hunter <cjhunter@xxxxxxx> wrote:
>
>   David -
>
> 'very interested to read of your updating to VIA PD-10000 & 'XP,
and of
> your switch to 'Mac & RDC ... could I ask if it was 'XP Home or
'Pro,
> and in what form - OEM or standard edition ?? 'pretty busy with outher
> things at the moment, but on the HA front 'am still trying to choose
> between going for a VIA EK-10000 or an Xserve with Parallels,
either-way
> using RDC - so it was particularly good to read of your good
experience
> with Parallels & RDC !
>
> Did you see the fly-sheet for Cortex V21 - it seems a pretty useful
> update, and it seems to say that a new MDP is on its way, with more
> buttons & an LCD display .... the new Squeezebox control function
was
> interesting, too, 'though I couldn't work-out how Idratek & the
> Squeezebox would connect - IIUC the Squeezebox itself has both
Ethernet
> & WiFi, but I've no idea how it keeps separate the audio- &
> control-signals ...
>
> Chris
>
>
>


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