24 Nov 08 Ok I installed it, now what?

Ripping CDs

Once you have installed VortexBox you need to start building your CD library. Insert a CD into the CD-ROM of your VortexBox and it will start ripping the CD to the hard drive. VortexBox will rip each CD to both FLAC and MP3 files. The FLAC files will be stored in /storage/music/flac and the mp3s will be in /storage/music/mp3 on the VortexBox hard drive.

Accessing the music files from Windows file sharing

If you want to play the files on windows click on Start -> Run and type in \\vortexbox or the IP address of your vortexbox.
You may also be able to see the VortexBox in your network neighborhood (my network places -> Entire network -> Microsoft windows network)
Once you have the VortexBox opened you can select different shares. The MP3 and FLAC files are under the music folder. This is a read only folder. That way you won’t accidentally erase your music. If you want to add more music you can go to /files/music this is a read or write folder. This can be a bit confusing having the same files on two different folders but having one folder that is read only is the best way to protect your music collection from accidental erasure.

Adding your existing music to VortexBox

Adding your existing music to VortexBox is easy.

For Windows XP click on Start -> Run and type \\vortexbox if this doesn’t work type the IP address of your VortexBox (ex. \\192.168.1.100).   For Vista type \\vortexbox into the “start search” button just above the start button.

Next click on files then music then flac

Now drag the directory contaning your music file to the window you just opened.

You can then go into the SqueezeCenter interface and re-index your music file. They won’t appear in SqueezeCenter untill you do this.

The DLNA and iTunes sharing services use the mp3 (/files/music/mp3) folder and SqueezeCenter streaming used the flac folder for quality. Vortexbox rips to both folder so you get you music in all type of sharing. If you have your files in MP3 only you must copy them to both folders to get them to work with all streaming formats.  It’s OK to put mp3s in the FLAC folder. SqueezeCenter can stream anything but your quality will be lower if you use a Squeezebox or media player connected to a good quality home stereo.

Playing your music through a Slim Devices (Logitech) player

Connect your Logitech (Slim Devices) media player, such as Squeezebox, to your network. Your Squeezebox will find your VortexBox. There is also a sofware player called Softsqueeze that emulates Logitech hardware.

http://softsqueeze.sourceforge.net/

Playing your music through your VortexBox

If your VortexBox has a sound card in it you can play your music through the sound card on the VortexBox. Connect amplified speakers the the audio out jack on the back of your VortexBox. This is usually the green connector. you can then go into SqueezeCenter and select music you want to play. Select VortexBox as the player and the music will play through the speakers.

If you have a USB connected DAC you may need to configure VortexBox Player.