Media Hub

Home Entertainment Storage

NMH300 Quick Installation Guide
 Table of Contents
Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Windows Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Mac Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Setup of Additional Computers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Online Resources
Website addresses in this document are listed without http:// in front of the address
because most current web browsers do not require it. If you use an older web
browser, you may have to add http:// in front of the web address.

Resource Website
Linksys www.linksysbycisco.com
Glossary www.linksysbycisco.com/glossary
Network Security www.linksysbycisco.com/security
Support www.linksysbycisco.com/support

Copyright and Trademarks

Linksys, Cisco and the Cisco Logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Cisco Systems,
Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and certain other countries. Other brands and product
names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Mac and the
Mac logo are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Copyright © 2009 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.
 Overview
Overview

IMPORTANT: You must have a 3.5-inch, Serial-ATA (SATA) hard disk

drive available to install in the Media Hub.

You can use a new or previously used hard disk drive. If you use a previously
used hard disk drive, all data on that drive will be erased during installation. If
you want to keep any of the data, back up the drive before installation of the
Media Hub.
The Installation section explains how to install the Media Hub and set up your
computer for access to the Media Hub. For a Windows computer, proceed to the
Windows Installation section. For a Mac, proceed to the Mac Installation section.
The Setup of Additional Computers section explains how to set up additional
computers for access to the Media Hub. The Tools section describes different
ways to take advantage of the Media Hub’s features.

Windows Installation
NOTE: The Media Hub Setup Wizard installs several programs that
enhance the functionality of the product. Software firewalls installed
on your computer can block this communication between the
programs and the Media Hub. It is strongly recommended that you
disable your firewall software prior to installation of the Media Hub.

1. Make sure the Media Hub is

powered off.
Insert the Setup Wizard CD-ROM
into your computer’s CD-ROM
drive. The Setup Wizard should
run automatically, and the video
should begin automatically. If it
does not, click Start and then
Run. In the field provided, enter
D:\startinstall.exe (if “D” is the
letter of your CD-ROM drive).

2. An introductory video plays. To bypass the video, click the X button in the
upper right corner of the screen.

2 Media Hub
3. The Welcome screen appears.

Windows Installation
To begin installation, click Start
Setup.

4. Select your language.

Click Next.

5. Read the License Agreement.

To accept this agreement and
continue with the installation,
select I accept this agreement.

Click Next.

6. If you have a hard disk drive

available, select I have a Hard
Drive and am ready to install it.
Click Next.

If you do not have a hard disk

drive available, click Exit to
close the Setup Wizard. After
you obtain a 3.5-inch, Serial-ATA
(SATA) hard disk drive, run the
Setup Wizard again.

Media Hub 3
 7. You can use a new or previously
Windows Installation

used hard disk drive. If you use a

previously used hard disk drive, all
data on that drive will be erased
during installation. If you want to
keep any of the data, back up the
drive before you continue with
the Setup Wizard.

Click Next.

8. The following steps will describe

how to install the hard disk drive.

Click Next.

9. If the Media Hub is powered on,

press and hold down the Power
button until the LED turns off.

Click Next.

10. Disconnect the power adapter

from the back of the Media Hub.

Click Next.

4 Media Hub
11. To remove the drive bay cover,

Windows Installation
push the button on the top of the
Media Hub.

Click Next.

12. To remove the empty drive bay,

push together its clips and pull
out the drive bay.

Click Next.

13. Make sure the connectors on the

hard disk drive face down so they
can be seen from the bottom of
the drive bay. Also make sure the
screw holes of the hard disk drive
line up with the screw holes of
the drive bay. Then insert the hard
disk drive into the drive bay.

Click Next.

NOTE: If you are using a low-profile or half-height hard disk drive,

then use the four included screws to secure the hard disk drive in its
drive bay.

Media Hub 5
 14. Position the Media Hub so you
Windows Installation

are facing the back of the Media

Hub. With the hard disk drive’s
label facing the left side of the
Media Hub, slide the drive into
the empty slot. Push down on the
hard disk drive until it snaps into
place.

Click Next.

NOTE: If you are installing a second hard disk drive now, repeat the
previous installation steps.

15. Replace the cover, and push it

down to secure it.

Click Next.

16. The Setup Wizard will guide you

through the steps to set up the
Media Hub.

Click Next.

6 Media Hub
17. Connect one end of the included

Windows Installation
Ethernet network cable to the
Ethernet port of the Media Hub.

Click Next.

18. Connect the other end of the

Ethernet network cable to one
of the local network ports on the
router or gateway.

Click Next.

19. Connect the included power

adapter to the Power port of the
Media Hub.

Click Next.

20. Plug the power cord into an

electrical outlet.

Click Next.

Media Hub 7
 21. Please wait while the Media Hub
Windows Installation

is formatting and installing the

Media Hub software on the hard
disk drive. This may take up to
15 minutes.

22. Create an administrative

Password to protect access to the
Media Hub. The password must
have 1-32 characters and may
only contain numbers, letters,
or punctuation (do not use any
spaces).

Click Next.

23. Enter a descriptive name for

the Media Hub. (Examples:
HomeMedia or Media1)

Click Next.

24. Please wait while the Setup

Wizard configures the Media Hub.
This may take a few minutes.

8 Media Hub
25. The Setup Wizard saves the

Windows Installation
settings of the Media Hub in
a text file on your computer’s
desktop. Click OK.

26. To set up your computer for

access to the Media Hub, click
Next.

27. The media folder of the Media

Hub is mapped to a drive letter
on your computer for convenient
access. Keep the default drive
letter, or select a different letter.

A shortcut to the Media Hub will

be created on your computer’s
desktop. If you do not want a
shortcut, deselect Add a shortcut
to the desktop.

Click Next.

Media Hub 9
 28. NTI Shadow is a backup tool you
Windows Installation

can use to automatically create a

backup of your files located in the
Documents folder (named “Users”
in Windows Vista or “Documents
and Settings” in Windows XP).
The default backup job has been
created to run every hour to back
up files to the \backup folder on
the Media Hub.
NTI Shadow will be installed on your computer. If you do not want to install
it, deselect Install Backup Tool now.
Click Next.

NOTE: Refer to the Tools section for more information on how to

back up your computer.

29. The Media Importer is an import

tool you can use to automatically
find, copy, and update media files
to the \import folder on the
Media Hub.
The Media Importer monitors the
selected folder(s) for any changes
you make or any new files you
add, and it automatically updates
the Media Hub with your latest
changes or files.
To find and copy all media in the Documents folder, select All Media. (The
folder is named “Users” in Windows Vista or “Documents and Settings” in
Windows XP.) Then select the types of media files: Find all pictures, Find
all music, and/or Find all videos.
To specify folders, select Select Folders. Then click Select to specify the
folders that will be automatically searched for media files.
If you do not want to use the import tool now, select Manual. You can copy
files to the Media Hub later using your computer’s file browser or the Media
Importer.
Click Next.

NOTE: You can access the Media Importer through the system
tray; refer to the Tools section for more information.

10 Media Hub
30. If you installed two hard disk

Windows Installation
drives, configure the second hard
disk drive after installation of the
Media Hub is complete. (Open
the Media Browser and click
Configuration.)

Click Next.

NOTE: For more information, refer to the User Guide; visit

www.linksysbycisco.com/mediahub/ug to download it.

31. Watch the video to learn how

to take advantage of the Media
Hub’s features.

Click Next.

NOTE: To access the Media

Hub through your web
browser, use the Friendly
Name and Password you set
up during the Setup Wizard.
Example: http://mediahub

32. The Media Hub has been

configured.

Its Media Browser will launch

automatically. If you do not want
to access the Media Browser,
deselect Access the Media
Browser now.

To exit the Setup Wizard, click

Finish.

Media Hub 11
Mac Installation

NOTE: You can register the Media Hub later at

www.linksysbycisco.com/registration

The Media Browser requires Adobe Flash Player (version 10 or higher). If it is not
installed on your computer, then you will be prompted to download and install
it. Follow the on-screen instructions. (An active Internet connection is required.)

Congratulations! Installation of the Media Hub is complete.

Proceed to the Setup of Additional Computers section for instructions on how to

set up additional computers for access to the Media Hub.

Mac Installation
NOTE: The Media Hub Setup Wizard installs several programs that
enhance the functionality of the product. Software firewalls installed
on your computer can block this communication between the
programs and the Media Hub. It is strongly recommended that you
disable your firewall software prior to installation of the Media Hub.

1. Make sure the Media Hub is

powered off.
Insert the Setup Wizard CD-ROM
into your computer’s CD-ROM
drive.

2. Double-click the CD on your

desktop. Then double-click the
Media Hub icon.

3. Your computer may ask you to

confirm installation of the Media
Hub software. To confirm, click
Continue.

4. A welcome video plays. To bypass the video, click Continue.

12 Media Hub
5. The Introduction screen appears.

Mac Installation
Click Continue.

6. Read the License Agreement, and

then click Continue.

7. To accept the License Agreement

and continue with the installation,
click Agree.

8. The Setup Wizard will install the

Media Hub software on your
computer.

Click Install.

Media Hub 13
 9. The Welcome screen appears.
Mac Installation

To begin installation, click Start

Setup.

10. If you have a hard disk drive

available, select I have a Hard
Drive and am ready to install it.
Click Next.

If you do not have a hard disk

drive available, click Back to
return to the Welcome screen.
After you obtain a 3.5-inch, Serial-
ATA (SATA) hard disk drive, run the
Setup Wizard again.

11. You can use a new or previously

used hard disk drive. If you use a
previously used hard disk drive, all
data on that drive will be erased
during installation. If you want to
keep any of the data, back up the
drive before you continue with
the Setup Wizard.

Click Next.

12. The following steps will describe

how to install the hard disk drive.

Click Next.

14 Media Hub
13. If the Media Hub is powered on,

Mac Installation
press and hold down the Power
button until the LED turns off.

Click Next.

14. Disconnect the power adapter

from the back of the Media Hub.

Click Next.

15. To remove the drive bay cover,

push the button on the top of the
Media Hub.

Click Next.

16. To remove the empty drive bay,

push together its clips and pull
out the drive bay.

Click Next.

Media Hub 15
 17. Make sure the connectors on the
Mac Installation

hard disk drive face down so they

can be seen from the bottom of
the drive bay. Also make sure the
screw holes of the hard disk drive
line up with the screw holes of
the drive bay. Then insert the hard
disk drive into the drive bay.

Click Next.

NOTE: If you are using a low-profile or half-height hard disk drive,

then use the four included screws to secure the hard disk drive in its
drive bay.

18. Position the Media Hub so you

are facing the back of the Media
Hub. With the hard disk drive’s
label facing the left side of the
Media Hub, slide the drive into
the empty slot. Push down on the
hard disk drive until it snaps into
place.

Click Next.

NOTE: If you are installing a second hard disk drive now, repeat the
previous installation steps.

19. Replace the cover, and push it

down to secure it.

Click Next.

16 Media Hub
20. The Setup Wizard will guide you

Mac Installation
through the steps to set up the
Media Hub.

Click Next.

21. Connect one end of the included

Ethernet network cable to the
Ethernet port of the Media Hub.

Click Next.

22. Connect the other end of the

Ethernet network cable to one
of the local network ports on the
router or gateway.

Click Next.

23. Connect the included power

adapter to the Power port of the
Media Hub.

Click Next.

Media Hub 17
 24. Plug the power cord into an
Mac Installation

electrical outlet.

Click Next.

25. Please wait while the Media Hub

boots up. After the Power LED
stops flashing, click Next.

26. The Setup Wizard searches for

the Media Hub. After the Setup
Wizard detects the Media Hub,
click Next.

27. Create an administrative

Password to protect access to the
Media Hub. The password must
have 1-32 characters and may
only contain numbers, letters,
or punctuation (do not use any
spaces).

Click Next.

18 Media Hub
28. Enter a descriptive name for

Mac Installation
the Media Hub. (Examples:
HomeMedia or Media1)

The Setup Wizard creates a

shortcut to the Media Hub and
saves its settings in a text file on
your computer’s desktop. If you
do not want to save these items
to the desktop, deselect Save
settings to your Desktop.

Click Next.

29. Please wait while the Setup

Wizard configures the Media Hub.
This may take a few minutes.

30. The Media Hub is configured.

Click OK.

31. If you installed two hard disk

drives, configure the second hard
disk drive after installation of the
Media Hub is complete. (Open
the Media Browser and click
Configuration.)

Click Next.

NOTE: For more information, refer to the User Guide; visit

www.linksysbycisco.com/mediahub/ug to download it.

Media Hub 19
 32. The Media Importer is an import
Mac Installation

tool you can use to automatically

find, copy, and update media files
to the \import folder on the
Media Hub.
The Media Importer continually
monitors the selected folder(s)
for any changes you make or
any new files you add, and it
automatically updates the Media
Hub with your latest changes or
files.
Click Continue.

NOTE: You can access the Media Importer through its desktop
icon ; refer to the Tools section for more information.

33. Select the folders you want the

Media Importer to monitor. Then
select the types of media files:
Music, Photos/Images, and/or
Videos.

Click OK.

34. The Media Importer automatically

opens. Minimize this screen and
continue with the Setup Wizard.
(Refer to the Tools section for
more information.)

20 Media Hub
35. Watch the video to learn how

Mac Installation
to take advantage of the Media
Hub’s features.

Its Media Browser will launch

automatically. If you do not want
to access the Media Browser,
deselect Access the Media
Browser now.

Click Continue.
(You can register the Media Hub later at www.linksysbycisco.com/registration)

NOTE: The Media Browser requires Adobe Flash Player (version

10 or higher). If it is not installed on your computer, then you will
be prompted to download and install it. Follow the on-screen
instructions. (An active Internet connection is required.)

36. The installation of the Media Hub

is complete.

To exit the Setup Wizard, click

Close.

NOTE: To access the Media

Hub through your web
browser, use the Friendly
Name and Password
you set up during the
Setup Wizard. Example:
http://mediahub.local

Congratulations! Installation of the Media Hub is complete.

Proceed to the Setup of Additional Computers section for instructions on how to

set up additional computers for access to the Media Hub.

Media Hub 21
 Setup of Additional Computers
Setup of Additional Computers

To set up additional computers for access to the Media Hub, run the Setup
Wizard. On the Welcome screen, click Connect Computers and follow the
on‑screen instructions. For a step-by-step explanation, refer back to the
Windows Installation section (step 27 on page 9) or the Mac Installation section
(step 32 on page 20).

Tools
The Media Hub offers different ways to take advantage of its features.

Video Player Support

The Media Hub plays video content through a browser plug-in. Download and
install your favorite media player to enable video playback within the Media
Browser. Please note that media players have varying levels of support for
different video formats. If the video format you want to play is not supported,
you may want to search the Internet for a media player that can run on your
computer and support the desired video formats. (Make sure you download the
latest version.) Some suggested players include QuickTime, VLC, and Windows
Media Player.
For more information about video support, visit www.linksysbycisco.com/support

Remote Access
If you enable and set up the Remote Access service†, then you can access the
Media Hub and its files over the Internet. To set up the Remote Access service,
follow these instructions:
1. Windows: In your web browser,
enter http://<Friendly_Name>
(Example: http://mediahub)

Mac: In your web browser, enter

http://<Friendly_Name>.local
(Example: http://mediahub.local)
2. Click Configuration.

††A period of Remote Access is included from date of activation. Fees may apply thereafter and
are subject to change. Go to www.linksysbycisco.com for further information and details of
terms and conditions applicable to the Remote Access service.

22 Media Hub
3. Enter the administrative Password you created during the Setup Wizard*.

Tools
Click Submit.
4. Click the Services tab.
5. For the Remote Access section, click Configure.
6. Select Enable Remote Access to the Media Hub.
7. Enter the Remote Device Name you want to assign to the Media Hub. (This
name can be different from the Media Hub’s Friendly Name.)
8. Click Submit.
The Remote Access service will be available in approximately two to five
minutes. During this time, the Media Hub restarts itself, so it will not be
available for streaming music or other functions until after the restart.
To remotely access the Media Hub, follow these instructions:
1. Open the web browser of the computer you are using.
2. In the Address field, enter http://www.ciscomediahub.com and
press Enter.
3. Enter the Remote Device Name of the Media Hub, and then click Go.
4. Enter the administrative or Guest Password. (The administrative Password
allows full access to the Media Hub; the Guest Password allows access
restricted to the media content of the Media Hub and is set up through the
Configuration utility). Click Submit.
Remote access to the Media Hub is now established.

NOTE: Playing video files over remote access requires the same
plug-ins you have installed on your home computer. Video playback
support over remote access depends on the broadband speeds of
both your home connection and remote connection. Video playback
should be limited to smaller video files, as larger video files may take
a long time to load and play.

Media Server
The Media Hub can stream media content to other UPnP AV‑enabled (or
DLNA‑certified) devices, such as a digital media adapter or a gaming console
with a built-in media player.

Direct Connection of USB Storage Devices

You can connect USB storage devices to the USB ports on the Media Hub, so
you can access the files on the USB storage devices.
* If you did not change the administrative Password during the Setup Wizard, then you can
enter the default Password, admin.

Media Hub 23
 Media Importer
Tools

The Media Importer is the import tool that was automatically installed. It
supports most popular formats, such as mp3, jpg, and mpg files. Use the Media
Importer to automatically find, copy, and update media files to the Media
Hub. In the future, any changes made or new files added will be automatically
updated on the Media Hub.

Windows Access
Double-click the system tray icon to Importer System Tray Icon (Active)
access the Media Importer.
If you do not see the icon, go to Start
> All Programs > Cisco Media Hub Importer System Tray Icon (Offline or
Disconnected)
> Linksys Media Importer > Linksys
Media Importer.

Mac Access
Double-click the system tray icon to Importer System Tray Icon (Active)
access the Media Importer.
If you do not see the icon, double‑click
Importer System Tray Icon (Offline or
the Macintosh HD icon on your Disconnected)
desktop. Go to Application > Media
Importer.

Options
The Media Importer offers the following options:

Disconnect/Connect Connect or disconnect the Media Hub from the Media

Importer.
Switch Media Hub Switch to a different Media Hub.
Manage Media Importer Select the folders you want to copy to the
Media Hub. (Images smaller than 50 KB will not be imported.)
Media Importer Status View the status of the file transfers to the
Media Hub.

24 Media Hub
Copy and Paste

Tools
Use the copy-and-paste function to manually copy files to the Media Hub. Copy
files of a single file type together at one time. Copy and paste music to the
Music folder, photos to the Photos folder, and videos to the Videos folder. (The
files you copy to the Media Hub can be accessed by all users of the Media Hub.)
File transfers may take minutes or hours depending on file transfer speeds,
which will vary, depending on network conditions, including use of wireless,
and the number and size of the selected files.

Windows Access
To access the Media Hub, double‑click the Media Hub shortcut on your
computer’s desktop. If the shortcut is not available, then double-click the
Computer or My Computer icon on your computer’s desktop. Double-click the
drive letter mapped to the Media Hub.
To access the Media Hub through Windows Explorer:
1. To open Windows Explorer, go to Start > Programs > Accessories >
Windows Explorer.
2. During the Setup Wizard, you created a Friendly Name or device name for
the Media Hub.
In the Address field of Windows
Explorer, enter the Friendly Name
of the Media Hub:
\\<Friendly_Name> (Examples: \\mediahub)
3. Press Enter.
Mac Access
1. Double-click the Macintosh HD icon on your desktop.
2. During the Setup Wizard, you
created a Friendly Name or device
name for the Media Hub. In the
Shared section, the Media Hub
is listed as its Friendly Name.
(Example: MediaHub)

Double-click the Media Hub.

NOTE: Additional information is available in the User Guide; visit

www.linksysbycisco.com/mediahub/ug to download it.

Media Hub 25
 NTI Shadow (Windows only)
Tools

NTI Shadow is the backup tool you installed during the Setup Wizard. Use it to
automatically copy your documents to the Media Hub for safekeeping.
(If you chose not to install the backup tool, then NTI Shadow will not be
available. To install NTI Shadow, refer to the previous section, Setup of Additional
Computers.)

Access
Go to Start > All Programs > Cisco Media Hub > NTI Shadow.
After you have accessed NTI Shadow
for the first time, the system tray icon
appears. Double-click the icon to NTI Shadow System Tray Icon
access NTI Shadow.

Main Menu
The main menu appears.
The Setup Wizard creates a default
backup job that backs up specific files
in the Documents folder.
These files include the following file
types: document (.doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx,
.pdf, .ppt, .txt, .htm, etc.) and .pptx.

The backup files are saved to the \backup\<Computer_Name>\Documents

folder on the Media Hub and are organized by date. This default backup job is
listed in the Modify Backup Job section.

Create Backup Job

Create Backup Job Click this option to create a backup job. Follow the
on‑screen instructions of the Job Wizard. (Additional information is available in
the User Guide; visit www.linksysbycisco.com/mediahub/ug to download it.)
Modify Backup Job
All backup jobs, including the default backup job, are listed in this section. You
can change the default backup job created by the Setup Wizard; for example,
you can back up additional folders on your computer.
For more information about NTI Shadow, click Help.

26 Media Hub
Media Hub 27
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28 Media Hub
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