Nas streaming solution?
Discussion
Morning chaps,
I have an old WD nas that I want to upgrade. I am after some suggestions for a 2 bay NAS that can stream to any TV/music player. I have a number of TVs and music streaming machines, but the TVs particularly don't all like the same format of video file. What I would therefore want is the NAS to transcode as it goes.
At first glance the synology ds218play seems to do what I want, or does it?
I use synology at work for network file storage, so I am quite happy with it, but also happy to look at other solutions.
What does the 'brains' of PH recommend?
I have an old WD nas that I want to upgrade. I am after some suggestions for a 2 bay NAS that can stream to any TV/music player. I have a number of TVs and music streaming machines, but the TVs particularly don't all like the same format of video file. What I would therefore want is the NAS to transcode as it goes.
At first glance the synology ds218play seems to do what I want, or does it?
I use synology at work for network file storage, so I am quite happy with it, but also happy to look at other solutions.
What does the 'brains' of PH recommend?
I've had Plex for years, so anything that can serve as a Plex server (a number of NAS can do this) would get my vote immediately.
I've got it running on a separate i5 computer.
That way it becomes your private Netflix/Youtube streaming service. Any device can then play it back, be it Android or iOS devices or even just in the browser.
A number of smart TV's have a Plex App (just look in the app store on that device), but we mainly use chromecasts.
It's really wonderful and with at least a dozen of devices that can consume this content I'd say it's the most important piece of software running in the house.
On top of that, the metadata is great and it can even look for subtitles on everything on it's own.,
I've got it running on a separate i5 computer.
That way it becomes your private Netflix/Youtube streaming service. Any device can then play it back, be it Android or iOS devices or even just in the browser.
A number of smart TV's have a Plex App (just look in the app store on that device), but we mainly use chromecasts.
It's really wonderful and with at least a dozen of devices that can consume this content I'd say it's the most important piece of software running in the house.
On top of that, the metadata is great and it can even look for subtitles on everything on it's own.,
I have a Synology DS918+ with Plex installed.
It runs everything in the home and with the correct port settings can be used outside the home. I think it's well worth the money. It also does a bit of downloading through a VPN, runs the CCTV and our computers back up to it, it then backs itself up to an external source.
I also have an Apple TV in my lounge with Plex installed which acts as a sort of replacement sky box.
It runs everything in the home and with the correct port settings can be used outside the home. I think it's well worth the money. It also does a bit of downloading through a VPN, runs the CCTV and our computers back up to it, it then backs itself up to an external source.
I also have an Apple TV in my lounge with Plex installed which acts as a sort of replacement sky box.
ashleyman said:
I also have an Apple TV in my lounge with Plex installed which acts as a sort of replacement sky box.
My 6 yo Samsung TV's Netflix app wouldn't work anymore and looked into this, I bought a Nvidia SHIELD TV. Runs on Android TV.Brilliant alternative, works a charm and it has Chromecast built in, which was one of my requirements. Price-wise there won't be much in it.
Apparently it can also run games using Xbox/PS controllers, but haven't given that a go yet.
ZesPak said:
ashleyman said:
I also have an Apple TV in my lounge with Plex installed which acts as a sort of replacement sky box.
My 6 yo Samsung TV's Netflix app wouldn't work anymore and looked into this, I bought a Nvidia SHIELD TV. Runs on Android TV.Brilliant alternative, works a charm and it has Chromecast built in, which was one of my requirements. Price-wise there won't be much in it.
Apparently it can also run games using Xbox/PS controllers, but haven't given that a go yet.
ashleyman said:
I heard of those but with a household full of Apple devices it just made sense to get the Apple TV.
Makes sense. I was the only one with an iPhone for a while and then it was just too restricted for anyone else.I haven't played with the last couple of generations of Apple TV so can't comment on that, but the Nvidia SHIELD, which I understand is "Android TV" interface is great. We didn't want a regular Chromecast in the living room as it's more annoying for example for the babysitter and the kids, a remote control is simpler.
There's a new chromecast rumoured for this year but didn't have the patience.
Actually Toms' hardware did a nice comparison and it's a bit of a toss up between the SHIELD and Apple TV, with the conclusion that if you're in the Apple ecosystem, pay the tax and get the Apple TV and if not, get the Shield, which sums it up nicely I think:
https://www.tomsguide.com/face-off/apple-tv-4k-vs-...
PS: The more expensive SHIELD PRO can actually act as a Plex server, maybe worth looking into. I don't think under the TV is the best location for your media server, but if you run out of place maybe you can kill two birds with one stone.
ashleyman said:
Road2Ruin said:
I know my Samsung TV has a plex app. Does the synology work via dlna?
https://www.synology.com/en-us/knowledgebase/DSM/tutorial/Multimedia/How_to_enjoy_multimedia_contents_stored_on_Synology_NAS_with_DLNA_UPnP_compliant_DMAsDon't install the Plex server from the Synology "app store" download it from Plex and install manually. The store version is always loads of versions behind. You do not need a paid sub to Plex to use it to stream your own stuff. I chose to buy one to support it due to the amount of use it gets. Use thetvdb.com for naming conventions if you have TV series to stream.
ashleyman said:
Excellent, just what I was looking for. So you can set it up to transcode to dlna as well by the look of it. Seems like the synology is just what I hoped.Tvm
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