ASK NC

Hi, I'm new to Plex, Video formatting and NAS Servers. Your website is incredibly helpful, though much of the technical comparative data is beyond me right now.

I am trying to set up a NAS based Plex server to host my own 4k home videos. They will only be accessed by an AppleTV, and the whole system will be wired on a 1 gbe network (though I may upgrade the network to 2.5 gbe within the year). I'm comparing the QANP TS-253E vs the Synology DS220+ (I know the later does not have 2.5gbe, but the cost difference is decent).
For my singular needs do you have a recommendation? Relatedly, is there a video format/resolution you would recommend to allow one or both of these options to perform well?
Thank you in advance

For your specific needs, I would recommend the Synology DS220+. It is a more affordable option and has a user-friendly interface that makes it easier for you to manage your Plex media server and get up and running quickly. The Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM) software provides a wealth of features and options to help you get the most out of your server, including support for a wide range of video formats.

As for video format and resolution, it is recommended to use H.264 or H.265 codecs with a maximum resolution of 4096x2160 (4K) and a bitrate of around 50 Mbps. This will allow for high-quality video playback on your AppleTV while still being compatible with the processing capabilities of the DS220+.

Please note that while the DS220+ does not have 2.5GbE network support, it still supports gigabit Ethernet, so you should still see a noticeable improvement in network performance compared to a 100Mbps network.