NAS for Video Editing

[Enquiries]

I work with small files 95% of the time and only occasionally with 4K files. I am curious whether my PC needs to be directly connected to the Synology NAS, or if an internet connection is sufficient. Can I store data on the NAS and access it remotely, for example, 1000 km away, over the internet? Is it possible to edit files directly on the NAS, or do I need to download them first?

The NAS is primarily intended to serve as a central data storage solution, allowing me to access my project files from my laptop while on the go. These project files, which I edit in DaVinci Resolve, should be centrally stored and accessible from multiple devices. It is not essential to edit the files directly on the NAS, as I will store and edit them locally on my computer or laptop 90% of the time.

[ed]

There are a few different ways you can access your NAS remotely, each with its own pros and cons.

Tailscale VPN:
You could set up a Tailscale VPN on your NAS, which would allow you to access it as if it were on the same local network, even from anywhere in the world. This would be a secure and easy way to connect your laptop or desktop to the NAS. However, keep in mind that the speed will be limited by your internet upload and download speeds, so working with large video files remotely might not be as fast as working locally.

Xeon-Based NAS with VM:
Another option is to invest in a Xeon-based NAS and set up a virtual machine (VM) directly on the NAS. You could then access the VM through TeamViewer or another remote desktop solution. This setup would give you the ability to run software like DaVinci Resolve on the NAS itself, allowing you to edit files directly from your laptop. The downside here is that you'll need a powerful NAS with enough processing power and storage to handle video editing tasks.

Download and Edit Locally:
Lastly, you can simply download your project files from the NAS to your laptop, edit them locally, and then upload them back to the NAS when you're finished. This is often the simplest and most reliable solution, especially if you’re not constantly working with 4K files.

Each method has its trade-offs, but I’d recommend starting with the Tailscale VPN or the download-and-edit workflow, as they are generally easier to set up.