New NAS

[Enquiries]

Hello,

I bought my current NAS from you guys (SPAN.COM) back in late 2019. I’m looking to buy a new system but don’t like the fact that Synology have removed DS Video. I know i can use other options like Plex, Emby or Jellyfin but i don’t really like them and that’s why i have stuck with Synology for the last 12 years.

I also don’t like that accessing my media requires additional costs with Plex/Emby. I know i can put back DS Video after DSM 7.2.2 upgrade but how long will that last moving forward.

I just want an out of the box NAS system that provides me with the tool set to stream my media to all my friends and family without the need for 3rd party applications mentioned above.

Maybe QNAP would be the way to go but i would like to get your thoughts, help and guidance on the subject before i move forward and drop Synology.

Many thanks,

Chris

[ed]

I understand your frustration with Synology's recent changes, especially the removal of DS Video. It’s true that while Plex, Emby, and Jellyfin are excellent solutions for media streaming, they often come with additional costs and require ongoing maintenance. If you're looking for a more integrated solution without the reliance on third-party applications, a few things could work for you.

QNAP as an Alternative:
QNAP might indeed be a better fit if you're looking for a more open and customizable solution. QNAP’s NAS units provide a wide range of media management apps built directly into the system, with QNAP Video Station being a potential alternative to DS Video. Video Station supports organizing, streaming, and sharing media without requiring third-party apps, and it’s fully integrated into QNAP's ecosystem. Moreover, QNAP often offers a better set of features for multimedia handling, with support for transcoding, high-quality media streaming, and support for a wider range of media formats.

Cost-Effective Media Streaming:
While QNAP does not lock you into a paid subscription for their media services (unlike Plex or Emby), you still have the flexibility to install additional apps as you see fit. QNAP’s Multimedia Management Apps like Video Station, Music Station, and Photo Station work seamlessly with QNAP NAS systems and are free to use, so you won’t have to pay any subscription fees for essential functionality.

DSM 7.2.2 and DS Video:
As for Synology, if you’re planning on reverting to DS Video after the DSM 7.2.2 upgrade, it’s hard to say how long this workaround will last, as Synology’s long-term direction seems to be moving away from these built-in apps. Once Synology deprecates DS Video, you might be left with fewer out-of-the-box options, making third-party solutions more necessary.

Considerations Before Switching:
QNAP Video Station is a great option for those who want something close to what DS Video provided.
QNAP Hardware tends to be powerful, and their recent models come with some impressive specifications (like HDMI ports for media output, better transcoding support, and strong security features).
Flexibility: With QNAP, you can still choose third-party apps if you prefer them, but you aren’t locked into any one system. The OS is more open and versatile.
I’d recommend looking at some of QNAP’s more multimedia-focused models (like the TS-464 or TS-462) to see if they meet your needs. They’ll give you robust media streaming options out of the box, and you can always expand with apps if needed.