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New to NAS - looking for Rack Mounted solution - large storage space?
Hi! I just upgraded our home theater systems (2 4K 7.1 systems, theater and by the pool). I hate having discs laying around and have ripped all my DVDs/BluRays to a hard drive and play through there. I currently have a Mac mini as a Plex media server connected to 4 18Tb Western Digital Drives. These connect to two different audio/video receivers and stream via two separate Apple TVs. (This is the setup that the local A/V company I used recommended, but they were not super helpful at coming up with a NAS system). I now have a rack that has 2U space still available and would love to use a dedicated server so I can access things away from home as well as stream to multiple locations in the house at the same time. I have never used a true NAS and would love some recommendations. I'm looking mainly for something with a good processing speed that can handle multiple streams concurrently, large storage space (100TB or higher), hot swappable drives would be ideal. I would also love to be able to access PDFs, Word documents, and powerpoint, and all other documents/photos from off-site. I don't know how to make that happen. Cost is not the biggest factor when deciding on a set-up, more about if it will work appropriately. The computer systems we use are Mac based, and we are iPhone users, in case that makes a difference. Thanks in advance for any help that can be given. I have been looking for weeks now and just keep getting more and more confused. I also would need some guidance in setting things up to work on our home network, as servers are still exceptionally foreign to me. I've attached a pic of the rack. Not sure if that's needed or not. (With me pointing to the 4 WD hard drive bays that are connected to the Mac mini).
DR Drchrisdvm2009 asked on 21 June 2021, 04:07
0 answers / 0 votes / 92 views
NAS For Editing Video as well as a PLEX system?
I am looking at this system on Amazon Synology DiskStation DS918+ NAS Server for Business with Intel Celeron CPU, 8GB Memory, 256GB SSD, 16TB HDD, Synology DSM Operating System The link is at the end. I currently edit video almost exclusively, raw drone 4K video. I have also been editing sometimes with raw 6K & 8K footage, but not often. I usually work with proxies when video editing, to get around the lag issues. It has worked well for me so far in Adobe Premiere and After Effects. I have about 7TB of data storage currently from work I also want to setup a plex system for my family to use, internal family members as well as external family members (Grand Kids). I have a ~6.7TB library of movies and TV shows. I would like to share with these family members but control who sees what and only allow them to access certain content based on ratings (Grans Kids cannot access my Action and Adventure R rated movies). I will eventually add on to the system and want to expand, maybe another 4 bay down the road. It looks as though it has 2 x RJ-45 1GbE LAN Ports. I don't know if that is upgradable on this system. Do you think this would take care of my needs, am I paining my self in a corner because of the 1Gbe ports? I have watched about 10 different videos from your channel and they are very good but have seriously overloaded my brain, so much though... That several times I have talked myself out of getting a NAS all together and just grabbing another 10TB DAS. But I keep coming back to PLEX and how cool that would be to get setup instead of having multiple thumb drives spread out all over the place. (https://www.amazon.com/Synology-DiskStation-Business-Celeron-Operating/dp/B07ZKZXKL1/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=synology+nas&qid=1622383509&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyMFJCSURGTjNLTllHJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNjg2NzI4MzBJOFJKVFZKNTg2TSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNTg1NTkxMlIzVUcxRzI2RU1MNSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=)
0 answers / 0 votes / 122 views
Asustor AS6604t Plex playback via HDMI to LG OLED TV?
Have Plex currently installed on the NAs without issue and can play via streaming through my LG TV. I have connected the NAs directly to the HDMI port on the TV but cannot figure out what I am missing to get direct playback though HMDI not the network. Do I need to install asustor portal? When connected there is no image displayed on the TV. Sorry for the noob question but I am rather new to the NAS world.
0 answers / 0 votes / 86 views
Upgrade from Synology DS218+ to DS920+ worth it?
Good day. I have a Synology DS218+ purchased in September 2020 which I am very happy with. I mainly use it as a Media Server to play video and audio content on Plex and my home receiver, but also use it for file and photo storage. Hardware: I added a 4 GB memory expansion card from Synology (which was not cheap) and two 6TB drives in a RAID 1 configuration which has quickly filled to about 75% capacity now. I'm torn between how to move forward. I am considering swapping out my 6 TB drives for two 10 or 12 TB drives. But I'm also considering upgrading completely to the DS920+, perhaps adding two new 6 TB drives (doubling my capacity in RAID 1 to 12 TB but that might be short sighted, storage-wise). Are fewer larger drives more efficient than more smaller drives? Lastly, I'm also thinking of getting a NUC to act as my Plex server as I occassionaly get buffering and failures watching larger high-res 1080p video. I’m not sure how to begin. I have not yet dipped my toe in 4K TV yet, and I know video files for 4K are much, much larger. If I get a NUC I need not worry so much about the less powerful CPU in the DS218+. I could use some advice!
0 answers / 0 votes / 210 views
Upgrading from DS220j to DS720+?
Hi Folks. Currently I have a Synology DS220j for my Plex Media Server, however, recently, I noticed that its lagging while playing videos. I've concluded based on research that it's having trouble transcoding. Is this correct and if so, should I upgrade to the DS220+ or as a future proof solution, upgrade to the DS720+. What are your thoughts on this since video is going in the direction of 4K?
FI Finkelstein2004 asked on 01 March 2021, 23:36
0 answers / 0 votes / 155 views
Viewing and linking subfolders to media libraries using PLEX?
I have purchased a Synology NAS and am trying to set it up as a PLEX media server. I have followed the instructions in the video you created (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNyTasDcVVc) and got to the point of linking the media type subfolders to each media library I am creating in PLEX. However, when I use the PLEX application on the NAS and try to point at the subfolder, I can only see the top level shared folder and not the media type subfolders I have created (movies, music, TV shows, and photos). Any idea why I cannot see these subfolders? I have tried refreshing, restarting the application, deleting/recreating the folders without success. Thanks for your help.
ME Mendelspeas asked on 23 February 2021, 17:09
0 answers / 0 votes / 163 views
Itunes and iPhoto migration for new NAS user - very confused?
Hello, First thanks for the great videos on the site and for any help you all can provide. The videos helped convince my brother and I to jump into the NAS World. But I am about to blow my brains out! I have spent hours scouring you tube and the internet looking for simple clear step by step advice on how to (1) move my music library from iTunes to the NAS. Should I mirror the library on my old iMac? Give up on iTunes and go all in on either Audio Station or maybe Plex? If I move exactly which files must be part of the migration? Why use the iTunes server app on the NAS - does it offer advantages over audio station? Or should I skip the Synology apps and go straight to Plex? (2) Same questions essentially for photos and home videos. They are a mess now and in different file formats some that the iMac will not read (think old camera phone videos from 18 years ago). Mirror iPhoto or move it all to the NAS? I assume it will be best to go to Moments to have that program clean up and organize things. At that point do I move the cleaned and organized files to photo station? I am surprised there is not more hand holding in Synology's setup to help newbies like myself. Any help or guidance or resources would be appreciated. Thanks again for the videos
1 answers / 0 votes / 223 views
Synology DS1019+ high SSD Cache usage?
Following your excellent video's I installed a 256gb nvme in my plex server. Although I have 15tb of storage 80% used. The DSM has never used more than 6% of read only cache. Something has changed since using I've stated using the DVR function with a HDhomerun. Interstingly my cache use has now increased to 145gb used. Anyone know why this has suddenly risen. I thought DSM would only cache files used more than twice.
1 answers / 0 votes / 224 views
First NAS for plex, 1 camera surveillance, and alternative to one drive. ?
Hi, Looking for some advice on my first NAS for the items mentioned in the title, I was thinking of the DS220+, all plex use will be local and probably be in 1080 as opposed to 4K, but I do have an nvidia shield tv pro so could this take the pressure off the NAS if I want 4K streaming in the future?
1 answers / 0 votes / 218 views
Looking for the least expensive 2-Bay Synology NAS capable to transcode HD video on Plex?
I´m looking for a Synology NAD with two bays capable to transcode HD video as a Plex server. I saw mixed reviews on the DS220j and DS220+ series. Any advice is appreciated.
SO Sodadigital asked on 09 December 2020, 16:53
1 answers / 0 votes / 225 views
Need Help Selecting Synology Rackmount NAS - Q1 2021?
I will be looking for a new Synology rack mount NAS in the first quarter of 2021. I have a a DS3615xs offering ~87TB available storage (10 x 12TB drives RAID 6). About 50TB is in use. That machine runs a Plex server offering movies, TV, music and audiobooks. It also runs Cloud Sync to copy data to Google Drive, Hyper Backup to backup to a DS1010+ every six hours via Rsync, Cloud Station, and Synology Chat. The DS3615xs has a number of CIFS shares on it as well as an NFS datastore for vSphere. It's connected via 10G Ethernet. I want to replace that unit with something higher-performing, newer, and rack mountable, since all my servers and most other devices are now in a rack. The DS3615xs would sit on top of the rack and serve as a backup target or node in a two-node Synology cluster, if possible. I am looking for 10G connectivity, M.2 NVMe caching and good performance with NFS and iSCSI as shared storage for a vSphere cluster. Can you assist with a recommendation? Thank you.
1 answers / 0 votes / 204 views
Compatable Synology NAS for 4K Transcoding?
Synology Web site does not show DS920+ as capable of 4K transcoding yet it's showing the DS918+ is shown cabable 4K transcoding. Thought the DS920+ is more up to date than the DS918+ so am a little confussed. Is this true ? If it is true what should what I go for instead ?
0 answers / 0 votes / 214 views
Need help buying a NAS?
I am Having a little difficulty choosing a NAS. My use cases are for For backups, Business file services, surveillance, downloading hard copy movies to NAS for plex, and scanning personal pictures and photographs. I live in Canada Ontario if that helps you with your search. The file services portion is the most important however we still want a NAS that can consistently do the other things. our budget like listed above is $800 CAD to $1400 CAD $1500 CAD being ABSOLOUTE max. this price is not including the price of the drives as we will slowly build up the # of drives. I really hope you can help just like your videos helped me choose out our first NAS. BTW we need anywhere from 6-8 drive bays Thanks, Konrad
2 answers / 1 votes / 377 views
DS1621+ vs DS1520+ for media playback?
I have watched lots of your videos on the DS920+ (as you don't have some of the Plex and video station review reviews for the DS1520+) and the DS1621+trying to figure out which one is the best for watching movies and dealing with bigger, denser files, including 4K HEVC. I can't seem to figure out which NAS will be best. While the Celeron chip on the DS1520+ seems like it would be better as it has a little GPU capabilities on the CPU, the AMD Ryzen is a beefier chip and seems to come off better on your videos even though it is doing software transcoding on HEVC. The price difference between the 2 NAS's isn't an issue (happy to pay more for the DS1621+). But which one is the better NAS for video playback (Plex and Video Station), especially at 4K HEVC? Also, if I go for the DS1621+, would a RAM upgrade or NVMEe SSD for cacheing help with video playback?
0 answers / 0 votes / 608 views
Backup Plex Media Data on QNAP?
Hi need help backing up plex media data on my qnap nas. can't find it in file explorer. Windows user unfamiliar with qnap os.
0 answers / 0 votes / 266 views
NAS Buying Beginner?
Hi, I am trying to buy a NAS. I'm beginner to this. After watching a few of your YouTube videos, I have a few questions. Usage: 1. 2 Desktop/Laptop + 4 Mobiles + TV [1080p-not planning to upgrade to 4k any time soon] 2. Mostly for Picture, videos backups + Movie Storage 3. Watching movies/Videos on above devices Questions: 1. Do I need transcoding? [My files are mostly in 720p or 1080p] 2. Is it better to have 2+5 Bay [DS720+ with DX517] or 4 Bay [DS920+] performance wise? I am planning to use 8TB HDDs with BTFS & SHR. 3. If I add DX517 later, do I have to increase the RAM of DS720+? Thanks in advance
1 answers / 0 votes / 501 views
Advice on new QNAP NAS purchase?
Upgrading home network and looking for advice/comments on my ideas. Need to replace 2 TS-453Bminis (4 bay) with ones that with faster network connectivity. One mini is Plex server, one mini is backup and mapped drives for home network. Both 4 bay with HGST 6 TBs drives in all bays. Must be able to migrate by using old drives. (see https://www.qnap.com/en/nas-migration/) Think a 4 bay TS-453D can replace the Plex mini and has faster LAN, but am wondering if a 4 bay TS-473 might be better for backup and mapped drives because it has faster CPU, handles more memory and can take add in cards to get the higher LAN speed. Budget for both is $1500 US so some room for more bays or different models. I'm OK with getting base memory and adding in later. The final setup would use the 5 port QSW-1105-5T 2.5GBe switch with the 2 new NAS and my 2 home PCs using high speed LAN cards connected to it. Advice? Comments? Flaws I've not considered or such? All feedback appreciated.
0 answers / 0 votes / 231 views
PLEX on qnapTVS-672N-i3 or do I need it?
Hi First thx for a intressing website and Youtube channel. I have today since a couple of years a WD pr2100 wich has served me well. I use it mostly for Plex and some minor backups. I also have some friends who uses my Plex server. I think of upgrading to get more bays and a more powerful NAS. I have consider synology 918+ or 920+ or maybe a terramaster. But recently I also have been looking at the qnap 672N-i3. Regarding on more Plex users is the qnap a better choice? Mainly the material is 1080 p. Is it more futureproof regarding some 4K with the qnqp ? Is there another better NAS option ? I have ofcourse Plexpass with transcoding today on my wd pr2100. I dont mind spending some money on a new NAS.
1 answers / 0 votes / 291 views
Can extra RAM or eSATA SSD improve Plex transcoding on Synology ds218+?
I recently got a synology ds218+ which will mainly be used as a plex server with some minor backup functionalities. I want to use plex to share it with family members who live far away. From what i have read i need to get the premium version of plex to enable hardware transcoding. This is where the advice I find online gets confusing. I've read about people getting an extra SSD to enable transcoding there (using the USB or the eSATA port?) and some others about using RAM to transcode? Is a ram upgrade even necessary? Hopefuly you can give me some clarity between all this contradictory advise. Thanks in advance for your time,
NA Nascompares_blog_push asked on 10 May 2020, 17:05
1 answers / 0 votes / 409 views