Best Synology NAS for Video Streaming

Overview of Different Synology NAS Options for Video Streaming

• DS220+

  • No specific comments provided about this model.

• DS923+

  • Offers a faster CPU, more RAM and RAM upgrade options, NVMe slots.
  • Considered a better choice for hardware and expansion perspective.

• DS423+

  • Solid NAS that can meet video streaming needs.
  • Suggested for those who do not require hardware transcoding.

Considerations for Video Transcoding

• Hardware Transcoding
  • DS1821+ is incapable of hardware accelerated transcoding.
  • Ryzen CPU on some models like the DS1821+ may struggle to transcode 1080p or cannot handle 4K media.
  • Running Plex Media Server on a more capable system with hardware accelerated transcoding is recommended.

Suggestions for Video Streaming Devices

• Nvidia Shield

  • Suggested as a premium and efficient media player for various streaming needs.
  • Works effortlessly with different types of media files including 4K Dolby Vision.

• Chromecast with Google TV or Nvidia Shield TV Pro

  • Recommended for easier day-to-day streaming experiences.

• Cheap and Easy Options

  • Options like Fire Stick, Raspberry Pi 4 with Kodi, or using an old laptop with an HDMI connection may also work well for streaming needs.

Jellyfin Setup and Performance Enhancement

• Jellyfin Docker Containers

  • Performance and transcoding performance with Jellyfin in Docker on Synology reported as very good.
  • Intel iHD driver installation for improved transcoding performance.

• Intel NUC 13th Gen i5

  • Reported to work well for streaming and connections to the file server over SMB.

Additional Considerations

• RAM and SSDs

  • More memory necessary if running containers, VMs, etc.
  • SSD cache has limited value for normal use at home.

• UPS Requirement

  • It is recommended to have a UPS for smooth power down during electricity disruptions.

Data Storage and Redundancy

• Raid Z2 setup

  • Recommended for redundancy, with the capacity of drives optimized for data integrity.

• Drive Configuration

  • Optimal storage allocation and configuration can depend on the specific needs and use cases for video streaming.

This summary provides insights into different Synology NAS models, considerations for video transcoding, suggestions for video streaming devices, tips for Jellyfin setup, additional considerations for RAM and SSDs, and the importance of a UPS for uninterrupted streaming experiences.