DS218J vs DS218Play vs WD EX2 Ultra for Plex Media Server?

[adi_r6]

Hello. I am looking to buy NAS which is supported by Plex Media Server (100%) and doesn’t involve a lot of bugs/issues.

I’ve 3 contender in this:

DS218Play
DS218J
WD EX2 Ultra

I will be using Amazon FireTV Stick (This One) for watching the Shows/Movies.

Rest, I want to use the NAS for other backup stuff too like Office Documents, Files etc.

I am pretty much confused right now from last 2 days. I am not able to come to the point where I can see myself choosing one because of numerous of discussion threads says a lot of different stories. Some says, PlexMS for DS218Play is in Beta.

Questions:

1. Which NAS is best for me for my requirements?

2. How long PlexMediaServer will be supported for DS218J / DS218Play / WD EX2 Ultra?

3. DS218Play has Plex Media Server Stable Releases or is it still in Beta?

4. What is the best CPU for NAS: Intel / ARM / RealTek?

Thank you.

@trumpy81 If you could reply too. Thank you.

[adi_r6]

Thank you for the reply @trumpy81

Okay, I want to ask the things if you can tell:

1. DS218Play has stable release now or is it still in beta? (PMS)

2. Why do you recommend FireTV Stick 4K over the normal one? A proper reason if you could tell. Files I run are MKV, MP4, SRT and similar. Plus, I don’t watch 4K.

Thanks.

[adi_r6]

Thanks

I have one doubt to ask for now as a pre-sale is that.

1. 1 gb RAM is enough for Plex Media S. for next few years?

Since, I don’t aim to buy NAS regularly.

2. Can I use DS218Play with one disk (keeping other bay empty) if you could tell this from your experience and knowledge?

Thanks

[adi_r6]

Okay, Thank you. Yeah, I’ll be buying new one only but single. Since buying 2 at this point would only increase the cost for nothing.

I have one question about the PMS and Plex itself.

I have family members too which uses Google ChromeCast (Gen1).

1. Can I use the DS218Play with the latest Version PMS with the Google ChromeCast Gen1?
2. Is it possible that they can use the NAS with Plex as I’m meanwhile they can’t see the files of mine (video/audio) and I can’t see their’s?

P.S.: I know we can make users in the NAS with their own storage location. But I’m just not sure, how does it work with the PMS?

3. PMS is still not showing available for the DS218Play on Synology’s Official App Directory. What’s the deal with that?

Thanks.

[adi_r6]

Continuing with the 2.

They live in the same house, they live in the same network too (same WiFi).

Sharing the Plex with them requires the Paid Subscription of Plex or is it available for Free (as Free Feature) too?

So that they can watch the content from NAS via. Plex Player from their own NAS Location and I can watch mine? (Privacy).

[adi_r6]

Do you get the Black Friday Sale or any Discounts for the Plex Pass?

And, I’ll be able to watch the movies and shows with Subtitles (SRT File) using DS218Play with AmazonFireTV Stick and ChromeCast Gen 1?

Thanks.

[adi_r6]

I tell you two cases here:

I own WD My Cloud 2TB (First Gen) which doesn’t support Plex Directly (Plex Server).

1. I ran VLC Media Player on AmazonFireTV Stick and I was able to watch the video/show/movies with Subtitle directly from that WD MyCloud.

2. I ran Plex Media Server on my PC and then ran Plex Player on FireTV Stick and it was also able to run the Video with Subtitles.

Now, Of course WD My Cloud 2TB First Gen is so old and under-powered as compared to DS218Play.

What kind of issues I can get with it? I mean what is the trigger point or the thing which might cause issues for me in DS218Play as you mentioned in your first sentence?

Thanks.

[adi_r6]

Just for knowledge asking, since I might make use of my old WD NAS too.

Is there any possibility, I can make a PMS for WD 2TB My Cloud (GEN1)?

I read that RasberryPi might do that (again, all the 2017 info). So if you have any latest information or any alternative?

[adi_r6]

Could you link to some guide and the installation guide? Since, I tried to Google about it. But they talked about the RasPlex which I think is out of development for sometime now.

So if you have any updated source/development which can be used for this RasberryPi + WD MyCloudGen1

[adi_r6]

Okay, I’ve made this post after talking to multiple experienced people on different forums (including Reddit) and I’m considering some other options too now since I want to invest once and want the best possible setup. So that even in future if I buy Plex Pass, I can take proper advantage of it (just saying, I’m unsure of Plex Pass at this point)

Link to the new thread: NUC vs. NAS for Plex Media Server

You’re more than welcome to give your inputs there @trumpy81.