Hello all,
I am debating Synology model options and I could use some advice. My requirements:
Has to be Synology (not negotiable) Currently own DS415play
10GbE option: leaving only DS1821+, DS1621xs+, DS1621+ / DS1819+ models
6 bays or more
Install Plex mediaserver on the unit
Smooth video playback to AppleTV 4K, iPad/iPhone and Macbooks
1080p and 4K content
I have never used Plex. So far, i have used a Popcorn Hour C200 to stream videos off my Synology 415Play, with mixed success.
I purchased an AppleTV 4K and I’ve read that it can be used by Plex.
I haven’t installed Plex yet, but I could try to install it on my Synology 415Play.
The questions:
I am trying to figure out if the models listed above are adequate. The 21 models are not in the compatibility list and even if they were I don’t know if software transcoding will be adequate.
Do I need transcoding at all when streaming to the AppleTV 4K? I don’t expect to, but thought I’d ask anyway
Will I need transcoding when streaming to iOS devices? I guess so. Will the models listed above do the job?
While watching videos, consider the NAS device to run close to idle otherwise
Regarding the Plex NAS Compatibility Guide, I’ve not yet had time to review the models. I’ve been focused on the DSM 7 package development.
I hope to get to them in the next few days.
I expect all the Synology ‘x21+’ models to be listed. I only need to fill out the tech data.
All the X86_64 Synology systems (J3455 and above) do excellent video transcoding.
The AppleTV 4K will do a very nice job if you use the enhanced player (in the app itself) when performing subtitle burning. Without it, all Synology units struggle.
EDIT:
Reviewing the Synology list now. Adding the models. Please check the NAS guide in about 30 minutes from this timestamp.
plex has been developing a new player which is compatible with more types of codecs and features.
as far as I know, it should be enabled by default, but if not, there would be an option within the apple tv plex player to enable it.
the alternative is the legacy player, which is not as compatible with as many codecs/files, and is being replaced by the new player as indicated above.
(edit: I failed to observe which user was which, this comment below was (mistakenly) meant in response to ekohn, all else should still apply to cake376 though)
it appears you already have plex pass, so if you have not already tried plex, you should be doing so with the equipment you already have, before making any further purchase decisions based on plex.
if the content you have can already direct play on the equipment you have, then you may not need to upgrade right away.
Dear Chuck,
I want to thank you for your efforts. Regretfully, I just found out that Plex Media Server makes my current Synology (415play) unable to hibernate. I use this function a lot for energy saving reasons. I found this topic and I understand it is not possible to stop Plex from contacting the server and writing logs, nor are there plans to build this in the future.
So I am very sorry, but for this reason I cannot become a member.
Maybe if I’d have an ultra low power SSD NAS, I could try again.
Thanks for your support.
Pete
I will detail for you, just as I did another user, power consumption.
Synology does not offer the power consumption data for your nas any longer.
For purposes of this example, I’ve selected one which should be comparable.
Using this NAS as an example:
Power Consumption* 28.30 W (Access)
8.45 W (HDD Hibernation)
Power consumption is measured when it is fully loaded with Western Digital 1TB WD10EFRX hard drive(s).
Convert W to Kwh - 28.30 / 1000 = .02830 kw/h
Always on = 24 hours / day = .02830 kw/h * 24h = .06792 kwh / day
I apologise, should have said I was switchng to another (higher) model: 1621+ (6 bay) with enterprise grade drives, 85W operating power draw. 85/1000 x 24 x 365 = 744 kWh per year. Our total household consumption is 3600 kWh per year.
Being able to use hibernation would reduce power draw to about 25W average, eq. 219 kWh per year, saving 525 kWh. I typically weigh planet/ecology impact more than cost, but at our rates yearly savings are (x €0,25): €131 or well over USD150.
I could, but then I’d need to dive into DSM every time I want to watch a movie. Better to have our movies on a USB drive and use a mede8or or the like.
