OT: NAS/personal cloud for a home media server & Plex or Kodi?

[Leonard23]

I'm looking to get a NAS/personal cloud for a home media server to put all of my pics, videos & files on, so that I can access them from anywhere on any device (phone, TV, computer, tablet, etc.). I've read a bunch of reviews but wanted opinions here. I'm looking at the
QNAP TS-251+ (8GB RAM version) 2-Bay Next Gen Personal Cloud NAS, Intel 2.0GHz Quad-Core CPU with Media Transcoding, but don't know much about it or other options. Also, Plex or Kodi? Thanks.

 

[GoodOl'Rutgers]

Love the plex software but use it on a pc. I did some preliminary NAS research on it around xmas time.. and at that time one of the WD MY CLOUD PRO NAS devices was my leader. The reason was Intel x86 processors and their ability to transcode on the fly. That is the key to being able to stream effectively. Well, that and a nice wifi net in the house..

read this page from Plex on NAS devices

 

[drewbagel423]

I've always built my own. Gives you much more flexibility and room to expand down the line. I've got a home theater computer (HTPC) connected to the living room TV for over the air (OTA) HD TV. We got rid of cable about 4 years ago.

It's got roughly 11TB of storage space, runs Plex Media Server and transcodes to 2 Rokus and our phones/tablets, CherryMusic/Madsonic for our own personal Spotify, Seafile to replace Google Drive and back up photos from our phones, PiHole to block unwanted ads from even entering our network, and obviously acts as a NAS for the entire house. Going to add OpenHab eventually to replace my current smart home hub. Plex, CherryMusic, and Seafile are all accessible from outside our home network.

Here is the parts list if you're interested. It's obviously overkill for what you're doing but can be easily scaled back. Would probably come out about the same as a prebuilt one once you start adding drives, but much more powerful and flexible.

https://pcpartpicker.com/user/drewbagel423/saved/8cNRsY

 

[Knight Shift]

I've always built my own. Gives you much more flexibility and room to expand down the line. I've got a home theater computer (HTPC) connected to the living room TV for over the air (OTA) HD TV. We got rid of cable about 4 years ago.

It's got roughly 11TB of storage space, runs Plex Media Server and transcodes to 2 Rokus and our phones/tablets, CherryMusic/Madsonic for our own personal Spotify, Seafile to replace Google Drive and back up photos from our phones, PiHole to block unwanted ads from even entering our network, and obviously acts as a NAS for the entire house. Going to add OpenHab eventually to replace my current smart home hub. Plex, CherryMusic, and Seafile are all accessible from outside our home network.

Here is the parts list if you're interested. It's obviously overkill for what you're doing but can be easily scaled back. Would probably come out about the same as a prebuilt one once you start adding drives, but much more powerful and flexible.

https://pcpartpicker.com/user/drewbagel423/saved/8cNRsY

We are about to ditch cable. Our setup appears to be primitive in comparison to yours with just a media laptop hooked up to the TV in one HDMI port and a FireTV stick in another HDMI port. Can you explain a few things?

What is a Plex Media Server?
Transcodes to 2 Rokus? What?
And phones/tablets? Why?
NAS? What is it?

I've got a home theater computer (HTPC) connected to the living room TV for over the air (OTA) HD TV--Why not just connect the OTA TV signal directly to the TV?

Sorry for all of the questions. I was a bit concerned about switching ports to watch content on FireTV, the HTPC/laptop and the over the air channels we will get from an aerial antenna--I assume you have an aerial antenna for OTA HDTV?

 

[mdh2003]

I'm looking to get a NAS/personal cloud for a home media server to put all of my pics, videos & files on, so that I can access them from anywhere on any device (phone, TV, computer, tablet, etc.). I've read a bunch of reviews but wanted opinions here. I'm looking at the
QNAP TS-251+ (8GB RAM version) 2-Bay Next Gen Personal Cloud NAS, Intel 2.0GHz Quad-Core CPU with Media Transcoding, but don't know much about it or other options. Also, Plex or Kodi? Thanks.

Agree with GoodOl' above. Most NASs, while awesome for storage, are just not well equipped for transcoding. Your average $500 desktop will crush it in performance. I don't have experience with the above NAS, but I would not trust that it can push 1080p (or any video taken with a smartphone) down the line.

 

[demauroj]

I, like Drew, have been using Plex since inception, and have 12TB's of 20TB total storage running through it.
I agree with Drew go with a windows based system, and don't sell yourself short on the initial build if you plan on using this as a cord cutting helper. Buying something without planning for expansion will end up being a waste of money.

I just recently upgraded my build to a new 8 bay Hot Swap server using this new Silverstone ATX case, a highpoint solutions RAID card, and the new Ryzen 1700 processor with 16gb's of RAM.
This processor handles 8 1080p transcodes without breaking a sweat ( I share my stuff with family members).

Before buying Storage Hard Drives you can build this machine for relatively inexpensive, and it would allow you the ability to expand as you need it so long as you set the RAID Storage up properly to allow for adding of drives.
Plex has grown by leaps and bounds over the last 4 years and is only getting better. Also trust me once you start down this path the $500.00 you spend on that QNAP and drives will be a waste when you see how fast your storage starts filling up.

 

[RC1978]

Plex over here. They are always updating and have the apps for the Smart TV's

 

[demauroj]

We are about to ditch cable. Our setup appears to be primitive in comparison to yours with just a media laptop hooked up to the TV in one HDMI port and a FireTV stick in another HDMI port. Can you explain a few things?

What is a Plex Media Server?
Transcodes to 2 Rokus? What?
And phones/tablets? Why?
NAS? What is it?

I've got a home theater computer (HTPC) connected to the living room TV for over the air (OTA) HD TV--Why not just connect the OTA TV signal directly to the TV?

Sorry for all of the questions. I was a bit concerned about switching ports to watch content on FireTV, the HTPC/laptop and the over the air channels we will get from an aerial antenna--I assume you have an aerial antenna for OTA HDTV?

Here are some high level links to your questions.

What is a Plex Media Server?
Trascodes to 2 Roku's? What?
and Phone and Tablets. This is a matter of preference. in other words you can watch stuff from your Plex Media Server at home on your phone via the internet

NAS stands for Network Access Storage. It is essentially one or a series of hard Drive that are used specifically as storage and have no operating system. NAS devices usually have some sort of redundant RAID configuration which will protect you from losing any information on the hard drives should one fail.

If you are planning on cutting the cord you should really do a lot of research before actually doing it. There are many different options (legal and not) and you should be well versed in your options.

 

[Knight Shift]

Here are some high level links to your questions.

What is a Plex Media Server?
Trascodes to 2 Roku's? What?
and Phone and Tablets. This is a matter of preference. in other words you can watch stuff from your Plex Media Server at home on your phone via the internet

NAS stands for Network Access Storage. It is essentially one or a series of hard Drive that are used specifically as storage and have no operating system. NAS devices usually have some sort of redundant RAID configuration which will protect you from losing any information on the hard drives should one fail.

If you are planning on cutting the cord you should really do a lot of research before actually doing it. There are many different options (legal and not) and you should be well versed in your options.

Thanks.

Question about OTA HD signal--do you run that through the Plex Media Server too? I guess that saves the trouble of running antenna wires throughout the house to different TVs.

With Plex Media Server, can 3 different tablets watch 3 different "channels" or content simultaneously?

 

[demauroj]

Thanks.

Question about OTA HD signal--do you run that through the Plex Media Server too? I guess that saves the trouble of running antenna wires throughout the house to different TVs.

With Plex Media Server, can 3 different tablets watch 3 different "channels" or content simultaneously?

I should clarify on the PLEX Server. Plex server is a catalyst to send out media that you supply. Meaning if you download a movie or TV Show or OTA signal using a HD Homerun box, you can stream to any device using Plex Media Server. It does not provide the content, you provide the content.

To answer to "content" question. Plex can handle as much as you Hardware and internet bandwidth can handle. I have tested my system to be able to run 8 separate 1080p transcodes at one time all in different locations . It should be noted that transcoding is very processor intensive which is your system should be build around your processor quality.

To answer you first question, As of about a month ago, Yes you can now watch OTA directly through Plex with DVR capability using adding an HD HomeRun Connect box to your network.
The only draw back is that the box is only able to run 2 consecutive streams at a time per box.

 

[Knight Shift]

I should clarify on the PLEX Server. Plex server is a catalyst to send out media that you supply. Meaning if you download a movie or TV Show or OTA signal using a HD Homerun box, you can stream to any device using Plex Media Server. It does not provide the content, you provide the content.

To answer to "content" question. Plex can handle as much as you Hardware and internet bandwidth can handle. I have tested my system to be able to run 8 separate 1080p transcodes at one time all in different locations . It should be noted that transcoding is very processor intensive which is your system should be build around your processor quality.

To answer you first question, As of about a month ago, Yes you can now watch OTA directly through Plex with DVR capability using adding an HD HomeRun Connect box to your network.
The only draw back is that the box is only able to run 2 consecutive streams at a time per box.

That HD HomeRun Connect is on my wish list in Amazon. We are moving this summer, and that is when we will cut the cord. I will be fine with what I know now using the FireTV stick, Roku and the HD Home Run Connect going into separated HDMI inputs of our main TV. Will research the other options.

We have an older Panasonic 50" plasma TV that we like a lot. Is there a way to send a wireless signal to an older TV from a Plex Server? I guess what I am asking is can you make an older TV an Internet TV?

 

[demauroj]

That HD HomeRun Connect is on my wish list in Amazon. We are moving this summer, and that is when we will cut the cord. I will be fine with what I know now using the FireTV stick, Roku and the HD Home Run Connect going into separated HDMI inputs of our main TV. Will research the other options.

We have an older Panasonic 50" plasma TV that we like a lot. Is there a way to send a wireless signal to an older TV from a Plex Server? I guess what I am asking is can you make an older TV an Internet TV?

You make an old TV a Smart TV by adding a Roku,Amazon Fire Stick etc.....

 

[Knight Shift]

You make an old TV a Smart TV by adding a Roku,Amazon Fire Stick etc.....

Duh (to me). Now I get it. Download the PlexApp to a FireTV (or Roku, etc) and sling the content from your server to the device with the PlexApp.

And I am guessing that if someone has a vacation home, they can watch their content on their Plex server to a device and watch it remotely?

 

[rucoe89]

Any recommendations for off the shelf hardware/software combo for Home Cloud NAS with RAID/redundancy capability? I've seen some mention of WD MyCloud (I assume EX4). Other recommendation (heard about Synology, but not sure how complicated to set up).

 

[mdh2003]

Any recommendations for off the shelf hardware/software combo for Home Cloud NAS with RAID/redundancy capability? I've seen some mention of WD MyCloud (I assume EX4). Other recommendation (heard about Synology, but not sure how complicated to set up).

I have a smaller, older Synology NAS, I think the 212j. Hitachi drives - before the WD buyout. All still working fine. At that point, ~5 years ago, I set up the cloud capabilities. It was pretty straightforward. The Synology SW is not idiot proof, but you don't need to be an uber nerd either. Just slap some drives in, specify your RAID config and let it do it's thing. There are other tweaks needed for cloud access, but nothing too complicated. I'd definitely get another if needed and would definitely recommend it. Keep in mind, as stated above, most NAS devices are really not suited for transcoding video. Pics and probably music are fine, but I'd be wary of using a NAS device to serve up any real video locally, let alone through the cloud.

I upgraded routers since then and kind of disabled the cloud access. I mainly use now for storing my library (music/pics/videos/movies) locally. I also have PLEX on a desktop to serve up the videos/movies. For pics, I use either PLEX or the ootb Synology apps. For music, I use Sonos to access the library to drive to both Sonos speakers as well as my AVR.

 

[Scarlet_Scourge]

This thread has a lot of great information.

You can also sign up for a cloud base personal server. No special hardware needed.

here is an example: https://myqnapcloud.com/

 

[drewbagel423]

We are about to ditch cable. Our setup appears to be primitive in comparison to yours with just a media laptop hooked up to the TV in one HDMI port and a FireTV stick in another HDMI port. Can you explain a few things?

What is a Plex Media Server?
Transcodes to 2 Rokus? What?
And phones/tablets? Why?
NAS? What is it?

I've got a home theater computer (HTPC) connected to the living room TV for over the air (OTA) HD TV--Why not just connect the OTA TV signal directly to the TV?

Sorry for all of the questions. I was a bit concerned about switching ports to watch content on FireTV, the HTPC/laptop and the over the air channels we will get from an aerial antenna--I assume you have an aerial antenna for OTA HDTV?

Sorry I didn't get back into the thread sooner but it looks like you've got most of your questions answered.

If you or anybody else want to know more about my setup, feel free to ask.

 

[demauroj]

We are about to ditch cable. Our setup appears to be primitive in comparison to yours with just a media laptop hooked up to the TV in one HDMI port and a FireTV stick in another HDMI port. Can you explain a few things?

What is a Plex Media Server?
Transcodes to 2 Rokus? What?
And phones/tablets? Why?
NAS? What is it?

I've got a home theater computer (HTPC) connected to the living room TV for over the air (OTA) HD TV--Why not just connect the OTA TV signal directly to the TV?

Sorry for all of the questions. I was a bit concerned about switching ports to watch content on FireTV, the HTPC/laptop and the over the air channels we will get from an aerial antenna--I assume you have an aerial antenna for OTA HDTV?

Sorry I didn't get back into the thread sooner but it looks like you've got most of your questions answered.

If you or anybody else want to know more about my setup, feel free to ask.

Drew hit me up up in a private message. Maybe we can share some libraries.

 

[Leonard23]

Thanks for the info. So it seems like a computer would be better than the QNAP or WD NAS for streaming videos to multiple devices. I'll have to consider that.

 

[drewbagel423]

Drew hit me up up in a private message. Maybe we can share some libraries.

Sounds good, but I have no idea how to pm on this site.

 

[Knight Shift]

Sounds good, but I have no idea how to pm on this site.

@demauroj needs to message you first. Us freeloaders can't initiate a message, but we can reply.

 

[ashokan]

For whatever reason, new Lenovo TS-140 servers have been selling for cheap. I got one with an Intel Xeon E3-1226 v3 3.3 GHz (compares to an i7), 4 GB ECC RAM, 1TB enterpise WD drive for 275 (it was usually 750). Runs so quiet you don't know its on. There was one for sale on slickdeals just a few days ago. They go on sale all the time.

https://slickdeals.net/f/10010256-l...-rw-drive-for-299-99-ac-s-h-newegg-com?page=3

 

[drewbagel423]

For whatever reason, new Lenovo TS-140 servers have been selling for cheap. I got one with an Intel Xeon E3-1226 v3 3.3 GHz (compares to an i7), 4 GB ECC RAM, 1TB enterpise WD drive for 275 (it was usually 750). Runs so quiet you don't know its on. There was one for sale on slickdeals just a few days ago. They go on sale all the time.

https://slickdeals.net/f/10010256-l...-rw-drive-for-299-99-ac-s-h-newegg-com?page=3

Yeah those are one of the most recommended units among us home server geeks.

 

[Leonard23]

For whatever reason, new Lenovo TS-140 servers have been selling for cheap. I got one with an Intel Xeon E3-1226 v3 3.3 GHz (compares to an i7), 4 GB ECC RAM, 1TB enterpise WD drive for 275 (it was usually 750). Runs so quiet you don't know its on. There was one for sale on slickdeals just a few days ago. They go on sale all the time.

https://slickdeals.net/f/10010256-l...-rw-drive-for-299-99-ac-s-h-newegg-com?page=3

Yeah those are one of the most recommended units among us home server geeks.

so that could be used instead of a computer or NAS to transcode & stream video to multiple devices?

 

[drewbagel423]

so that could be used instead of a computer or NAS to transcode & stream video to multiple devices?

It is a computer. So is a NAS.

 

[Knight Shift]

It is a computer. So is a NAS.

When this thread started, I thought NAS was referring to the hip hop artist.

 

[Leonard23]

When this thread started, I thought NAS was referring to the hip hop artist.

 

[Knight Shift]

That will work for transcoding and streaming. Just buy the CD and you are good to go. Be sure to use a 20 amp circuit from your kitchen though. o_O

 

[ashokan]

so that could be used instead of a computer or NAS to transcode & stream video to multiple devices?

Yes - there are lots of threads online discussing TS-140 set-ups.

I don't use mine as a server but as a gaming unit. I pulled the 280w power supply and put in a 650w. Lenovo power supplies are enterprise and connect to mobo differently than others but a $10 adapter fixed that. I put in a SSD, Blu-ray drive and a AMD video card. If I bought the CPU on Newegg it would cost $270. So getting the whole thing for about that price was pretty good.

You'll see Dell T20s on sale a lot too. Their power supplies are generic but I like Lenovos cases, fans and USB ports (Lenovo has more ports - 4 are USB 3.0). Check slickdeals and computer forums for deals that pop-up. Some will come with i3 cpus and no hard drive. You can get the more potent Xeons and a drive for same price or a little more. The newer Xeons have hyperthreading too.

https://slickdeals.net/f/9782667-poweredge-t20-e3v3-4g-1tb-279-dell

 

[RUScrew85]

My NAS hosts my VPN and backups from PCs and phones. I never used Plex or other audio/video streaming. I haven't cut the cord. You kids get off my lawn.

 

[drewbagel423]

My NAS hosts my VPN and backups from PCs and phones. I never used Plex or other audio/video streaming. I haven't cut the cord. You kids get off my lawn.

What do you use, OpenVPN?

 

[RUScrew85]

What do you use, OpenVPN?

Nah my Synology NAS DS215j does a bunch of this crapola out of the box. I have Plex on my TV and Kodi on my phone. A couple of videos and music and never watch or listen to any of it. I do use my VPN when connected to public wifi.

 

[Knight Shift]

I've always built my own. Gives you much more flexibility and room to expand down the line. I've got a home theater computer (HTPC) connected to the living room TV for over the air (OTA) HD TV. We got rid of cable about 4 years ago.

It's got roughly 11TB of storage space, runs Plex Media Server and transcodes to 2 Rokus and our phones/tablets, CherryMusic/Madsonic for our own personal Spotify, Seafile to replace Google Drive and back up photos from our phones, PiHole to block unwanted ads from even entering our network, and obviously acts as a NAS for the entire house. Going to add OpenHab eventually to replace my current smart home hub. Plex, CherryMusic, and Seafile are all accessible from outside our home network.

Here is the parts list if you're interested. It's obviously overkill for what you're doing but can be easily scaled back. Would probably come out about the same as a prebuilt one once you start adding drives, but much more powerful and flexible.

https://pcpartpicker.com/user/drewbagel423/saved/8cNRsY

What do you guy use to capture OTA local channels? A rooftop aerial or one mounted in the attic? I will be about 50 miles from NYC in my new home.

 

[drewbagel423]

What do you guy use to capture OTA local channels? A rooftop aerial or one mounted in the attic? I will be about 50 miles from NYC in my new home.

Neither. This is what I use. Mounted on the wall in the upstairs bedroom closet facing towards NYC. I have no idea if the amplified models help at all.
Amazon product ASIN B0063705PE

 

[Knight Shift]

Neither. This is what I use. Mounted on the wall in the upstairs bedroom closet facing towards NYC. I have no idea if the amplified models help at all.

View embedded media

How far are you from NYC in miles (straight line)?

 

[ashokan]

What do you guy use to capture OTA local channels? A rooftop aerial or one mounted in the attic? I will be about 50 miles from NYC in my new home.

I tried an antenna on a computer TV card, and once on a TV - an amplified model. Did nothing - not even a messed-up pictures. I expected that because when I asked the Radio Shack sales dude if an antennae would work in our area he laughed.

I'm north of NYC and its a tough area. Seems HDTV waves get scrambled easier inside NYC (the refract off the buildings) and dont really escape the city well. Add any local tall buildings, mountains etc in reception area and its a tough situation. That's what I was told anyway, The exterior antennas probably work better. Don't lose your receipt on any indoor models lol.

 

[Knight Shift]

I tried an antenna on a computer TV card, and once on a TV - an amplified model. Did nothing - not even a messed-up pictures. I expected that because when I asked the Radio Shack sales dude if an antennae would work in our area he laughed.

I'm north of NYC and its a tough area. Seems HDTV waves get scrambled easier inside NYC (the refract off the buildings) and dont really escape the city well. Add any local tall buildings, mountains etc in reception area and its a tough situation. That's what I was told anyway, The exterior antennas probably work better. Don't lose your receipt on any indoor models lol.

I will be in Southern Monmouth county, with no tall buildings or mountains. I remember when I was a kid that we had an rooftop aerial that received Philly and NYC stations. We will be living in a ranch house, and I have no objection to mounting an aerial TV antenna.

 

[drewbagel423]

How far are you from NYC in miles (straight line)?

Sorry I meant to say I'm in Clifton. ~10 miles I guess.

I tried an antenna on a computer TV card, and once on a TV - an amplified model. Did nothing - not even a messed-up pictures. I expected that because when I asked the Radio Shack sales dude if an antennae would work in our area he laughed.

I'm north of NYC and its a tough area. Seems HDTV waves get scrambled easier inside NYC (the refract off the buildings) and dont really escape the city well. Add any local tall buildings, mountains etc in reception area and its a tough situation. That's what I was told anyway, The exterior antennas probably work better. Don't lose your receipt on any indoor models lol.

I will be in Southern Monmouth county, with no tall buildings or mountains. I remember when I was a kid that we had an rooftop aerial that received Philly and NYC stations. We will be living in a ranch house, and I have no objection to mounting an aerial TV antenna.

This is a good site to get an idea of your theoretical reception based on your location.
https://nocable.org/
http://www.tvfool.com/ is the best site to use, but seems to be down at the moment.

EDIT: Depending on what frequency channels you're attempting to pick up, the Mohu Leaf antenna may not be the best, regardless of how widely recommended it is.
http://www.reddit. com/r/cordcutters/comments/3dr0g2/mohu_leaf_30_not_picking_up_12_of_vhf_channels/
http://www.tested.com/tech/tvs/459923-best-indoor-hdtv-antenna-cities-today/
TLDR: The Mohu Leaf does not pick up VHF channels very well.

EDIT2: How do I post a link without this site attempting to convert it to a MEDIA tag?

 

[Knight Shift]

Sorry I meant to say I'm in Clifton. ~10 miles I guess.





This is a good site to get an idea of your theoretical reception based on your location.
https://nocable.org/
http://www.tvfool.com/ is the best site to use, but seems to be down at the moment.

EDIT: Depending on what frequency channels you're attempting to pick up, the Mohu Leaf antenna may not be the best, regardless of how widely recommended it is.
http://www.reddit. com/r/cordcutters/comments/3dr0g2/mohu_leaf_30_not_picking_up_12_of_vhf_channels/
http://www.tested.com/tech/tvs/459923-best-indoor-hdtv-antenna-cities-today/
TLDR: The Mohu Leaf does not pick up VHF channels very well.

EDIT2: How do I post a link without this site attempting to convert it to a MEDIA tag?

Thanks for that. I think I will go with an outdoor antenna.

 

[drewbagel423]

Thanks for that. I think I will go with an outdoor antenna.

Yeah where you are that's probably the best bet.