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Forum Discussion
Advice needed
All of the available home server nas info is overwhelming.
I have been researching nas devices for more than 6 months and am in decision paralysis mode.
Here's what I need:
1. Media Storage. Have iMac with attached (via FireWire) 2tb ext drive for video. Have 3 young kids and want the nas to be future proof. I know that using our hd video recorder will necessitate plenty of storage for pics and home video.
2. Media storage for video. We own every pixar movie, kids movie, etc. I've hesitated putting them all on the iMac (will run out of room). The ones I have were ripped in an iPad compatible format ( great for airplane flights). Clearly this format is not optimal for our hd tv sets.
3. Streaming. Once I purchase the nas, will purchase units of some type to reside next to our 3 hd tvs play the ripped video. Currently have a Sony blu ray player which can only play a limited number of file formats stored (currently not verions i have on iMac). I am getting frustrated running around the house trying to find the one dvd they want to watch. As a techie, I want it available much more easily.
4. I travel a fair amount and want the ability to access the media data on my idevice or android from a network connection.
5. Want the grandparents to have the ability to access the media data.
6. Want to be able to store some of my work data (projects, limited pictures, videos, etc) from a desktop pc and laptop pc to the device.
7. Data needs to be accessible via pc and Mac os.
8. TV shows. We have comcast, and no TiVo devices. My wife is a Greys Anatomy junkie and would like o have access to the recorded video from any tv(living room and bedroom at a min).
I have a computer background, am a diy-er but am 20 yrs removed from programming. I enjoy debugging problems, but job and3 young kids prevent me from having much time to attack complicated problems or set up issues.
My questions are:
1. Which device? I've already decided on a readynas - too many things seem to be missing from the competitors, too many negative posts and the forum and support here is awesome. I'm leaning toward the ultra 4+ vs ultra 6+ vs pro 6, but don't think I need the business features of the pro model but may need the faster chip speed. Thoughts?
2. Do I need to be able to transcode? It is difficult to find an answer. Given that I have hd sets, I'd like to rip the DVD or blurray at highest resolution, but will need to play back on iPad, iPhone and droid devices. Some recommendations have been to rip 2 copies (at 2 resolutions). This seems overkill. Will orb handle this? If so, how hard is it to get orb up and running on the pro6?
3 I experimented with xbmc on my iMac and liked the UI. The interface is the characteristic of the media extender (popcorn hour, xbox ps3, wdtv, etc), but xbmc does a nice job accessing movie metadata. How does one copy the video, create metadata, (from the disc or download from the web)? Is there a way to access the data and store it on the nas such that it is accessible by different extenders?
4. Is it simple to set up the file system to store the videos?
5. How does readynas photos compare to iPhoto?
6. How does one capture cable tv to the readynas? Do I need a Happaugue device?
I am sure I forgot a few quetions I know these are redundant and that each answer is likely to be found elsewhere on the forum. However, I think the answers will be helpful to many of us who can't decide which nas to buy.
Thanks!
I have been researching nas devices for more than 6 months and am in decision paralysis mode.
Here's what I need:
1. Media Storage. Have iMac with attached (via FireWire) 2tb ext drive for video. Have 3 young kids and want the nas to be future proof. I know that using our hd video recorder will necessitate plenty of storage for pics and home video.
2. Media storage for video. We own every pixar movie, kids movie, etc. I've hesitated putting them all on the iMac (will run out of room). The ones I have were ripped in an iPad compatible format ( great for airplane flights). Clearly this format is not optimal for our hd tv sets.
3. Streaming. Once I purchase the nas, will purchase units of some type to reside next to our 3 hd tvs play the ripped video. Currently have a Sony blu ray player which can only play a limited number of file formats stored (currently not verions i have on iMac). I am getting frustrated running around the house trying to find the one dvd they want to watch. As a techie, I want it available much more easily.
4. I travel a fair amount and want the ability to access the media data on my idevice or android from a network connection.
5. Want the grandparents to have the ability to access the media data.
6. Want to be able to store some of my work data (projects, limited pictures, videos, etc) from a desktop pc and laptop pc to the device.
7. Data needs to be accessible via pc and Mac os.
8. TV shows. We have comcast, and no TiVo devices. My wife is a Greys Anatomy junkie and would like o have access to the recorded video from any tv(living room and bedroom at a min).
I have a computer background, am a diy-er but am 20 yrs removed from programming. I enjoy debugging problems, but job and3 young kids prevent me from having much time to attack complicated problems or set up issues.
My questions are:
1. Which device? I've already decided on a readynas - too many things seem to be missing from the competitors, too many negative posts and the forum and support here is awesome. I'm leaning toward the ultra 4+ vs ultra 6+ vs pro 6, but don't think I need the business features of the pro model but may need the faster chip speed. Thoughts?
2. Do I need to be able to transcode? It is difficult to find an answer. Given that I have hd sets, I'd like to rip the DVD or blurray at highest resolution, but will need to play back on iPad, iPhone and droid devices. Some recommendations have been to rip 2 copies (at 2 resolutions). This seems overkill. Will orb handle this? If so, how hard is it to get orb up and running on the pro6?
3 I experimented with xbmc on my iMac and liked the UI. The interface is the characteristic of the media extender (popcorn hour, xbox ps3, wdtv, etc), but xbmc does a nice job accessing movie metadata. How does one copy the video, create metadata, (from the disc or download from the web)? Is there a way to access the data and store it on the nas such that it is accessible by different extenders?
4. Is it simple to set up the file system to store the videos?
5. How does readynas photos compare to iPhoto?
6. How does one capture cable tv to the readynas? Do I need a Happaugue device?
I am sure I forgot a few quetions I know these are redundant and that each answer is likely to be found elsewhere on the forum. However, I think the answers will be helpful to many of us who can't decide which nas to buy.
Thanks!
21 Replies
Replies have been turned off for this discussion
Jjnsgy wrote:
1. Which device? I've already decided on a readynas - too many things seem to be missing from the competitors, too many negative posts and the forum and support here is awesome. I'm leaning toward the ultra 4+ vs ultra 6+ vs pro 6, but don't think I need the business features of the pro model but may need the faster chip speed. Thoughts?
If you can afford it - Pro6 for the processor speed and future proofing. Else Ultra 6+.2. Do I need to be able to transcode? It is difficult to find an answer. Given that I have hd sets, I'd like to rip the DVD or blurray at highest resolution, but will need to play back on iPad, iPhone and droid devices. Some recommendations have been to rip 2 copies (at 2 resolutions). This seems overkill. Will orb handle this? If so, how hard is it to get orb up and running on the pro6?
See next point - but forget Orb as it is a dead product as far as ReadyNAS is concerned3 I experimented with xbmc on my iMac and liked the UI. The interface is the characteristic of the media extender (popcorn hour, xbox ps3, wdtv, etc), but xbmc does a nice job accessing movie metadata. How does one copy the video, create metadata, (from the disc or download from the web)? Is there a way to access the data and store it on the nas such that it is accessible by different extenders?
Check out Plex. http://www.plexapp.com
There is a version for ReadyNAS that, with a suitably powerful NAS, will enable you to manage a single library of videos, music & photos directly on you NAS, feed windows, Mac, mobile and other clients via automatic transcoding as needed depending on if you are on the local network or remote. Metadata is automatically downloaded from intenet resources. Read the blog there also as there is a new release due next week with enhancements which will do pretty much everything you ask.4. Is it simple to set up the file system to store the videos?
Yes - especially with the help from this forum :wink:5. How does readynas photos compare to iPhoto?
2 different products and so not directly comparable - ReadyNAS photos is designed to enable the easy creation of web accessible photo galleries - nothing more6. How does one capture cable tv to the readynas? Do I need a Happaugue device?
A question for someone elsesphardy wrote: Jjnsgy wrote:
1. Which device? I've already decided on a readynas - too many things seem to be missing from the competitors, too many negative posts and the forum and support here is awesome. I'm leaning toward the ultra 4+ vs ultra 6+ vs pro 6, but don't think I need the business features of the pro model but may need the faster chip speed. Thoughts?
If you can afford it - Pro6 for the processor speed and future proofing. Else Ultra 6+.
Was my thought as well. Not to tarnish the readynas forum, but I was told to check out the sinology 1511+, but other than the UI, I don't see benefits in the functionality.2. Do I need to be able to transcode? It is difficult to find an answer. Given that I have hd sets, I'd like to rip the DVD or blurray at highest resolution, but will need to play back on iPad, iPhone and droid devices. Some recommendations have been to rip 2 copies (at 2 resolutions). This seems overkill. Will orb handle this? If so, how hard is it to get orb up and running on the pro6?
See next point - but forget Orb as it is a dead product as far as ReadyNAS is concerned3 I experimented with xbmc on my iMac and liked the UI. The interface is the characteristic of the media extender (popcorn hour, xbox ps3, wdtv, etc), but xbmc does a nice job accessing movie metadata. How does one copy the video, create metadata, (from the disc or download from the web)? Is there a way to access the data and store it on the nas such that it is accessible by different extenders?
Check out Plex. http://www.plexapp.com
There is a version for ReadyNAS that, with a suitably powerful NAS, will enable you to manage a single library of videos, music & photos directly on you NAS, feed windows, Mac, mobile and other clients via automatic transcoding as needed depending on if you are on the local network or remote. Metadata is automatically downloaded from intenet resources. Read the blog there also as there is a new release due next week with enhancements which will do pretty much everything you ask.
Have read about plex as well. Will read up further. Any suggestions on a media extender?4. Is it simple to set up the file system to store the videos?
Yes - especially with the help from this forum :wink:
Don't think I won't be availing myself of the help. It is one of the best reasons to purchase a readynas nas.5. How does readynas photos compare to iPhoto?
2 different products and so not directly comparable - ReadyNAS photos is designed to enable the easy creation of web accessible photo galleries - nothing more
As I understood. But if all photos are stored in an iPhoto catalog, can readynas photos access the library and create web accessible galleries?6. How does one capture cable tv to the readynas? Do I need a Happaugue device?
A question for someone else
Will research further.
Anybody have experience with ATT Uverse or Comcast/xfinity?- Is the main reason to recommend the pro6 for the transcoding? I had another thought and subsequent question. Since I sync videos to my iPad for plane trips (not streaming), I assume I will need a second copy. I imagine the transcoding capability of plex will make a second copy that is idevice compatible. If that's the case, I will then need Handbrake or something similar to convert the HD video on the nas to a smaller compressed version which can go on the mobile device. Thoughts?
- Media Extender - I mainly use Plex on macs, with a mini plugged into my TV which is the best option, if the most expensive.I I have an LG TV also that has a Plex Client built in. Not the most visually attractive option, but it seems to work well. Have heard good things about both the Samsung client and ATV2 clients, but ATV2 currently requires a Jailbreak. Roku appears to be beta quality but developing fast. Check out the Plex forum for other opinions
ReadyNAS Photos - it maintains a completely separate photo library. There is no integration with iPhoto or any other photo app. You would export from iPhoto, then import to RN Photos.
Transcoding - for offline access yes you will need a 2nd copy of your videos. Plex does allow you to maintain those together in your library, or separate them as you wish. I'd still recommend the Pro6 - once you have your NAS running it is very likely you will want to run other apps too and the faster processor the better. Plus the 6 bays as if you start making full quality rips and you begin backing up your other devices to the NAS then disks space will be consumed quickly. Note the ReadyNAS 4 bay devices have much slower processors than either 6 or 2 bay units
Update - Plex 9.5 is now released. Try it on our iMac first to see if it works for you - Great advice, thanks.
How do you back up multiple Tb of data? A second nas? Readynas vault? How expensive? - Last issue. Looking up the prices online, I find stores that sell the rndp-6000, the prior pro version, not the pro 6.
- Unless you have loads of cash to spend, backing up multiple TBs of data, using a second NAS would be a much better option than ReadyNAS Vault. ReadyNAS Vault is a good option for important irreplaceable data (typically a small number of gigabytes if that) not for backing up your media library.
The RNDP6000-100 is the Pro Business Edition. The Pro 6 (RNDP6000-200 aka RNDP6000v2) is the one you want. The Pro Business Edition is an older model with a slower CPU (same CPU as Ultra 6 Plus). Jjnsgy wrote:
How do you back up multiple Tb of data? A second nas? Readynas vault? How expensive?
Second NAS for local daily backup - I use my older NV+ (see signature) - plus weekly backup to USB drives to offer extra insurance (already had the drives available prior to my initial NAS purchase, so this was a "no net cost" extra)
CrashPlan for online backup of critical data. Requires manual install on the ReadyNAS, but is not difficult, so far works very well and feature-wise is as good if not better than vault + is far cheaper ($5 per month max for unlimited data on Crashplan; Vault would be at least 10x that price for 100GB+)- I am also looking to upgrade, I have a Duo 500gb now. It's at almost 90% capacity, so time to move up.
I was looking at the ReadyNas Ultra 2 Plus, will that be sufficient to run Plex and transcode?
thx mdgm wrote: Unless you have loads of cash to spend, backing up multiple TBs of data, using a second NAS would be a much better option than ReadyNAS Vault. ReadyNAS Vault is a good option for important irreplaceable data (typically a small number of gigabytes if that) not for backing up your media library.
The RNDP6000-100 is the Pro Business Edition. The Pro 6 (RNDP6000-200 aka RNDP6000v2) is the one you want. The Pro Business Edition is an older model with a slower CPU (same CPU as Ultra 6 Plus).
Understood. The Pro 6 is not included in the Netgear $100 discounted bundles, correct?
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