Simple NAS suggestions?

Bobby123 on 18/05/2017 - 17:11

Hi all, just after some advice please;

I've tried a couple of things so far when trying to view media (videos) on my TV through KODI:

Firstly, a USB HDD plugged into the router. Worked fine at first, but then had access issues and don't like the idea of it being spinning constantly.

Secondly, a pendrive into the TV directly. Works ok, but seems to flash and be active even when TV is off.

I'm after a very basic NAS that means I can just download/copy straight onto it and then stream to TV/PC, instead of having to first download to my PC copy to USB etc.
I don't need to back anything whatsoever up, so a single bay NAS will be fine (I think?). As long as I can just add a 3.5" drive and it be good to go.

I think I just need it to have DLNA/SAMBA capabilities so KODI can recognise it?

I have no experience with networking, so any advice is welcome!

I was thinking along the lines of:
Seagate Personal Cloud or Synology DiskStation DS216j

Computing NAS

Comments

  • scotty on 18/05/2017 - 17:31

    If you just want a single-bay NAS, maybe QNAP TS-112P, which was $87.20 from recent eBay sale. There will likely be more tech related sales next month at eBay when it comes to the end of financial year.

  • spackbace on 18/05/2017 - 17:49

    Use the pc as the server?

    • Diji1 on 18/05/2017 - 20:27

      Kinda defeats the point of a NAS doesn't it?

      • spackbace on 18/05/2017 - 21:27

        Not really, it suits the purpose. OP wants an easy way to stream and not do too much transferring, using the pc as the server solves this issue, without any expense.

  • Gronk on 18/05/2017 - 17:51

    Since you mentioned that you don't have a lot of tech experience maybe the WD MyBook is worth a go if you can pick them up on special.

    On the upside they're ready to use the second you take them out of the box, on the downside you can't replace just the HDD if it craps out so you'd be up for a whole new unit if that happened.

    Edit: I have 2 USB HDD's plugged in to my Router and neither one is constantly spinning - that doesn't sound right…

  • demiurge on 18/05/2017 - 19:01

    Raspberry Pi connected to a usb hdd, for the low power draw. You can spin down the disk when idle.

  • elcheapodeniro on 18/05/2017 - 19:55

    Seagate personal cloud would be ok, can run plex server as well. Just no transcoding.

  • Diji1 on 18/05/2017 - 20:28

    This will probably be a failed effort but atm I'm looking at how to use old Android devices as a NAS.

    There are guides on how to do this but I suspect it will require much arsing about and swearing at inanimate objects etc :p

    ATM I believe this goes:

    1) Power Android device with AC power (bypassing battery)

    2) Attach disks using a hub connected via OTG

    3) Install "special" Android version (or Linux if possible) which doesn't power down after 30 minutes, better wifi performance etc

    4) Set up on network.

  • mskeggs on 18/05/2017 - 21:43

    Chromecast with the Videostream plugin to stream off your hard drive?
    Or do you want to use Kodi for some other reason?

  • Bobby123 on 19/05/2017 - 13:55

    Thanks all; probably be keeping an eye out for another QNAP TS-112P on the cheap.

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