NAS for access video, images and music

[jlc1978]

Also, adding an iOS device does nothing for the same need for accessing network storage on the other devices (Xbox 360, PS3, etc.).

Synology has an app that makes the media available to other devices such as Xbox/PS3/etc. The app isn't iPhone or ATV only, they have the app for other Smartphones and you can stream to various other devices besides an ATV as well.

I was thinking about the Synology box. They actually have a nice set of cross platform apps to manage and use what is on their box.

DSM 5

 

[charlien]

First of all, a NAS is a running computer! Just a bit more lightweight.
IMO a little bit TOO lightweight, especially for the price.

My suggestion anno 2014 is make your own package:

Gigabyte makes a very nice Mini-ITX board for your needs: it is as low on energy use as a decent nas (10 watt!), yet way more powerfull. It is based on the Intel Celeron U1037, has dual gigabit, 3 SATA ports, HDMI out (for direct TV connection, very important if you like 24p content!), and runs FANLESS! Best of all, it is just 70€ including processor, so add 50€ for 8GB of RAM, 30€ for a PSU, and 30€ for a case (or build your own box) and you're surpassing any NAS AND APPLETV for just 180€. You can add 2 3,5 inch drives and an SSD for storage.

Spec_______Synology DS214+ (290€)______________________DIY Server U1037 (180€)
Processor_____Marvell Armada XP Dual_1,33Ghz________________Celeron 1.8Ghz Dual 64 bit (same power E7400 C2Duo)
Die_process___40nm_______________________________________22nm (hence more power at lower heat)
RAM_________1GB________________________________________8-16GB
SATA_________2x SATA 3Gb________________________________2x SATA 3Gb, 1x SATA 6Gn
HD_Decoding__no_________________________________________yes (HD2000)
Video-out______no_________________________________________HDMI/VGA
Fan___________90mm (20dB)_______________________________passive
Ethernet_______2xGigabit___________________________________2x Gigabit
PCI_slot_______no_________________________________________yes
Software_______DSM5_____________________________________Windows,_Linux,_OSX
DTSHD-MA_____icw AppleTV: no_____________________________over HDMI
24p playback___icw AppleTV: no_____________________________over HDMI and VGA
(retro) games___no_______________________________________yes

Can you share the model number of the motherboard. I can't find it.

 

[gugy]

The simplest solution is to get a used Mac Mini and exploit DAS (directly attached storage) as in external drive enclosures. Movies, music and reasonable image files don't require heavy bandwidth with respect to gig networks. On a Mac Mini you can add Plex, you can add JRivers, you get iTunes and there are other software to be had to create your media center. Similarly you could do similar with Windows based machine. If the goal is for ATV3 to thrive in your set up you already know how to do it and refusing to acknowledge needing the presence of OSX or Windows is a futile exercise.

Can I set up MAcMini to be also a personal cloud?
I need to access files remotely from work or anywhere.

Also, I like the idea of using the same set up to back up using time machine all my other computers I have on my home.

I like the simplicity of one piece of hardware of Synology but if the Mac Mini will be simpler to set up, I might go that route even though it will cost more.

 

[Uofmtiger]

I understand that, but I didn't configure 127.0.0.1. In fact, when i looked at the Hackintosh's Ethernet adapter it was 192.168.1.5. This is why I could not understand why PMS configured itself on 127.0.0.1. Strange, but nothing to do with me or my part. 🙂

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Not sure how adding an iOS device is going to make it easier. You are talking about adding several hundred dollars more with nothing going toward network storage.

I just find it unfortunate that Apple calls its Computers icon 'computers' when it is only good for Macs. It cannot connect to network appliances (NAS'), or other computers (Linux, BSD, Unix, Windows). Why not call the icon 'Macs' instead?

Also, adding an iOS device does nothing for the same need for accessing network storage on the other devices (Xbox 360, PS3, etc.). Let's try stepping out of the Apple box of thinking.

Because you could buy a Synology NAS and use IOS to Airplay audio (ds audio), video (ds video app) and I believe you could use an app like FileBrowser to Airplay photos. FileBrowser could probably do if all, but is have never tried it. Personally, I prefer just using a mini running Plex because it will play anything, but a NAS + iOS will work for most things. You just need to find an iOS app for the Airplay process. If you don't own an ios device, I think it will be more difficult.

 

[phrehdd]

Can I set up MAcMini to be also a personal cloud?
I need to access files remotely from work or anywhere.

Also, I like the idea of using the same set up to back up using time machine all my other computers I have on my home.

I like the simplicity of one piece of hardware of Synology but if the Mac Mini will be simpler to set up, I might go that route even though it will cost more.

You can use either the Synology NAS or a Mac Mini to accomplish WAN activity.

What you need to do is explore the actual applications involved and of course security. If you just need files, you can set up on either an FTP service. If you need some sort of transcoding done, again consider which applications will be required.

There are some DLNA type apps that work on Synology and similar for the Mini. Plex certainly can do that and is worth investigating on their forums with people who have done similar (for media files). Either way, do consider the security facets involved to protect either the NAS or a Mini.

Software worth investigating -
FTP server type software (probably already included in the Synology and similar with OSX Server edition)
Plex
XBMC

As well, learn about network DMZ.

 

[irishv]

I just find it unfortunate that Apple calls its Computers icon 'computers' when it is only good for Macs. It cannot connect to network appliances (NAS'), or other computers (Linux, BSD, Unix, Windows). Why not call the icon 'Macs' instead?

The ATV connects to Windows computers just fine if they're running iTunes, just the same as Macs. While I agree (with pretty much everyone) that it would be nice to connect directly to a NAS, the Apple TV was also billed as your iTunes content on your TV.

 

[gugy]

You can use either the Synology NAS or a Mac Mini to accomplish WAN activity.

What you need to do is explore the actual applications involved and of course security. If you just need files, you can set up on either an FTP service. If you need some sort of transcoding done, again consider which applications will be required.

There are some DLNA type apps that work on Synology and similar for the Mini. Plex certainly can do that and is worth investigating on their forums with people who have done similar (for media files). Either way, do consider the security facets involved to protect either the NAS or a Mini.

Software worth investigating -
FTP server type software (probably already included in the Synology and similar with OSX Server edition)
Plex
XBMC

As well, learn about network DMZ.

Thanks,
My needs are:

FTP
Video/photo/audio collection
Time Machine Backup

I like the Mini but I don't feel if it is necessary to buy a full fledge computer for these needs.
I just want something single that my whole family can access content using their Macs or iDevices and for me remotely get some work files and share work files with clients.

Also, I need a 4 bay NAS. Which do you recommend that would work best with Mac?
Take care

 

[BarkingGhost]

The ATV connects to Windows computers just fine if they're running iTunes, just the same as Macs. While I agree (with pretty much everyone) that it would be nice to connect directly to a NAS, the Apple TV was also billed as your iTunes content on your TV.

iTunes doesn't manage all of my content. That is the problem. If that were the case then this thread would be moot. Please show me how iTunes manages my pictures.

 

[IlikeMacsSoMuch]

iTunes doesn't manage all of my content. That is the problem. If that were the case then this thread would be moot. Please show me how iTunes manages my pictures.

As far as I know itunes doesn't manages the pictures, it streams them only. The not- jailbroken Apple TV is useless without iTunes.

 

[phrehdd]

Simplest solution -

1) use at home at least one iTunes installed Mac. This will serve up movies and music to your ATVs and possibly i-devices.

2) for outside of home - either the above or a "smart storage" unit such as NAS.

3) if you have non-Apple smart devices such as a smart TV etc., consider a good DLNA application on either the Mac or a NAS (check out Twonky as an example).

I am not sure what else there is to say. Both iTunes and ATV present constraints. This is part of being in the Apple eco system. The only other possibility is to use some cloud service storage/back up space outside the home that you can access from the office rather than a NAS but there is a commitment required for continued use.

 

[gugy]

Simplest solution -

1) use at home at least one iTunes installed Mac. This will serve up movies and music to your ATVs and possibly i-devices.

2) for outside of home - either the above or a "smart storage" unit such as NAS.

3) if you have non-Apple smart devices such as a smart TV etc., consider a good DLNA application on either the Mac or a NAS (check out Twonky as an example).

I am not sure what else there is to say. Both iTunes and ATV present constraints. This is part of being in the Apple eco system. The only other possibility is to use some cloud service storage/back up space outside the home that you can access from the office rather than a NAS but there is a commitment required for continued use.

Thanks.
Yeah, I think the MacMini might be the best since I am using all Apple products and my ecosystem is tied to it.
I might get an used MacMini, set up as a server and use to hold my media library and time machine.