How can I use my Synology NAS for media streaming?

Using a Synology NAS for Media Streaming

Step 1: Set up your Synology NAS

1. Connect your Synology NAS to your home network using an Ethernet cable.
2. Power on the NAS and wait for it to boot up.
3. Open a web browser and enter the IP address of your NAS (e.g., 192.168.1.100) to access the Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM) interface.

Step 2: Install the Media Server package

1. In the DSM interface, go to the "Package Center" and search for "Media Server" (e.g., Plex, Video Station).
2. Select the desired media server package and click on "Install".
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Step 3: Add media to your Synology NAS

1. Connect an external hard drive or transfer media files from your computer to the NAS via the File Station or FTP.
2. Create a dedicated folder for your media files (e.g., "Movies", "TV Shows").

Step 4: Configure Media Server settings

1. Open the installed media server package from the DSM interface.
2. Navigate to the settings or preferences section of the media server.
3. Specify the location of your media files by selecting the appropriate shared folder on your Synology NAS.
4. Customize other settings such as transcoding, subtitles, and media information retrieval according to your preferences.

Step 5: Stream media to your devices

1. Install the media server app (e.g., Plex, DS Video) on your desired devices, such as smart TVs, smartphones, or tablets.
2. Launch the media server app and sign in with your NAS credentials.
3. Browse and select the media files you want to stream from your Synology NAS.
4. Enjoy streaming your media on your devices, whether at home or on the go.

Note: The performance and streaming capabilities of your Synology NAS may vary depending on the specific model and hardware specifications. It is recommended to refer to the manufacturer's documentation for detailed information.

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Supported Media Formats

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Compatible Devices

- Smart TVs: LG, Samsung, Sony, Panasonic, etc.
- Streaming devices: Chromecast, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, etc.
- Mobile devices: iPhone, iPad, Android smartphones, tablets, etc.
- Computers: Windows, macOS, Linux

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Transcoding Performance

The following table showcases the maximum number of simultaneous transcoded streams supported by select Synology NAS models:

Note: The actual number of transcoded streams can vary depending on various factors such as media file format, resolution, bitrate, and network conditions.