Synology DSM 7.2.2 Update: A Major Shift in Multimedia Support
Synology has released its latest software update, DSM 7.2.2, introducing several new features and enhancements. This update focuses on improving security and providing more options for customization. One of the notable security improvements includes enhanced SAML SSO client authentication, which helps ensure secure internal communications. Additionally, the update offers new options for third-party package installations, making it easier for developers to customize and distribute their applications. Despite these changes, DSM 7.2.2 is an optional update, and current users of DSM 7.2.1 can continue using their existing version, as it still receives firmware updates and maintains security standards.
However, DSM 7.2.2 brings significant changes for users relying on Synology’s multimedia and surveillance features. The update removes the built-in Video Station, encouraging users to use third-party applications like Plex or Jellyfin for media streaming. This shift may require some users to adjust their setups, especially those with large multimedia libraries. For surveillance systems, the update changes how certain video codecs, such as HEVC, are managed, potentially transferring more processing load to cameras and other edge devices. Users with complex multimedia or surveillance setups should carefully evaluate their needs before upgrading, while general users without these specific requirements can consider proceeding with the update.
Current issues people face after upgrading [Update on 27th August 2024]:
Based on the provided information, here are the issues people have encountered so far with the DSM 7.2.2 update:
- Removal of Video Station Support: The update no longer supports Video Station, which has upset users who rely on this feature for media management and playback.
- Incompatibility with Plex: The DSM 7.2.2 update has caused issues with Plex, requiring users to update to a new version of Plex specifically compatible with DSM 7.2.2.
- iDrive Package Incompatibility: Users have reported that the iDrive package is not compatible with DSM 7.2.2, causing it to stop working on some systems.
- Issues with HEIC and HEVC Media: Newly uploaded HEIC photos and HEVC (H.265) videos may not be processed correctly, which is a concern for users managing high-efficiency media formats.
- Problems with DDNS and Hyper Backup: External access via DDNS for Hyper Backup does not work properly, affecting remote backup capabilities.
PLEX FIXES
Recent discussions on Reddit reveal that Synology’s decision to discontinue support for Video Station (DS Video) has left many users disappointed. The removal of Video Station from the Package Center, especially after the DSM 7.2.2 update, has created frustration among those who relied on it for viewing family videos through Quick Connect. The app was known for providing a simple, out-of-the-box solution for media playback, including the generation of video thumbnails, which enhanced the user experience by showing previews before playing videos.
Users have expressed concerns about the lack of a clear alternative, with some suggesting that Synology Photos or third-party options like Plex and Jellyfin could fill the gap. However, these alternatives may not provide the same seamless integration or specific functionalities, such as subtitle support and ease of use for non-technical family members, that Video Station offered. The discontinuation is seen as part of Synology’s broader move away from supporting certain media codecs due to licensing costs, which is viewed by many as a step back for consumer-focused features. This shift has led some long-time Synology users to reconsider their loyalty, as the company appears to be focusing more on business clients rather than home users.
DSM 7.2.2 breaks Plex for whatever reason.
Plex has released a new version, specifically for DSM 7.2.2+ but the link is only available for Plex pass users…
So here are the direct links:
Intel/AMD 64-bit:
https://downloads.plex.tv/plex-media-server-new/1.41.0.8911-1bd569c5f/synology-dsm72/PlexMediaServer-1.41.0.8911-1bd569c5f-x86_64_DSM72.spk
The recent DSM 7.2.2 update for Synology NAS systems has sparked significant concern among users due to changes in how HEIC photos and HEVC (H.265) videos are handled in Synology Photos. Unlike previous versions, where the NAS handled the generation of previews and thumbnails for these file formats, the latest update offloads this task to client devices. This shift requires users to install the Synology Image Assistant extension on their desktops or enable specific settings in the Synology Photos mobile app to view and manage these files effectively. This change was not clearly communicated in the release notes, leaving many users surprised and frustrated when their media files didn’t display as expected after the update.
For many iPhone users, who commonly use HEIC and HEVC formats, this update significantly impacts the usability of Synology Photos. The requirement to install additional software or use specific apps adds complexity, potentially affecting the seamless experience users expect from Synology’s ecosystem. Users have voiced concerns that the move away from NAS-handled background processing could slow down media access and increase the storage and processing load on individual devices. This is particularly problematic for those with large media libraries who rely on the NAS to efficiently manage and optimize file storage.
The update has also highlighted a broader shift in Synology’s focus, from catering primarily to consumer needs to targeting small and medium-sized business clients. Long-time users feel that Synology is deprioritizing consumer-centric features in favor of business-oriented functionalities, leading to frustration among those who invested in Synology products for their ease of use and comprehensive media management capabilities. This sentiment has prompted some users to explore alternative software solutions or consider creating custom workflows to maintain the functionality they require. As the community continues to voice its concerns, it remains crucial for Synology to address these issues and provide clearer communication and support to ensure user satisfaction.
Key Changes in DSM 7.2.2
- No More Video Station: One of the most notable changes is the removal of Video Station from DSM 7.2.2. Synology users have long relied on Video Station for managing and streaming their media libraries. With this update, Video Station is no longer available, forcing users to find alternative ways to stream their videos. Synology suggests using third-party apps like Jellyfin or Plex for media streaming, but this means users will need separate apps for different functionalities—one for backing up photos and videos, and another for streaming.
- Shift of Media Processing to End Devices: Starting with DSM 7.2.2, processing of media files using popular codecs such as HEVC (H.265), AVC (H.264), and VC-1 will now be handled by end devices like smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs. This shift aims to reduce the workload on the NAS system and improve overall efficiency. However, it also means that devices must support these codecs, or users will face limitations in media playback. This could be problematic for those with older devices or those trying to stream high-quality 4K content.
- Transcoding Limited to Specific Models: Transcoding capabilities, which allow media files to be converted on the fly for compatibility with various devices, are now restricted. Only VA series NAS models and the Surveillance Station application will continue to support server-side transcoding of AVC (H.264) streams. For all other models, transcoding must be handled on the receiving device. This change might hinder the experience for users who need to stream high-resolution media remotely, as it requires sufficient processing power and bandwidth.
- No Downgrading After Update: An important note with this update is that once you install DSM 7.2.2, you cannot downgrade to a previous DSM version. Users need to carefully consider if the new features and changes align with their needs, especially those who heavily rely on multimedia capabilities.
Impact on Multimedia Experience
The removal of Video Station and the shift to device-side media processing significantly impact how users interact with their Synology NAS for multimedia. Those who used Synology for its robust, integrated multimedia solutions might feel the need to explore other platforms or third-party applications to maintain the same level of functionality.
Workarounds and Recommendations
- Third-Party Media Servers: With the phasing out of Video Station, Synology recommends using third-party media servers like Jellyfin or Plex. These platforms offer robust media streaming solutions, though they come with the caveat of managing and setting up additional software.
- Upgrade End Devices: To adapt to the shift in media processing, ensure that your end devices (TVs, smartphones, tablets) are capable of handling HEVC (H.265), AVC (H.264), and VC-1 codecs. This might involve updating software or purchasing new hardware that supports these standards.
- Consider Your Streaming Needs: If remote streaming of high-resolution content like 4K videos is crucial, assess your network upload speeds and the capabilities of your receiving devices. Synology’s recommendation to handle transcoding on receiving devices might not be feasible for everyone, especially those with slower internet connections or less powerful devices.
Conclusion
The DSM 7.2.2 update marks a significant change in how Synology handles multimedia. While the focus on reducing system resource usage and improving efficiency is understandable, it does present challenges for users who have come to rely on Synology’s integrated multimedia features. As always, it’s important to assess your specific needs and adjust your setup accordingly. This might mean embracing third-party solutions, upgrading devices, or reevaluating how multimedia fits into your NAS strategy.
Stay tuned for more updates and guides on how to make the most of your Synology NAS with these new changes!
In the conversation about DSM 7.2.2, specific details were discussed regarding SSD volumes (or SSD pools) and their behavior after the update:
- Compatibility Issues with SSD Volumes:
- After updating to DSM 7.2.2, one user, kaj, reported that their NAS began beeping continuously and displayed a message indicating that the drives in Volume 2 (an SSD volume) were incompatible. This issue prevented access to Volume 2.
- The NAS system flagged the SSDs as incompatible post-update, which is a common issue when using non-Synology or third-party SSDs in certain NAS models, especially after major DSM updates that might change how the system handles hardware compatibility.
- Using Compatibility Scripts:
- To resolve this issue, kaj had a script set up to handle compatibility with HDD/SSD drives, which was intended to run at startup. However, even with this script, the drives were not recognized after the update.
- Kaj downloaded an updated version of the compatibility script and set it as a startup task. After implementing the updated script and rebooting the NAS, the system recognized the SSDs, and access to Volume 2 was restored.
- General Advice and Observations:
- The issue discussed highlights the importance of having updated scripts or workarounds in place, particularly for users who modify their NAS setups with non-standard components or configurations. The update to DSM 7.2.2 might have altered how the system checks for drive compatibility, necessitating updated scripts to ensure continued operation of SSD volumes.
- Another participant, FrostByte, noted that their specific model (DS1821+) did not require any hacks or scripts to recognize SSD volumes, suggesting that the impact of the update on SSD compatibility might vary between different NAS models or setups.
- Performance and Management of SSD Volumes:
- While not explicitly detailed in the provided conversation snippets, the general concerns around SSD volume management post-update likely relate to maintaining performance and ensuring that the NAS can effectively use SSDs for tasks such as caching, storing high-demand data, or running applications that benefit from faster storage access.
Version: 7.2.2-72803
Important Note
- After installing this update, you will not be able to downgrade to a previous DSM version.
- This update will restart your Synology NAS.
- For the models below, you can only download the upgrade patch from Synology Download Center because you won’t receive notifications for this update on your DSM.
- FS Series: FS3017, FS2017, FS1018
- XS Series: RS18016xs+, RS4017xs+, RS3617xs+, RS3617xs, RS3617RPxs, RS18017xs+, DS3617xs, DS3617xsII, DS3018xs
- Plus Series: RS2416RP+, RS2416+, DS916+, DS716+II, DS716+, DS216+II, DS216+, DS1817+, DS1517+, RS2818RP+, RS2418RP+, RS2418+, RS818RP+, RS818+, DS1618+, DS918+, DS718+, DS218+, RS1219+
- Value Series: DS416, DS416play, DS216, DS216play, DS116, RS816, DS1817, DS1517, RS217, DS418play
- J Series: DS416slim, DS416j, DS216j, DS418j, DS218j, DS419slim, DS119j
- Starting from this version, the processing of media files using HEVC (H.265), AVC (H.264), and VC-1 codecs will be transitioned from the server to end devices to reduce unnecessary resource usage on the system and enhance system efficiency. These codecs are widespread on end devices such as smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs. If the end device does not support the required codecs, the use of media files may be limited. Refer to this article for workarounds. In addition, please note the following exceptions:
- Surveillance Station on DSM will continue to support server-side processing of AVC (H.264) streams, see the release notes.
- Deep Video Analytics (DVA) series models and VisualStation clients will retain support for AVC (H.264) and HEVC (H.265) codecs.
- To ensure package compatibility, Advanced Media Extensions (AME), File Station, Media Server, Surveillance Station, Synology Drive, Universal Search, Synology Photos and Snapshot Replication will automatically update to the latest version.
- Video Station is not available on DSM 7.2.2. Refer to this article for workarounds to stream videos to end devices.
- Updated Storage Manager to 1.0.0-00502 to fix issues. For more information, see the release notes.
Compatibility & Installation
- The following third-party packages are currently incompatible with DSM 7.2.2. Compatible package versions will be released in the future, and this list will be updated accordingly:
- BRAVIA Signage
- TeamViewer
What’s New
- Added support for selecting whether to verify response or assertion signatures for SAML SSO clients.
- Supports customization of package installation, upgrade, and uninstallation wizards for third-party package developers. Learn more
Fixed Issues
- Enhanced protection against deletion of immutable snapshots.
- Enhanced file system error recoverability.
- Fixed an issue where backing up WriteOnce shared folders in Hyper Backup might occupy extra space.
- Enhanced the performance of Thick Provisioned LUNs when the volume is nearly full.
- Enhanced file search performance when there are a large number of files with the same name.
- Fixed an issue where restarting the system during an entire system backup could prevent volumes from mounting properly.
- Fixed an issue where scheduled tasks of emptying recycle bins might fail to delete folders only containing the “desktop.ini” file.
- Fixed an issue where triggering Adaptive MFA or entering incorrect account credentials might cause the auto block function to count login attempts abnormally.
- Fixed an issue where users might not be able to set up OTP for login.
- Fixed an issue where uploading IdP metadata might fail when setting up SAML SSO clients.
- Fixed an issue where users might not return to DS cam or DS finder after using OIDC SSO login.
- Fixed an issue where users might not receive emails with emergency codes when using 2FA for DSM login.
- Fixed an issue where data synchronization might fail when creating backup or replication tasks to a remote target server via Snapshot Replication, Hyper Backup, or other packages.
- Fixed an issue where login might fail when creating backup or replication tasks to a remote target server via Snapshot Replication, Hyper Backup, or other packages.
- Fixed an issue where OpenVPN might fail to disable gateways.
- Fixed an issue where using SAML SSO for DSM login might fail if the IdP’s response was too long.
- Fixed an issue where the system might become unresponsive when setting up OIDC SSO clients.
- Fixed an issue where Resource Monitor might display abnormal connection times in Connections > Connected Users.
- Fixed an issue where users might not be able to use a hardware security key for DSM login.
- Fixed a security vulnerability regarding ghostscript (CVE-2024-29510).
- Fixed security vulnerabilities regarding netatalk (CVE-2024-38439, CVE-2024-38440, CVE-2024-38441).
- Fixed a security vulnerability regarding Terrapin Attack (CVE-2023-48795).
- Fixed a security vulnerability regarding glibc (CVE-2023-4911).
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