How to Add Video Station and HEVC Support Back to Synology DSM 7.2.2

Last updated on 30 Aug 2024 📧 Subscribe

How to Restore Video Station and HEVC Support on DSM 7.2.2

The latest Synology DSM 7.2.2 update has removed Video Station and transcoding features, causing a stir among users who rely on their Synology NAS for multimedia playback. Without these features, streaming high-quality videos, especially those in HEVC (H.265) format, has become challenging. However, there are ways to restore Video Station and HEVC support on DSM 7.2.2. This article will guide you through the steps and provide insights from the community on handling these changes.

IMPORTANT – The steps detailed in this walkthrough are not strictly within the recommended usage and guarantee of your Synology NAS. These steps involve using SSH commands and downloading software packages from 3rd party sources. This therefore has the potential to invalidate your warranty and support from Synology, as you would be using the system in a way that is not recommended or endorsed by the brand. Failure to safely/correctly use SSH/Terminal commands, as well as installing packages from 3rd party providers opens the door to rendering your system in an unsafe stay OR bricking your system entirely. Additionally, I would not be surprised if Synology changes their mind on Video station (following negative feedback) and either continue to maintain the package into DSM 7.2.2 onwards at a later date, or at the very least postpone it’s removal.

 

 

Why Was Video Station Removed in DSM 7.2.2?

Synology’s decision to remove Video Station and server-side transcoding in DSM 7.2.2 aims to offload processing tasks from the NAS to end devices. This change is intended to enhance system efficiency by reducing unnecessary resource usage. However, it means that only specific NAS models (like the DVA series) will retain transcoding capabilities. For most users, this change results in limited support for popular codecs such as HEVC (H.265), AVC (H.264), and VC-1, affecting the ability to stream high-definition and 4K content seamlessly.

Issues Encountered with DSM 7.2.2

Users have reported various playback issues with Video Station after updating to DSM 7.2.2:

  1. Smooth Playback for Some Formats: Standard video formats, like 2GB 720p BluRay H264 AAC and 3GB 1080p WEBRip x264 AAC 5.1, play without issues.
  2. Problems with 4K and High-Definition Content: Higher quality videos, such as 5GB 2160p 4K BluRay x265 10bit AAC 5.1, do not start playing and display a spinning red circle, indicating buffering. Larger files with advanced audio codecs, like 64GB 2160p BluRay x265 10bit SDR DTS-HD MA TrueHD 7.1 Atmos, either fail to play or show unsupported format errors.
  3. HEVC Playback: Some users have managed to get HEVC playback working, but only after applying specific patches or downgrading certain Synology packages.

How to Restore Video Station on DSM 7.2.2

Despite the official removal, you can still restore Video Station on DSM 7.2.2 using a script developed by the Synology community. Here’s how:

  1. Download the Script: Visit GitHub and download the script provided by user 007Reward. GitHub Link
  2. Enable SSH on Your Synology NAS: SSH access is required to run the script. Go to the Control Panel on your Synology NAS, enable SSH, and make sure to disable it once the installation is complete for security reasons.
  3. Run the Script: Use the SSH command line to navigate to the directory where the script is saved and execute it using the command:
    sudo sh /volume1/scripts/install_videostation.sh
  4. Configure HEVC Support: After installing Video Station, ensure that the HEVC codec is enabled. Some users have reported success by rolling back to an older version of the Advanced Media Extensions (AME) or using specific patches to support missing codecs.

Community Workarounds and Tips

  • Codec Patcher: For those struggling with specific codecs (like DTS, EAC3, or TrueHD), there is a codec patcher available on GitHub that can help restore support for these formats. VideoStation FFMPEG Patcher
  • Use Third-Party Media Servers: With the removal of Video Station, some users are turning to alternatives like Plex, Jellyfin, or Emby. These third-party apps offer more robust media management features and support a wider range of codecs. Plex, for example, is known for its comprehensive transcoding capabilities, which can handle various formats and resolutions.
  • Consider MediaStack: MediaStack is an all-in-one Docker-based media server solution that integrates Jellyfin, Plex, and other media applications. It provides a streamlined way to manage and access media content, with options for secure remote access. This setup is particularly useful for users looking to replace Synology’s native apps with more flexible and powerful tools. MediaStack Guide

Conclusion

The removal of Video Station and transcoding in DSM 7.2.2 has undoubtedly created challenges for Synology NAS users, particularly those who rely on these features for seamless multimedia playback. However, thanks to the active Synology community, there are solutions to restore these capabilities and ensure that your NAS can still handle high-quality video streaming. Whether through scripts, third-party applications, or alternative media stacks, users have options to maintain the functionality they need.

Additional Resources



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      33 thoughts on “How to Add Video Station and HEVC Support Back to Synology DSM 7.2.2”

      5. I just upgraded to the latest version of the system…. I am disappointed with Synology’s product. Withdrew one of the most important functions that their device has. A big negative and probably time to part ways with the company. What will be the next step removing DS Audio ? or quickconnect….
        Failure !!!
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      8. I´m still at DSM 7.2.1-69057 and got a warning to update to Version: 7.2.2-72806
        I use plex for my video streaming is this version 7.2.2-72806 going to mess with my video streaming?
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      13. After installing Jellyfin and using it for several weeks with 7.2.1, I decided that I really rather hold onto Video Station and the HEVC codec rather than upgrading. So unless Synology decides to reinstate Video Station, I plan on staying frozen with 7.2.1 for eternity (and maybe even longer). Very disappointing.
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      14. They’ve been doing this kinda stuff for a while now, I remember when DSM 7 came out and it removed most USB support including USB TV tuners. I had to stick on DSM 6 due to that 🙁

        Even on DSM 6, I have to open terminal and run a script to load the tv stick drivers. They’ve been anti-consumer for years now 🙁
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      17. while trying too open it after the installation i get this massage : to use video station , please install th latest advanced media extensions (AME) and update its codec pack. but it is already up to date
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      20. So instead of improving Video Station and it’s apps to be a basic alternative to Plex /Emby, users now have to hack their Synology’s now defunct reason to even own their product? Instead of offering the option to pay for a subscription for a codec license, customers will now need to potentially brick their product or at least make their Nas less secure? If I wanted to do this hack, I would’ve upgraded to a Ugreen Nas instead with a more powerful internal spec’d hardware now that Synology has no advantage over the competition. Even if they back track their decision to reverse the video station deprecation, the damage is done already. They’re basically telling those who use their Nas because of their software, don’t buy it because at any given moment they will EOL said software and go buy any hardware from the competition because it’s better than anything they slapped together.
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      25. 10:11 – What’s with the screenshot of a bunch of scary looking errors? LOL The only time I saw that error while developing the script was when downloading the video station spk file had failed.
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      27. Could you make a video on what HEVC getting removed means for Synology Photos? I’m getting conflicting information? I think a lot more people care about that than Video Station.
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      29. nice tutorial….for the moment I wont be upgrading…. videostation is not a deal breaker…. but music station IS!
        video staion (as well as KODI) seems to have issues with choosing the incorrect audio streams with my movies.
        VLC never seems to have that issue so I don’t know what is up with that
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      32. Thanks for the tutorial and nice video by the way, the problem is if I have to do this every update and re-index all of the videos (thousands) every time, it’s as good as dead to me. Unless Synology does as you said a U turn, to me VS is gone and Synology with it.
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