DS1520+ or DS1621+ for PLEX

I’m leaning toward a Synology NAS, but I’m conflicted between the DS1520+ and the DS1621+.

The primary application is data backup, and I’d like the NAS to have at least four bays. The secondary application is Plex–initially streaming videos but at some point will cut the cord. At some later date I might want to use the NAS to capture security camera video streams.

I’m leaning toward the DS1520+ because it supports hardware transcoding and the DS1621+ doesn’t, and the DS1520+ costs $200 less, but I don’t know if hardware transcoding is important in my application, and I don’t know if there are other features that should concern me or even other NAS boxes I should consider.

I have one 4K TV and one 1080p TV that would be streaming from the Plex server, as well as a few laptops and tablets and smartphone.
Given the above, what would you advise?

 

Yes, DS1520+ do have multimedia friendly hardware. But none of these models would handle 4K Plex transcoding (only in Video Station app). But both models would easily cope with 1080p content.
If you stream media locally only, then transcoding is not necessary. If you stream 4K video on a 4K TV. You can keep a second copy (1080p for the older TV).
In this case, any plus series NAS will serve just fine.

I hope this helps.


If you like this service, please consider supporting us.
We use affiliate links on the blog allowing NAScompares information and advice service to be free of charge to you. Anything you purchase on the day you click on our links will generate a small commission which is used to run the website. Here is a link for Amazon and B&H. You can also get me a ☕ Ko-fi or old school Paypal. Thanks! To find out more about how to support this advice service check HERE   If you need to fix or configure a NAS, check Fiver   Have you thought about helping others with your knowledge? Find Instructions Here  

☕ WE LOVE COFFEE ☕

Or support us by using our affiliate links on Amazon UK and Amazon US
     

locked content ko-fi subscribe
Private 🔒 Inner Circle content in last few days :
(Early Access) Samsung 990 EVO PLUS SSD Review - A Gen 4.5 SSD?
(Early Access) An UnRAID NAS in Your Pocket - NICE! (Minisforum S100 Review)
(Early Access) Big Update on the UnifyDrive UT2 NAS - More Tests and New Stuff
(Early Access) Minisforum MS-A1 - A Good DIY 4 Bay NAS Server? (Review)
(Early Access) $30 Synology Upgrade = 5x NETWORK SPEEDS
(Early Access) The BEST Alternatives to PLEX for Your NAS Media
(Early Access) Phison E31T Gen5 SSD Review - Who Need DRAM?
(Early Access) UniFi Protect & ONVIF Support - How It Works and What To Expect
(Early Access) Alternatives to Synology NAS - Which Is Best?
(Early Access) The BEST USB Network Upgrades of 2024/2025
(Inner Circle) Aoostar TB4S-OC USB4/Oculink SSD Box Review - Unreal NAS Expansion?
(Early Access) Asustor Flashstor vs Terramaster F8 SSD PLUS NAS - Best SSD NAS Drive?
Access content via Patreon or KO-FI

DISCUSS with others your opinion about this subject.
ASK questions to NAS community
SHARE more details what you have found on this subject
CONTRIBUTE with your own article or review. Click HERE
IMPROVE this niche ecosystem, let us know what to change/fix on this site
EARN KO-FI Share your knowledge with others and get paid for it! Click HERE

ASK YOUR QUESTIONS HERE!