Choices!!!

[bluepine]

I've done countless hours of research into home based NAS and can't seem to make a decision. I currently run 2 pc laptops (Xp and win7), PS3 and some day a Mac. Help!! I'm leaning towards the Mediasmart ex490 or ex495. Should I be looking at Qnap or Netgear? preferably I would like the ability to stream my audio/video content to the PS3 as well as have a fast backup/storage system.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[thiggins]

The problem with the Windows Home Server based Mediasmarts is that you have no control over when they "Balance" storage. Users have reported problems with HD streaming when balancing is running.

For any NAS you're considering, check its user Forums (and general Googling or Binging) for reports on success / problems with PS3 streaming. The PS3 relies on UPnP AV / DLNA and media server implementations vary.

 

[bluepine]

Thanks for getting back to me Tim. I've done tons of searching on various topics regarding these machines. With the little knowledge I've attained, it comes down to a few machines

-HP Mediasmart EX490 (can upgrade processor myself)
-Thecus 4100 Pro (sexy lol, but fast?)
-Netgear ReadyNAS Duo (Slow?)
-Netgear ReadyNAS NV+ (Slow?)

Bottom Choice

DLink 323

Other computer users in the household would need something easy to understand and use. Hence, a + for the Mediasmart.

The streaming for the PS3 would be done by the Twonkey software in native format of the video. If conversion is needed on the video it would be done on the end user. Does the Mediasmart have torrent software ie. bittorrent etc..? (some reviews say "yes" some say "no")

Thanks for your help and the great site.

 

[thiggins]

The streaming for the PS3 would be done by the Twonkey software in native format of the video. If conversion is needed on the video it would be done on the end user. Does the Mediasmart have torrent software ie. bittorrent etc..? (some reviews say "yes" some say "no")

The MediaSmart performance issue isn't related to transcoding. It's simply a throughput issue. The Balancing process basically takes top priority and hammers the drives, leaving little steady throughput for reliable streaming.

Bittorrent downloading isn't build into the basic MediaSmart / WHS. You need the uTorrent add-in.

 

[bluepine]

From my understanding, once you do your full back up of your system you can set the Mediasmart to update only those files that have changed. Is this correct?(this could have been another NAS that I was reading about) How do the other machines relate when it comes to performance? I noticed the HP is at the top of the chart for NAS machine's. What would you personally recommend for someone like myself in that price range? $500-$600?


Thanks

 

[veehb]

I see that the DNS-323 is listed as your "bottom choice". I'm also looking for a NAS for a system with both PCs and MAC computers. Care to explaine why the DNS-323 is your bottom choice. It is less expensive than the others you are considering. Maybe one get's what one pays for. Have you made a decision yet?