QNAP vs Synology software

[james_mac]

I'm trying to decide on a NAS and have narrowed it down to two, QNAP TS-419P vs Synology DS410.

Basically I'll be using this as a file backup and media server. I have 2 MacBook Pros. I am thinking I will set it up as a RAID 5 with 4 2TB disks. I am especially interested in using it as a centralized video server for my PS3.

Both devices seem equally capable of working as a RAID and fileserver. I have a feeling what it boils down to is software. It is hard to get a real clear picture of the software from either site. Does anyone have any experience with either/both that can shed some light on how they are? Is one superior than the other? Do either do any transcoding of video/audio? Is it possible to put DVD rips up (created by RipIt) and have them playback on the PS3?

 

[thiggins]

You can demo both QNAP and Synology GUIs.
http://qnap.com/liveDemo.asp
http://www.synology.com/us/products/demo/index.php

Both support some transcoding, but for audio.

 

[james_mac]

Thanks! Looks like at least some of the features of the QNAP are not even available on the Mac. It also seemed in the iTunes settings that the QNAP only syncs music whereas the Synology says in its settings that it will sync audio and video files with iTunes.

I would be interested to know how the 2 actually perform as a media server.