Best DVR NAS Option?

Channels DVR Server
#10

FYI... These units are really great. I have been using them since I got my DS212+ in 2012. Not 1 issue for 7 years of owning it. However, I did upgrade to larger drives a few years ago. My point is that what you buy will probably last a long time and they have many more uses then just the Channels DVR. I never used the DS212+ for Channels since I had other options. It was primary my offsite backup for the office DS. But now I use the DS1019+ for the same offsite backup and also for Channels DVR (internal and external access) and Plex Movies (use a lot for internal and external access). I also use a DS918+ for local backup and for testing things like the Virtual Machine Manager.

So my point is look a the cost of all of these units and compare cost and maybe depending on your budget spend a bit more. Also, compare disk drive cost and maybe buy a bit more than you need. I use the WD RED NAS drives (5400 speed). I also added the SSD Cache (on the bottom of 1019 and 918) but not sure it gives that much of an improvement but felt why not with with the slower drives. If you got one of these you could always add later.

#11

Yes that makes complete sense

#12

I have the Synology DS718+ (upgraded to 6GB ram) with 2x 10TB Ironwolf NAS drives. Not too loud or power consuming.

It runs Channels DVR brilliantly with a HDHR Connect Quattro alongside. It can also transcode brilliantly with Plex using hardware transcoding with it's Intel CPU (Plex Pass feature - PMS must be installed via Plex and not package centre to work) if that's any use to you.

For me it was the best NAS for performance, size and noise and also the lockable drive trays are a plus for me with kids!

#13

This may be a little off the subject but I bought an older laptop and used it for my HTPC and it works great for me. Any Core i3, i5 or i7 would be faster than most inexpensive NAS options.

#14

I use a NETGEAR ReadyNAS RN212 two bay (comes disk-less) amazon $180.
So far, I use one WD Red 4TB NAS Hard Disk Drive - 6 Gb/s w/64MB cache in it. amazon $120
The NAS 212 has a 12 GB capacity, so I could install two 6 GB drives. I have Channels DVR running on the NAS which is directly connected to my 4 port cable modem as well as a HRHD Quattro, and an un-managed 8 port Gigabit switch. I have an Ooma VOIP, and two Nvidia shields connected via CAT 6 Ethernet on the un-managed switch. I have one Firestick TV connected also, but use Deca 10/100 Ethernet adapters on either end of a RG6 coax with a FireStick power/Ethernet adapter. The Firestick is the only device that I notice a delay of a video starting, but once it starts the video is nice and stable. I am swapping the un-managed switch out for a managed switch to prioritize the connections - 1-VOIP, 2-NAS/DVR, 3-TV, 4-WiFi. I am satisfied with the performance of the NAS in conjunction with the wired gigabit Ethernet for live OTA, DVR recordings, and streaming TV. At times, the VOIP has voice clarity issues which I believe is a cable bandwidth/LAN priority issue that the managed switch will rectify. I tried WiFi to the TV boxes before hard-wiring them, but the performance was not acceptable.

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#15

Synology DS1513+ and Channels works perfectly.

#16

I am new to HDHR and still learning about Channels. And while a laptop may be more powerful versus a NAS, I am not sure I understand its advantages. In order to serve as a recording engine, the laptop would need to be powered on 24/7. And of course too, unless the laptop is plugged in all the time, it seems this would be a continual drain on its battery.

Again, I am new with HDHR and still learning about the recording options. So I am just posting this as a question to gain further insight. Perhaps, some people like to use an existing laptop to save money versus spending more $$ on a NAS. I've never owned or worked with a NAS, but it seems the latest models would be more than capable serving as the storage device for Channels DVR.

Thanks for any insight into the laptop option and why some may choose to use it versus a NAS. Still considering all my options.

#17

In 2025, what is the best NAS to choose if I want continued support for Channels DVR server? I have not chosen wisely so far with my Nvidia Shield abandoned and now my Pi server scheduled to be abandoned this year.

I’m looking for something by that will keep support for longer than the year or two I have had on previous solutions.

#18

Do you need a NAS for other things or just for Channels DVR ? If it is just for channels DVR there are cheaper options than a NAS.... and better performance.

#19

Edwin's got a good question above. I'll just answer from the perspective of a user with a standalone installation.

In 2025 an NAS may not perform well for you if you play content in the web UI or do remote streaming. My 2018 Synology "plus" model works well for me otherwise, but apparently even the latest Synology boxes wouldn't improve results in those areas. See this reply from one of the developers:

#20

I use my Nas's for Storage etc ... or Movies and Series I want to keep I do not run my DVR on them.

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#21

Thanks for the speedy chime in! Yes, I’m replacing my current Terra-Master (I think it’s the F4-422). I was planning on having to put Channels on a mini PC but am now open to adding Channels to the NAS. I typically do not run other software on it. I’m hoping that the creators or other users can weigh in on which of the supported NAS providers are most likely to have continued support.

#22

So, is the idea that the NAS can run Channels DVR but mainly to store recordings? If I am running the player app on my phone or other device (like the Nvidia Shield), is that considered remote streaming?

#23

I used to run ChannelsDVR standalone on a Raspberry Pi, but I sold the Pi and moved to a Synology NAS (DS220+) that I use for media storage, backups, and it runs my ChannelsDVR and also Plex. All my viewing is in the house, and it performs well enough - no issues with recording or playback. Commercial detection is a little slow with only 1 thread available for that. If you don't need a NAS, there are better options as others have stated.

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#24

No, remote streaming = out-of-home streaming, like in a hotel or in a Tesla. My Channels DVR installation on an NAS works great with the apps for phone, tablet, Fire TV, etc. It only chokes while transcoding when I use the web UI for playback. I don't do remote streaming.

It seems to me Synology is the most popular here. (Get a unit with a "+" at the end of the model number.) For 2025 all the NAS types listed halfway down this page are still supported. If support ever goes away, you can still install the Docker image on most. I'm using the custom Synology install, but would be happy to switch to Docker anytime. In fact my Lyrion music server lives in Docker on another Synology NAS.

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#25

Channels — Hardware

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#26

Do any of the single bay synology NAS boxes have sufficient power to record directly to the NAS?

#27

You wil need a more powerful NAS either Qnap or U-green.
Synology DS224plus is good with memory upd=grade.

#28

Thanks for the quick reply. I may also look at a mini PC with backup on my NAS or a USB drive. That sound doable? My problem is that Channels will only record programs the day they are set to record. The next day, nothing. Perhaps there is a secret in keeping the Dell PC from auto upgrading, but I haven't found it yet.

#29

A quiet mini pc with a good solid state drive will work great for Channels and any other addon applications you may use with the application.
I'm running Channels on my Synology s220plus with a memory upgrade.
The system has been working great.