Cheapest NAS Option

Playground Hardware
#25

I agree with maddox, a NAS is the closest to a plug-and-play solution and closest to your desired setup that you will find.

The problem with a NAS, in general, is processing power (on a budget NAS). They are essentially hard drives with relatively weak computers built into them, unless you spend a great deal more.

The next simplest solution is to get a small computer, such as a NUC, and run it “headless”. Then, plug in 1 or more external hard drives for storage. Such a setup can be small, energy efficient, and quiet, but significantly more powerful than a NAS.

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#26

3 posts were split to a new topic: macOS Lion installation (mid-2007 mac mini)

macOS Lion installation (mid-2007 mac mini)
#28

How much storage/hr with 720p?

#29

“What you want is a NAS then. You can pick up a 2 bay NAS that would support everything in Channels for around $300. Drop 2 hard drives in it, and install Channels DVR and you’re done.”

If I use a NAS, I need to install a Channels DVR package on the NAS. Do I need a Mac, at least for a few minutes, to complete that step? Or can the NAS install be done via a LINUX or even Windows machine?

Also is there any reason to not choose an HD Homerun Extend over Connect? In other words does the compression done for Extend also provide some benefit to a non-wifi user? Thank you.

#30

NAS installation involves downloading the appropriate package from our site and uploading it into your NAS, via the web admin interface offered by the device. You can do this on any computer- a Mac is not required.

#31

I’m in the UK and we only have access to the Connect here which works perfectly fine. However I’m guessing the Extend would result in smaller file sizes for recordings and mean your router is using doing less work due to the transcoding.
Just on the subject of devices, do you guys have access to this one in the U.S, the Tech4-8CH?

#32

In the UK, all your channels are already using H264 so there is no need for the EXTEND.

#33

Damn, I never knew that. I knew streaming services were using it of course, but didn’t realise it could be done with live broadcast signal. Hence the reason why SD have never bothered releasing the Extend in the U.K then.
This other unit (Tech4-8CH) looks likes 4 Connects rolled into one. Just thinking it maybe of use to some of you guys in the US as I’ve seen a couple of people mention how they have 3-4 of the Extends or Connects so they can have multiple antennas in different directions. Power consumption must be a killer.

#34

Well, all our HD channels are H.264 and a few SD channels that also happen to be on the DVB-T2 muxes (PSB3, COM7, COM8). All the channels on the DVB-T muxes are still MPEG2.

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#35

So following up on cheapest NAS option… what’s the bottom line? What do you recommend that’s a good price and has enough power???

#36

I’m a total novice with all this, but i have set up Channels, HDHomerun Connect and an antenna. Looks like i need a NAS storage device now. I saw a Seagate 3TB recommended. When i set that up i would need to use a laptop on the same network (right?) to get everything installed, but once that is done can i unplug the laptop and leave the Seagate to run, or do i need a computer attached to the storage at all times too?

#37

Just t be clear, it’s best to use model names to avoid any confusion on which NAS you mean.

#38

There needs to be an always-on computer of some sort to be able to run the DVR and make recordings. That means either a laptop or desktop computer with a USB attached drive, OR a NAS which is basically a mini-computer with a harddrive.

The Seagate 3TB is a regular usb drive (not a NAS), so you would need to leave the laptop plugged in and on at all times.

If you get a NAS instead, from Synology or QNAP, it doesn’t need to be connected to a computer at all and instead of USB it plugs into your router with Ethernet (just like the HDHomeRun).

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#39

Ok, that helps me a lot. I thought the Seagate has the computer built in too. That would’ve been a waste as I don’t have an old laptop to leave on.
Sounds like I need a NAS, which is something I had never even heard of until this weekend!
If I am recording only 6 or 7 hours per week of broadcasting and nothing else (and deleting after watching) what is a good recommendation for something that is good value for money?
Thanks again for the help!

#40

I did a little research and was wondering if the WD MyCloud 2TB plugged into my router would do the trick? I have a small laundry room closet with the router, HD Homerun Connect and my antenna (not sure how it works in a closet, but i get 49 OTA channels with it). I don’t want to look at running a laptop in that space, but if the MyCloud works for recording a couple of TV shows per week and nothing else, then would it work for me?

#41

That won’t work. I would like to see more in the $135 range too.

I think the best thing for this is a NUC like this:

It’s $215 and you add a cheap 240GB SSD for $65.it runs windows 10, so no Linux needed. Then if you ever want to repurpose it, you can. I bought mine barebones and installed Ubuntu and saved about $50 by not getting windows.

I’m like you and record a few more hours a week and delete as I go and my 150GB drive is only ever about 35% full.

#42

You could also try a refurbished off-lease like this:

https://m.newegg.com/products/9SIA5HA5D72852

The 7010 was a good machine. These go for $150-250.

#43

I picked up one of these a few months ago for $199 and attached a 4TB USB 3.0 drive that I had laying around, works wonderfully.
Much cheaper than a NAS with drives and all.

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#44

A self built PC with HDD with a linux/BSD OS can be the cheapest option but you will have to a) build it and b) install the OS and then the Channels DVR. A Windows PC adds cost due to the license but can be easier to set up due to familiarity. An Mac doesn’t cost for the OS as macOS is now free but the hardware is usually more expensive.

However the Channels team really have a strange predicament - they are selling an app/service that is designed to replace a system we take for granted with basically no technical know-how - the cable/OTA commercial DVR - which is usually a box that you plug in, turn on and away you go.

Building a PC is probably something the current Channels DVR subscribers are okay with BUT Fancy Bits are trying to attract so called “cord-cutters” who may be entirely computer naive. For these people a NAS plugged into their router with a simple set of instructions to install the DVR is the only real solution (and even that will be too much for some). As such if you are someone like that I would suggest you look on this forum for the list of supported NAS devices rather than look to build your own PC. WD MyCloud devices will run the DVR but do not usually transcode (if you want to view recordings remotely over the internet). QNAP and Synology devices tend to be more flexible but more expensive.

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#45

If you do fancy building your own PC I would happily walk you through setting it all up with a linux distro.