I need a NAS device: which one and how to, please?

[goran]

Generally, I need it [Network Attached Server], so I will try to write about the AZbox HD connection, later on, if all is well... :D

But for now, firstly: which ones are good [value for money], please?

I saw these, cheap ones, the first getting really good reviews:

LaCie 1TB Network Space (NAS) Gigabit Ethernet 7200RPM

£97.96 inc vat


Features:

http://www.dabs.com/images/Product/UNI2/DigitalContent/56/56D1_607605A9-6D98-48E5-91DF-D0A8636FE0DD_large.jpghttp://www.dabs.com/images/Product/UNI2/DigitalContent/56/56D1_E4C27610-93B2-4126-87C2-EE44612C746B_large.jpg

Networking: TypeNetwork adapter - integrated Data Link ProtocolEthernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet Network / Transport ProtocolFTP
Expansion / Connectivity: Interfaces1 x Ethernet 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T - RJ-45 , 1 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 PIN USB Type A
Miscellaneous: Cables Included1 x network cable Compliant StandardsUPnP

Western Digital 1TB My Book World Edition

£120.83 inc vat


My Book World Edition WDH1NC10000 - NAS server

Device Type: NAS server
Host Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet
Total Storage Capacity: 1 TB
Dimensions (WxDxH): 5.8 cm x 14.7 cm x 17.3 cm
Weight: 1.09 kg
Hard Drive: 1 x 1 TB standard
Networking: Network adapter - Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet
Power: AC 120/230 V ( 50/60 Hz )
System Requirements: Apple MacOS X 10.4, Microsoft Windows Vista / XP, Apple MacOS X 10.5
Manufacturer Warranty: 3 years warranty
Networking: TypeNetwork adapter Data Link ProtocolEthernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet
Expansion / Connectivity: Interfaces1 x Hi-Speed USB - 4 PIN USB Type A , 1 x Ethernet 1000Base-T - RJ-45http://ak.buy.com/db_assets/screen_shot_images/108/210687108_002.jpg
Miscellaneous:
Cables Included
Network cable
Compliant Standards
RoHS

I would simply hook it into my [W]LAN router/modem, via a LAN/network cable. Now, my Q's:

1) Is it reliable?

2) Is it easily "available" at all times, as it were, without special modifications or

2a) do we have to have a script in our AZboxes HD, to record to it, say from Standby? Which one is best, if so, please?

3) Any special SW needed for it, like anti-virus/firewall?

4) Is it W7 compatible?

5) Is configuring it to be accessible by, for instance, 4 devices [2 lappies, a PC and AZbox HD] easy-peasy and by which means/SW, please?

Btw, for the novices, here is the basic info from dabs:


If you've heard of Network Attached Storage - sometimes shortened to NAS - but aren't sure what it's all about, then read on for our quick guide to the basics...

What is Network Attached Storage (NAS)?

We all know we can connect a USB External Hard Drive to our computer and immediately create additional storage for data or backup, but when it comes to efficient data management, there is perhaps a better way… to use Network Attached Storage or NAS for short.

Why Choose Network Attached Storage (NAS)?

External Hard Drives are a great way to quickly and conveniently create additional storage via a simple USB connection to your computer. However such devices are often restricted to use at the specific computer to which they’re connected and by the specific person using that computer. All good and well, but what if you need to share the content and files?

The answer lies in Network Attached Storage. Instead of connecting directly to an individual desktop or laptop computer, a NAS server connects to your wireless router. This effectively allows multiple users from multiple computers to access and share the content and files stored on it. Just one copy of your files, in one accessible place!
http://www.dabs.com/images/1/article_images/NAS-Diagram.gif

The Possibilities are Endless with Network Attached Storage (NAS)

With a NAS solution, you can quickly and simply store and share your music, videos, images and other files in one convenient location. What’s more, you can also stream digital media to any DLNA™ CERTIFIED multimedia device located anywhere in your home – wirelessly!

Thanx!

[mrbleu500]

If you have an old PC sitting around doing nothing, why not build one ?


http://www.freenas.org/

[crappy]

I have the WD MyBook World 500GB. Great thing with lots of possibilities. Make sure a community is behind the NAS. Problem with the mybook is the slow processor. Maybe the new ones are faster. Streaming with AzBox is only working for MP3 and DivX. For 1080p the processor and connection is to slow. Also the speedlimit at the azbox is not helping.

Hopefully this helps!

:sifone:

[goran]

Thanx, guys! Certainly, this helps - much faster than digging it all out for myself... ;):respect-054:

Here is another one - any good?:smash:

Buffalo LinkStation Live 1TB
£119.99 inc vat




Store, share and stream from one central location
Stream multimedia to both PC's and Mac's
Serial ATA-150 interface
7200RPM spindle speed
Built-In BitTorrent Client



http://www.dabs.com/images/product/uni2/5c/5cq6_large.jpg

[crappy]

Try to look at the processor speed. The speed of the HD is important, but if an 200Mhz processor is available, you wont go to fast when running network-apps

[goran]

If you have an old PC sitting around doing nothing, why not build one ?


http://www.freenas.org/

It has about 7 fans, makes a lot of noise [old HDD] and I have to tie it up to the desk-leg, otherwise it would just take off and fly away....:sifone:

[icedemon]

Last time I tried recording over network it failed miserably.
But that was HD content.

[ian_t_baxter]

Hi

QNAP TS-109 Pro II NAS server

I've got this NAS and I'm very pleased with it, it's silent and very fast (Gigabit Ethernet). I record to it and playback on my ipbox 9000 without any problems. It also has a built in itunes server.

[gtg60]

I use a Freecom 1TB NAS, I guess like most of these drives they use FAT32 which limits the size of files you can store on it to 4GB, ok if you're just recording to it but I had wanted to store some mkv's on it too. My temporary workaround was to split the files. Hopefully in the near future the AZBox will automatically play Movie.1.mkv after Movie.mkv

[Giga]

If you get one and your flatscreen(s) has a DLNA capabilities could get one of those?

http://www.dlna.org/home

[goran]

How much, please?

The ones I posted are less or around £120 for 1TB.

[ian_t_baxter]

@goran

That's the problem I paid £145 without the HDD

[tinos]

I have used Conceptronic CH3SNAS and Netgear ReadyNAS Duo both very good with NFS support and great with RAID. The Conceptronic is cheaper but if you can spend some extra the ReadyNAS is great.

Great info here:
http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/nas

I would avoid My Book World Edition software was really bad... IMHO

[Giga]

There 98 models and different brands to choose from!

Buffalo LinkStation Quad 1TB £127.10 - £550.00
Buffalo LinkStation Mini 1TB £185.38 - £301.00
Buffalo LinkStation Live 500GB £75.99 - £114.90


http://shopping.*****.com/t-Storage/nas-dlna
DLNA is not a brand for NAS, it is a media streaming standard

[goran]

Yes, Giga, I got that from your link, thanx!

However, the mad number of these products is sometimes a hindrance...

Hence the Q: which are inexpensive and good?

The implied Q is "Why?" - of course...

Because, one would need to know, as we have seen above, more about the speed of the processor, too -> and that is usually not given on those pages... And what's a good enough processor speed...?

What is the max that can be handled by the AZbox HD at the moment? Not much, in terms of demanding stuff, as we have seen...

Thanx again!!!

[chrisuk76]

Netgear Readynas Duo, great bit of kit :)

[Shiny_kit]

I have the Lacie - it's VERY SLOOOOOOOOW.

other than that I have no issues with it - but I don't think it would cope with a HD recording.

[ukpaisley]

I havd the WD, cant stand the software that came with it, nearly put it in the bin !!

[goran]

My external USB HDD [WD] packed it in... Gonner...:beatdeadhorse5:

So, which one has a decent processor, guys?

Thanx!

[d-dan]

Before you invest in a "plastic" NAS, please take some time to look at this

http://www.pogoplug.com/

I have one simply because I can write to it at 20 Mb/sec (yes, megabytes per second) over gigabit LAN (read > 28Mb/sec over NFS). Take a really close look at the real world performance figures and decide.

Pro's for the Pogo (Sheevaplug)

Runs Ubuntu as standard meaning SABnzbd, Torrent, SSH, CCCAM server?? (its Debian after all), Squid, uPnP backend, masses of do***entation, consumes 4-5W power at full load, 512Mb RAM, 1.2GHz Proc and all for $99, its a full blown PC if you add a USB-VGA adaptor!

Cons,

Advantageous to have some knowledge of Linux, although Ubuntu's do***entation and cut & paste solutions are all there for everyone. Import only at the moment. No eSata as yet but support on the Marvel SoC so watch this space.

I cannot see any other NAS device for that price that comes within its performance range. Anyone remember the NSLU2? Well this is like that x 1000

[tinos]

For same price you can get the Xtreamer and comes with more, even it might fix some of the issues of bitrate playback on AzBox...
http://www.xtreamer.net/overview.aspx?CatID=1019


Features

Dolby TrueHD Down MIxing
BluRay ISO Support
Internet Radio
Password Folder Lock
XBMC Folder Style
iPhone RC Interface
HD Graphical User Interface (GUI)
Ultra Portable
1080P PlayBack
Multilingual Support
802.11n Connectivity
Live Internet Content
Integrated File Manager
eTRAYz Optimiztion
Windows 7 Compatible
UPnP Web Getway
Music Juke Box
Movie Juke Box
TVersty & TwonkyMedia Compatbility
NFS Client Support
Subtitles & Playback TrickPlay
1080 24P Support
NAS Mode
Easy DDnS Support
FTP Server


Or if only looking for NAS:
http://www.xtreamer.net/generalInner.aspx?CatID=1044

[goran]

Thanx! But no HDDs... :(

[tinos]

Thanx! But no HDDs... :(

Just connect the USB that you already have and you have a NAS.

[goran]

Well, it's dead... And I need to buy Pata/SATA converter to try to re-do the MBR. No can do anything with it at the mo.,... :(

[d-dan]

That looks like a rather nice unit Tiinos.

[ade1970]

hey guyz, due to a pc meltdown earlier this year i invested in a readynas duo, small, quiet twin hard drive...and costs £150 + vat inc a free 500 gb hd you send off for and arrives within 3 days!!...anyhow deal still running and nas never let me down...readynas duo is x-raid...automatically mirror copies the other hot-swappable drive..i've got 2x 500gb in mine...its got extra storage via usb in also or upgrade with larger hd in future. unit is fully dnla...i stream all music and video content to azbox inc mkv's, all avi', divx etx and music it streams itunes, mp3's wma's etc etc...all around house...receivers include my onkyo amp,ps3,azbox, popcorn hour, phillpis streamiun, and squeezebox's and is mac and pc compatible. it has a photo server which i've used, bit orrent facility (not used yet) back up software thats only ok (better is acronis backup), dedicated netgear online support forum, no need to purchase twonky media or any other as dnla software included or get free upgrade to this via support forum. it has an apple itunes mode and various other apple mac devices.
all in all i could not live without it and can only sing its praises and value for money....HOWEVER... i too would like to know how to configure a partition to use on my azbox for recording/playback purposes.
hope this helps.:respect-059:

[crappy]

Runs Ubuntu as standard meaning SABnzbd, Torrent, SSH, CCCAM server?? (its Debian after all), Squid, uPnP backend, masses of do***entation, consumes 4-5W power at full load, 512Mb RAM, 1.2GHz Proc and all for $99, its a full blown PC if you add a USB-VGA adaptor!


CCcam on Mybook doesn't work. You can run Debian Lenny easily on the mybook (very stable). Problem is (and I think this is not different from any other NAS) that CCcam is compiled for other processors. I also hear a lot of dissapointments about the software. To them I want to say: take a look at the wiki about the MyBook. There is so much software around for the Mybook so don't bother this in your descision of buying. And as far I know Goran: he has enough brains and knowledge to make the tweaks. He is not a newbe who wants the standard software :respect-044:

[goran]

Hehe, hopefully I will be clever enough to do the right thing, crappy... ;)

Thanx, guys! I know much more now!!!:respect-048:

[slacker17]

I have the Lacie - it's VERY SLOOOOOOOOW.

other than that I have no issues with it - but I don't think it would cope with a HD recording.

Do you have any issues playing downloaded content, say tv rips etc? I was thinking about getting this to stream my media without having to have my pc turned on all the time. I'm not interested in recording directly onto it.

[goran]

Guys, anyone has this?


http://www.edimax.com/en/produce_detail.php?pd_id=272&pl1_id=2&pl2_id=73


NS-2502
Gigabit Fast Ethernet 2-Bay SATA NAS Server



Complies with the IEEE 802.3u and IEEE 802.3ab standards
Supports 10/100/1000Base-TX
Build-in FTP and Samba server
Supports SATA RAID 0 (Striping) / 1(Mirror) for high speed / data backup applications
Supports CIFS,NTFS,FAT16,FAT32,ext2,ext3 file systems
Supports USB mass storage
Supports file sharing via FTP or Network Neighborhood
Supports P2P download (Bit Torrent) & FTP/HTTP download agent
Supports UPnP, Media Server and iTune Server



Is the processor good enough? No info there as to the speed of computing...

Can I have 2 HDDs inside and not have them copy one another?

As in: 1 for AZbox HD to records etc. and the other for PCs?

Thanx!:respect-048: