Just got a Roku Express+. Streaming media from HD or NAS?

[Kayeye]

I'm pretty behind with the times but I just recently purchased a Rokue Express+. I'd like to eventually move away from cable once I'm comfortable with this. This post is in regards to streaming files from a 'media server'. From what I understand, I could stream files directly from my computer using Plex which I just got. Would simply buying a (x)TB hard drive be good enough?

I saw on the Plex site that it had different options in terms of streaming from a cloud, PC, or NAS. Would there be a benefit of using a NAS device over a HD by itself? Everything will be done from my house so I don't care much for mobility if that helps.

Sorry, I meant to post this in the HD section.

 

[kanewolf]

The main benefit of a NAS is that it is a low power always-on device on your WIRED network. I want to stress WIRED. Wireless NAS connectivity is defeating the purpose. You don't have to have your main PC on to take advantage of the storage a NAS provides.

 

[Kayeye]

Got ya. So it’s basically a standalone storage device vs the HD route that requires the PC to be functional, correct?

Having said that, are there any features in an NAS I should look for when shopping around? I’m only interested in simple media streaming sonirhing special

 

[kanewolf]

Yes. Most commercial NAS can do many things besides storage. Read this article -- https://www.smallnetbuilder.com/nas/nas-reviews/33160-synology-ds218j-ds218play-diskstations-reviewed This is the lowest end Synology units. Other brands to explore -- QNAP, Thecus and Asustor

 

[kanewolf]

Most of the commercial NAS units are sold without disks. That is good and bad. You can pick whatever number and size of disks makes sense but the cost of the unit is just the chassis, no storage.