Conclusion
Comparing the DS214play with the DS415play spec wise shows that they are pretty similar in all respects except for storage capacity. They both have a 1.6 Ghz Intel Atom dual core processor and one GB of DDR3 memory. The main difference is the four bays of the DS415play offers double the storage capacity at 32 GB.
Like its older sibling the DS415play also lacks the ability to play back DTS encoded video files due to licensing dispute between the two companies. It is disappointing that this matters has not been resolved since the release of the DS214play
Despite these quibbles the DS415play performed well as media streamer. The problem with multimedia is the extensive amount of codecs available. Invariably some of these codecs will cause streaming issues with most any device and not just the DS415play.
Besides media streaming the DS415play can function as the user’s own personal cloud using Cloud Station and sync across third party cloud services such as Amazon Cloud Drive, Dropbox, Google Drive, among others using Synology’s Cloud Sync app. It also functions as a central file server in one’s home network working with Linux, OS X and Windows machines.
These features plus its quality build, outstanding NAS management software – DSM (DiskStation Manager) and fantastic iOS and Android apps for remote viewing and listening of video, photos and music make the DS415play a worthy purchase.
+Transcodes 1080p
+Simple setup
+User-friendly interface
+Intuitive user interface – Disk Station Manager
+Works with Linux, OS X or Windows
+Energy Efficient
+Two USB 3.0 ports
+Near silent operation
Cons:
-Lacks quad core processor
-DTS playback is absent
-Plex does not take advantage of Evansport transcoding
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Disclosure: This product was given to us for review by the company for review purposes only, and is not considered by us as payment for the review.
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