29.11.2014

The humble NAS has come a long way in terms of what users can expect from their NAS and the hardware that they are built with. I feel that they are no longer essentially just external hard drives with network ports, but really a fully-fledged computer running their own custom OS- and, in the case of the TS-253 Pro, an actual computer.The TS-253 Pro is so much more than just somewhere to store your digital content. It’s a 2-bay NAS server that can scale up to 60TB with QNAP UX800P 8-bay expansion enclosure. The TS-253 Pro has a 2.0GHz 22nm Intel Celeron Quad Core CPU that can be boosted up to 2.41 GHz (supporting Turbo boost) with up to 8GB DDR3L RAM.The TS-253 Pro has 2x Gbe LAN ports for up to 200MB/s in link aggregation mode and over 70MB/s in transfer performance with AES 256-bit volume encryption.There are so many features of the TS-253 Pro; it can become your centralized storage sharing and backup solution supporting Qsync for file synchronization with versioning control, support for Windows ACL, active directory and domain control. QNAP’s own data backup software called NetBak replicator works exceptionally well backing up data from work stations. There is also support for Apple Time Machine and many other 3rd party backup software options along with cloud storage backups and real time remote replication (RTRR). As well as this, there is support for unified storage and virtualization applications that are compatible with iSCSI and NFS protocols for NAS/iSCSI SAN, along with VMware, Citix and Microsoft Hyper-V compliant.NAS units have to fulfil many different jobs and one that the TS-253 Pro does well is act as a fully- fledged TV media box. This is through the use of Plex streaming or the built in HDStation via HDMI. The TS-253 pro can support 1080p video with multi-channel audio pass-through. Enjoy YouTube contents on your TV with the added benefit of Google Chrome web browser to surf the internet or manage your NAS. There is also support for USB keyboard, mouse and MCE remote control.One of the things that I was keen to try out was QNAP’s new virtualisation station. This supports many different Windows and Linux/UNIX virtual machines on browsers or via a remote desktop. You can also import/export your VM with snapshot protection along with bandwidth- saving and secure access to NAS data.There is support for many IT management options. IT managers are able to deploy the TS-253 Pro for many different solutions with support for client system cloning, along with mastering software deployment and centrally manage backups.The TS-253 Pro is also a professional network surveillance system. There are storage options with a user friendly web based management interface that supports 2,600 compatible IP camera models. With iOS and the Android VMobile app for remote monitoring there are two free channels supplied and support for up 24 channels via additional licenses. The TS-253 Pro supports AXIS camera companion along with Mobotix and other VMS, making the TS-253 Pro the perfect surveillance storage solution.ContentsQNAP TS-253 ProQuick Installation GuideTwo CAT 5e Ethernet cablesTwo bags of screws for 2.5” and 3.5” hard driveTwo hard drive locking keysPower cable the plugConnectivityThe QNAP TS-253 Pro supports both 3.5” and 2.5” HDD without the need for a 2.5” adaptor which is good. There are two gigabit RJ-45 ethernet ports that support link aggregation for enhanced speed and provide fail over support in case one connection should fail. There are 3x USB 3.0 ports with one on the front and two on the back which support USB printer, pen drive, external hard drive etc. On the back of the NAS there is a HDMI port for connection to your TV or PC monitor. LED status lights along with a power, USB one touch backup / reset buttons make up the front of the NAS.BuildThe TS-253 Pro is built to a high quality that we have come to expect from QNAP. The hard drive caddies are made from metal with a hard plastic on the front for the pull flap- they also come with a HDD lock to prevent removal. I found the TS-253 Pro pretty quiet- one side panel features discrete ventilation. The bottom of the NAS has rubber grommets that act as feet to reduce vibration and also as a stable stand for the NAS.Setup and featuresThe QTS software is the real jewel in the crown here and simple to set up on the QNAP TS-253 Pro. First install Qfinder, then plug the NAS into your network and point your browser at http://start.qnap.com. From there you can use the code on the top of your NAS to quickly and easily set up cloud services using the myQNAP cloud service. This links in with the mobile apps for access on the go.After loading the latest firmware (which you can easily find and download from the website), you get prompted to choose how you want the hard drives to be setup. The TS-253 pro supports single disk configurations, JBOD, RAID 0 and 1, all of which are easy to set up under the Disk Management tab. QNAP also give a simple description of what the configurations mean.The TS-253 Pro offers Windows ACL support adding sophisticated shared folder permission capabilities to support IT managers with a large number of users, and have really developed the user folder experience. Rather than having to create user personal folders one by one, now, whenever a user logs in for the first time, a folder is automatically created. This can subsequently be setup as a mapped drive if required, saving time and money.The app center repository is very well stocked with something to cater for most needs. There are several mobile apps available for managing the unit and its contents. Qfile allows you to browse and manage files of varying formats while Qmanager allows you to remote manage the unit.Of special note is the ‘my CloudNAS’ service that simplifies the process of publishing contents in the Turbo NAS over the internet. The TS-253 Pro comes with a code on top for easy setup of this service, although using the web based interface is also straightforward. It provides a web-based portal for file management and access, and supports backing up important data from the Turbo NAS to other cloud storage providers such as Amazon S3, ElephantDrive, and Symform. This is a great feature which allows a business or end user to deploy backups to the cloud.I could write hundreds of pages covering every available app and feature of the NAS, but the best thing to do is to give the system a go for yourself and see how you find it. QNAP helpfully provide a live demo found HERE that allows you to do just that. It's a very good tool and one I would recommend anyone tries first.One thing I would like to see improved is the start-up and shut down times. That said, they are not overly slow and indeed the TS-253 Pro is designed to be left on, so it may be a non-issue for most.Go mobileIn an increasingly mobile world dominated by the smart phone and ubiquitous 'App', more and more people demand access to their information on the go. Key to providing a one stop solution for a home network or business is the flexibility to allow users to access their content whilst on the go.QNAP have updated their mobile apps for iOS and Android to allow people to access their content on the go. QNAP is one of the only vendors providing high quality apps that work, and work well with their NAS. Mobile apps are reshaping how and when we consume information and QNAP provide a range of apps to do it.And what is refreshing here is the recent release of Qfile on Windows Phone making QNAP one of the few NAS vendors to offer a fresh new app.You can find our article on the HD Station HERE but suffice to say that combined with the hardware smarts, the TS-253 Pro is truly a capable HTPC. Therein lies much more value to this unit. The built in XBMC app handled everything I threw at it, whilst Plex had no problems transcoding on the fly thanks to the impressive Intel SOC.Virtualization StationAs previously mentioned, I was keen to try out the virtualization station and have now installed VM’s on my main computer. The software I used in windows is called VirtualBox. I was keen to see if it was straightforward to setup on the TS-253 Pro, and it was. I think the key thing to this is the easy to follow instructions and steps that Qnap provide on how to setup and deploy your virtualisation station (please find my walk through on setup).Qnap support a wide range of different OS that you can install. I first tried Windows 7 Pro and Ubuntu which both installed with no issues. I then tried the demo of Windows 10 and again this worked well too. The TS-253 Pro is highly capable and is able to support multiple OS at the same time. Users can even connect a mouse and keyboard and connect to the OS VM like an actual computer. This allows IT administrator’s better control on testing and installing new systems and OS’ without having to make changes to their own computers. I found this true for myself when Windows 10 got released. I was keen to try it out but was reluctant to install it on my own computer as it is not a 100% final release and could cause issues, but I installed it as a VM which worked well and allowed me to try new features.My Final ThoughtsThe TS-253 Pro is an amazing quick home / office solution that builds so many features into its small footprint. The well thought out QTS 4 GUI with easy menus makes it incredibly straightforward to setup up. It is also much easier to manage your Turbo NAS with the ability to share files across different platforms, conduct virtualizations applications or to just enjoy your multimedia collection. Along with CCTV surveillance and the HD station, the TS-253 Pro is suitable for novices and pro’s alike. Even if you only use 20% of the features of the TS-253 Pro you will not be disappointed. The TS-253 Pro will grow with your needs and provide a solution for your IT backup for many years to come.

15.11.2015

I bought this to replace a relatively unstable Windows Home Server 2011 install on a HP Microserver. I upgraded the RAM to 8GB supplied from Amazon Kingston KVR16LS11/4 RAM 4 GB 1600 MHz DDR3L Non-ECC CL11 SODIMM 1.35 V, 204-Pin and fitted 4 * 3TB WD Red NAS drives WD Red 3TB for NAS 3.5-inch Desktop Hard Drive - OEM in a Raid 5 configuration; the box runs on a 1GB LAN.In general the processing power of this NAS is probably excessive for most of our current use, but this was one of the few that offered the HDMI output for media which was an absolute "must have" for us.We use the NAS as a central store for all files, a backup of files and laptop images,

26.10.2015

After a previous Qnap NAS failed on me ( TS-231+) I thought hard on changing companies and going with Synology, I am so glad I didn't!Firstly this Qnap is powered by an Quad-core Intel Celeron processor and that allows you to run it almost like a small pc due to the fact that you have the ability to run virtual desktop operating systems on it, Windows, Mac, Linux and android also you have a HDMI output that if connected to a TV you can play your own content from the Qnap straight to your pc, you also have Kodi, Chrome and Plex to name a few of the (apps) that you can use.I fitted the empty enclosure with two WD red 1 TB hard drives and they work perfectly.I also doubled the RAM to 8 GB using

2.12.2015

Very Happy - so far.I installed a Synology NAS DS213 AIR last August 2014.Having to wait up-to 10 mins for it to load via Plex - and my wife giving me jip for the time it took to load any video - it was time for a replacement. (To be fair to Synology - it was about a quarter of the price of the QNAP) so not really comparing apples with apples.The QNAP was received today.I installed X2 4Gb RAM chips (purchased from AMAZON) in place of the fitted 2GbInserted the X2 4Tb Drives from the Synology.Powered up and went through the loading process.Four hours later - all up and running.So far - I have copied across about 1Tb of Videos to the QNAP.Loaded up Plex - and checked it on my Curved 4K 65inch

9.2.2015

Having had this for several months, I think it is an excellent product. It's fast, quiet and as someone with no Linux experience but reasonably good Windows knowledge I found the user interface very easy to deal with.I have this in my lounge as part of my home theatre setup, running HDMI directly through my AV receiver. I use its DLNA features to stream video and music to other TVs / games consoles around the house as well as watching movies and TV shows directly from the unit via the built in HD station with XBMC (Kodi). Works great with my universal remote and It's now an integral part of my AV setup. It supports HD audio (DTS-HD as well as Dolby TrueHD) and the picture quality is excellent.

17.5.2016

I purchased mine without drives, as I had 2 already from a previous NAS unit, whose controller had failed, adding 2 more disks of the same type, and the additional memory. Unit is silent in operation (allowing for a minute amount of clicking from the drives when being accessed.There is a wide range of software that can be added to add to the functionality of the unit - mine is used as a media server. It also supports a range of USB-connected hardware. Because of data loss risks, I urge any purchaser of a NAS device to add an uninterruptible power supply to allow the NAS to do an orderly shutdown on power loss. I'm using the APC BE700-G, which uses USB to advise the NAS of power loss.Yes,

8.9.2016

Superb. It does the job as as file server perfectly well but it is all the other functions that make this stand out. The virtual machine facility is especially good. I am currently running mine with Sophos as a UTM sanitizing all traffic from my internal network to the wild internet. I have also loaded other Linux distros there just to give them a lookover.If you just want a simple network fileserver then there are probably cheaper options but if you want a flexible hub for running everything that you want then this is the box for you. Mine is running the Sophos firewall, a weather station and several security cameras (QNAP provide software to drive this but I am using my own scripts).

12.5.2016

I absolutely love this thing.I picked this over a Synology because of features and bang for buck - my only real concern was that the UX on Synology devices feels more user friendly. I couldn't be happier I went with QNAP instead.The raw amounts of features this thing has is amazing. I currently use mine for some virtualisation, important data backup and as a media server for my videos, music and pictures. For media server, I use Plex and stream my content to my chromecast directly using my phone. It's quick and beautiful, and my guests are usually wow'd by the technology.Word of advice, if you enable SSH access, or any external access for that matter, USE A REALLY SECURE PASSWORD.

21.2.2015

I purchased this for a private storage cloud and also to run Plex Media Server. For both purposes, it is brilliant and considerably exceeds expectations. The configuration is straightforward and I had no difficulty at all in getting the system set up and fully operational.I had debated whether to use the QNAP as a file server and have Plex running on a PC, but decided to run the lot on the QNAP. This was a good decision. The processors on the QNAP have ample capacity to stream up several concurrent videos and do everything else in their stride. The system is highly responsive - much faster than on the Linux box I had used as a 'testing ground'

1.6.2016

Expensive but solid, I'm hoping that this will last for years. I have 4 x 4TB Hitachi drives installed. Firmware updates seem to come along all too quickly, and if you have Plex installed, you might need to re-install after a firmware update it because in my case a firmware update clobbered Plex. I installed Plex in the first place because I wasn't wild about the built-in QNAP Media Server - it was ok but lacking features.I'm not using any of the other built-in Qnap apps because I'm a bit paranoid about the drives spinning down so I've disabled anything I'm not using to give the drives every opportunity to soon down and therefore extend their life. Even with RAID to protect my data,

13.1.2016

Very Sexy Indeed!:)I started slowly and upgraded this beast to 16 GB RAM:2xKingston KVR16LS11/8 RAM 8 GB 1600 MHz DDR3L Non-ECC CL11 SODIMM 1.35 V, 204-Pin 1.5 V Memory ModuleOne hard disk 3 TB as a test and SDD 500GB as cache memory!I killed all my old PC's and Laptops and transferred, old operating system to this box, now I can access them and run my old applications.Four sexy cores are milking an old XP Windows Laptop image.Windows 10 , XP, Ubuntu 15.10, Android are all happily running on this beast, and if I want to watch a movie on the hdmi output then this is for you.The only downside:You can not hear anything about all this work!

26.5.2015

It is not the cheapest NAS solution, but well worth it. This NAS is crammed with features - it can even be used as a primary Multimedia PC directly connected to a TV via HDMI. It is VERY fast read/write speed as a NAS, it leaves my old ReadyNAS Duo standing.It has very good solid build quality, and the Drives on offer are proper NAS spec drives. The supplied software is extensive and very good. I ordered the 2x3GBGB WD Red option with 2GB RAM. This amount of RAM seems fine for basic NAS functions, DLNA servers and local video via HDMI. I tried running the Virtual Machine option to install a Windows Machine. This worked, but was slow with only 2GB, so if you want VM - order more RAM.

9.6.2016

Best NAS i have, i have tried a number of these over a period of time. Very powerful, easy to upgrade any add-on you may install. The HDMI is what sells this for me :) Still havent got round to using all the features it offers. Costs a bit more than some of the cheaper products out there, but it has been put together well, from the hardware, to the GUI. GUI is very easy to use considering all the different features you can install and get lost in. The notifications are also very useful as you know when upgrades are available and when jobs have finished.Ah yes and then there are multiple NICs, great for seperating work network from home use.

18.1.2016

I bought this to replace an earlier 2 bay version. This was simple to set up and is much faster at handling input/output than the two bay version. It also gives me more capacity.I travel around a lot and it is really convenient to be able to access my data as long as I have an internet connection and a browser. I would not be without it now. I already have a spare drive ready to plug in should one of the drives fail. This unit has made my working a lot simpler.It has given me great capacity for scanning and saving magazines. This saves space at home and means I can read any magazine, anywhere, as long as I have an internet link.

26.2.2017

Owned this for over a year now. Have upgraded it to 8GB ram and using 2 WD Red 3TB drives.Is fast enough to stream multiple videos in 1080p via plex (Which the beta supports Hardware Transcoding if you are a pass plus member)VM's run nice and smooth. Currently have 2 running.File transfers over 2GB lan link (I use it with link aggregation) can max out the Ethernet link nicely and consistently.Only app I don't like is the download station, which is rubbish for bittorrent. Use rtorrent instead for a much more pleasant downloading experience.Best investment I made for my family in a long time.

QNAP TS-253 Pro-8G - Reviews

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