HTPC Usage

Using Your NAS As A Media Center HTPC

Mentioned already, but on this page I quicly wanted to show you as to why there is a HDMI connector at the backside of this NAS. ASUSTOR widely implements HDMI applications on NAS platforms. This unit can actually handle 4K Ultra HD on it's HDMI 1.4b connector.
 

 
Before you start, install Python, Xorg, Chrome, ASportal, remote center and Kodi from the app store. Once you connect the HDMI cable to an HDTV a Portal App will show up. Through Chrome (pre-installed) you can access the management software, but also startup XBMC (KODI) or when you install compatible network cameras, a Surveillance Center. You are looking at 1080P 60 Hz right now. You can do Ultra HD 30P as well. You can control KODI or the interface with a mouse of keyboard. The NAS however has an IR receiver IF you'd use this NAS as mediaplayer, we'd recommend you to purchase the optional remote control along with it.

It is a pretty cool feature as with XBMC/KODI for example you can play movies, and it works pretty darn well I must say. The output quality is good. Video playback of 1080P MKV files I'd classify as very OK. 
 

 
In the above video the NAS is doing playback of 4K trailers connected to a 2560x1440 screen. All is very smooth during playback. To the left you can see CPU utilization running from the resource monitor.
  

You can control the NAS by simply connecting a keyboard and mouse to it or even mobile, but what I really recommend (if you want to use the unit as an HTPC, is to purchase the remote control we have shown you.