Emby server on a NAS

[AndreiP 33]

Hello community. 

I am looking at whether I want to buy a NAS for the future so that it can be my Emby server or I will keep a computer on Windows 11 as is currently the case. 

I would have somes questions to which I do not have the answer given the fact that I had never used a NAS before. 

1. The first question, if I understand correctly, no matter which brand of NAS I choose, it has its own operating system. So in this case, the hard drives that will be connected to this NAS will not be able to be read by Windows (Windows will not recognize it?). Is that right?

2. So, if something's wrong with my NAS, I will potentially loose all my data (if I will not do a backup, raid, etc.). The only way to have access it's to connect to a another NAS that use the same operating system.

3a. Does NAS has a browser integration (like Google Chrome on a Windows PC) which will allow me to download a media file from the Internet? 

Let me explain the reason of my question: actually, as my Emby server is on a Windows PC. I download a movie and after that I put it in the right folder that is my Emby library. 

With a NAS, how will I be able to do that if NAS using a different operating system? I mean how to add a movie on NAS that was downloaded on my Windows PC? 

3b. For example, if I want to install my Emby server on another Windows PC, I will only add the HDD will all my library and Emby will rescan it. But, how will I do if want to add that HDD to a NAS? 

4. Could I configure the NAS so that I access it as an FTP cloud storage? I would like to be able to transfer files directly from my phone, a remote PC, etc  to the hard drives in my NAS. 

Thank you.  

Edited August 4, 2025 by AndreiP

[CasaAtardecer 27]

Hello friend,

Lots of really good questions that deserve very good answers. I’m by no means an expert on the subject but can confirm that my Synology NAS hosts my Emby libraries for media and it can be configured to be completely accessible from your PC.

The primary feature of any NAS is that it is a visible, shared volume on the same network as one’s PC. The NAS, after being properly fitted with your desired drive(s) and configured with volumes within which are your shared folders, you will discover that the NAS appears as a networked device with its unique device name and IP address that can be accessed through a browser on your local network.

If you configure your NAS to be accessible via the internet via a browser app, it’ll have an external IP address and an appropriate port so your Emby library is available wherever you want. 

Personally, I have an enormous family living in different states with whom I share home videos and photos. Our favorite outlet for videos is internet connected TVs and the Emby apps for smart TVs are remarkably easy to use.

Your concerns about losing files is important. There are so many options to backup your files, from cloud based solutions to external hard drives via usb cables.

A central feature of running a NAS is the control you have over the content, so the responsibility to safeguard it against loss will be yours. That being said, NAS’s all seem to offer lots of ways and methods to keep your files backed up.

As for the UI to manage your NAS, all of the most popular products have a UI tool that you will install on your computer, depending upon the type of computer you have. Since you mentioned Windows 11, you will download the NAS software that is written for Windows.

As you will read in reference materials and product reviews and software forums, any computer that has the ability to network via Ethernet cable or wirelessly can host your Emby libraries. The most significant advantage of storing, backing up, sharing, hosting your media on a NAS is the growth capacity of storage size to fit any budget. Personally, I like the silent operation of SSDs that I can regularly swap out for safekeeping and duplication and offsite storage to ensure my digital assets are under my control and protected from loss.

Good luck to you on your path. 

Cheers!

[AndreiP 33]

Thank you, CasaAtardecer, for your reply. I really appreciate it. 

If someone has some thoughts you are more than welcome to left it.

[tedfroop21 86]

Let me throw you a third option.  Many computer resellers sell "reconditioned" corporately leased computers. 

They are not power house machines but an i5 with a 530/630 video card with quick sync  and Linux will handle almost everything you throw at it emby wise.

Myself, I got by with just a few old D-Link nas boxes and a second hand pc for ages like this.  I bought a NAS this spring, (Asus AS3304Tv2) intending to use it for emby and utility computing.  It was OK running emby, but not outstanding. 

The bigger problem was the standard for backup for computing is 1-2-3.  1, is your primary copy on your machine.  2 - is a backup copy on a different machine and 3 is a remote copy.  Running on a nas meant I had at best 1-2.

Due to the end of support for Windows 10, my wife needed an up-graded machine to run wi11.   Her old i5 6500 with 530 graphics card - works perfectly with Linux Mint and Emby and hosts my Lyrion server as well. (Formerly Squeezebox, and Logitec Media server). 

And I have 1-2-3 (3 is a huge drive at a relatives house I update every month or so).

[AndreiP 33]

Thank you, tedfroop21, for your comment.

Quote

They are not power house machines but an i5 with a 530/630 video card with quick sync  and Linux will handle almost everything you throw at it emby wise.

So, if i understand right, you used Linux as OS and Emby server on it ?  

Quote

Myself, I got by with just a few old D-Link nas boxes and a second hand pc for ages like this.  I bought a NAS this spring, (Asus AS3304Tv2) intending to use it for emby and utility computing.  It was OK running emby, but not outstanding. 

And after you used this NAS as a library only or you installed Emby on it (on NAS)? 

Edited August 5, 2025 by AndreiP