Modern network-attached storage (NAS) from the company Synology They are a powerful multimedia center, capable of replacing dozens of hard drives and cloud services. However, the drive itself is useless without the ability to comfortably view content on a large screen. Wireless connection opens up new horizons for using your home media library, allowing you to remove unnecessary wires and place equipment anywhere convenient.
Many users mistakenly believe that streaming high-definition video requires an Ethernet cable connection. This is not true if your local network is properly configured and your equipment supports modern data transmission standards. In this article, we'll take a detailed look at how to turn your TV into a remote access terminal for archives. Synology DiskStation without using physical twisted pair.
The integration process may seem complicated at first glance, but it comes down to the correct sequence of actions and the selection of an appropriate data transfer protocol. DLNA technology Or specialized apps will make watching movies a pleasure, eliminating the need to download files to a flash drive. Let's look at all the available methods and the intricacies of their implementation.
Network and hardware requirements for stable operation
Before you begin configuring software, you need to make sure your hardware environment meets the minimum requirements for transmitting a video stream. Wireless network is the most vulnerable link in the chain, and its quality determines whether the video will be interrupted by buffering or will play smoothly in 4K.
For comfortable viewing of movies in Full HD and 4K HDR resolution, it is critical to have a router that supports the standard Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) or newer Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)Older devices that only operate in the 2.4 GHz band may not be able to handle the high bitrate of modern rips, resulting in constant image stuttering.
⚠️ Note: The distance between the router and devices matters. If the NAS and TV are in different rooms with thick walls, the 5 GHz signal may be unstable, requiring the use of mesh systems or repeaters.
It's also important that both the NAS and TV are on the same subnet. This means they should be connected to the same router, not to different access points with client isolation. Make sure support is enabled on both devices. UPnP or static IP addresses so that the router doesn't lose track of them after a reboot.
Set up your Synology NAS for WiFi access
The first step is to ensure a stable connection between the drive itself and the wireless network. Unlike computers, NAS systems often come without a built-in WiFi module, relying on a wired connection. To accomplish this, you'll need a special USB WiFi adapter compatible with DiskStation Manager (DSM), or using an external router in client mode.
After physically connecting the adapter, you need to log into the DSM web interface and go to the network control panel. Here, find your wireless network, enter the password, and ensure the connection is established. Static IP address For NAS on a local network, it is preferable, as this will simplify further configuration of applications on the TV.
☑️ Check NAS readiness
Next, you need to enable the necessary services. In the "Media Server" menu, make sure the DLNA service is enabled. This allows the TV to "see" the storage as a content source without installing any additional software on the NAS beyond the basic package.
For more advanced use cases, such as on-the-fly video transcoding (if the TV does not support the file format), you will need to install the package. Video Station or Plex ServerThese apps create a beautiful interface with covers and descriptions, but require more processor resources and bandwidth.
Using the built-in DLNA client on Smart TV
The easiest and most universal way to access files is to use the TV's built-in DLNA client. Almost all modern Smart TVs Samsung, LG, Sony and other manufacturers have built-in support for this protocol. You don't need to install anything; just find the appropriate option in the signal source menu.
It's usually called "Media," "Home Server," "DLNA," or "Devices." Once the app launches, the TV will automatically begin scanning your local network. If the settings Synology If done correctly, you will see your server name in the list of available devices.
| Brand TV | Application name | Supported formats | Peculiarities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung (Tizen) | Media (DLNA) | MP4, MKV, AVI | Basic subtitle support |
| LG (WebOS) | Photos and videos | MKV, MP4, TS | Convenient navigation through folders |
| Sony (Android TV) | Media player | All the main ones | Integration with Google services |
| Philips (Android) | Media | MKV, MP4 | Simple interface |
However, built-in players have a significant drawback: they often can't read complex audio codecs or specific subtitle formats. If you encounter the "Format not supported" error, it means your TV's built-in decoder can't handle the file, and you'll need a third-party player.
Why doesn't the built-in player see folders?
Built-in DLNA clients often cache the folder structure. If you recently added new directories to your NAS, try rebooting your TV or rescanning the network in your Synology media server settings.
Installing third-party media players on a Smart TV platform
For owners of TVs based on Android TV or Google TV (Sony, Philips, Xiaomi, Haier) the situation is significantly simplified. You can install a full-featured software player that will handle video decoding, offloading the TV's processor and ensuring compatibility with any format.
The most popular and functional solution is the application VLC for Android or Nova Video PlayerThey have their own codecs, can access network resources via SMB and NFS protocols, and can correctly display complex subtitles. Installation is done directly from the Google Play Store on your TV.
TV owners Samsung (Tizen OS) and LG (WebOS) also didn't go unnoticed. Versions are available in their proprietary app stores. VLC And PlexWhile the functionality may be slightly limited compared to the Android version, it's still quite capable of playing videos from a NAS.
When setting up a connection in the application, select the source type "Local Network" or "SMB". Enter the IP address of your Synology NAS, username, and password. For security purposes, it's recommended to create a separate user on the NAS with access rights only to media folders.
Configure Synology DS video for maximum quality
Synology has developed its own application DS video (in new versions of DSM the functionality is integrated into Synology Photos (or available as a separate package), which is optimized for their hardware. This solution allows you to not only stream a file, but also manage the library, download missing metadata, and even stream content remotely.
To connect via WiFi, it's important to configure the streaming quality. In the TV app settings, find the option for bitrate or quality. If you notice any choppiness, try lowering the quality or enabling the option. Transcoding (if the NAS processor power allows it) so that the server can convert the video to a lighter format on the fly.
⚠️ Note: The transcoding feature places a high load on the NAS processor. If you have a budget model (such as the J or Play series without a powerful CPU), disable transcoding and use Direct Play mode, relying on the TV's capabilities.
The app also allows you to create multiple user profiles. This is especially convenient for families, where each member has their own list of movies they've watched and individual settings. Watching progress is instantly synchronized across all devices connected to the server.
Troubleshooting Buffering and Dropped Connections
Even with a perfect setup, wireless networks are susceptible to interference. If your video starts stuttering or pauses to buffer, first check your TV's WiFi signal strength. Built-in TV modules often have weak antennas, and placing the router closer to your TV may solve the problem.
Another common cause is channel congestion. If your neighbors also use WiFi, channels may overlap. Use WiFi analyzer apps on your smartphone to find a free channel and switch your router to it through the settings. Wireless.
It's also worth paying attention to the power saving settings of the network storage itself. Some models Synology Network interfaces may go into sleep mode or reduce WiFi adapter activity, which can lead to connection drops when playing a large file. Disable sleep mode for network interfaces in the DSM control panel.
If problems persist, try changing the MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit) in the router's network settings or the NAS itself. Sometimes the default value of 1500 bytes causes packet fragmentation in certain wireless environments, and lowering it to 1400 or 1300 may stabilize the flow.
Alternative methods: AirPlay, Chromecast, and HDMI
If traditional methods aren't suitable, there are alternative ways to display images. Apple device owners can use technology AirPlay 2, which is supported by many modern TVs. To do this, the NAS must run a package that emulates an AirPlay receiver, or use screen mirroring from an iPhone/iPad running a file manager with access to the Synology.
Technology Google Cast Chromecast built-in also lets you "cast" video from a mobile app to your TV. Simply open the file on your smartphone using the DS file or VLC app, press the cast button, and select your TV. The video starts streaming directly from the NAS to the TV, reducing the load on your phone.
In extreme cases, if your home's WiFi is unstable due to concrete walls or numerous neighbors, HDMI is always an option. A laptop or media player connected to a NAS via cable can be connected to the TV via a wire, ensuring 100% picture stability, although this defeats the purpose of a wireless connection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to connect Synology to a TV directly without a router?
Technically, this is possible if your NAS has built-in WiFi and supports access point mode (Ad-Hoc), and your TV is capable of connecting to such networks. However, the standard DSM architecture requires a router to distribute IP addresses (DHCP). A direct connection would require complex manual configuration of static IP addresses on both devices and may not work on many TV models.
Why can't my TV see movie folders on my Synology?
Most often, the issue lies with access rights. Make sure the correct folder is added to the "Media Server" settings on your Synology and that the "Allow" checkbox is checked for the "guest" user or your specific user. Also, check that your antivirus or firewall software on the NAS isn't blocking local connections.
Which protocol is better to choose: SMB, DLNA or NFS?
Optimal for most users SMB (via applications like VLC) as it provides better compatibility with metadata and subtitles. DLNA good for embedded players, but less flexible. NFS It is considered the fastest protocol with minimal overhead, but is more difficult to configure access rights in a Windows/Synology environment.
Does WiFi encryption (WPA3) affect video transfer speed?
Modern encryption standards have virtually no impact on local network speeds. However, if your router is very old, enabling WPA3 may force the network to operate in promiscuous mode, which will reduce overall performance. For media libraries, WPA2-AES is recommended.
Do I need to buy a special WiFi dongle for Synology?
Yes, if your NAS model doesn't have a built-in wireless module. Synology officially supports only certain adapter models (usually those with Realtek chips). Using an unsupported dongle will prevent the system from recognizing the device. The compatibility list is always up-to-date on the manufacturer's website.