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Today we are checking out the latest 4-bay NAS model from QNAP designed to replace not just your file server but also you home theatre PC. Out of the box the TS-451+ features an IR remote, support for 1080p playback over HDMI, the ability to run additional operating systems such as Windows and much more… Back in August of 2014 we reviewed what was believed to be QNAP’s most significant desktop NAS product yet, the TS-415+. The TS-x51 family was the first to be powered by an Intel Celeron J1800 dual-core processor. This meant they featured a video transcoding capability that’s 18x faster than earlier Atom based solutions. Moreover, they featured a HDMI output and virtualization support which allowed users to run multiple operating systems such as Linux and Windows 8.
 QNAP announced the new TS-451+ in November of 2015 and with it comes a number of notable upgrades. The dual-core Celeron J1800 has been upgraded to the quad-core Celeron J1900 and there is now an 8GB model, though unfortunately we have only been sent the 2GB model for testing. Key features of the TS-451+ include virtualization readiness, containerized applications, advanced backup solutions, real-time & offline video transcoding, QvPC Technology and HDMI video playback with an included remote control which is a nice touch. With the inclusion of QNAP’s QvPC Technology the TS-451+ can be used not just as a storage device but also as a complete PC. QvPC Technology consists of several QNAP-developed technologies, including virtualization, hardware-accelerated transcoding, cloud integration, unified & tiered storage, RAID protection, SSD cache acceleration, video output, and more. By simply plugging in a keyboard, mouse and HDMI display, users can directly access stored data, run multiple virtual machines, surf the web, enjoy 1080p videos, monitor live feeds on Surveillance Station, and much more. For those after a HTPC replacement the bundled remote will be very appealing as it allows users to enjoy watching movies and shows on their TV without the need for a keyboard or mouse. QNAP’s own HD Station integrates the powerful Kodi media player and web browser and this is where the QNAP RM-IR002 remote control comes into its own. All these features come at the surprisingly attractive price of just $480 for the 2GB model or $650 for the 8GB model. The competition you will find around the same price are the Synology DS416 ($450), Netgear ReadyNAS RN21400 ($500) and the Asustor AS6104T costs $560. |
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Matt |
Posted on: 01/21/2016 11:34 AM
Nice review and I agree why are all of these expensive NAS servers always loaded with 1 - 2GB of RAM? The price premium for the 8GB model is a joke as well. |
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ProX |
Posted on: 01/21/2016 09:39 PM
The TS-453mini is still my fav! |
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Gary Nalley |
Posted on: 01/23/2016 03:34 PM
Don't try to use this device as a standalone windows domain controller. The SAMBA and DHCP implementations are missing two CRITICAL components for it to work. Samba is missing the ability to do DNS Forwarders...and DHCP does not allow you to input the OPTIONS command. Both of these functions are critical to having a working solution. If you want a standalone MS Domain Controller that works. Look elsewhere. |
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PPv |
Posted on: 01/31/2016 11:35 PM
I just got my TS-451+ over the weekend and so far I am loving it. Setup was extremely easy and so far everything I have wanted to install/setup has gone well. I have found the IR works great and general performance is excellent. |
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12me91 |
Posted on: 02/18/2016 03:16 AM
I will probably be getting the smaller TS-251+ in a few weeks. Thanks for the review I am very excited. Do you think the 215 will perform about the same? |