Conclusion
...Qnap's latest solution is well suited to bringing NAS-based multimedia content to a big-screen TV without the need for an intermediary device.Qnap's vision of a living-room NAS is beginning to take shape. Building on the foundations laid by 2013's HS-210, the Taiwanese company has since released a number of fine-tuned revisions culminating in the new HS-251+.
Touting a quad-core Intel processor and dedicated HDMI out, Qnap's latest solution is well suited to bringing NAS-based multimedia content to a big-screen TV without the need for an intermediary device.
This is the best implementation of Qnap's low-profile form factor to date, yet while the HS-251+ hits the right notes for users who have amassed a library of digital content, there is room for improvement. The absence of an internal fan raises question marks over long-term drive reliability, and though the available feature set is expansive from a NAS perspective, there are gaps when you consider the HS-251+ as a premium set-top box.
As it stands, the living-room NAS falls short of its full potential, but Qnap is heading in the right direction. With the addition of high-profile apps such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer, and who knows, maybe a TV tuner or two, future models could have the makings of a pivotal piece of home theatre equipment.
Slick QTS operating system
Quad-core Intel CPU
Bundled remote control
HDMI out is a genuine value add
Gets quite warm during use
Power button awkward to reach
Qnap HS-251+
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The Qnap HS-251+ will be available from a number of retailers starting December 2015.
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