How do I stream videos smoothly via Video Station/DS video?

How do I stream videos smoothly via Video Station/DS video?

Details

The network throughput required for smooth streaming depends on the bitrate of the video. This article introduces the common bitrates for video files and shows how to find proper streaming environments for your videos.

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Common bitrates for video files

Below are the common bitrates for video files and their corresponding minimum bandwidth for your network equipment and the recommended Wi-Fi standard for your router setup.

Video bitrate Minimum suggested bandwidth (+50% margin1) Recommended Wi-Fi standard
750 Kb/s 1125 Kb/s 801.11g
1.5 Mb/s 2.25 Mb/s 801.11g
6.5 Mb/s 9.75 Mb/s 801.11n
10 Mb/s 15 Mb/s 801.11n
15 Mb/s 22.5 Mb/s 801.11n

Find the bitrate of the video in Video Station

  1. Go to Video Station
  2. Select a video and click Menu > View media info.

Check the network installation in different environments

Case 1: Over local network via wired connection
To stream videos over your local network, make sure the router can provide the required bandwidth meeting both the upload and download speed limits.

Case 2: Over local network via Wi-Fi
To stream videos over Wi-Fi, check the following:

  • The upload speed of your router.
  • Make sure your router supports these Wi-Fi standards: 801.11b, 801.11g, 801.11n. For videos of higher bitrates, use 802.11n, 802.11ac, or Wi-Fi 6.
  • Make sure your device can handle the data bandwidth (Check the “Network & wireless connectivity” section of the device's specs).

Case 3: Over the Internet
To stream videos outward from your local network, check the following:

  • The upload speed of your router.
  • The domestic network bandwidth of the DSL/Internet connection for your Synology NAS.
  • The bandwidth of your mobile network or Wi-Fi connection outside home.
  • Make sure your device can handle the data bandwidth (Check the “Network & wireless connectivity” section of the device's specs).
  • With your mobile device connected to the network in question, you can run speed tests by using the applications featured below.

Test the network speed

For mobile devices

Download the "Speed Test" app from the app store (iOS/Android/Windows Phone) and perform the speed test. You should be able to know the download speed of your device.

For web browsers

Try SpeedTest.net if you want to know the upload speed of your home router, or the download speeds of the router in a different network.

Notes:

  1. The minimum suggested bandwidth is 150% of the video bitrate to avoid lags due to bitrate variations among video files.
  2. Some mobile devices may not allow the streaming of certain formats of video files. Check the device specs or contact the manufacturer if this occurs when the bandwidth is sufficient.
  3. If your Synology NAS can convert, the converted video might have a lower bitrate, and you only need to meet lower bandwidth requirements. In DS video, you can select 2 Mbps (medium quality) or 512 Kbps (low quality).
  4. For information regarding your router, please contact your manufacturer or consult related documentation.
Details
Resolution
Common bitrates for video files
Find the bitrate of the video in Video Station
Check the network installation in different environments
Test the network speed