R_volution NAS Storage

R_volution NAS Storage: the 8-bay media server

A NAS server dedicated to storing and streaming audio and video content, without optical disc copying functionality. The NAS Storage exists for a simple reason: to centralize an already-built digital media library and distribute it throughout every room of a home, yacht, or private jet, while preserving the original quality of the files. Eight 3.5-inch SATA bays, hardware RAID, automatic detection by R_volution players, and the integrated R_video application.

Storage without copying functionality: a deliberate choice

The NAS Storage differs from the standard R_volution NAS by the absence of an integrated optical drive. No Blu-ray burner, no automatic disc copying function. This model is designed for a different use case: receiving video and audio files that have already been digitized, copied from a computer or transferred over the local network. A simple drag-and-drop from a PC or Mac is all it takes. Folder and file management can also be done using an R_volution player’s remote control, without going through a computer.

This approach lightens the unit and focuses resources on two functions: protecting data and streaming it. For those who already own a library of MKV, Blu-ray ISO, or BDMV files, that’s all that matters.

Eight bays and hardware RAID

The chassis accommodates eight 3.5-inch SATA hard drives, hot-swappable (one at a time). Drives are not included: the choice of capacity and brand is entirely free, within the limits supported by the RAID controller. With eight 20 TB drives, the raw capacity reaches 160 TB — approximately 2,000 4K UHD Blu-ray files, 4,000 Blu-rays, or 24,000 DVDs in uncompressed quality.

The RAID controller is hardware-based, not software. Four modes are available: RAID 0 for pure speed, RAID 1 for full mirroring, RAID 5 for a balance between performance and security, and JBOD for simple drive concatenation. In RAID 5 (the mode recommended by R_volution), a hard drive failure causes no data loss: the content is automatically rebuilt onto the replacement drive, and the replacement operation is carried out without shutting down the server or interrupting playback. A minimum of three drives is required to enable RAID 5.

Multiroom 4K video streaming and beyond

Once connected to the home network (Gigabit Ethernet, 10/100/1000 Mbps), the NAS Storage distributes video content to R_volution media players installed throughout the home. Up to three independent playback zones can operate simultaneously: a film in the living room, a series in the bedroom, a concert in the study.

Video files are transmitted without recompression, bit for bit. The NAS supports MKV, Blu-ray ISO, and BDMV formats, HEVC/H.265 and AV1 codecs, 4K UHD resolution (and 8K via compatible players such as the PlayerOne 8K), HDR, HDR10, and BT.2020. On the cinema audio side, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD, and DTS-HD Master Audio tracks are reproduced in their original format.

Playback starts directly with the film, with no warnings, trailers, or disc menus.

Music playback and multiroom compatibility

The NAS Storage is not limited to video. Audio files are supported in a wide range of formats: WAV, AIFF, FLAC, ALAC, DSD (SACD), MP3, OGG, AAC, APE, and more. Gapless playback is natively supported — an important feature for listening to albums designed as a continuous flow (classical music, concept albums, DJ sets).

Music files are accessible from connected speakers and network audio players. R_volution mentions compatibility with Sonos, Bluesound, and other multiroom systems on the market, controllable from their respective mobile applications. Album artwork and artist thumbnails are normalized to ensure correct display on most devices.

Integration with the Roon server is available as an option. Roon identifies the music files stored on the NAS, enriches them with detailed metadata, and enables playback control from a tablet, computer, or smartphone via its interface.

R_video: the media library that builds itself

The R_video application, integrated into the NAS, automatically analyzes every video file added to the “MOVIES” and “SERIES” folders. It identifies the title using a proprietary database (R_video DB) that references more than 1,200,000 film, series, and concert titles in DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K UHD formats. For each recognized title, R_video downloads the poster, animated background, synopsis, technical information, and cast details (actors, director, runtime, release date, rating).

Films from the same franchise are automatically grouped and sorted by release date. Series feature a navigation interface by season and episode, with a progress indicator (watched, in progress). The next episode plays automatically without any input. A search engine with filters (actor, genre, runtime, year, rating) makes it easy to find a title within a collection of several thousand files.

R_video also offers PIN-based parental controls, favorite scenes shareable with the user community, and original film soundtracks playing in the background while browsing the collection (R_soundtracks). The interface runs at 60 frames per second on R_volution players.

Quick setup and day-to-day management

Network configuration is automatic. Simply plug the NAS into a power outlet and connect it to the local network with an Ethernet cable (category 6 or 7 recommended). R_volution players on the network detect the NAS without any configuration.

The “MOVIES” and “TV SHOWS” folders are created automatically on first startup. To add content, there are two options: copy files from a computer over the network, or manage folders using an R_volution player’s remote control (copy, paste, rename, delete). R_video begins identifying new files as soon as the application is restarted on a connected player.

Offline use

The NAS Storage works without internet access once the library has been set up. Browsing the collection, watching films, and listening to music all remain fully operational. Only functions that require a connection (downloading trailers, subtitles, and identifying new files) are suspended until the network is restored. R_volution mentions compatibility with Starlink: the application automatically switches to connected mode as soon as internet access becomes available.

This mode of operation makes the NAS usable on a yacht, in a private jet, or in a motorhome — anywhere where the connection is intermittent or unavailable.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the NAS Storage and the R_volution NAS? The R_volution NAS includes an optical drive capable of automatically copying DVDs, Blu-rays, and 4K UHD discs. The NAS Storage does not have an optical drive: it only receives digital files that have already been digitized, transferred from a computer or another device over the network. Both models share the same RAID storage, multiroom streaming, and R_video integration features.

Which hard drives are compatible? The NAS accepts 3.5-inch SATA hard drives. R_volution offers Western Digital drives pre-formatted in ExFAT (compatible with PC, Mac, and Android), but other off-the-shelf 3.5-inch SATA drives can also be used. NTFS or Mac OS formatting is available on request.

How many R_volution players can connect simultaneously? The NAS supports up to three independent video playback zones simultaneously. Each R_volution player operates independently: a different film can be playing in each room. For music, multiroom streaming is managed via third-party applications (Sonos, Bluesound, Roon).

Does the NAS work with players from other brands? The NAS is designed to work with R_volution media players (PlayerMini, PlayerOne 8K, PlayerPro 8K). Multiroom video streaming via R_video requires these players. For audio, files are accessible from compatible connected speakers (Sonos, Bluesound) and via the optional Roon server.

Is the Roon subscription included? No. Roon server integration is an optional add-on for the NAS. The Roon service subscription itself must be taken out separately with Roon Labs. The R_video license, however, is included with the NAS.

What happens if a hard drive fails in RAID 5? Data remains accessible and playback is not interrupted. The failed drive can be hot-swapped without shutting down the server. The content is automatically rebuilt onto the new drive using RAID 5 distributed parity. During the rebuild, the NAS continues to operate normally.

Can multiple NAS units be combined into a single system? Yes. Multiple R_volution NAS servers can be combined to form a unified system, making it possible to exceed the storage limit of a single unit and manage collections of several tens of thousands of titles.

Technical specifications

Key features

• Professional 8-bay NAS with hardware RAID
• Data protection in RAID 0 / 1 / 5 / JBOD
• 4K / UHD multiroom video streaming
• High-fidelity audio playback: FLAC, DSD, ALAC
• Automatic integration with R_video
• Plug & play system with simplified installation
• Multi-room and multi-device access

Main functions

• Storage of a complete multimedia library
• Data protection against disk failures
• Simultaneous streaming of movies and music in several rooms
• Centralization of a complete home media library

Storage and capacity

• Architecture
  • 8 bays for 3.5” SATA hard drives
  • Hot-swap
  • Drives not included
• RAID modes
  • RAID 0 (performance)
  • RAID 1 (security)
  • RAID 5 (balance of performance and security, operation maintained in the event of disk failure)
  • JBOD (simple expansion)

Video performance

• Resolution: up to 4K UHD / 8K via compatible players
• Supported video formats: MKV, ISO Blu-ray, BDMV
• Codecs: HEVC, H.265, AV1
• Cinema audio: Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby TrueHD

Audio performance

• High-fidelity formats: FLAC, ALAC, WAV, AIFF
• DSD support (SACD)
• Gapless playback
• Compatibility with audiophile multiroom systems

Multiroom

• Multi-room video
  • Simultaneous streaming to multiple R_volution players
  • Up to 3 independent zones or more
• Multiroom audio
  • Compatible with Sonos, Bluesound, Roon, mobile applications
  • Different playback possible in each room

Software and automation (R_video)

• Automatic movie recognition
• Downloading posters, synopses, and actors
• Sorting by genres and categories
• Smart filters: date, rating, duration
• Complete media library management

Operation

• Plug & play
  • Automatic network connection
  • Instant detection by R_volution players
  • No complex setup required
• File management
  • Copy / paste over the network
  • Management via remote control or PC / Mac
  • Easy addition of new content

Advanced use

• Mobility mode (yacht, airplane)
  • Operation without Internet
  • Library accessible offline
  • Metadata synchronization when the network returns

Technical specifications

• NAS processor: server architecture with hardware RAID
• Bays: 8 x SATA 3.5”
• Network: Gigabit Ethernet (10 / 100 / 1000 Mbps)
• Power supply: 650 W
• Power consumption: 62 W
• Noise level: approximately 25 dB

Operating conditions

• Operating temperature: 0 to 40 °C
• Storage temperature: -40 to 65 °C
• Humidity: 20 % to 80 %

Dimensions and weight

• Dimensions: 316 × 285 × 208 mm
• Net weight: 9 kg (excluding drive)
• Weight with packaging: 10 kg

Box contents

• R_volution 8-bay NAS
• Power cable
• Quick installation guide