Configuring a Synology NAS for Plex DLNA on Older TVs
A Synology NAS can give an older television access to films, television episodes, music and family photos without requiring a modern smart-TV app. The key is to use the NAS as a DLNA media server, allowing the television to browse shared folders over the home network. Plex Media Server can provide that DLNA service while also organising the library with posters, descriptions and watched-status information.
This arrangement is especially useful when an ageing television cannot install the current Plex app. Many sets sold in Australia several years ago still include a basic “Media Server”, “DLNA” or “Home Network” menu, even when their app store is no longer supported. The NAS handles the library, while the TV acts as a simple network playback device.
A reliable setup depends on three things: compatible media files, a stable local network and enough Synology hardware for any required transcoding. DLNA itself is straightforward, but older televisions can be very selective about video containers, audio formats, subtitles and folder structures.
The instructions below suit common Synology DiskStation models running DSM 7, with minor menu differences between releases. They also apply to many Australian homes using an NBN-connected router, where internal streaming should remain local rather than travelling out through the internet.
| Component | Recommended approach | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| NAS connection | Gigabit Ethernet to the router or switch | Prevents Wi-Fi dropouts and buffering |
| TV connection | Ethernet where possible; 5 GHz Wi-Fi as a second choice | Older televisions often have weak wireless hardware |
| Media format | H.264 video in an MP4 or compatible MKV container | Broad support across older DLNA clients |
| Plex setting | Enable DLNA in Plex Server settings | Makes the library visible to the TV |
| Storage layout | Separate Movies, TV Shows and Music folders | Improves scanning and browsing |
| Backup | External drive, second NAS or cloud copy | RAID protects availability, not against deletion |
Prepare the Synology Storage
Start by creating shared folders in DSM for Movies, TV Shows, Music and, if needed, Home Videos. Keep the names simple and avoid storing unrelated documents in the media shares. Plex will scan these locations and build a catalogue from the folder and file names.
Create a dedicated user account for Plex or assign the Plex service account read access to the media folders. Read-only access is preferable because the media server has no reason to modify your original files. Check permissions in File Station if Plex reports that a folder is empty.
Use a sensible naming scheme such as Movies/Film Name (2022)/Film Name (2022).mkv and TV Shows/Program Name/Season 01/Program Name - S01E01.mkv. Accurate names help Plex identify content and reduce mismatched posters or missing episodes.
Storage capacity should be planned around the size of the library and the chosen RAID type. SHR or RAID 5 can provide protection against a single drive failure, but neither replaces a backup. A large collection of ripped Blu-ray files may also require far more space than a library made from compressed H.264 files.
Install and Configure Plex Media Server
Open Package Center on the Synology, search for Plex Media Server and install the package if it is available for your model and DSM version. Some newer systems may use Container Manager instead, particularly when a preferred Plex package version is unavailable. Package installation is easier for most households, while containers offer more control for experienced administrators.
Launch Plex and sign in to a Plex account. In the server setup screen, add the Synology folders as Movies, TV Shows or Music libraries. Do not add the entire volume as one library, because Plex relies on the selected library type and folder structure to identify content correctly.
If you are also selecting a small computer for administering the NAS, a comparison of Windows 11 budget laptops can be useful, although the laptop does not need to run Plex itself. The Synology should remain the always-on server, while a laptop is simply a convenient management device.
Allow the initial scan to finish before testing the television. For a large collection, the first scan can take considerable time and may use CPU and disk resources. Plex’s web interface should show posters, descriptions and playable items before you troubleshoot the TV connection.
Enable DLNA for the Television
In Plex Web, open Settings, choose the Server section and locate DLNA. Enable the DLNA server option, then save the settings. Depending on the Plex release, the setting may be inside an advanced view, so enable “Show Advanced” if the option is hidden.
The older TV will usually not display the word Plex. Instead, open its Source, Network, Media Server or Home Network menu and look for the Synology or Plex server name. Select it, then browse the media categories presented by the television.
DLNA navigation is more limited than the Plex application. The TV may show folders, genres, artists or playlists, but it may not display Plex’s full artwork and recommendation features. This is normal. The purpose of DLNA is compatibility and playback, not a complete recreation of the modern Plex interface.
If the television cannot see the server, confirm that the TV and NAS are on the same home network. Guest Wi-Fi, client isolation and some mesh-router security modes can prevent discovery. A television in a Sydney apartment or a Melbourne townhouse may be close to the router yet still suffer from interference; Ethernet remains the most dependable option.
Match Files to Older Hardware
Older televisions commonly support H.264 video, AAC or MP3 audio and standard subtitle formats. They may fail with HEVC/H.265, 10-bit video, DTS audio, high-bitrate 4K files or unusual MKV features. A file can play perfectly on a modern phone and still be rejected by a ten-year-old TV.
Plex can direct play a compatible file or transcode it into a format the television understands. Transcoding consumes CPU resources, and some Synology models, particularly entry-level ARM units, have limited capability. Intel-based DiskStations with integrated graphics generally provide a stronger foundation for hardware-assisted transcoding, although hardware transcoding may require Plex Pass.
Keep the original high-quality files if they are valuable, then create a TV-friendly copy when necessary. Converting selected content to 1080p H.264 with AAC audio is often more practical than forcing the NAS to transcode every stream. This is particularly helpful for households with several users or a busy NAS running backups and surveillance services.
Formats That Usually Travel Well
- MP4 or MKV containers with H.264 video
- AAC or AC3 audio, subject to the television’s specifications
- SRT subtitles using clear, matching file names
- 720p or 1080p files for older full-HD displays
Improve Network Performance
Connect the Synology to the main router or a gigabit switch using Ethernet. The television should also use Ethernet where practical. Many older smart TVs include only 100 Mbps ports, which is still sufficient for most compressed 1080p files and is usually steadier than their early-generation Wi-Fi.
If Ethernet is impossible, place the TV on a strong 5 GHz network when it supports that band. Some older sets support only 2.4 GHz, where neighbouring networks, cordless devices and congested apartment buildings can cause interference. Streaming from a NAS does not require fast NBN internet; it requires a reliable connection inside the home.
Avoid testing through Plex remote access when the aim is local playback. Remote access introduces upload limits, router configuration and possible transcoding, while DLNA is designed for devices on the same LAN. Disable unnecessary remote exposure if the NAS is intended only for household streaming.
For families in Brisbane, Perth or regional areas, internet service quality can vary, but local DLNA playback is independent of an NBN outage once the NAS and router remain powered. A small uninterruptible power supply can keep both devices running during brief interruptions and protect against abrupt shutdowns.
Secure and Maintain the Media Server
Use strong DSM and Plex passwords, install DSM and Plex updates, and avoid exposing DSM administration directly to the internet. The television needs access to media playback, not to the NAS control panel. Synology firewall rules can restrict access to trusted local subnets if your network layout is more complex.
Sensitive documents should remain in separate encrypted shares rather than mixed with entertainment files. Guidance on encrypting NAS storage explains the wider protection options, including the trade-offs involved when encryption affects indexing, performance or recovery.
Monitor storage health in DSM’s Storage Manager and schedule SMART tests for the drives. Keep a second copy of irreplaceable home videos and photographs on an external disk stored away from the NAS. RAID can keep a media collection available after one disk fails, but accidental deletion, ransomware, fire or theft require an independent backup.
Routine Checks Worth Scheduling
- Review Plex’s library scan and error notifications
- Test one film and one television episode after major updates
- Check drive health, storage capacity and DSM security alerts
- Confirm that backups can be opened from another device
Make Playback Simple for Everyone
Once playback works, simplify the experience for household members. Give the NAS a memorable server name, keep the media folders tidy and remove duplicate files that make browsing confusing. If the TV displays several servers, rename the Plex server clearly, such as “Family Media”.
Consider creating a small “TV Compatible” library for files known to play directly on the older set. This avoids repeated transcoding and makes the television’s DLNA menus easier to navigate. Keep the main high-resolution library for newer devices that can handle HEVC, 4K and advanced audio.
Some older televisions have slow processors and may take time to populate a large folder. Splitting content into sensible categories, avoiding thousands of files in one directory and using predictable names can improve browsing. A cheap HDMI streaming device is another option if the built-in DLNA client eventually becomes unreliable, but the Synology configuration remains useful for local media access.
Set up the server, test a few representative files and confirm that the television can browse without Plex remote access. With compatible encoding, wired networking and current backups, a Synology NAS can extend the useful life of an older Australian TV while keeping the media collection centralised and manageable.