Vidabox LiivNAS Media NAS Preview

It has been a while since we have talked about a true media storage and streaming product. With the proliferation of hockey puck sized streaming boxes with no internal storage, there just hasn't been many to talk about. But that doesn't mean there isn't a need. If you are a custom installer, or just a power user who wants easy access to all your content from one source, a media server is a necessity. Many would chose to build their own solutions but more than a few would want a pre-built product. When you are trying to integrate a number of different products, building your own usually ends in frustration and only partial success.

The Vidabox LiivNAS (we're pronouncing that live-Nas) has a number of interesting features. First, it is relatively small. At 9.45" wide, 8.84" deep, and 4.23" tall (with feet), it won't take up much space in your rack. At just over eight pounds, it won't be hard to install either. Internally, you have access to two terabytes of storage thought that can be easily expanded with an external storage serves (like Vidabox's RackServerV2). This allows your movie/media storage to be virtually unlimited. 

That's going to be important as the LiivNAS is designed with the power user in mind. With "Drop-n-Rip" functionality, the LiivNAS allows you to load Blu-rays, DVDs, and CDs (unencrypted of course) simply by inserting the disc. The content is stored lossless and metadata is automatically applied to your content. For universal DVD/CD playback, the LiivNAS offers DualRip technology which stores your content in both lossless and a second copy in MP3/MPEG for easy streaming to all devices. 

The Vidabox LiivNAS is compatible with Dune HD for streaming 1080p HD video and up to 7.1 HD surround sound over a single CAT cable. The Vidabox allows up to 10 streams of Blu-ray, DVD, video, photo, or other content simultaneously! That's a pretty impressive feat for a single box.

The Vidabox LiivNAS is SONOS and Control4 compatible. You'll need to install an extra driver but it will give you advanced 2-way control over your LiivNAS and SONOS products.

Conclusion

If you think 10 streams of HD video is overkill, the LiivNAS isn't for you. Honestly, if you are no working with a custom installer, you probably don't need this product. But for those with complicated installs that want a central place for both storing and streaming media, the LiivNAS has a lot going for it. The price is very good for this market ($1349 base), Control4 and SONOS compatibility a must, and near unlimited storage means just about any install can be serviced. We're guessing custom installers are going to be flocking to the new Vidabox LiivNAS.

For more information, please visit www.vidabox.com.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.