A Step by Step Guide to Getting Kodi on Your QNAP NAS – UPDATED
Despite the growing popularity of third-party multimedia streaming services such as Netflix, Disney plus and HBO Max, there is still a solid demand by users to enjoy the media they own from the comfort of the sofa in a digital, disc-free environment. Whether it is because we have hundreds of DVD and Blu-ray discs cluttering up shelves or a drawer full of hard drives brimming with good TV to watch, some users resent having to pay subscription services for media they may already own or end up spending hundreds of pounds a year on media they do not own, with its removal and availability changed on a whim. It is for reasons like these that many users look into purchasing a solid network-attached storage (NAS) drive from brands such as QNAP in order to enjoy the media they own, while still enjoying slick graphical user interfaces GUI offered that is comparable to Netflix and Prime Video. One application that has been in allowing users to enjoy the media they own for many years is KODI, a media centre application with thousands of addons, unparalleled codec+format support and one of the easiest user interfaces to navigate and customise. Sadly, in recent years less scrupulous individuals have taken advantage of the flexibility of Kodi in order to play copyrighted material found online illegally and stream from less than legal sources to watch new multimedia. Because of this, Kodi was largely shunned by most well-established app stores and is no longer available to be directly downloaded from the NAS application centre in 2022. However, that does not mean it is impossible to still use and in fact, there are multiple versions of Kodi you can use, as well as add-ons to connect with your streaming services and even access other multimedia services available that are installed on your QNAP NAS (Plex, Emby, Twinky, etc). So today I want to walk you through how to install Kodi on your QNAP NAS and start watching your media from your sofa today.
Below is your checklist to make sure you have before beginning the installation of the Kodi HD Station application for HDMI.
- QNAP NAS with an Intel/AMD CPU
- HDMI Port (1.4 or 2.0a)
- QTS Upgraded to QTS 4 or later
- Latest Version of HD Station
- Control Device for HDMI, ie IR Remote, Keyboard+Mouse,
- Access to the Internet (can be disabled after if you prefer) and access the NAS via the Web Browser GUI (Graphical User Interface, ie The Desktop of QNAP NAS)
Let’s get started.
KODI on QNAP NAS Gude – Step 1 – Installing Applications
Head into the App center on your QNAP NAS, via the web browser GUI:
KODI on QNAP NAS Gude – Step 2 – Installing QNAP HybridDesk Station / HD Station
If you QNAP NAS has an HDMI output, an option will be available on the left-hand side, labelled ‘HybridDesk Station’. Go ahead and click it to enter a new window. From here you need to click the JybridDesk Station ‘install’ option. You may well also be asked to install one of the other HD Station applications, that is up to you (none are essential to KODI)
KODI on QNAP NAS Gude – Step 3 – Configuring the QNAP App Center Options
Once the HD Station / HybridDesk Station application is installed, head to the top right corner and click the cog icon (settings):
KODI on QNAP NAS Gude – Step 4 – Allowing 3rd PARTY and Unsigned Applications
In the first window that appears, put a tick in the box regarding the installations of applications without a valid signature (this means applications that are not QNAP created or partnered can be installed, such as KODI):
KODI on QNAP NAS Gude – Step 5 – Congifuring an App Repository
Then click the App Repository tab at the top of the same window, and get ready to enter the location of where yo will be downloading the KODI application from:
KODI on QNAP NAS Gude – Step 6 – Adding New App Centers
Enter the information in the boxes shown in the image below. The URL should read ‘https://www.qnapclub.eu/en/repo.xml‘. Once you have done this, click ‘add’:
KODI on QNAP NAS Gude – Step 7 – Adding the QNAP Club App List
The QNAP Club Repository should now appear in the list underneath in the previous window. If it is now there, click ‘close’.
KODI on QNAP NAS Gude – Step 8 – Finding the QNAPClub App List
On the left-hand side of the app center window, a new option should have appeared for the new app center that you have added. QNAP Club is an unofficial and Homebrew app community that creates new applications, as well as modifying existing linux/windows software to work within the QNAP NAS system. These can be used via the network, web browser or using the HDMI/KVM setup of the NAS. So, let’s install KODI.
KODI on QNAP NAS Gude – Step 9 – Finding the Kodi Application
The quickest way to find Kodi is to use the search bar at the top right of the QNAP App Center and enter ‘KODI’ and hit search. Several versions of Kodi will appear, however, it is highly recommended to opt for version 19, as Kodi v.19 (Matrix) is not only the latest release available for QNAP, but also older versions have not been extensively updated for the latest version OF HD Station / HybridDesk Station. Simply click the +install button as you normally would any other application. You may see a pop-up warning you that this application installation highlights that this is a 3rd party/unsigned application. This is so you understand that you are installing KODI at your own risk/choice and against the recommendations of the manufacturer.
KODI on QNAP NAS Gude – Step 10 – Allowing Remote Access
When the KODI application is installed, you will be able to access it from your HDMI output on the NAS (you will need a keyboard, mouse, IR Remote or network remote control such as the free QRemote application to navigate it), but if you want to configure the KODI application from your web browser, it is possible to configure HD Station / HybridDesk Station and KODI from Chrome/Safari/Edge/Mozilla etc quite easily. Head into the Control Panel option in the QNAP browser GUI.
KODI on QNAP NAS Gude – Step 11 – Accessing the HDMI Control Panel
From here, head to the Applications section at the bottom and select the HDMI Display Applications option.
KODI on QNAP NAS Gude – Step 12 – Adjusting the HDMI Defaults
A new options/config menu will appear and from here you are able to configure the HDMI output settings of your QNAP NAS. If you have alternative applications that use the HDMI out (such as Linux Station, Media Players or assigned a VM directly to the DMI), they will appear here. In order to use/view KODI via the QNAP HDMI output, you will need to ensure that the application is ‘enabled’ (so conversely, it will say ‘disable’ in red if the app is currently running, which what you want!). Then click theSettings option.
KODI on QNAP NAS Gude – Step 13 – Changing HDMI Resolution and Settings
Next you will have an HDMI settings menu. If you need to change the resolution of the HDMI output, you can change it in the top right drop down menu. However, in order to allow web browser access to the HDMI output to configure Kodi, etc, we need to tick the box labelled Enable Remote Desktop and then click Apply.
KODI on QNAP NAS Gude – Step 14 – Accessing the HDMI Output via your Web Browser
Once you have done that, a couple of new options will appear underneath. In order to access the HDMI visual interface and GUI, click the first optionClick Here to Open and a new tab will open in your web browser that displays your QNAP NAS HDMI output. If you have a specific login for your NAS, you will need to enter it first in the next window before proceeding to the HDMI GUI.
KODI on QNAP NAS Gude – Step 15 Booting Kodi and Changing Settings
From here you will have rows of icons on the screen that show the HDMI equipped applications that are installed on your QNAP NAS. If you want to run and access KODI, just go ahead and click the KODI icon and it will open the application (be warned, the first time you run the KODI application, there will be ALOT of pop up messages asking if you want to enable/disable aspects of the application). If you plan on using the KODI application exclusively for the HDMI port and want to make sure you do not need to go through the process of login in every time on the TV, as well as selecting the Kodi application manually every time, you can head into the settings menu at the top right (the cog icon) and change the defaults like this:
KODI on QNAP NAS Gude – Step 16 – Setting Kodi as the Default App
From the settings menu, select the ‘App’ tab on the left-hand side and from there, select Kodi, then at the bottom of the app options, you will see an option marked SET AUTO RUN which, when enabled, will make sure that KODI always runs via the HDMI as the default start-up application. You can also set the General Tab to remember your login details (over HDMI only) and allow KODI to always immediately be available whenever you turn your TV on and want to watch your media.
KODI on QNAP NAS Gude – Step 17 – Browser Responsiveness
The last thing, IF you are setting up your KODI application over the Web browser GUI (i.e. via your laptop or PC), then the refresh rate of what you see on screen will not be as fast/sharp as if you accessed it from the HDMI into a TV. So, do not be surprised if it seems that the responsiveness seems a little lackluster when navigating options. This only applies to accessing remotely via the web browser and won’t be the case over direct HDMI with control over a mouse+keyboard, Bluetooth mouse, IR remote or using the QNAP Qremote free mobile application to control the HDMI output. Thanks for reading this guide and I hope it helped!
If you need a little more information on how to install KODI on your QNAP NAS in 2022 (such as where to download the Kodi App directly, or a complete walkthrough of how to install the multimedia tool more visually, you can always use the video blow that will guide you though the process.
If you need any further help choosing the right NAS for your multimedia needs (whether it is Plex Media Server, Emby, Kodi or using other 3rd party media software), then please use the free advice section linked below. A genuinely free service manned by two humans (me and Eddie the Web guy) and we answer all of your questions to help you get the right solution for your needs. We do not charge anything, we do nothing with your email and although there are donation options available HERE, they are completely voluntary! Have a great 2022!
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Related
FAQs
How do I connect to QNAP NAS? ›
- Verify that your computer is connected to the same network as the NAS.
- Open a web browser on your computer.
- Type the IP address of the NAS in the address bar. The QTS login screen appears.
- Specify your user name and password. The default user name and password is admin .
- Click Login.
I can also confirm that Synology NAS works fine and secure with Kodi. My set-up is much the same as above, except I don't have "Allow connections from non-privileged ports" ticked as in my case it's not needed.
How do I manually install apps on QNAP? ›- Open the QNAP Desktop in your browser by entering the IP address of your QNAP NAS.
- Go to App Center.
- Click the Install Manually icon.
- Click Browse in the window that appears and locate the installer (. qpkg file) on your computer.
- Click Install.
- Wait until the installation is complete.
QNAP NAS models TS-x51A Series, TS-x53B Series and TVS-x73e Series with a USB QuickAccess port allows you to directly access files/data without requiring network connectivity. Other USB ports on the NAS do not support this function.
Is QNAP a Chinese company? ›QNAP Systems, Inc.
(Chinese: 威聯通科技) is a Taiwanese corporation that specializes in network-attached storage (NAS) appliances used for file sharing, virtualization, storage management and surveillance applications.
Not only is a QNAP NAS more affordable than typical SAN devices, but it also provides rich enterprise features to make storage applications more efficient. For example, you can use LUN snapshots to enhance data protection and disaster recovery planning.
What is the IP address of my QNAP NAS? ›Note: The default NAS IP is 169.254. 100.100:8080. If the NAS has been configured to use DHCP, you can use the QNAP Qfinder to check the IP address of the NAS.
Is Raspberry Pi best for Kodi? ›For the best experience with Kodi, we recommend that you use the Raspberry Pi 4 or newer. The stronger processor and increased RAM will help Kodi run at its best. Suppose you would prefer to use a distribution that comes with Kodi pre-installed. In that case, we recommend that you check out LibreELEC, OSMC, or XBian.
Can you stream 4K video from NAS? ›You can also use Video Station and its corresponding mobile application, DS video, to play videos on your browser or mobile device. Notes: When you stream 4K videos on your Synology NAS over the Internet, we recommend an upload speed of 25 Mbps or higher for optimal viewing quality.
Can you stream 4K from a NAS? ›It depends mostly on whether your device supports 4K streaming or not. Most modern multimedia devices can play 4K videos smoothly. Devices such as smart TVs and multimedia players can access videos stored on Synology NAS using My Network Places (SMB) or Media Server (DLNA).
Is there a web browser on QNAP? ›
Browser Station provides virtual browsers on QNAP NAS, allowing you to remotely access protected data on the same LAN as the QNAP NAS without going through complex VPN settings. It's simple, convenient, and safe.
Where does QNAP install apps? ›Re: Finding installed apps on tree structure
Your QPKGs will (usually) be found under your default volume name. Example: if your default volume is called CACHEDEV1_DATA, then check under [/share/CACHEDEV1_DATA/. qpkg/].
QVPN Service enables secure virtual private network (VPN) connections between QNAP devices and user devices, providing data protection over the Internet.
Is a NAS faster than a USB drive? ›In the best-case scenario, 130MBps is the fastest data connection you can get from a NAS server, but most servers are slower. Basically, a NAS server's speed varies between the speed of USB 2.0 and the speed of USB 3.0, and is much slower than the speed of Thunderbolt, which gets up to about 700MBps.
What port should I use for QNAP? ›...
Service Ports.
| Service Name | Default Port Number |
|---|---|
| NAS web | 8080 |
| NAS web (HTTPS) | 443 |
| NetBIOS/ Samba | 137, 138, 139, 445 |
| Network File System (NFS) | 2049, 111, dynamic ports |
The usual reason for having multiple interfaces on a NAS is so the NAS can BE a router, or connected to two completely separate networks at the same time.
Can QNAP be hacked? ›The vulnerability that has been reported to be being exploited is in the QNAP Photo Station application and although a day one patch for the application for all current use QTS software systems has been issued, it has still resulted in users being hit in this new wave of attacked by the deadbolt ransomware group.
Who owns QNAP? ›QNAP Systems Inc. is a manufacturer of network appliance and storage solutions; the company was founded in 2004 as a subsidiary of IEI Integration Corporation.
What Linux is QNAP based on? ›It's a custom, vendor locked, distro called QTS. Can install 3rd party software such as dopeGURU on it?
Are SSD or HDD better for NAS? ›Even though most NASes have an HDD, SSD is also a good option. This Solid State Drive is up to 30 times faster than a traditional HDD. Aside from that, an SSD is more energy-efficient and silent, so you save energy and aren't bothered by noise as much.
Why SAN is faster than NAS? ›
SANs are the higher performers for environments that need high-speed traffic such as high transaction databases and ecommerce websites. NAS generally has lower throughput and higher latency because of its slower file system layer, but high-speed networks can make up for performance losses within NAS.
Can I connect my QNAP directly to my computer? ›Can I connect Qnap NAS directly to a PC or Mac? If you are planning to connect your Qnap NAS to your PC over USB, then no, you can not no it with every model (just few). NAS means network attached storage and is being connected to a network.
What is the root password for QNAP? ›The default admin password is admin. You can log in to the NAS with admin/admin after resetting the NAS.
Does QNAP have firewall? ›QuFirewall is the built-in firewall app used by the QTS, QuTS hero, QNE Network, and QuTScloud operating systems used by QNAP appliances. You can allow/deny IP addresses and regions to prevent unauthorized access and brute force attacks for safeguarding data and service security.
Is Raspberry Pi 4 2GB enough for Kodi? ›The Pi 4 is great. There's no need for the 8GB model if Kodi is all you plan on using it for. It will never use that much unless you're also using Kodi for gaming. A 4GB model is the sweet spot but it runs well on the 2GB model as well.
What is the best working repository for Kodi? ›Elementum is a Kodi video addon that is fast and works very well. Section include Movies, TV Shows, Search, Torrents, Add, History, Providers, Status, and more. It can be downloaded and installed from the official site here or from other repositories.
Can a Raspberry Pi get hacked? ›With paranoia turned up to full, yes, there is still a risk you could be hacked. It comes down to how much you trust the developer/distributor of the code that is 'staking' your RPi.
Does internet speed affect NAS? ›The internal network speeds are not affected by the internet connection in any way. Uploading something on the NAS from a device outside of your network would depend on your internet's DOWNLOAD speed as well as the other device's internet UPLOAD speed. The slowest of all would be your speed limit.
Is more RAM better for NAS? ›The more capacity you have, the greater the weight of tasks/apps/users you can handle. All actions and executed applications require memory space and are pretty much the main reason people upgrade the RAM on their NAS.
Can a NAS be as fast as an SSD? ›So rule of thumb, the NAS is going to be slower than the SSD. But like all things, it depends on how good is the NAS (and your connection to it) vs your SSD (and your connection to it). If you compared a lousy SSD to a super-souped-up NAS solution, then the NAS probably wins in real-world usage.
How much RAM is needed for 4k streaming? ›
If you have 4GB RAM or more you can easily play 4k videos. RAM isn't a major factor when it comes to 4k compatibility.
Is 8GB RAM enough for NAS? ›For basic use, 4GB or 8GB will suffice. If you have a business Synology NAS, we would recommend at least 16GB. If more people open and save their work on the NAS at the same time, this is very demanding for the RAM.
What is the best NAS for streaming? ›- Synology 4 Bay NAS DiskStation DS418. A fantastic all-rounder NAS for home media streaming has to be the DS418 from Synology. ...
- QNAP 2 Bay NAS. ...
- TerraMaster F2-210. ...
- Synology 4 Bay NAS Rackstation RS819. ...
- Synology 12 Bay NAS Diskstation DS2419+
Kodi itself can be installed on some NAS boxes, basically turning them into client playback devices as well as file servers. Almost any NAS can be used as a file server, either via SMB, NFS or various other protocols.
Is there a Web browser on QNAP? ›Browser Station provides virtual browsers on QNAP NAS, allowing you to remotely access protected data on the same LAN as the QNAP NAS without going through complex VPN settings. It's simple, convenient, and safe.
How do I add apps to my QNAP home screen? ›You can make the Application icon appear on the NAS desktop by clicking on the Menu, the three stripes up in the left side, see the image below as a reference. Select the application you want, click, hold the button and drag to the desktop, see the example on the image below.
How do I download QNAP apps? ›Visit the QNAP App Center, select the model and QTS version of your NAS and download some apps.
What is the best software for NAS? ›- FreeNAS - Free and open-source.
- XigmaNAS - Includes different protocols.
- Rockstor - Built on a rock-solid CentOs.
- Amahi - Tons of apps and plugins.
- OpenMediaVault - Has frequent updated and patches.
You can watch the media from your NAS on your fire TV in two ways. The first is to enable internet access to your NAS drive, setup DDNS or cloud type access, and then add that address to supported apps on the fire TV 4K.
Can you connect directly to NAS? ›If you want to connect your NAS directly, you can do it. Set up manual IP on your PC and NAS with a one in the same IP range. Than use Synology finder app or type IP in the address bar and it's done. Maximum speed for regular network cable is 1Gb/s which is around 115MB/s in real life.
What is QNAP web server used for? ›
The NAS supports Web Server for web sites creation and management. It also supports Joomla!, PHP and MySQL/SQLite to establish an interactive website.
What is qnap hybrid mount? ›HybridMount is a QNAP application that enables low-latency access to cloud storage through remote mounting of cloud services and remote devices. HybridMount also allows you to use caching for cloud services.
Where are apps stored on QNAP? ›Re: Finding installed apps on tree structure
Your QPKGs will (usually) be found under your default volume name. Example: if your default volume is called CACHEDEV1_DATA, then check under [/share/CACHEDEV1_DATA/. qpkg/].
QuRouter. QNAP's QuRouter OS simplifies managing high-speed and high-coverage LAN/WAN. With NAT, VPN, security, and QuWAN SD-WAN, network management is made easier and remote connections more secure.
What is the latest version of QNAP QTS? ›QTS 5.0. 0.1986 build 20220324 | Release Notes | QNAP (US)
What does QNAP stand for? ›The QNAP name stands for Quality Network Appliance Provider.