QNAP Systems has rolled out the TS-328, its first quad-core 3-bay NAS that allows for building a RAID 5 array using only three drives. Compared with 2-bay NAS that only allow for building RAID 1 arrays, the TS-328 provides the choice of RAID 5 and can optimize available space while providing high data protection.

The TS-328 provides multimedia applications and video transcoding capabilities, and is an ideal solution for home users to centrally store, backup and manage files and data, according to Dan Lin, product manager of QNAP. He says that 30% of QNAP NAS users prefer using RAID 5 arrays to benefit from optimized storage capacity, higher performance, and data protection.

QNAP’s first 3-bay NAS allows entry-level users to build a RAID 5 array on their NAS for a more cost-effective private cloud storage solution. The TS-328 also supports snapshots, allowing for users to quickly recover data in the event of accidental deletion/modification or ransomware attack.

The TS-328 is powered by a Realtek RTD1296 quad-core 1.4 GHz processor with 2GB DDR4 memory and provides two 1GbE ports with SATA 6Gb/s for up to 225 MB/s read/write speeds. Featuring H.264/H.265 hardware decoding and real-time transcoding, the TS-328 can convert videos to universal file formats that can be played smoothly on mobile devices, Lin says. With the QVHelper, Qmedia and Video HD streaming applications, users can easily stream media files to devices throughout their home and to their mobile devices when on the go, he adds.

Featuring the latest QTS 4.3.4 operating system, users can view and backup the content of their mobile devices to the TS-328 by plugging it into a USB port. The built-in App Center also provides a range of applications: “IFTTT Agent” and “Qfiling” help automate user workflows for improved efficiency and productivity; “Qsirch” provides full-text search for quickly finding files; “Qsync” and “Hybrid Backup Sync” simplifies file sharing and syncing across devices. Users can also download Qphoto to their mobile devices to take photos and record videos and

The TS-328 NAS is now available. For more information and to view the full QNAP NAS lineup, go to www.qnap.com.