R_volution NAS Ultra 8-Bay Auto-Rip Media Server

R_volution NAS Ultra 8-Bay Auto-Rip Media Server

The R_volution NAS Ultra brings faster 2.5Gb networking, quieter servo-controlled cooling and support for up to four simultaneous UHD viewing zones to an eight-bay disc-archiving server. With a built-in optical drive, hardware RAID options and R_video library integration, it is a dedicated foundation for a substantial home cinema collection.

This is a media storage and disc-ingest server, not an HDMI media player. Each TV or projector needs a compatible R_volution player to browse and play the stored library. The server belongs on a suitable wired network, ideally in a ventilated equipment space rather than directly beneath the main viewing screen.

Disc Archiving Without Recompression

Preserve the original picture, soundtrack and subtitles

The integrated optical drive can ingest supported DVDs, Blu-rays, 3D Blu-rays and 4K UHD Blu-rays, storing the disc content without video recompression. Original audio tracks, chapters and subtitles can be retained. R_video organises recognised titles with cover art and programme information, so the library is easier to navigate from connected R_volution players.

Disc compatibility is not universal; the manufacturer estimates that the ripping function works with around 95% of discs. Use only with media you are legally permitted to copy, and check applicable Australian copyright and technical-protection rules before relying on the disc-archiving feature.

Eight-Bay Storage and RAID Planning

Capacity that can grow with the collection

Eight hot-swappable 3.5-inch SATA drive bays support hardware RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5 and JBOD. Hard drives are not included. RAID 5 can keep the array operating through a single drive failure, but it reduces usable capacity and does not replace a separate backup. The correct drive size, RAID mode and spare capacity should be decided before loading a large library.

Manufacturer capacity examples are estimates based on disc sizes and do not include RAID overhead. If this will hold an irreplaceable personal collection, plan for independent backup and replacement drives rather than treating RAID as the only safeguard.

Multi-Room UHD Playback

One library, separate players in each room

The Ultra supports up to four simultaneous UHD viewing zones using compatible R_volution media players. Different rooms can select different titles from the same server. Its 2.5Gb Ethernet (10/100/1000/2500Mb/s) connection is intended for a wired home network; the actual multi-room result depends on network design, content bitrates and the connected players.

The Ultra adds a 2.5GbE network interface and a higher-performance platform, useful where several rooms are active at once. It also uses servo-controlled fans rated by the manufacturer at 12.5dB, compared with 25dB for the standard NAS. This is still a powered server, so sensible placement and ventilation matter.

Faster Disc Ingest with Optional Drives

Archive more than one disc at a time

The internal drive can be used alongside two optional external USB optical drives for up to 3 simultaneous disc-ingest operations. External drives are not included. This is particularly useful during the initial transfer of a large disc library, although actual ingest time varies by disc and format.

Music Library and Network Access

Useful beyond film storage

Personal music and video files can also be stored and accessed over the local network. Roon Server integration is described by the manufacturer, but Roon subscription and setup requirements should be confirmed for the intended system. The NAS is not a substitute for a dedicated music streamer or a R_volution playback device where those functions are required.

Installation and System Planning

Think about storage, cooling and cabling together

The chassis measures 316 × 285 × 208mm and weighs approximately 9kg without hard drives. Allow extra space for cabling, airflow and access to the drive trays and optical drive. With up to eight spinning disks installed, vibration and operational noise can also affect where it is best located.

For a multi-room installation, we would plan wired network connections, switching capacity, player locations, the disk array and a backup strategy as one system. The Audio Experts can help work through the equipment layout and the practical requirements before the server is loaded with content.

Key Features

• Eight hot-swappable 3.5-inch SATA drive bays; hard drives not included
• Built-in DVD, Blu-ray, 3D Blu-ray and 4K UHD Blu-ray optical drive
• Hardware RAID 0, 1, 5 and JBOD
• 2.5Gb Ethernet (10/100/1000/2500Mb/s)
• Up to 4 simultaneous UHD zones with separate R_volution players
• Up to 3 simultaneous disc-ingest operations with optional external optical drives
• R_video library organisation and cover-art retrieval
• Servo-controlled cooling; manufacturer noise rating 12.5dB
• Network access for personal media files and Roon Server integration options

Specifications

Detailed Technical Specifications

For those who like to drag out all the useful bits

Important Notes

• Hard drives and external USB optical drives are not included.
• A separate compatible R_volution media player is required for each TV or projector.
• RAID protects against certain drive failures but is not a backup. Storage capacity depends on installed disks and RAID configuration.
• Disc-ingest compatibility is not guaranteed; the manufacturer estimates approximately 95% disc compatibility.
• Check applicable copyright and copy-protection laws before archiving discs. Availability of disc-copying functions may vary by territory.
• Confirm Australian availability, warranty, local support and software licensing before ordering.

The Audio Experts Take

The NAS Ultra makes sense when a large movie library needs to serve several rooms at once. The fourth UHD zone, 2.5GbE networking and quieter cooling are meaningful system-level improvements, especially in an installation where the server is doing more than simply holding files.

We would start with the number of viewing rooms, the size of the existing library and the network layout, then choose the disk configuration and R_volution players to suit. That is a more reliable way to build a long-term system than buying the largest drive capacity and hoping everything else falls into place.