MS-2000 Media NAS
QNAP is showing off at Computex a new media player, the model MS-2000, with NAS capability. Based on a two-bay design and a Marvell chipset, the MS-2000 is compatible with HD video and multichannel audio in Dolby Digital and DTS. It's not clear if it will support any of the online streaming services in the U.S., but we do know it can access Picasa and weather services.
There are four USB ports on the rear panel and one in the front, an HDMI port and Ethernet jack. In future it will be possible to connect a USB dongle to receive digital terrestrial TV.
Availability is scheduled for as early as July to as late as September. Pricing has not yet been decided.
NAS for Business
QNAP also showed two new products from its NAS Business Series, the model TS-1079 Pro with 10 bays and the TS-879 Pro with eight bays. Both integrate Sandy Bridge, 2 GB RAM, 2 USB 3.0 ports (one front and one rear), four USB 2.0 ports and one expansion slot for an additional network adapter. The model with eight disks allows maximum storage capacity of 24 TB, which become 30 for the 10-bay model.
The rear panel also hosts two Ethernet ports, VGA and two eSata. There's also an HDMI port, which at this time is unused, but it has been implemented for "possible future development." Could this mean a media manager for the hardcore?
Look for these in Q3. No pricing yet.
Mobile Routers
Finally QNAP showed a pair of mobile routers, the MR-101 and MR-102, which can take 3G/4G signals to create a Wi-Fi hotspot. The model MR-101 is the smaller of the two and needs an external power source. The MR-102 is bigger thanks to a built-in battery.
Look for these in July or September.
