Bring your movie collection to the big screen. Find the right combination of media player and storage for films on a USB drive, an internal hard drive or a NAS.
Start with your collection
Three ways to store your films
You do not need a NAS to get started. Choose the setup that fits where you watch, how much storage you need and how you want your library to grow.
A USB drive
Connect an external drive directly to a compatible media player. A practical starting point for one TV, without setting up shared network storage.
R_volution PlayerMini supports playback from USB storage and a NAS.
Explore PlayerMini →A drive inside your player
Keep your files in a player with an internal hard-drive bay. This suits a dedicated cinema room when you prefer storage and playback in one enclosure.
R_volution PlayerPro 8K offers two internal HDD bays. Check compatible drives and what is included before ordering.
Explore PlayerPro 8K →A NAS on your network
A NAS is network-attached storage: a central home for your movie files. Compatible players access the library over your home network.
Consider this when your collection is growing or you want access from more than one room.
Explore NAS storage →Storage + playback
How a NAS works with an R_volution player
The NAS stores your films. The media player reads the files and sends picture and sound to your TV, projector or AV receiver through HDMI.
With R_volution, R_video helps turn your files into a browsable movie library with cover art and film information. The NAS and player need to be on the same local network.
View R_volution NAS
The connection, made simple
From your library to your screen
- StoreKeep your movie files on the NAS, connected to your router or network switch.
- Browse & playConnect your R_volution player to the same network and add your library in R_video.
- WatchConnect the player by HDMI to your TV or through a compatible AV receiver.
For large, high-bitrate movie files, a wired Ethernet connection is a sensible starting point. Playback quality depends on the file, network and capabilities of the complete system.
Choose the player for your system
- Storage: USB, internal HDD bays or network playback. Check the exact model rather than assuming every player has an internal bay.
- Picture and sound: match the file formats, HDR and audio features to your television, projector and receiver.
- Your existing NAS: check supported network sharing and access settings before buying a replacement.
- Room to grow: allow for future storage needs and keep a separate backup of files you cannot replace.
Questions before you choose
Do I need a NAS to watch my own movies?
No. A compatible USB drive may be enough for one viewing room. A player with an internal HDD bay is another option. A NAS becomes useful when you want central storage or a library shared across rooms.
Does a NAS replace the media player?
In the setup described here, they have different jobs: the NAS stores files and the R_volution player handles playback through HDMI. Choose storage and playback hardware as two parts of the same system.
Is this the same as Netflix or other streaming services?
No. This guide is about your own movie files. For subscription apps, read our Android apps and streaming services guide and check support for the exact player.
Can I use a NAS I already own?
Often, but compatibility depends on the player, the NAS sharing protocols and the folder permissions. Send us the model names and we can help you check the right setup.
Build around the collection you have.
Tell us your TV or projector, current storage and the way you like to watch. We will help you choose a suitable player and storage setup.