Synology Release DSM 7.2.2 Removes a LOT of features. Think hard about upgrading.

synology nas surrounded by flames with a nuclear explosion on top of it

It’s not an update, it’s a destroyer of functionality

  1. Removal of Video Station Support: The update no longer supports Video Station, which has upset users who rely on this feature for media management and playback.
  2. Incompatibility with Plex: The DSM 7.2.2 update has caused issues with Plex, requiring users to update to a new version of Plex specifically compatible with DSM 7.2.2.
  3. iDrive Package Incompatibility: Users have reported that the iDrive package is not compatible with DSM 7.2.2, causing it to stop working on some systems.
  4. Issues with HEIC and HEVC Media: Newly uploaded HEIC photos and HEVC (H.265) videos may not be processed correctly, which is a concern for users managing high-efficiency media formats.
  5. Problems with DDNS and Hyper Backup: External access via DDNS for Hyper Backup does not work properly, affecting remote backup capabilities.

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Users have expressed concerns about the lack of a clear alternative, with some suggesting that Synology Photos or third-party options like Plex and Jellyfin could fill the gap. However, these alternatives may not provide the same seamless integration or specific functionalities, such as subtitle support and ease of use for non-technical family members, that Video Station offered. The discontinuation is seen as part of Synology’s broader move away from supporting certain media codecs due to licensing costs, which is viewed by many as a step back for consumer-focused features. This shift has led some long-time Synology users to reconsider their loyalty, as the company appears to be focusing more on business clients rather than home users.

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Key Changes in DSM 7.2.2

  1. No More Video Station: One of the most notable changes is the removal of Video Station from DSM 7.2.2. Synology users have long relied on Video Station for managing and streaming their media libraries. With this update, Video Station is no longer available, forcing users to find alternative ways to stream their videos. Synology suggests using third-party apps like Jellyfin or Plex for media streaming, but this means users will need separate apps for different functionalities—one for backing up photos and videos, and another for streaming.
  2. Shift of Media Processing to End Devices: Starting with DSM 7.2.2, processing of media files using popular codecs such as HEVC (H.265), AVC (H.264), and VC-1 will now be handled by end devices like smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs. This shift aims to reduce the workload on the NAS system and improve overall efficiency. However, it also means that devices must support these codecs, or users will face limitations in media playback. This could be problematic for those with older devices or those trying to stream high-quality 4K content.
  3. Transcoding Limited to Specific Models: Transcoding capabilities, which allow media files to be converted on the fly for compatibility with various devices, are now restricted. Only VA series NAS models and the Surveillance Station application will continue to support server-side transcoding of AVC (H.264) streams. For all other models, transcoding must be handled on the receiving device. This change might hinder the experience for users who need to stream high-resolution media remotely, as it requires sufficient processing power and bandwidth.
  4. No Downgrading After Update: An important note with this update is that once you install DSM 7.2.2, you cannot downgrade to a previous DSM version. Users need to carefully consider if the new features and changes align with their needs, especially those who heavily rely on multimedia capabilities.

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In the conversation about DSM 7.2.2, specific details were discussed regarding SSD volumes (or SSD pools) and their behavior after the update:

  1. Compatibility Issues with SSD Volumes:
    • After updating to DSM 7.2.2, one user, kaj, reported that their NAS began beeping continuously and displayed a message indicating that the drives in Volume 2 (an SSD volume) were incompatible. This issue prevented access to Volume 2.
    • The NAS system flagged the SSDs as incompatible post-update, which is a common issue when using non-Synology or third-party SSDs in certain NAS models, especially after major DSM updates that might change how the system handles hardware compatibility.

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The following third-party packages are currently incompatible with DSM 7.2.2. Compatible package versions will be released in the future, and this list will be updated accordingly:

  • BRAVIA Signage
  • TeamViewer

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Source: Synology Release DSM 7.2.2 – Should You Upgrade? – NAS Compares

Considering a lot of people buy into Synology due to the software ecosystem that comes with it, this is a huge disappointment.

Robin Edgar

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