Conclusions

The Buffalo TS5200DS is a terrific NAS box. It has more features than anyone could possibly want, is well built, can be expanded with external drives, and seems reliable once properly configured. In fact, I am seriously considering buying a unit for our office when our server needs replacing. For a small business, this unit meets many IT needs and checks off a remarkable number of boxes on anyone’s checklist. If that is your intended use, look no further. This is a five-star choice in that regard.

However, as “an easy to use, turnkey network video recording appliance,” this unit falls far short of the mark. It’s a shame, as there’s nothing really wrong with the unit. Better documentation, more careful default configuration of the firmware (it should never have been shipped without a static IP address), and some attention to detail with regard to connections and switches on the rear panel would go a long way in making the unit usable for the intended application. But to ship a unit that leaves it up to inexperienced end users and installers to navigate someone else’s software and Web site (Axis, in this case) is inexcusable.

With a lock-up, failed recordings and experts-only documentation that is only available on-line, the T5200DS has the distinction of being the poorest performer on our bench test to date. Sure, setup could be easier for some folks – but only if Murphy’s Law is repealed.

Products are tested and reviewed by R. Grossman and Associates Inc., an independent consulting firm specializing in electronic security products and projects. For more information, visit www.tech-answers.com.

 

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