When you want to watch something on your smart TV, you can use a flash disk with your media and connect to it via one of the USB ports, stream online via the internet or connect to a Blu-ray/DVD player. The other thing you can do is connect your smart TV to a wireless NAS drive .
A NAS drive or Network Attached Storage hard drive is a storage device that looks like a big external Hard Drive that can hold vast amounts of your data. But that’s not the best part. A NAS drive isn’t just another granary for your music, photos and videos. You can turn it into like a Netflix of sorts streaming local media files to any of your wireless device connected to the same network. No internet is required. Also you get benefit of less cabling in the house.
There are several NAS drives in the market. For beginners, you can checkout the $293 Synology DS218+ NAS drive or the $269 QNAP TS-251B-2G-US 2 Bay Home/SOHO NAS. And if you are particularly looking for something designed for home entertainment experience, then the QNAP TS-251+ 2-Bay Next Gen Personal Cloud NAS is a good start. It has an HDMI port which you can directly connect to the TV and even a QNAP remote is included.
So how do you connect a NAS drive to your smart TV?
HDMI Out
The easiest way is to use an HDMI cable which connects to the NAS drive’s HDMI Out port to one the TV’s HDMI in ports. The great thing here is that your TV doesn’t have to be Smart TV, only it should have at least one HDMI port. However, NOT all NAS drives come with HDMI ports built-in. I have already mentioned the QNAP TS-251+ as one of the options that fits the criteria.
The QNAP TS-251+ 2-Bay comes with an Intel Celeron Quad-Core 2.0GHz, 2GB DDR3L RAM, SATA 6Gb/s, 2 Giga LAN, hardware transcoding and HDMI Out port . It’s through this port that you can play Kodi or Plex directly to your TV. It also comes with a remote that you can use to control playback on the TV.
But you can also look at $300 ASUSTOR AS6302T . It comes with one HDMI port and has support for Plex media server. This ASUSTOR AS6302T 2 Bay NAS (Diskless) comes with the Intel Celeron Dual-Core 2.0GHz Processor, 2GB DDR3L RAM. For its media capabilities, it’s equipped with HDMI 2.0 for local HDMI multimedia output. This HDMI interface is what you can use to connect to your TV’s HDMI port.
Whatever NAS drive you get, it should run a media software such as Plex or Kodi which outputs some sort of User Interface via HDMI to the TV in similar way your laptops does when you connect it to the TV.
Via WiFi
The most common way to stream content from NAS drive to a Smart TV is wirelessly . Both the NAS drive and Smart TV must be connected to the same wireless network usually created by a WiFi router. Most NAS drives don’t have Wireless LAN. Instead they come with one or two Giga Ethernet ports. So you can connect the NAS drive to the WiFi router via an RJ45 Ethernet cable. Then the TV connects to the router wirelessly via WiFi. This only works with Smart TVs since most of them have WiFi built-in.
For a better user experience, make sure you NAS drive supports media server such as Plex or Kodi . They support a media streaming protocol called DNLA or UPnP that basically make your NAS drive visible to the Smart TV.
Some Smart TVs have Ethernet ports too. So it’s possible to connect the smart TV to the router via an Ethernet cable. It’s much faster option since you don’t have to deal with WiFi signal issues.
Using the Plex Media Server
At the time of writing this post, I was using a Seagate NAS drive which I no longer have which made updating the article even more difficult. But if you’re looking at streaming content from a NAS drive to a Smart TV, you basically need a DNLA/UPnP-compliant sofware or server. The most popular options are Kodi and Plex media servers.
Along with the Plex Smart TV app, you’ll also need to download the Plex Media Server (PMS) and run it on your NAS drive. PMS is available on almost all popular NAS drives including QNAP, Synology, Asustor, Drobo, TerraMaster, Western Digital, FreeNAS, Netgear, Seagate, unRAID. For my case, I used PMS on Seagate Personal Cloud NAS drive which is available from their “app store”.
To connect your smart TV to the Plex server. Make sure they are both connected to the same WiFi network. Then from the Plex app on your Smart TV, go to Settings > Manual connections > Connection > Enter the IP of your NAS drive and optional the port, but you can leave the default 32400 if you didn’t change it on the server.
If all goes well, your personal content should be found under your Media section in the Plex App of your Smart TV. You should see all your content properly organized and ready to stream on your Smart TV.
Plex client App Roku
If you don’t use the Plex app on your Smart TV, you can still use any DNLA/UPnP-compliant client software to browse and stream content on Plex server installed your NAS server. Roku comes with a built-in media player called Roku Media Player which you can not only use to play media on flash disk/drive but also play content wirelessly from NAS server.
On Android TV/Google TV , you have even more options for streaming local content on your NAS Drive. You can use Plex ‘s android TV app, VLC , BubbleUPnP which is my personal favorite, localcast , Allcast , Castify among others .
Using Kodi
My other favorite option is using Kodi Media server. Kodi has been around for a while and in fact Plex was a fork of Kodi. Now Kodi isn’t as widely supported as Plex by Smart TV and NAS drive vendors, but its a great option for tinkerers and people who want the most customization out of their personal Media library.
Just like Plex, you’ll need two pieces of the puzzle; Kodi media server running on your NAS drive and an optional Kodi client app or DNLA/UPnP-compliant media player running on your Smart TV.
The best NAS drives that support Kodi are those by Synology and QNAP . You can easily install Kodi from their respective ‘app stores’. If want to go DIY, then you can install Kodi on a Raspberry Pi, Windows, Linux or Mac.
Like I previously mentioned, perhaps the only Smart TVs with Kodi support are those running Android TV/Google TV such as some from Sony, TCL, Hisense, Philips and Samsung. Typically, you can download Kodi from the Google Play Store on your Android TV-powered Smart TV. However, Kodi isn’t a requirement on the Smart TV. You can still use any DLNA/UPnP-compliant media player which should be able to talk with any NAS server running Kodi.
On Samsung Smart TVs, you can use Allshare or Smartview to browse content on your NAS drive because it’s a DLNA client. You can look at this lifewire post for more details. On LG smart TVs, you can stream content from your NAS drive by turning on the DLNA feature . From the Home screen, tap the Apps Key > Settings > Share & connect > Menu Key > Use DLNA feature. I can’t’ delve into the details here because I currently own Roku TCL and Chromecast with Google TV and Hisense Android TVs.
Other Media Servers
Other than Plex and Kodi which are the most popular DLNA-compliant media streaming server you can install on a NAS drive, there are other less known options you can look at. You can look at Serviio which is supported on Windows/Mac/Linux. Serviio lets you to stream your media files to DLNA-compliant devices on your home network. Another option is Emby Server available on Windows/Mac/Linux. It supports Live TV support, media management and cloud sync. Other options include PS3 Media Server, Jellyfin and PlayOn. Check if any of these are supported on your NAS drive platform.
Also most NAS drives have their own built-in DLNA-compliant media server which allow streaming of content on any similarly DLNA-compliant Smart TV platform. You can enable DLNA support on both QNAP and Synology NAS drives for instance. If your NAS drive has this feature, then you don’t need Plex or Kodi or any of the media streaming servers I have listed above. All you need is a DLNA client app on your Smart TV and you’ll be ready to stream any content on the big screen.
David Okwii is the Editor-in-Chief of Dignited.com and a seasoned tech enthusiast whose journey began in the early 2000s. He started blogging while at university, diving deep into mobile apps, smartphone reviews, and operating systems—from testing Linux distros to tweaking Windows machines. David also explores Chromebooks, experiments with Raspberry Pi projects, and brings hands-on curiosity to every review. With vast experience in Uganda’s tech ecosystem and deep knowledge of Africa’s startup landscape, he offers informed, grounded perspectives on consumer technology. When he’s not writing or tinkering, David enjoys connecting with nature and exploring the outdoors.
Type your email…
Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.
This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.
This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.
READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”
Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”
The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:
- SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
- Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
- Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
- Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.
Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
Type your email…
The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
The key launches included:
- CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
- MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
- MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
- TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.
Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”
“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”
Laury Bai, TECNO CMO
Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”
James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek
CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography
TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.
Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer
The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”
Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud
The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.
TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability
To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”
Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK
Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.
MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers
The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.
World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14
Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.
TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.
Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm
In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.
The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series
TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.
TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future
Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.
Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.
Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.
With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
Type your email…
