Promise Comments: Quieting Down the Promise SmartStor NS4300N and NS4300N Review!

[PromiseNasDude]

Since the review by Tim in December/January we have continued to make improvements and enhancements to the product. Before we getting to the details, I just want to convey that we truly APPRECIATE EVERYONES BUSINESS (good or bad). I am dead serious!

The Fan Noise Issue - We are aware of this issue (naturally), we APOLOGIZE and we are working to release a new model of the NS4300N with "Fan Control" in the next few months (yes "Fan Control). The refresh NS4300N fan idles at roughly 1200 RPM instead of the current (and locked) 2800+ RPM. The difference in noise is "Night and Day". In fact, I have one of the new units on my desk in the office and I easily forgot the unit is there (beyond the fact I am running Digital Media testing 24/7). Those of you who are bothered by the noise can call support, ask for me (Billy) and I will place you on a list for exchange once the new units are available. Naturally you MUST return the old unit (turn around will be very fast, I Promise - No pun intended). Again, we apologize for the inconvenience and annoyance the noise issue has caused.

Here are a few updates on key enhancements:

XBOX 360 Support - Microsoft does NOT support Generic UPnP or DLNA on the 360. The PS3 on the other hand is UPnP and DLNA Certified (smart move by Sony) therefore the PS3 works with no issue. Basically Microsoft only allows the 360 to "discover" Windows PCs (of course) leaving us to implement Windows Media Connect to support 360. Good news is we are about to release our new DLNA Plug-In that features XBOX 360 Support (I am testing NOW), Media Tagging (so Digital Media Players will display correct Album, Artist and Title info), Fix for the Timeout issue with the Popcornhour and a fix for the Media Scan issue (sometimes Media Scanning fails, requiring a reboot). The new Plug-In will also support MOV, MP4 and M4V files. We are trying to include MKV support in this release as well (no Promises as it might have to come shortly after - again no pun intended).

iTunes Server Plug-In – We are working to implement Video Support for the iTunes Plug-In. You will be able to stream and playback MOV, MP4 and M4V files using iTunes Client on MAC and Windows (instead of just being able to playback music only).

SmartNAVI GUI for Windows and MAC – We recently released a cutting edge Management GUI for Windows called SmartNAVI. SmartNAVI allows for many tasks to be handled at the Desktop instead of always needing to access the embedded Web Management. Features include the ability to Access Shares Directly, Manage Users, Manage Volumes and Permissions, Configure Plug-Ins, Configure Network Settings (basic), download Torrents, HTTP/FTP Downloads via Download Center and more. See screenshots attached.

Constant Service Releases – We are VERY dedicated to resolving bugs reported and also to enhancing and adding features to the product (unlike other companies) as you can see from my comments above. We are currently working to release SR5 FW (and Plug-Ins) and have no plan to stop releasing updates anytime soon. Continued support of the product is number 1 for “MYSELF and for the PROMISE TEAM. I will be glad to assist on any questions or issues in addition to accepting feedback on features or possible enhancements.

Enough rambling from me.. I am available anytime and welcome (as I mentioned before), any and all feedback.

Thanks.


UPDATE ON NS4300N Rev B EXCHANGE, SEPTEMBER 17th, 2008 - We will be ending "sign-ups" for the Exchange Program in one week on September 24th (Midnight). We would love to run the offer for ever but managing cost and inventory will eventually become an issue. Please send PM or contact support @ support.promise.com by midnight of the 24th.

Hi, Billy!

I'm from Romania and I wish to know if by any chance my unit can also be exchange when the the new more silent units will be available. Thank you for your support!

Best regards!

rotrav

[iwod]

Any speed improvement?

[PromiseNasDude]

Yes, but for AFP ONLY (MAC). Writes for AFP improve by rougly 70 to 80 percent. The firmware is still in test and things could change (either way). Read Performance remains the same.


As for SMB, I will discuss this in the near future.

Thanks.

[mgraves]

When might these new, quieter units be available at retail?

Michael

[PromiseNasDude]

Originally Posted by mgraves

When might these new, quieter units be available at retail?

Michael

To be honest, I do not have the exact date but this does NOT mean it is a long way out. The golden sample is ready (see image - notice LEDs are brighter green and actually wrap around the light pipe) and will go to manufacturing soon pending some final reviews (process is nearly done). I will keep everyone in the loop. If you own one now and desire the change, remember to contact me via PM or via Technical Support (using on-line support is fine - no need to call).

[iwod]

i hope this new unit will get smb a retest as well

[PromiseNasDude]

Yes, I am working with SNB to retest. Thiggins will keep you guys updated.

I used an Antec SmartCool, but noticed that the fan speed was reported as below 1,800 rpm. I soldered a 10 k-ohm resistor across the Antec fan thermistor and now the fan is consistently above 1,800 rpm. Noise is still significantly reduced.

[khambati]

I just bought one of these and I am happy with the NAS. I also have to say that your customer service is excellent.

Here are a few things (not so good) which I noticed in the 2 weeks I have used it.

1. Performance with gigabit network running a compatible disk drive (Seagate SATAII 1TB drives) is a maximum of 25MB/s (read) with RAID 5 setup. I was expecting more when reading data from the NAS to a Macbook Pro. Is performance improvements possible via updated FW? I am on v1.04 with JUMBO frame enabled. I have also removed the jumper cables on the Seagate drives to speed them up.

2. Fan noise. If I take you up on your offer for a replacement, how do I transfer all my data to the new unit. Will I be able to just move the drives from the original unit to the new unit and keep all the data intact? I currently do not have the data backed up.

3. DLNA setup: There is no documentation on how to setup and access the data on the PS3. I can see the top level folders (music, video, pictures) on the PS3 but they are all empty when viewed on the PS3. I have put a sample (MP3, JPEG, AVI) file in each of these folders on the NAS.