Ugreen launches NAS-2 and NAS-3 with HDMI streaming capabilities

Ugreen’s latest network‑attached storage (NAS) units now include an HDMI port that lets users watch media stored on the device, but the playback must be controlled through the Ugreen phone app. The feature debuted with the 2024 release of the Ugreen NAS‑2 and NAS‑3 models, and the company says the port is meant to give a “direct‑to‑screen” option for people who don’t have a smart TV or streaming stick.

NAS devices are usually accessed over a home network or the internet, so a video output on the back can seem out of place. The HDMI jack, however, offers a simple way to connect the box to a monitor, TV or projector without needing a separate streaming device. It also gives power‑users a way to reach the system’s low‑level settings when a remote SSH session isn’t convenient. The addition comes as more households look for affordable alternatives to cloud storage and want a single hub for files, backups and home media.

To use the port, you plug the NAS into a display with an HDMI cable, then launch the Ugreen app on a smartphone. The screen shows a prompt that the app must be used to cast media to the monitor. From the app you can browse the library, select a video and start playback, while the phone acts as a remote control. The process is a bit clunky because there is no physical remote, but it works reliably. For advanced users, attaching a keyboard lets you press Ctrl + F12 at boot to enter the BIOS, where options such as the watchdog timer can be adjusted. Reported by users on forums, the same setup also opens a terminal session, useful for reinstalling the OS or fixing boot problems without an SSH connection.

The HDMI capability expands what a NAS can do beyond file storage. It gives families a quick way to stream movies on a spare monitor, and it gives tech‑savvy owners a fallback for system recovery. As more NAS makers consider similar ports, the line between simple storage appliances and full‑featured media servers continues to blur, making home networking a bit more versatile for everyone.