HybridDesk Station

QNAP used to call it HD Station, but has now dubbed it HybridDesk Station because many new apps have been added. HybridDesk Station is essentially a platform onto which the famous XBMC application and Chrome, along with other tools, can be installed, giving users the ability to browse the web or playback NAS multimedia content on their TV, via the HDMI interface. Home users will probably find this feature incredibly interesting since it makes multimedia players and HTPCs redundant. That said, HybridDesk Station can still be very useful in business environments since it makes locally accessing the NAS administration interface without a client possible.

I recommend using a USB keyboard and mouse to navigate the HybridDesk applications, especially for XBMC and Chrome. Every keyboard and mouse we tried worked without a problem. Another option, especially for XBMC, would be a compatible MCE remote controller or QNAP's own relevant product. Exclusively designed for the HybridDesk Station, you could also use QNAP's Qremote app for your smartphone. We tried all of these options and liked the Logitech diNovo mini the most since it packs both keyboard and mouse functionality.


To install and enable the HybridDesk Station, click on "HybridDesk Station" under "Applications" and hit the "Get Started Now" button. You should also pick which applications you want to install as XBMC, Chrome, YouTube, CodexPack, Spotify, TuneInRadio, Surveillance Station (Local Display) and MyNAS are available. We installed all of them.

QNAP mentions that XBMC, Chrome, or other applications, while running, could affect hard-drive hibernation, and they prompt users to always exit the application to return to the HybridDesk Station's portal if they care about HDD hibernation, a crucial NAS feature with especially this NAS because of its passive cooling design. Please not that our HDDs never hibernated even though we made sure to follow QNAP's advice.


After installing everything, you will be asked to pick a language, which, once done, will take you the HybridDesk Station portal shown above.


QNAP made sure to include support for most popular languages.


Before you pick Chrome, XBMC, or the QTS, you will be asked to connect a USB mouse to the NAS or use the Qremote app. The QTS application gives you the ability to enter the local NAS administration web page for a look at all NAS functions and settings.


Configure HybridDesk Station's applications by picking the Settings header. You can enable or disable applications, and the Display group of options even allows you to change the screen's resolution and set the screen to turn itself off after a certain amount of time in idle. Options under Preferences also allow you to change the language or type of remote control used.