Ugreen NAS HDMI Port Enables Direct Playback and Maintenance Access

Ugreen NAS devices feature an HDMI port on the rear. Many users are puzzled to find video output on a device designed for remote use over a network. According to reporting by Engadget’s staff@engadget.com (Robin Bea), uses for this port fall into two broad categories: media playback and maintenance operations. The procedure has quirks specific to Ugreen, so understanding them in advance is essential.

You can use it to watch media files on the device, but you’ll need to use your phone as a remote.

The report stresses that direct playback requires using a smartphone as a remote control. Below, we break down the playback steps, advanced uses, and how they differ from playback over the network.

Steps for Direct Media Playback via HDMI

The most straightforward use of the HDMI port is playing video and audio stored on the unit. Normally, you would cast to a smart TV or an external device like a Roku Streaming Stick. With a direct connection, you can output video to a computer monitor or projector without such devices. For comparison with stationary playback setups, the difference from the living-room control system shown in Amazon Echo Hub with customizable new UI and Ring AI search is instructive. The approach to external output on portable devices can be contrasted with the display-expansion example in AYANEO Pocket MICRO 2 with 865-class chip at $239.

Connecting is as simple as plugging in a cable, just like with ordinary video equipment. A notification appears on the display, prompting you to control it with Ugreen’s smartphone app. Selecting the cast function in the app sends the media to the screen over HDMI. At this stage, the app handles controls such as play, pause, and track selection. Since no physical remote is included with the unit, this becomes the standard means of operation.

The advantage of direct playback lies in its simple setup. Even displays without wireless receiving capability can play content over a wired connection. It is well suited for impromptu screenings for guests or for use where the wireless environment is unstable. On the other hand, you always need your handset nearby for operation. If you have not installed the app and completed the connection setup, playback on the spot is difficult. Connecting to and authenticating on the same local network in advance is a prerequisite.

Operation via Smartphone Link

Even when connected via HDMI, browsing cannot be completed on the screen alone. The display serves solely as an output, while selection and search are performed in the app. This division of labor may seem cumbersome at first glance, but it is consistent with the design philosophy. The unit is a computer with no display of its own, and the user interface is concentrated in the app. It maintains the same feel as remote use, simply adding wired output.

The benefit of using the app as a remote lies in flexible input. Without relying on physical buttons, entering search terms and sorting is easy. Even with a large library, filtering lists is fast. Fine controls such as editing the playback queue and switching subtitles are also easier to handle. The idea of using a smartphone as a remote contrasts with the wearable-assisted operation shown in Meta pauses Conversation Focus subscription. By dedicating a general-purpose handset to controls, it avoids adding dedicated hardware.

There are also operational caveats. If the app stalls, all playback control stops. A dead battery or incoming notifications on the handset can interfere with operation. When watching with multiple people, you need to clarify who holds control. When using a family-shared display, deciding in advance who will operate it reduces confusion. Stable use requires ensuring good local Wi-Fi quality and keeping the handset charged.

Advanced Use for BIOS and Terminal Access

The HDMI port is also used for advanced purposes beyond media playback. By connecting both a display and a keyboard, you can access the BIOS setup screen and terminal. It serves as a recovery method when a remote SSH connection is unavailable. It is useful for isolating boot failures and making advanced configuration changes. It is a feature administrators should not overlook.

Entering the BIOS is tied to the boot operation. Power on the unit with the display connected. Immediately after boot begins, repeatedly press Ctrl and F12 together to enter the setup screen. Once the screen appears, you can navigate between items with the keyboard. The operation is not much different from BIOS setup on a typical custom-built PC.

One of the settings mentioned is control of the watchdog mechanism. The reported procedure is to look for Watchdog Settings under Advanced and disable Watch Dog Control. Since the watchdog timer is involved in automatic restarts on errors, the aim appears to be to avoid interference during configuration. After making changes, you will need to decide to restore the original setting once the intended work is done. Leaving it casually disabled could delay fault detection. It is advisable to keep a record of what was changed and why.

Terminal use is effective for OS replacement and boot repair. You can enter commands directly before a remote connection is established. You can check on site for drive recognition failures or boot-order errors. A maintenance technician only needs to bring a display, a keyboard, and a handset. This keeps the burden low for on-site service and small-office operations.

Guidelines for Choosing Between Network and

HDMI Playback

Direct HDMI is not a universal playback solution. For everyday viewing, casting over the network is often more convenient. Using a smart TV’s built-in receiver or a small external device frees up your handset. It also supports distribution to multiple rooms and viewing from outside the home. Direct connection is best positioned as a complement to that.

Direct connection shines where the receiving side is constrained. It is effective when using projectors or older displays without receiving capability. The reliability of a wired connection also pays off in crowded event venues or temporary setups with heavy wireless congestion. It is also suitable when performing maintenance and playback in succession, such as checking the status of a unit that will not boot or changing settings. Using wired and wireless appropriately for each purpose can minimize overall downtime.

There are three things to check before adoption. First, secure an HDMI cable and an available input port. Second, prepare a device with the Ugreen app installed. Third, know the location of a USB keyboard for maintenance operations. With these in place, direct playback and BIOS access are not difficult. Understanding the role of the port can be considered basic knowledge for mastering this multifunctional storage device.

Editorial Opinion

On short-term impact. If the direct-playback procedure becomes widely known, ad hoc use in the living room will likely expand. Over the next 3-6 months, requests for improved usability of the app could increase. We assess that notification text on the display side and onboarding flows will improve. Information sharing for maintenance use will also advance, and recovery procedures for boot failures will become standardized.

On the long-term view. In 1-3 years, the place of home computing resources will be redefined. We assess that storage devices will shift from vaults to hubs for playback and maintenance. Differentiation between models with wired output and those without is likely to become clearer. Users may choose devices on the assumption they will use both wireless distribution and direct connection.

Questions from the editors. Why was a design separating display and operation chosen. Should the omission of a dedicated remote be seen as rationalization of cost and maintenance. How far should advanced operations, including disabling the watchdog mechanism, be opened to general users. We assess that the balance between safety and flexibility is at issue.

References

• “What can you use the HDMI port on your Ugreen NAS for?”, by staff@engadget.com (Robin Bea) — Engadget, 2026-10-19T23:30:00.000Z (ARR)
• Source URL: https://www.engadget.com/2288161/ugreen-nas-hdmi-port-uses/