When comparing Roku vs Synology Diskstation, the Slant community recommends Roku for most people. In the question“What are the best media centers?” Roku is ranked 2nd while Synology Diskstation is ranked 6th.
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Complete multimedia platform
The DSM includes packages for audio, video and picture services. You can organize all you media within the Diskstation and access it with your browser, the network, FTP, WEBdav and much more. You can even stream your media via the Internet.
Pro Easy-to-use interface
Every Synology Diskstation is shipped with the DSM, the Linux based interface. You can access it via your browser and configure and administer the Diskstation. There are a lot of different features for a lot of problems who want to be solved.
Pro Enterprise features like LDAP and Active Directory support
There are a lot of features that helps you to implement the Diskstation into your IT infrastructure. The Diskstations support LDAP and Active Directory to connect to existing servers or host a new one.
Pro Access your data everywhere
It doesn't matter where you are: you can access ll your data via the internet using the Synology Cloud Services. Another feature is the Dropbox-like client-based sync between your Diskstation and various devices like your Mac, Windows PC or even your smartphone.
Cons
Con Easy to accidentally change channel
It's very easy to accidentally sit on the remote, and stop your video, or exit the channel. Apple Remote does not have this problem.
Con Frustrating & complex remote design
For some apps like YouTube, left and right switches videos. While left and right on Netflix will fastforward/rewind. Apple Remote is a better & simpler design, a direction pad & select button is all you need.
Con Not a hobbyist platform
It's next to impossible to alter the core of the Roku, like create custom notifications. While new channels can be made, existing ones can't be modified.
