Synology DSM 7.2.2 Update: Key Changes and Upgrade Considerations

Introduction to Synology DSM 7.2.2

Synology has released a new update for their Disk Station Manager (DSM) software, version 7.2.2. This update brings several changes and improvements to the NAS operating system. In this article, we'll examine the key features, modifications, and potential impacts of this update to help you decide whether upgrading is right for your setup.

Key Changes in DSM 7.2.2

Security Enhancements

One of the primary reasons to consider upgrading to DSM 7.2.2 is the inclusion of security patches and vulnerability fixes. The update addresses several security issues, including:

• Memory overload vulnerabilities
• Buffer overload issues that could allow command execution with elevated privileges
• OpenSSH extension corruption that could be exploited for elevated access

While these vulnerabilities may not be critical for all users, they represent potential attack vectors that could be exploited under specific circumstances. It's always recommended to keep your system up-to-date with the latest security patches.

Authentication and SSO Improvements

DSM 7.2.2 introduces support for verifying response or asset signatures for SAML SSO clients. This enhancement improves the authentication process by ensuring that messages exchanged during the single sign-on process have not been tampered with and are coming from authenticated sources.

Package Installation Customization

For third-party package developers, DSM 7.2.2 now supports customization of package installation, upgrades, and installation wizards. While this may not directly impact most users, it could lead to improved experiences with third-party applications in the future.

Bug Fixes and Performance Improvements

The update includes numerous bug fixes and performance enhancements across various applications and services. These improvements aim to address issues that users may have encountered in day-to-day usage of their Synology devices.

Major Changes in Multimedia Handling

One of the most significant changes in DSM 7.2.2 relates to multimedia handling, particularly with regard to video codecs and transcoding capabilities.

Removal of Video Station

Perhaps the most notable change is the removal of Video Station from DSM 7.2.2. Synology has decided to discontinue this application, which may impact users who relied on it for video streaming and management. Instead, Synology is now recommending users to utilize third-party applications such as Plex Media Server, Jellyfin, or Emby for video streaming purposes.

Changes in Codec Support

DSM 7.2.2 brings changes to the support of various video codecs, including H.264 (AVC), H.265 (HEVC), and VC1. These changes affect different applications and services in various ways:

Multimedia Streaming

For users streaming multimedia content, the impact of these changes depends on the application being used:

• Third-party apps like Plex, Jellyfin, and Emby should continue to function, but may require updates to be fully compatible with DSM 7.2.2.
• Hardware transcoding capabilities may be limited, especially on systems without integrated graphics.
• Streaming via File Station and Synology Drive now has limitations, with transcoding options removed.

Photography and Synology Photos

Synology Photos will continue to support traditional image formats, but there are changes in how it handles HEVC files:

• Server-side management of HEVC files is significantly reduced.
• Client devices will be expected to handle more of the processing for HEIC and HEVC media.
• The Image Assistant add-on for Synology Photos has been updated to improve thumbnail and preview generation for web browsers.

Surveillance Station Changes

DSM 7.2.2 introduces significant changes to Surveillance Station, particularly in how it handles different video codecs:

• H.264 camera support remains largely unchanged.
• For H.265/HEVC cameras, the system will automatically switch to camera-based motion detection after the update.
• Cameras unable to perform motion detection may have this function disabled, potentially affecting existing alerts, schedules, and action rules.

These changes aim to improve efficiency by offloading more processing to the edge devices (cameras) rather than the NAS itself.

Considerations Before Upgrading

Before deciding to upgrade to DSM 7.2.2, consider the following points:

Multimedia Users

If you heavily rely on multimedia streaming, especially with a mix of client devices and file formats:

• Consider waiting before upgrading, especially if your library contains a significant amount of HEVC content.
• Be prepared to transition to third-party apps like Plex or Emby if you were using Video Station.
• Ensure your client devices support the necessary codecs for direct play, as server-side transcoding may be limited.

Surveillance Users

For those using Surveillance Station:

• Check your camera models and their codec support.
• Be aware that motion detection settings may change after the update, potentially affecting your existing setup.
• Consider the impact on your current alert and recording configurations.

General Users

For users not heavily invested in multimedia or surveillance:

• The update is generally safe to install.
• You'll benefit from the latest security patches and bug fixes.

How to Upgrade to DSM 7.2.2

If you've decided to upgrade to DSM 7.2.2, follow these steps:

1. Log into your Synology NAS's DSM interface.
2. Go to the Control Panel.
3. Select "Update & Restore".
4. Click on "Manual DSM Update".
5. Download the DSM 7.2.2 update file from Synology's website.
6. Upload the file through the DSM interface.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update process.

Remember to back up your data before performing any major system update.

Conclusion

Synology's DSM 7.2.2 update brings significant changes, particularly in the areas of multimedia handling and surveillance capabilities. While it offers important security enhancements and bug fixes, the changes to video codec support and the removal of Video Station may impact some users' workflows.

For general users and those primarily concerned with security, upgrading to DSM 7.2.2 is recommended. However, if you heavily rely on multimedia streaming or have a complex surveillance setup, it may be wise to carefully consider the potential impacts before upgrading.

Ultimately, the decision to upgrade should be based on your specific use case and requirements. Take the time to review the changes, assess their impact on your setup, and make an informed decision about whether DSM 7.2.2 is right for you at this time.

Remember, Synology continues to provide security updates for previous DSM versions, so there's no immediate urgency to upgrade if you're concerned about potential disruptions to your current setup. Stay informed, plan carefully, and choose the best path forward for your Synology NAS environment.

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