Functionality is another thing. I would really want it to have its own network interface, since writing to it could be so much faster and easier passing by the BDP1 network interface.
If the goal is to add these drives to the BDP's USB inputs, it's rather difficult and expensive challenge to provide two unique ports to a HDD such that it you can access it VIA USB and Ethernet at the same time. Your assumption that it will be faster isn't necessary true...keep in mind that a NAS is always slower than USB HDD connected up to an actual computer (BDP). Even with the BDP acting like a NAS, there's a really good chance it will be faster than standalone NAS that use ARM or even slower CPUs.
in other words, there's is no need to complicate the BDP.
The powering on could be optional coupled to the BDP, but I would like it to be possible to be independent. Writing to it and backing up could be done overnight with the rest of the equipment turned-off.
Why would you ever need to back up the enclosure? All your music files should be already backed up before it even hits the BDP. ... How would you even restore it?
Again, there's no need to over complicate this. Your existing computer should be backing up the data, not the enclosure.
Btw, would the width of it allow to accommodate more than 4? I quess at least 2x3 of my hdd's now fit the bdp1 size?
4 2.5" drives plus housing overhead and a 2" for the power cord and 1" for the USB port, would be pretty tight to add another. Perhaps stacking or setting them vertically will allow more, but one could also purchase two.
