This guy does a lot of Synology deploys:

https://mariushosting.com/how-to-install-synapse-on-your-synology-nas/

Might be something to look over.

We are (like everyone) on matrix.org now but realize we need to move eventually.

Consider moving to another open registration server too. Find one that supports Element Call

do I need to pay for a domain still?

If you're gonna selfhost, you should purchase a domain for proper federation with the wider network. IP-only servers are possible, but they are generally banned in most rooms due to antispam. Same with dynamic DNS domains

Unless it really is easy enough to do it on a synology nas for text/voice/screen share...

You'll need to integrate a Matrix homeserver (I recommend Continuwuity.org, much lighter than Synapse) and Livekit (the software that handle Element Calls). It's not particularly easy so maybe consider managed hosting beforehand, too

I'm using etke.cc in Germany. It's a relatively easy setup and the hosting is matrix dedicated. Payment is a bit odd through ko-fi but otherwise it has been solid. They don't have element calling fully enabled, it's a bit conservative. Admin is easy and staff are responsive.

You will need a domain, but they can be had for a couple $ per year.

As for hosting on synology, I don't know how difficult it is. I used the Element Server Suite on a Debian VM, and aside from some minor issues getting email and automatic room joining working it was pretty simple following their guides.

Acronyms, initialisms, abbreviations, contractions, and other phrases which expand to something larger, that I've seen in this thread:

3 acronyms in this thread; the most compressed thread commented on today has 12 acronyms.

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