The best media server for TV. Choosing a DLNA media server to create a smart home at home. Installing and configuring a DLNA home media server
One of the characteristics that distinguishes one modern televisions from others, is the degree of their intelligence. In a figurative sense, of course. It's about about the technological advantages of the so-called Smart TV. Regular digital TVs, as a rule, can play the role of the TV itself, working in tandem with a receiver, play media content using the built-in player (alas, often with a limited list of readable formats), and also serve as a monitor for a computer, game or TV set-top box. Whereas Smart TV, they are also smart TVs, are able to participate to a greater extent in the chain of content reproduction as independent participants.
1. About media streaming and DLNA technology
Smart TVs are actually the same computers, because they have their own hardware capabilities, have their own software, can connect to wired and wireless networks. And the last thing is almost complete independence from source devices. The advantages of direct TV access to the Internet are obvious, but there are many of them with local access to a computer. Streaming media from a computer to TV is the TV's direct access to files on the computer. Streaming eliminates the hassle of fiddling with flash drives and external hard disks. Files are transferred from the computer to the TV over the network. Without the participation of a computer, as long as it is simply turned on, without the participation of a smartphone, without the participation of set-top boxes and other source devices, all permitted material can be played using a TV - video, photos, music, any media files that such a TV can play.
DLNA technology allows devices on the same network to exchange media content. It is supported by many modern devices that can connect to the network - computers, tablets, smartphones, TV and game consoles, and, of course, Smart TV. For example, smart TVs from LG that support DLNA technology have a proprietary Smart Share application - a shell of this technology with user interface. Applications of other Smart TV brands are called differently and, accordingly, have a different interface. In particular, the smart ones Samsung TVs The shell for DLNA technology is the standard AllShare application. And for Sony TVs, this is the Vaio Media Server application.
How to set up streaming media from a Windows computer - PC or laptop - to TV? We will examine this issue in detail below.
2. What do you need to set up streaming from a computer to TV?
To set up streaming from a computer to a TV, as mentioned, it is necessary that the latter supports the network. By the way, to stream media files, the Smart TV “status” for the TV is not required. The TV may not have super-functionality; it simply must support the network and allow the selection of a signal source with at least primitive standard functionality. Such a TV must have a built-in Wi-Fi module or an Ethernet network port. As a rule, modern Smart TVs provide both options – wired and wireless. network connection.
Both devices - the TV and the PC or laptop - must be connected to a single local network. When connected to a router (router), any devices - computers, smartphones, tablets, set-top boxes, smart TVs - are automatically combined into one small network. Of course, if you don’t have a router, you can get by by directly connecting the TV to your computer over the network. What you need to do this is to connect the network cable to the Ethernet ports of the devices. But in this case, if the computer has only one network port(one LAN card with one Ethernet port), you will have to constantly reconnect the cable from the TV and the cable from the Internet provider. It is not comfortable. A router must be in the house if there is a question of unlocking the potential of Smart TV. well and Wi-Fi router– a simply necessary thing if smartphones or tablets are used in the house.
The method of connecting the TV to the network - wired or wireless, if it provides both options, is not important.
The next condition for streaming is configured access using DLNA technology to the media library folders on the computer. On Windows, this can be done in several ways.
3. Setting up network access to computer files in Windows Media Player
A way to configure access to computer files in Windows without the need to install third-party software is to use standard Windows Player Media.
On the panel Windows tools Media Player, click the “Stream” option and check the box next to:
- “Enable media streaming...”
After enabling this option, a system window with streaming parameters will open, where you can specify the name of the media library and flexibly configure the availability of media content for specific devices networks: for some, leave the preset resolution, and for others, remove it.
The configured permissions will allow other devices to access files over the network only in the user profile folders. These are the “Video”, “Music”, “Pictures” folders, which are displayed in Windows Explorer along with disk partitions, drives and removable devices of the computer. If this is more than enough, you can start testing file playback on your TV using local applications that work with DLNA technology.
But storing files in user profile folders on the system drive is not a good idea from the standpoint of availability. free space on drive C, and from the point of view of the safety of these files in case of a critical failure of Windows. As a rule, media libraries of impressive size are stored on non-system partitions of the computer disk. Folders of such media libraries must be added in a separate step to the Windows Media Player library,
To make the contents of other computer folders available for streaming to the TV in the Windows Media Player window, click the “Arrange” option, select “Manage Libraries”, and in it – one of the content types: “Music Library” for audio files, “Video” for video files , “Gallery” for photos and pictures.
A window will open with a list of existing libraries, and to add the desired folder to this list, click the “Add” button on the side. Add this folder in the Explorer window that opens, then click “Ok” in the list window.
Alternative way adding folders with media content to the system list of folders with open access for devices home network– adding to the library using the context menu command in Windows Explorer. At any time, any folder on your computer where videos, music or photos are stored can be accessed for playback from network devices. To do this, you need to open this folder in Explorer, call up the context menu and select the “Add to Library” command. The folder will be added to the appropriate library and its contents will be available for streaming.
The list of folders with video and audio files open for streaming will also change if changes are made to it using standard applications Windows 10 Movies & TV and Groove Music. In the settings section of both applications, you can add and remove folders to local collections of video and audio files. Local application collections work in conjunction with system libraries.
4. Setting up network access to computer files using the LG Smart Share program
Some Smart TV brands have their own desktop software operating systems, through which you can configure access to media files on your computer. These programs can be downloaded from the TV manufacturers' website or on the Internet. For example, to allow Samsung smart TVs to access computer content, the South Korean corporation created Samsung program Allshare. And for LG TVs on the company’s website it is available for free download Windows program LG Smart Share for PC. Let's take a closer look at it. On the LG website, select the version for Windows and download.
Installation of LG Smart Share is standard. After launching the program, you need to select any of the proposed content settings options - Movie, Photo, Music.
In the window that appears, access must be enabled. If it is disabled, set the switch to the “On” position.
Switch to the “My Shared Files” tab. Here you can allow access to files in the specified folders. Using a button in the form of a folder with a plus sign, you need to add any other folders with media content to the existing folders of the user profile. After adding, click the “Apply” button at the bottom, then “OK”.
Everything - now the content of all folders displayed in the “My Shared Files” tab of the program will be available for network devices, in particular for TV.
In the program settings tab just below - “My device settings” - you can change the computer name. Using this name, the computer will be identified on the network for other devices.
The LG Smart Share utility process will automatically start along with the Windows system, providing further access to your computer's media files.
To make sure everything works as it should, we run Smart app Share on TV.
Go to the “Devices” section and select our media server.
Open any of the shared folders that contain media files.
Let's try to play the file.
5. Setting up network access to computer files using the Home Media Server program
Another way to provide TVs, set-top boxes, mobile and other devices that support the network and DLNA technology with access to your computer’s media content is the Windows program “Home Media Server (UPnP, DLNA, HTTP)”. The program works with many popular TVs: LG, Samsung, Toshiba, Sony, Philips. Using this program, a DLNA server is launched on the computer, to which all network devices can connect. By default, the program allows you to manage server files from the TV - essentially, computer files.
The advantage of using Home Media Server over all of the streaming options listed above is that it has more features and is more customizable. The program provides various transcoders for video and audio files, which allows you to convert media content, if it initially exists on the computer in a format not supported by the TV, into a format that is supported by it. You can additionally configure the broadcast of individual Internet channels (radio and digital television) on your TV.
“Home Media Server” can be downloaded absolutely free on the creators’ website.
Download the program, install it and run it. Upon startup, the initial settings window will immediately appear. You can leave everything as default and refuse to scan media files. Let's move on to the program settings in a separate order.
In the program window, click the “Settings” button on the toolbar at the top of the window.
In the settings window that opens, we will see the category tabs on the right. In the first tab “Media Resources”, using the “Add” button, we can add any folders with media content to the program list to give them access for streaming. Shared access can be opened immediately to all partitions of the computer disk (C, D, E, etc.), to all network drives, to all connected removable media. To do this, you need to check the boxes next to the required options at the bottom of the window - respectively, “Local drives”, “Network drives” and “Removable devices”.
The Media Resources settings tab provides many options for the added folders. For example, by clicking the “Change” button, we will be able to exclude hiding files and directories, remove certain types of files, set a different folder name - and all this within the framework of the DLNA server, without changes on the computer.
At the bottom of the “Media Resources” tab there are separate sections with an abundance of different settings. In the “Scanning” section, you can pay attention to the option “Always use file name as the name of the media resource.” Without checking this option, the names of media files in Russian will be converted to transliterated Latin letters or unreadable crocodile.
In the “Devices” settings tab we will see a list of all detected network devices that will have access to DLNA server files. Any of the devices on the list can be disabled by removing the green activity button.
In the “Server” settings tab, instead of the default DLNA server name, we can set our own name, for example, more convenient for perception. Next to the server name field we will see its port - 45397. It may happen that the antivirus or firewall running on the computer will block the operation of the DLNA server. In case of such blocking, the DLNA server port must be granted permission to work in the antivirus or firewall settings.
Also in the “Server” tab, you need to pay attention to the default option that prevents the computer from going into sleep mode while the DLNA server is running. If it becomes necessary to put your PC or laptop into sleep mode, the DLNA server will need to be stopped in the future. If, on the contrary, the checkbox for the option “Prevent the computer from going into sleep mode while the server is running” is not checked for some reason, it is better to check it. Otherwise, watching a movie on TV will be unceremoniously interrupted as soon as the laptop goes to sleep to save battery power.
The Home Media Server program has a very rich selection of settings, and its potential can be revealed gradually, testing certain features as you become familiar with them. For now, let's limit ourselves to the settings already made and save them. Click “Ok” below and agree to scan media files in the configured folders.
After the program completes the scanning process, we can launch the DLNA server. To do this, click the “Launch” button on the toolbar at the top of the main program window.
Home Media Server works in background, and the program can be controlled from the system tray. By calling the context menu on the program button in the system tray, the DLNA server can be stopped, started, or restarted.
Automate this process so that the DLNA server starts automatically with starting Windows, you can in the program settings. The last settings tab “Advanced” provides in the “Startup” column options for autoloading the program itself when Windows startup, autostart of the DLNA server along with the launch of the program, as well as installation of its background service in the Windows system.
Once the DLNA server is running, all available media content on the computer can be played on the TV through a local DLNA application. In the TV app, the DLNA server will appear as a connected playback device. Inside it, folders with computer media content configured in the Home Media Server program will be available.
You can launch available media content for playback not only in the TV application. You can also assign the Home Media Server program to start playing media files on your TV. To do this, in the main window of the program, select the appropriate content - click on the “Movies”, “Music” or “Photo” button on the toolbar at the top. The right side of the program window will display folder files that were previously accessed for broadcasting to the TV. Select the desired video, audio file or picture from the list, call the context menu on this file and select “Play to” among the commands. In the list of devices that appears, select the TV. The selected movie, track or photo will unfold on the TV screen.
6. "Bring to device" function Windows 8.1 and 10
The function of starting playback of media files on a computer with displaying images on a TV is also provided as part of the standard functionality in versions of Windows 8.1 and 10. If the Windows system allows playback of media files on the computer by network devices in the Windows Media player, as discussed above, a movie, audio track or photo You can launch it on your computer and continue watching or listening on your TV. This is a handy thing when you don’t particularly want to fiddle with the TV remote control and look for, for example, the desired movie among a bunch of other media files, killing your nerves with monotonous flipping through file after file.
To launch a media file on your computer, you need to open the context menu on it in Windows Explorer and select the “Bring to device” command. This is the command for Windows systems 10. In Windows 8.1, this context menu command is called “Play To”.
After this, we will see a list of network devices available for playback. Choose a TV. The launched file will unfold on the TV screen, and on the computer screen we will see a small window Windows player Media with a playlist where you can additionally add some files.
7. Bring to Device feature in Windows 10 Movies & TV app
Available for media files in context menu Windows Explorer the “Bring to device” function is also implemented in Windows application 10 "Cinema and TV". It works on the principle of launching a video file in an application on a computer and continuing to watch it on a network device, in particular, on a TV screen. Open the “Movies and TV” application, launch the video and in viewing mode, click the first button at the bottom – the button to connect to available playback devices. A list of all network devices defined for outputting the video file will appear in a small window. Choose a TV.
In the future, you can continue watching the movie again on your computer, in the “Movies and TV” application. This is a great idea for a home filled with digital technology that is connected into one network. For example, having started watching a movie on the TV screen in the living room, you can continue watching it on the kitchen TV screen. And then you can move back to the living room with the film. And to do this, you just need to pause for a couple of simple actions on the computer.
8. Conclusion
As you can see, the choice of ways to configure the computer part of the chain of interaction between the computer and the TV over the network is great. Despite the fact that the article turned out to be voluminous, in fact, not all programs on the software market for implementing multimedia streaming from a computer to a TV are considered. Setting up your TV is easier.
As mentioned above, your computer's media files can be accessed through local smart TV apps. And these are the above-mentioned Smart Share for LG TVs, AllShare for Samsung, Vaio Media Server for Sony and others. On regular network-enabled TVs, where the firmware does not provide separate applications, access to computer files can be configured by selecting a media server as the signal source. In many cases, the source button on the TV remote is called “Source”.
Have a great day!
It's no secret that over time we accumulate a lot of all kinds of films, photographs and the like, and all this is usually stored on the computer.
But it wouldn’t be bad to watch a movie that you just downloaded from the network on a large TV, and not on a PC screen, but to do this you need to transfer this movie to a flash drive, or burn it to a disc.
In a word, there is a lot of unnecessary movement. But there are solutions, this is a multimedia server.
Don't be alarmed, this is not a completely separate computer with hard drives. This is a program that performs strictly the tasks assigned to it.
So let’s look at several programs that can provide access to media content from other devices or programs.
Let's start with the theoretical basics of what DLNA and Smart Share are.
DLNA(in its own words) is a technology that allows devices that are connected to the same network and support DLNA technology to exchange media content (video, photos, music).
Now, almost all devices support DLNA technology: computers, TVs, smartphones, game consoles, etc.
Smart Share is a proprietary application (technology) of LG. If you can say so, then this is a kind of shell for working with DLNA.
Other TV manufacturers call these programs differently. Samsung has AllShare. SONY – VAIO Media Server.
And so, without a doubt, you can watch photos, films, etc. that are on your computer or even smartphone on your TV.
But first you need to set up DLNA (Smart Share) between your PC and TV (the TV must be able to connect to the network)
What does it mean?
This means that both the TV and the computer must be connected to the same one, no matter how they are connected. (via Wi-Fi or cable)
And so you have a router, but there is no Wi-Fi on the TV. We can simply lay a network cable from the router to the TV.
Our router must be connected to the Internet and configured. We also need a network cable. We connect one end of the cable to the router, into the yellow connector.
On the TV, connect the second end of the cable to the network connector.
You can debug the router itself using the knowledge gained in this article:
Next, we need to set up file distribution from the computer so that the TV can play videos from the required folders, or show photos. We just need to open up access for this. This can even be done using standard Windows Media Player.
But there is a very good one and absolutely free program « Home media server (UPnP, DLNA, HTTP)", which is an excellent analogue of Smart Share from LG, or for example AllShare from Samsung.
And so, friends, a media server for a computer that will upgrade your TV and make it much more functional.
Home Media Server
Home media server (UPnP, DLNA, HTTP) is a program that provides media resources (photos, audio and video files) of your computer to other UPnP (DLNA) devices on the home network.
For example, Philips TVs, Sony, Samsung, LG, Toshiba, game consoles Sony Playstation 3, XBOX 360, media players WD TV Live, Popcorn Hour, Dune, Boxee Box, IconBit, ASUS O!Play, iPad/iPhone/iPod, mobile and PDA devices .
The program includes various audio and video file transcoders that allow you to convert media resources into a format supported by the playback device.
It is also possible to convert the frame format of video files to the screen format of the playback device (the color of the addition is specified by the user), select an audio track, and subtitles. You can choose to transcode from any minute.
The program includes transcoding profiles for VLC Media Player. You can redirect Internet radio and Internet television streams from your computer to your media devices.
The program supports Digital TV (C, S, T), you can redirect streams digital television from your computer to your media devices.
The program supports managing DMR (Digital Media Renderer) devices. You can use the “Play to” function for an individual device and a group of devices.
This is a whole harvester, the functionality of which knows no bounds.
The only drawback will be the terrible interface of the program, but since it is needed to play movies on the TV, this will not be a big problem. The program is absolutely free and is only available in the Windows version.
First, we need to download and install the program itself. I recommend downloading from the official website: //www.homemediaserver.ru/index.htm. There's always a new version there!
After installation, launch the program with a shortcut on the desktop. Let's go to the program settings. We won't do anything special there. We will simply indicate local disks, flash drives, external HDD and, or folders, the contents of which we want to see on the TV.
For example, you can open only a few folders with movies, photos and music.
A settings window will open. In the first category, Media Resources, we need to indicate which disks or folders we want to see on the TV. By default, standard folders with photos, videos and music are open there.
The program is trying to sort everything. And in order not to get confused in all these folders on the TV, I advise you to open general access To local disks. This means that you can open any file on your TV that is stored on these local drives (drives C, D, E, etc.).
You can also specify individual folders, or for example external hard disk. To do this, click on the Add button on the right and select the desired folder, flash drive, or hard drive in Explorer. These are the basic settings, click on the Ok button and agree to scan media resources.
Next, you can start the DLNA server itself. To do this, simply click on the “Launch” button. Now, just turn on the TV. If everything is connected correctly, it should appear in the “Home Media Server (UPnP, DLNA, HTTP)” program.
To do this, go to the Playback Devices (DMR) tab, and on the right, click the Update button.
VIDEO:
So Plex .
The most popular and, perhaps, quite convenient option. Having launched the server on your computer, you can manage it from a browser, set up a media library, add subtitles, etc.
Plex downloads all the information about the movie automatically and does it perfectly in most cases. The TV sees the Plex server without any problems and plays everything perfectly.
The disadvantage of Plex and other similar programs is that the TV does not see the subtitles built into the film, but for me and I don’t think this has any special significance for you.
Plex is free, but you'll need to buy a subscription for additional features.
//plex.tv/
PS3 Media Server.
Initially, PS3 Media Server was distributed as an add-on to the PlayStation 3, allowing you to play movies on your TV using the console.
Then the program began to live a separate life. Like previous alternatives, it supports DLNA playback and requires no fiddling with setup.
//www.ps3mediaserver.org/
Serviio, is far from the most popular multimedia server. The application is free, but for $25 you can buy a PRO version, which allows access to your content from any network, not just your home one.
And this allows you to play content from the WEB (this function is given as an introduction and in free version). Serviio has Android apps, but they act as a secondary control panel for the backend on the computer.
//www.serviio.org/
Kodi or (XBMC)
XBMC was created to bring video playback functionality to the Xbox. Then the project split off and now Kodi is one of the most popular media centers, supporting almost all platforms due to its open source.
Kodi has apps for iOS and Android that allow you to use your smartphone as a remote control. The service relies on donations and is absolutely free.
//kodi.tv/
Good luck, Friends!
If you want to create a home entertainment network based on your TV and computer, which will provide all the capabilities for playing content of various formats, then you might be interested in learning how to set up home media server. Let's learn how to install the server creation software and then see what features it provides to users.
Connecting a computer and TV
Before you start installing a home media server, you need to resolve the issue of connecting your computer to your TV. It is better to make a wired connection between devices using a LAN cable and a router. Of course you can use wireless connection, however, then you become dependent on the antenna power and the presence/absence of obstacles.
To avoid possible problems When playing movies in Full HD format, it is better to use a LAN cable, carefully laying it between the computer, router and TV.
The router, of course, must be configured to access the network, otherwise no media server will work. If you have figured out the question of how to set up the Internet on Windows 7, then you can proceed directly to installing and configuring the program.
Program installation
Download the program distribution package to begin installing it. It is better to download from the official website, since the current and verified version of the utility is located here. You can choose two types of download - as a *.exe file or in an archive format. There is no difference between them, so choose according to your taste.
The installation process itself is extremely simple: you only need to specify the directory in which the application's executable files will be stored and decide whether to create a program shortcut on the desktop.
After assigning installation parameters, click the “Install” button. Wait until the installation is complete to begin setting up the program.
Setting up the program
When you first start the program, it should appear with initial settings where you need to select your media device. 
Depending on the type of hardware you specify, the Native Support field will display a comma-separated list of supported formats.
If your TV can play some formats that are not in the “Built-in support” field, then check the “Custom device” checkbox. Manually write the formats supported by your equipment and click “Next” to move to the next settings window.
In the “Media resource directories” window, you need to make directories visible to your device (“share”) either local or network drives. By default, standard folders are open, but to avoid confusion with them, it is better to allow access to local drives. To perform this procedure, check the boxes of the drives that you want to make available through the media server and click the “Scan” button. 
You can also manually add directories or external media. To do this, click the “Add” button, select the directory you need and start the scanning process. 
After scanning local and removable drives in the program interface you can see full list audio, video and photos stored on your computer.
Remember that the more multimedia information the program has to check, the longer it will take to launch, so do not overdo it with the number of “shared” directories.
The next setting item is parameters Reserve copy. You can specify your storage path backup copy, used to restore program data, or leave everything as is. 
After clicking the “Run” button, the backup process will begin. You can specify which parameters you want to save in the backup file by checking them. After completing the data backup procedure, click the “Close” button.
Starting the server
After setting up all the important parameters, you can proceed directly to enabling the DLNA server on your computer. To do this, click on the “Launch” button - a message will appear on the screen that the start was successful. 
After starting the server, you need to turn on the TV. If the connection is established correctly, it will appear on the “Playback Devices” tab in the program. If the list is empty, update it using the special button on the right panel. 
Test the server by running files from your computer on your TV screen:
If the Home Media Server program is configured correctly, the file you launched from your computer will appear on the TV screen. But opening media files from a computer is not always convenient, so you need to learn how to additionally run them directly on the TV. 
To prevent the program from disturbing you on your computer, close it by clicking on the red cross. The work of the home server will not be completed, since the application will not turn off completely, but will only be minimized to the system tray.
Viewing files on TV
After setting up the server on your computer, you can go to the TV and try to open “shared” folders through it. On different models The TV connects to the created server in its own way. For example, LG devices have a built-in Smart Share app. 
Select the created one as the signal source home server. If this item is not on the list, update the list of sources.
Don't forget to configure your firewall by temporarily disabling it; otherwise, the firewall will block the TV's attempts to connect to the home server.
After selecting the signal source, you will see a directory of folders, among which there will be directories “shared” on the computer. You can launch available files and watch them on your TV screen.
Possible applications
The Home Media Server program provides users with several interesting features that allow them to expand their functionality regular TV to the level of a true home entertainment center.
Interactive television
To enjoy all the benefits of interactive broadcasting, you can set up Rostelecom television. But there is another option that allows you to do without concluding an additional agreement with the provider - download an interactive television playlist and launch it through your home media server.
For IPTV to work, you need to install the VLC Player program. Installing this application will not be difficult even for a novice user, since the convenient installation wizard does everything automatically - all you have to do is click the “Next” button.
The next step is to restart the home media server, which is done by pressing a special button on top panel programs. 
After this, you can go to the TV and select the “Internet Television” folder in the media server directory. If you downloaded the working playlist and installed it correctly, you will see a list of channels presented in it. 
Of course, this is not the most convenient option for playing interactive television, especially if the user has a Smart TV or has configured the IPTV function from the provider. However, if you have nothing but a home server, then using the “Home Media Server” program can be called the most adequate solution.
If your TV does not support Smart TV, but you want to be able to watch online broadcasts, then you can delegate some functions " smart television» Home Media Server program using installed podcasts.
Podcasts in this case are files that allow you to directly launch online cinemas on your TV. For example, on the forum of the official website of the Home Media Server application, it is possible to download a podcast to play and manage video files from social network In contact with.
Download the desired podcast to your computer and drop it into the main program window, as you did with the interactive television playlist file. 
Expand the Podcasts section and select the app you downloaded to online broadcasts. Right-click on it and select “Update”. 
Wait for the update process to complete and go to your TV. Find the “Podcasts” folder and select the application downloaded through the media server inside it. 
Somehow it happened that the tag DLNA server is more common in question posts than in answers. And if some user experience has been accumulated regarding installation on a home Windows PC, then deciding on the choice of software for a home server/NAS/media center turned out to be difficult. Distributed among sandboxes, people separately solve the problems of each program separately. But I personally failed to understand which of them is worth what and whether it is needed at all.
And so, armed with a link from Wikipedia How to choose a DLNA server for Windows, Mac OS X or Linux, I tried almost everything that is available for Linux.
DLNA - its place in the home network
Most people have probably already gone down this path - new media devices appear in the house, the number of family members consuming media content grows, and the database of films, music and photographs itself swells.At the same time, everyone builds media infrastructure in their own way. For some it is a computer with TV-OUT, for others it is a netbook or HTPC. Someone shares folders from a NAS via NFS, someone connects an HDD to a media player, someone uses the capabilities of Sony PS...
Confusion appears in storage locations, formats, codecs, etc.
So, in my case it turned out:
- Plasma in the living room is better served at 720p than FullHD
- It’s better not to feed a Sony TV in a child’s room connected via Wi-Fi more than 15Mbit/s, H.264 it needs a maximum of Profile 4.1, and it doesn’t see files on network storage at all
- The Openbox satellite receiver cannot play audio tracks in DTS, it does not support more than 30Mbit/s via SMB, and it does not display Cyrillic via NFS
- Nokia Lumia and iPhone are generally limited everywhere
Theoretically, it will bring content from different places into one folder tree, and adjust the resolution and check codec compatibility and, if necessary, re-encode. Beauty…
What to bet on
Home computer- as a rule, this is a Windows machine. Watching a re-encoded film while someone else is playing will not work; There is no 24/7 mode at all. Not suitable for the role. That's why Windows versions I didn't even consider the programs.Router flashed with DD-WRT/OpenWRT- there are packages for these firmwares and they work. Hardware resources are very limited - transcoding is unrealistic, access speed USB port and network folders is severely limited. Nevertheless, this suits many people.
NAS or home server with Linux- the most universal solution. There are many programs. There are no protocol restrictions. The performance of x86 processors from 5 years ago (in my case, the Athlon X2-6000) is enough to simultaneously transcode two films of any format on the fly.
Personal experience, program evaluation
MiniDLNA, uShare and xupnpd
These are different projects, but in essence they are the same thing. Lightweight and fast. The only function they perform is to provide network access to media files via the DLNA/UPnP protocol. The player or TV should be able to do everything else themselves. DLNA is not fully supported and many devices simply cannot be seen by these servers.Very massive. They work everywhere. Packages exist for all kinds of Linux distributions, routers with DD-WRT/OpenWRT firmware and NAS. The installation procedure is simple and well described on specialized forums. There are no GUIs
If you, and only you (otherwise complaints from family members are inevitable):
- watch/listen only from one omnivorous device (such as a Samsung TV)
- Your device cannot directly retrieve files from network folders or is too slow (such as a Sony Bravia TV)
- store movies/music on an inexpensive NAS or router with a USB drive
- select content in advance in the required format or don’t be lazy to re-encode it manually
- media files are already well sorted into folders or this does not bother you at all
MediaTomb
The developers clearly write that “this is not a DLNA server, it only supports part of its functions.” And although there may be some compatibility issues, this is quite a project worthy of attention.There is already a GUI running through the built-in http server - you can manage folders with content in it. Add new ones, create shortcuts to existing ones, set scanning intervals, etc.
It is well distributed - there is no problem installing it on any Linux distribution, it does not entail heavy dependencies. Only configurable text file. Very stable in operation, not resource intensive.
Transcoding can be used, but it is implemented in a simple form. Thus, profiles are linked to the input file format, and not to the output device. The server does not distinguish at all who connected to it. Accordingly, there are no ready-made profiles for devices - everything needs to be configured manually:
- which formats to transcode and which to transfer directly
- set the encoder according to the situation: ffmpeg, vlc, mplayer or something else
- set bitrate, number of audio channels, H.264 profile and other encoding options
- apply a video filter such as crop or crop
At the same time, when viewing a transcoded stream on a TV, rewinding and selecting an audio track will not work. Attaching subtitles is also a separate matter.
In general, MediaTomb is a very brutal tool for true Linux users. You can’t call it universal, but you can customize it perfectly to suit you and your hardware.
Rygel
Massive, available almost everywhere. But it is very crooked to put it in daemon mode (you need to write an init script yourself, create folders and a user). It is part of the gnome project and pulls gstreamer (or even pulseaudio). If anyone has KDE or something else on their computer, it’s completely inconvenient. Icons for videos are generated via tumbler from the XFCE project, and even then with nuances. Falls regularly.I didn’t get around to studying the features of transcoding. My verdict - " unfit".
PS3 Media Server
A very old project. And although from its initial application: “Distribute movies/music from your home Windows PC to Sony PS,” the project has evolved greatly. But the JAVA code and the requirements for running the X server turned me away from it.XBMC
It has a DLNA server. But keeping this combine for the sake of just one module is stupid.Moreover, it was from XBMC that a separate Plex media server project was born.
Universal Media Server
He's kind of crooked. Showed me the entire directory tree instead of the selected folder. I opened only a few files and regularly threw errors into the console. I haven't figured out transconding at all.Very heavy due to JAVA code. You definitely need a running X server - you can't make it a daemon. " Unfit."
GMediaServer
The project has been abandoned. Not worthy of attention.LXiMedia
Simple and convenient implementation of a DLNA server. All you need to do is select folders with files, strictly set transcoding parameters, audio track, subtitles. No profiles, settings. Moreover, this is a GUI application, it cannot be installed as a daemon.In my opinion, it is useless in this form - one of many and far from the best.
Serviio
Perhaps the fastest growing project right now. Updated regularly. It is actively acquiring plugins, profiles and applications for mobile OS.It is a JAVA application running as a daemon. DLNA protocol support is complete. Quite skillfully scatters content into folders and categories. Can create previews for films. It is easy to connect different on-line broadcasting channels.
Transcodes using ffmpeg. The database of device profiles is already quite large (and continues to grow) - the server correctly selects encoding parameters for any of the home hardware. What I didn’t recognize is that it’s not difficult to choose a profile or write your own.
Due to the fact that ffmpeg is used - the same problem as in mediatomb - there is no rewind in the transcoded stream and the audio track does not change.
All this is controlled either from a JAVA client, or a web interface written in PHP, or a smartphone (there are applications for Android and WP).
Unfortunately not available as a .deb or .rpm package. You need to install it manually: create folders, create a user, unpack it, get the init script from the support forum, add it to autorun." There is a ready-made package for Synology NAS.
In general, it may well become a single point of access to media content at home. He can do everything you need.
Skifta
Not included in Linux repositories and therefore rare. But it has a graphical installer and carries jre with it, and therefore will work on almost any system. It is inconvenient because it is launched in two steps - first the utility in SystemTray, then the media-server itself. Without X's it won't work as a demon. Very simple and concise, but heavily loads the system (JAVA code).TVMOBiLi
Costs $30 (or subscription fee $1.5/month). Available as .deb and .rpm packages. It is quite difficult to install not in Ubuntu/Fedora - the built-in vlc and ffmpeg will probably find the missing libraries and refuse to work. I couldn't find USE flags for vlc in Gentoo. It didn’t work at all, I had to redo the profiles so that only ffmpeg would be used.In general, transcoding profiles are his strong point. You can set any logic and any parameters.
Managed through a nice WEB-face. Has a rich database of transcoding profiles. It is possible to play files via the built-in http server. Can't generate thumbnails.
It works quickly and beautifully. Good candidate.
TwonkyServer
Installed by unpacking tar.gz. or through the installer. It is not available in Linux repositories. Very fast code, instant launch, convenient web interface. Well and competently distributes content into folders. There are ready-made init scripts. Can extract meta data from files and generate thumbnails. All liked it. One problem - $19.95.But still: " I recommend".
Plex
As the developers write - “A complete Media Solution”. I confirm.This monster grew out of XBMC and can do everything and even more. Find movie posters, ratings and a bunch of data. The series will also be divided into seasons and episodes. The music collection can be organized from any source type.
Transcoding makes everything possible. Settings can be controlled directly from the TV's OSD menu. For smart devices Like LG Smart TVs and Apple TVs, support goes well beyond the DLNA protocol.
There is support for its own cloud service, which allows you to watch home videos remotely - the server will adjust the parameters of the sent video to the capabilities of the device and communication channel.
There are separately written clients for mobile OS and Windows 8 tiles.
There are ready-made packages for Ubuntu, Fedora, CentOS and mainstream NAS models. Under everything else - installed by simple unpacking. Of the dependencies, only Avahi-daemon is required.
Unfortunately, the transcoding mechanism does not allow interference with the work - profiles can be corrected, but the possibilities are very limited.
It is able to solve any problems within the framework of the topic, while it is free, stable and, oddly enough, fast.
I would really like someone to add to this list and/or make changes.
In this article, you will learn how to set up the Home Media Server program, as well as how to access movies, music and photos located on your computer from your smart TV. If your TV supports network connection via Wi-Fi or LAN and supports real-time media content transmission via DLNA technology, then you should definitely take advantage of this.
Of course, you can play music and videos from a flash drive, but before that you need to transfer all the information to it. In our case, you just need to give the TV access to any folder on your computer in which media content is stored.
There are proprietary applications from TV manufacturers, for example, LG has Smart Share, and Samsung has AllShare. Often, applications from manufacturers leave much to be desired and do not provide the necessary functionality, which cannot be said about the wonderful Home Media Server program. By the way, you can connect to the created media server not only from a TV, but also from any other DLNA client, for example, from a game console.
Before you start setting up your home media server, you need to connect your TV using the connection method available to you, usually LAN and Wi-Fi. It is most convenient to connect the TV to a router, but in extreme cases you can connect directly to a computer or laptop.
Setting up a media server.
If you still do not have Home Media Server installed, you can always download it from our catalog.
After installing the program, open it and go to the menu "Settings".
In the left part of the window that opens, select a category "Media resources", on the tab "Directory List" you must specify which drives (local, network, removable) and folders with media content will be available on the TV. By default, standard folders with photos, videos and music are already open.
To add the necessary folders and drives, use the button "Add". In the Explorer window that opens, you just have to select the folders or drives to which you want to give access and click "OK".
When adding or deleting folders or drives, it is necessary to scan media resource directories; usually the program itself requests permission to scan. This will keep the list of available files up to date.
You can also set up automatic directory scanning. On the tab "Scanning" you need to check the two checkboxes shown in the screenshot below. Please note that checking the box opposite "Automatic scanning of directories when they change while the server is running" may slow down the speed of navigating through directories on the TV.
Here we recommend checking the box before "Always use file name as media resource name", then in the list you will always see files with their own names, otherwise the TV will name the file based on its tags.
In category "Devices" in the dropdown menu "Default device type" you need to choose the device that best matches yours. Depending on the selected device, the list of formats supported by the device will change.
If you know that your TV supports more formats than are presented in the proposed list, then you can open the settings window by clicking on the corresponding button, and in the extensions fields "Movies", "Music" And "Photo" Specify the required formats separated by commas.
In category "Additionally" you can ask automatic start programs and automatically start the server when you turn on the computer. To do this, you need to check certain boxes indicated in the screenshot. It is also recommended to check the box opposite "Service Installation" Windows Home media server (UPnP, DLNA, HTTP)", in this case the media server will run as a service.
This completes the home media server setup.
Now you need to launch it by clicking on the button "Launch".
Now you can turn on the TV. If everything is connected correctly, the TV icon should appear at the bottom of the program window on the tab "Playback Devices (DMR)".
If the TV does not appear, click on the button on the right side of the window "Update". If the TV icon does not appear, it means you have not connected the TV to your computer or home network correctly. Most often, in more than 90% of cases, the problem occurs due to incorrect settings of antiviruses and firewalls. Disable them, if the TV icon appears, then you need to configure them correctly.
Viewing media resources.
After setting up your home media server, you can start viewing shared content in two ways.
The first, naturally, starts playing content from the TV, following the instructions for your device.
Second, start playback directly from the Home Media Server itself. To begin, in the main program window you need to select the type of content to be played by clicking on the tab icons "Movies", "Music" or "Photo". Next, on the movie we need, for example, right-click and select "Play on" and select TV. At the same moment, the movie should start playing on the TV.
The Home Media Server program actually provides a huge number of various settings and offers playback of not only videos, music and photos, but also Internet radio, as well as IPTV. In turn, we only looked at setting up a home media server to open access to files stored on the computer for playback on the TV.
