Media service for Philips TV. Your home multimedia server for your TV. If, when opening a video, the TV says "Format not supported"
One of the characteristics that distinguishes some modern televisions from others is their degree of intelligence. In a figurative sense, of course. We are talking 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 fuss with flash drives and external hard drives. 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 app Share is a shell of this technology with user interface. Applications from 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 Windows operation. 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 software for desktop operating systems, through which you can configure access to your computer's media files. 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 user profile folders. 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 that everything works as it should, launch the SmartShare application on the 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 on your TV (radio and digital television).
“Home Media Server” can be downloaded absolutely free on the creators’ website.
Download the program, install it and run it. Upon startup, a window will appear immediately initial settings. 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 disks”, “ 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 the image on a TV is also provided as part of the standard functionality in Windows versions 8.1 and 10. If the Windows system allows playback of computer media files by network devices in Windows Media Player, as discussed above, a movie, audio track or photo can be launched on the computer, and viewing or listening can be continued on the 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 conductor Windows function“Bring to device” 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!
Of course, you can simply connect your computer to the TV, but with the help of special solutions, access to multimedia files is possible from any device. There are apps for set-top boxes, smartphones, tablets, and web interfaces for everything else. You can even connect from anywhere in the world via the Internet.
From you - media collection
You can organize your own media server using good free programs, but of course, for this venture to be successful, you must have a decent collection of your own media files. Your own server is an excellent solution for those who have a large selection of videos (including from DVDs) and music (including from CDs): you can enjoy watching and listening on any device, without depending on services like Netflix and Spotify. You can even look at photos - ideal if you have a large photo collection.
Plex or Media Browser: the choice is yours
Perhaps the two most popular solutions for creating your own media server are and. Both work on the same principle and involve installing a server program on a computer, laptop, NAS drive or special home server. You can also try (in the past XBMC), but this solution is more complicated and works a little differently.
Both Plex and Media Browser offer server software for Windows, Linux, Mac OS X, BSD, and a variety of NAS servers. To create your own media server, you can use a regular computer, a separate server, or a ready-made NAS drive with support for server software.
Plex has client apps for Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Xbox and PlayStation, as well as support for Chromecast. In addition, you can connect to the server using mobile applications for iOS, Android, Windows Phone and Windows 8. There is a web interface and functional application Plex for PC, which is useful when connecting your computer to your TV.
Media Browser also has clients for Roku and some other set-top boxes, as well as support for Chromecast. Mobile applications are available for iOS, Android, Windows Phone and Windows 8, and you can connect to the server from your computer via the web interface.
Both solutions are very similar in functionality, but Plex has a much wider selection of client applications (it supports PlayStation, Xbox and Fire TV). However, it comes at a cost: the Plex app for iOS costs $5, and installing the apps on Xbox and PlayStation requires a $5-per-month Plex Pass.
Media Browser and accompanying client applications are completely free - there are no subscription fees or in-app purchases. But Media Browser doesn't have PlayStation or Xbox support, even at extra cost. You will have to choose what is more important – economy or versatility. Better yet, try both to make your choice.
Install the server, applications - and start using
Installation will take just minutes, regardless of the solution you choose. Install Plex or Media Browser on the future server and specify the address of the folder with multimedia files in the settings. If desired, you can start account(this option is available in both Plex and Media Browser) – then it will be easier to log into client applications and connect to the server remotely via the Internet.
After setting up the server, install the applications on your set-top box, smartphone, tablet - and connect to your media collection. Everything is very easy here. And if you have a Chromecast, you don’t even need to install a special Plex or Media Browser application on your TV - just install the application on your smartphone and use it to stream multimedia directly to the Chromecast.
Of course, to use all these features you need the server itself on which the collection of files will be stored. If 24/7 availability of the collection is not required, you can install the server program on your regular computer or laptop and use media files only when it is turned on.
Or you can allocate a separate server for this, which will work constantly and even allow you to connect to the collection remotely via the Internet. It is not at all necessary to use a full-fledged powerful computer for this - a weak, compact NAS drive with a large hard drive for storing media files will do.
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A media server is an excellent solution for owners of home computer networks, the structure of which involves the simultaneous use of several devices - SMART-TVs, mobile gadgets, as well as PCs and laptops. How to create a functional home media server? What type of program can I use for this?
What is a home media server?
Many Russian users access the Internet via a Wi-Fi router. This device allows you to simultaneously connect several devices to the network. These could be laptops, tablets or, for example, Smart TVs TV. Possibilities wireless networks allow you to create a real home media server - for a TV, laptop and any other Wi-Fi-enabled device. What functions should it have? For example, a server can distribute media resources—video files, music, photos—between different devices. Another useful function is to provide shared access between devices to online services, for example, IPTV.
Why create a home media server?
For what purpose do users create home media servers? This is usually due to the desire to organize a more convenient and efficient option for working with media content through multiple devices. If, for example, with the help of Smart TV a person wants to watch a movie, then without a media server of the appropriate type this can only be done by going online, where he will have to search for a long time for the desired file, or through an external media - a flash drive or HDD. In the second case, constantly transferring media from one device to another is not always convenient. But if you have a media server, you can place the necessary files on it and launch them from the TV, as well as from other devices, at any time.
A home media server in a number of configurations can also function offline. This is useful if there is no Internet access for some reason. Even in this case, home network users will probably be able to entertain themselves by watching video files, photos, and listening to music available on the server.
How difficult is it to create a home media server? Settings similar system— what are its nuances? It all depends on what functions the user wants to see in home system distribution of media content. If we are talking about basic capabilities - for example, providing public access to files of common multimedia types, the server structure will not be too complex. There are quite a lot of different types of software that allow a user who has little experience working with local systems to create the appropriate system. computer networks. If you need to create a media server for a TV, then the capabilities of such solutions are almost always sufficient. TV usually can recognize not as many types of files as a computer, but only those that relate to the most common media standards.
But if the question is how to set up a home media server not only for shared access to content, but, say, to ensure that devices can access the Internet or Internet television resources, then more comprehensive work will be required. The capabilities of those types of software that are adapted for inexperienced users may not be enough.
Methods for creating a server
What are the ways to create a home media server? One of the most technologically advanced is the purchase of a separate system unit, performing the corresponding functions. Its performance does not necessarily have to be high, since it is supposed to serve not hundreds of thousands of users, as is the case with Internet servers, but several devices within a home network. Therefore, large investments in equipment are not required. What you should pay attention to is performance hard drive system unit. It is advisable that an appropriate hardware component had sufficient volume and rotation speed to get the job done. The hard drive will be subject to significant loads during system operation.
Where should I locate my home media server? It is necessary to find a place in the apartment in which the server unit can constantly work and not disturb anyone. It is advisable to connect the server to an Internet source - for example, a Wi-Fi router - using a wire, since you will probably need to use maximum power bandwidth - this is sometimes difficult to do in wireless mode because there is interference.
Server software
In many cases, the optimal operating system with which you can organize a server capable of accumulating the user’s media resources is Linux Ubuntu. This OS is characterized by stability. However, in order to run a home media server using Ubuntu, the setup will be quite complex, and the user will need to have extensive experience working with similar platforms. But if a person has the appropriate skills, then he will be able to take advantage of all the benefits of such a scheme.
The capabilities of the Ubuntu OS allow you to create a functional server with which you can organize shared online access with different devices, create storage for files, and also use DLNA standards. A home media server based on Ubuntu will allow you to connect not only computers to the Internet, but also various mobile devices and even some types of household appliances that support the corresponding function.
If the user does not have enough experience with Ubuntu, then he can try using popular solutions for Windows. Among these is the Home Media Server program or Home Media Server. It has enough capabilities to satisfy the needs of most home network owners. So, with the help of it you can organize file sharing, IPTV, and use podcasts for a home media server. You can download the HMS program on the website homemediaserver.ru. Once we have downloaded and installed this type of software, we can create a home media server. It can be configured using the following algorithm.
Setting up a server via HMS
You should launch the HMS program, then select the “Settings” button. After that there is a section called “Media Resources”. Then go to the “Directory List” page and click “Add”. After this, you can use the Windows interface to move the necessary folders to the main program window.
The HMS program is characterized by a fairly high degree of automation. In general, the user does not need to make significant changes to the settings of this software. But sometimes this may be necessary, for example, if the system does not work for some reason. Possible reasons We will look at incorrect server operation a little later.
Once the files are downloaded, click “Launch” in the main HMS window. If the server starts, then everything is fine. If necessary, it can be stopped or restarted. After this, you can start using the home server using devices that support the corresponding function, for example, using a TV.
To organize access to the server via a browser, you must again select “Settings”, then “Server”, and enter the required value in the “Port” section. Using a browser, you can log into the server by entering the IP address in the address bar home server, then a colon, and after that the port number that we entered before. You can find out the required IP address by selecting “Settings”, then “Server”, and then selecting the list of connections that are allowed.
Setting up a server via HMS: fixing errors
What to do if the home media server does not start? The network setup was probably carried out with errors in this case. Let's look at the most typical ones. First of all, it is useful to check which network connections are reflected in the list of available ones. This can be done by opening Settings and Server, and then enabling the list of allowed connections. It is useful to compare the data displayed in the program window with the information contained in the list of available connections, which can be viewed using the “Search” button. You can also allow the system to use available network connections using the HMS program interface.
It is also useful to check whether there are any restrictions on the operation of the HMS program in the settings of the Windows firewall or its analogues, which may be installed in the operating system. The exchange of all types of packets must be allowed - incoming, outgoing.
IPTV via HMS
One of the opportunities that a functional home media server provides to the user is Internet television, or IPTV. The HMS program allows you to configure the corresponding function. The main thing is that the Internet provider to which the user is connected provides a service for broadcasting TV channels online - by subscription or as an additional service.
In order to organize a broadcast using an IPTV home media server, in addition to the HMS program, you should also download a type of software such as VLC Media Player. This can be done through the website videolan.org. Once VLC is downloaded, it needs to be combined with HMS. To do this, you need to open “Home Media Server”, then select “Settings”, then “Media Resources” and “Internet Resources”. After that, find the VideoLAN settings and indicate the folder on your computer where the player is installed.
Then you need to download a playlist that includes a list of broadcast channels. It is a file in m3u format. This can be done by visiting a specialized website for digital TV lovers, for example, nastroisam.ru. Also, such files may be on the websites of providers. After downloading the playlist, you need to move it to the appropriate area of the HMS interface. To do this, go to “Settings”, then select “Transcoder” and start working with the “Internet TV” option. After the appropriate settings have been made, you should reboot the home server. After this, you can use IPTV capabilities, for example, using a TV - if it supports this function.
Working with HMS: nuances
Let's look at some of the nuances that characterize the operation of the Home Media Server program. Using the main window of this software, you can edit the list of folders that form media content, as well as manage them when exchanging data between different devices.
If navigation through files that form media content is slow, this may be due to the specifics of a particular device. It is also possible that the performance of the server's hard drive is insufficient. Failures can also be caused by frequent changes in directory structure. Slowdown of the server may be due to the fact that the directory scanning mode is activated in the program while the system is running.
You can navigate through the files that form the structure of media content using a folder called “Media resource directories.” It is quite possible that certain media files will not be visible on the device used to view content, despite the fact that they are viewed in the main program window. This may be due to the specific mime types for specific type content. You can set a different Mime type - the program's capabilities also allow you to do this. You should click “Settings”, then “Media Resources”, then “File Types” and change extensions if necessary.
Connecting devices
So, we have configured and launched the home media server. How to use it? The capabilities of the program in question allow you to connect a variety of devices to your home network - computers, televisions or, for example, multimedia projectors.
Let's assume that the network is organized via a Wi-Fi router, but communication technology in this case is a secondary factor. If devices are connected to a network via Wi-Fi, then you need to set the automatic procedure for assigning IP addresses to connected devices in the router settings.
Exactly how a device connected to the server—a TV or a mobile gadget—finds folders with media content depends on the specifics of the corresponding device. Brands that produce devices can use interfaces that are quite different from the solutions of device manufacturers.
The HMS program is universal; it allows you to connect to the server almost any device that supports this function. Using this software, you can organize access to video files, music and photos. It is optimal for both Wi-Fi networks and wired connections. Using this program, you can access media content from PCs, laptops, mobile devices, as well as, for example, printers, video cameras and TV set-top boxes that support the corresponding function.
But in some cases, the device can only work correctly if branded software is used.
So, for example, if a person uses Smart TV from Samsung, then perhaps best option for him - the AllShare program, produced by a Korean brand. It allows you to create a fairly functional home media server on the user’s computer. Samsung is not the only manufacturer of this type of software, of course.
Another Korean brand, LG, has also developed its own program. In order to run a home media server for LG, you can install the LG Smart Share program.
Home server using Plex
If using branded software is less desirable for the network owner, then you can try using a common alternative to HMS - the Plex Media Server program. Its capabilities also allow you to effectively distribute media content between several devices - TV, mobile devices, PCs, laptops. The program about which we're talking about, refers to cross-platform. That is, it can be used by PC owners running Linux Ubuntu who do not have sufficient experience to set up a home server using the standard features of this operating system. You can download Plex from plex.tv.
How can I set up a home media server using this program? In this case, instructions that take a lot of time to study are not needed. The peculiarity of the Plex program is that it has a friendly, user-friendly interface. Its functionality allows you to receive Additional information about videos: for example, if these are films or TV series, the program will find appropriate annotations for them and additional media content.
Plex - universal program. It functions equally correctly on both PCs and mobile devices. This program- the most convenient tool for viewing online content using devices on Android, iOS and Windows Phone. Owners of the appropriate type of mobile device can download the Plex application, which is characterized by the advantages noted above - a user-friendly interface, as well as the ability to supplement media files with useful content and annotations. Available in mobile application Plex and a number of other useful functions - for example, creating playlists, playing a file from a location selected by the user. It can also be noted that Plex allows you to organize shared access to media content not only from devices on your home network, but also for users connected to the Internet. So, you can show videos and photos to friends.
Plex users can sign up for a paid subscription to access the services - it costs $4.99 per month. This will allow you to use a number of additional software features, such as, for example, Sync. It is especially useful for owners mobile devices. By launching the appropriate application on your phone or tablet, you can select the desired media content online and ensure its availability offline.
Some notable features of Plex include streaming video content using Google's Chromecast device. This device allows you to start playing video on any screen from HDMI interfaces. The Plex program allows you to stop using unnecessary cables when organizing broadcasts via TV - you can start watching movies using mobile devices.
If we use Plex to create a home media server, how do we use it? The algorithm, due to the high degree of software automation, as in the case of HMS, is very simple. First, you can copy the desired file to a folder located on your computer. Then update the list of content items using the program. Next, you can turn on your TV, smartphone or tablet - those devices with which you are supposed to access the files. Using the interface provided in them, you can select the desired media content.
HMS, Plex, branded solutions from device manufacturers allow you to create home media servers that are quite simple in structure and use. These programs are quite easy to install even for an inexperienced user. Possibilities of this type The software fully satisfies the basic needs of home computer networks.
In this article, I want to once again talk about how to create on a computer (laptop, netbook) DLNA server. This will allow you to watch movies and photos on your TV, as well as listen to music that is on your computer.
You just need to connect the TV to your computer via a network cable, or simply to one network, start a DLNA server on your computer and start watching a movie or photo.
But, as it turned out, there are many problems with the Smart Share application. Either it does not start, then it produces various errors, or it closes on its own. You can read about this in the comments that visitors left on the article, the link to which is above.
There is a very good 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.
“Home Media Server (UPnP, DLNA, HTTP)” is a universal program with which you can launch a DLNA server and connect to it from almost any TV that supports DLNA technology (and if your TV has Wi-Fi or a network connector, then it most likely supports this technology). In principle, a DLNA client can be not only a TV, but for example a game console.
This instruction is suitable for TVs from different manufacturers: LG, Samsung, Toshiba, Sony, etc. Compared to branded applications such as Smart Share, “Home Media Server (UPnP, DLNA, HTTP)” has a large number of settings.
We will not delve into all the nuances, but will only consider how to open shared access to the necessary folders or drives. How to create a server and how to start watching a movie using DLNA technology on your TV.
Connecting a TV to use DLNA technology
Before we start setting up the program, we need to connect the TV to a computer or laptop. If you already have everything connected, for example through a router, then you can move on to the next step.
We need to connect the laptop and TV to the network. If you have a router installed at home, then just connect your computer to this router, via cable or via Wi-Fi, it doesn’t matter. And you need to connect the TV to the same router. You can connect your TV the same way, or via Wi-Fi (see connection instructions ) .
Our task is to ensure that the TV and computer (in my case laptop), were connected to the same router. I have a TV connected to my router via Wi-Fi LG 32LN575U and laptop Asus K56CM. This instruction will be based on their example.
What to do if you don't have a router?
In this case, you can connect the computer to the TV via a network cable directly. Just take the required length of network cable (it can be crimped at almost any computer store), and connect the TV to the computer.
It looks something like this:
Connecting this way should work fine. But my TV refused to see the server created on the laptop. But, in the “Home Media Server (UPnP, DLNA, HTTP)” program, the TV was displayed and I could start viewing photos from the laptop itself, and the photo appeared on the TV.
She also has an idea on how to connect them without a cable and without a router. But I’m not sure what will work and this method is only suitable for TVs that have the ability to connect to Wi-Fi.
You can try to create a computer-to-computer connection on a laptop, which I wrote about in the article ““. Then, connect the TV to the created access point and try to access files on the computer.
I think we have sorted out the connection. Let's move on to setting up the server.
Setting up the “Home Media Server (UPnP, DLNA, HTTP)” program
First, we need to download and install the program itself. I recommend downloading from the official website: . There's always a new version and it's safer that way.
Save the archive to your computer. To install, simply run the setup.exe file, which is located in the archive. I will not describe the entire installation process, it is simple. Follow the instructions.
After installation, launch the program with a shortcut on the desktop.
Let's go straight to the program settings. We won't do anything special there. We'll just point out local disks, flash drives, external hard drives, or folders whose contents 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 drives 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 shared access to local drives. By default, if I'm not mistaken, access to them is already open. Check if the checkbox next to Local disks.
If installed, 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 button on the right Add, and select the desired folder, flash drive, or hard drive in Explorer.
We can see which folders and drives we have opened access to. We can delete selected folders. These are the basic settings, if you look, there are a lot of settings there, I won’t go through them all. To save, click on the button Ok, and agree to scan media resources.
We wait while the program scans the folders and disk. Next, you can start the DLNA server itself. To do this, simply click on the “ Launch“.
We see a message stating that the server is running.
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 tab Playback devices (DMR), and on the right, click the button Update.
If our TV appears, then everything is fine. You can try to start viewing photos directly from the program.
If the TV does not appear in the program, and the server we created is also not visible on the TV, then first of all, check the connection. Is the TV connected to the network and is the laptop connected.
Then, completely disable antiviruses and firewalls. They can block access to the server.
To do this, in the main program window (above), select one of the tabs: movies, music, or photos.
In the left window, media content will appear that is located in those folders and drives to which we have opened access. Right-click on a photo, for example, and select “Play on“, then select our TV.
The photo should immediately appear on the TV screen.
In the same way, you can start playing video and music. This means that we can start playback on the TV screen from the “Home Media Server (UPnP, DLNA, HTTP)” program.
But this is not always convenient. It is much better to go through the TV and open the necessary files. To do this, leave the server running. You can hide the “Home Media Server (UPnP, DLNA, HTTP)” program. Click on the red cross (close the program), and it will hide in the notification panel.
At the same time, the server will work and you will be able to access your computer from the TV.
We start viewing files via DLNA from the TV
This means the server is running on the computer, files are open for viewing.
Now, on the TV, we need to go into the program that is responsible for working with DLNA technology. For example, in LG, this is Smart Share. On other TVs, this application may be called differently.
For example, to launch Smart Share in LG, go to Smart TV (blue button on the remote control) and select Smart Share. If your TV does not have Smart TV, but does have DLNA, the process may be different.
Open the folder My computer, and we see our local drives there, and other folders to which we have opened access.
Afterword
“Home Media Server (UPnP, DLNA, HTTP)” is actually a very cool program, with a lot of settings. We only considered opening file sharing and starting the server. When I started watching the movie through Smart program Share, the laptop went into sleep mode and playback was interrupted. “Home Media Server (UPnP, DLNA, HTTP)” has a lock that prevents the computer from going to sleep when it is being used as a server.
I hope everything worked out for you and you are now watching your favorite movies on the big screen TV using DLNA technology.
If something doesn’t work out, write in the comments, we’ll try to figure it out.
Also on the site:
We configure the DLNA server using the “Home Media Server (UPnP, DLNA, HTTP)” program. View files from your computer on your TV updated: February 7, 2018 by: admin
Owners of modern digital gadgets - smartphones, tablets, as well as high-tech TVs with Smart TV support - can create a real media server at home with which they can access various types multimedia content from different devices. How to use this opportunity in practice?
How a home media server works
What is a home media server? This is a system in which various devices Networked computers, televisions (if they support the corresponding functions), mobile gadgets and other modern devices can interact and exchange multimedia content. Another notable technology that can be used through a home media server is IPTV. That is, having built the appropriate one, the user will be able to organize something like a mini-TV studio at home.
Sharing access to media content in HMS
Among the main advantages of the HMS program, as we noted above, is versatility. With its help, virtually any device can be combined into an infrastructure, the central part of which is a home media server. For Philips, Samsung, LG and other brands, it does not matter what type of software is installed on the main network module.
To solve the problem associated with organizing shared access to media files - videos, photos, music - we launch the program, then select from the list of devices displayed in the main window the one with which we are supposed to launch files on the media server. For example, it could be a TV-enabled TV.
After this, you should specify the media resources that are to be distributed among the devices connected to the network. You need to go to the HMS settings, select the “Directory List” item, then “Media Resources”, and then, by clicking the “Add” button, you should specify the address of the corresponding files. As soon as these actions are completed, you need to click the “Scan” button, and then activate its automatic implementation so that the corresponding content is promptly displayed on the TV.
How to use a media server using TV? Very simple. Using the TV remote control, you need to load an interface that will indicate the source of the TV picture - this could be the antenna itself, an Internet channel, a flash drive, or, as in our case, a media server created using the DLNA standard. The corresponding item should appear in the TV menu, and those files that we have marked in HSM as being shared will be available for launch. Modern TVs, as a rule, recognize the home media server without problems. For LG, Samsung, Philips and other brands, providing support for standards like DLNA is the norm.
Using IPTV on your home network
Another common problem solved by home network owners is organizing TV broadcasts using IPTV technology. The most important condition here is that the user has a subscription to the corresponding service of the provider (it is usually paid). When using HMS interfaces, setting up the media server in terms of using IPTV is also very simple.
You will need to download and install the VLC Media Player program on your PC - it will be used to work with the corresponding content. You need to link it to the HMS interfaces by going to “Settings”, then selecting “Media Resources”, then “Internet Resources” and specifying the folder in which the VLC program is installed.
After this, you need to upload a playlist of TV channels in m3u format to HMS - many providers allow you to download these files from their websites. After that, go to “Settings” again and check the “Internet television” option in the “Transcoding profile” item. After this, you need to restart the media server. Then you can start watching channels in IPTV format using your TV.
