How to set up a media server. UPnP: what is it? Home media server UPnP DLNA

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Today, many users are faced with the problem of playing video stored in the memory of your computer or file storage on other devices, such as a TV, game console or tablet. All this is quite feasible using DLNA.

So what is DLNA? The abbreviation Digital Living Network Alliance itself literally translates as “home network alliance.” This technology, was created by developers and manufacturers of audio/photo/video - technology for transferring media content (photo, video, audio) from one device to another, bypassing any digital media and using exclusively a local network for these purposes.
Exists great amount software (both paid and free) that can cope with this task, but we will use the simplest possible method and create your home media server using standard and publicly available tools Windows operating system. All we need is operating system Windows 7 or higher and 15 minutes of free time, let's get started. What we need to know:

The device on which you want to view media content supports DLNA technology and is connected to your home network.
The version of your operating system is older than Windows 7 home basic.
If you are using wireless WIFI connection, then it bandwidth should be enough for comfortable transmission of media data. (Preferably use 802.11n standard)

First, we will need to create a “home group” on the PC from which we are going to stream media content. First of all, go to the control panel.

And here is the homegroup password, write it down, later you can change it to one that is easier for you to remember.

Configuring HomeGroup Settings:

After we click “READY,” a window with homegroup parameters should appear in front of us. Here we make the final settings and can change the password that was assigned automatically. (! Recommendation - change the password before connecting other devices to your home group, otherwise they will all be excluded from it!)

How it works?

Now you can access previously selected folders, such as “Video”, “Music” from other devices. Accordingly, on your devices, you will see these folders as “Video Library”, AllShare, SmartShare and others. The names may change, it all depends on the manufacturer and the type of device itself, but this does not change the essence. (Often, this information can be found in the user manual included with the equipment)
Besides this, the most quick way to get to the settings menu of your media server, this is to launch a standard operating system application - Windows Player Media. From this menu item you will go to the media streaming settings.

Possible difficulties:

Sometimes, devices such as a TV may encounter video that it cannot play. To do this, you just need to enable the “Allow remote control player" and do not close it (player) on the computer
.
By following all the above recommendations, we were able to set up a media server at home, without using any third-party programs or devices.

Home media-server(UPnP) - universal program, which provides access to content hard drive your computer to electronic devices such as TVs, players, game consoles. Data is transmitted via the UPnP (DLNA) protocol. This program works with TVs, game consoles, music centers, mobile phones and smartphones.

Today, human life in modern realities is very difficult to imagine without high technology. Each of us is surrounded by laptops, computers, televisions, music centers. It often happens when you really want to watch your favorite movie on a big TV or play computer game via the console. A multifunctional device is designed to solve such problems. software package home media server for Windows. With its help, you can organize full access to all media contents of your computer’s hard drive.

Download Home Media Server for free

(35.7 MB)

The Home Media Server program has small size. You can install a home media server in just a few minutes. Its main capabilities include transcoding video and audio into a form that is supported by a TV or tape recorder. You can also customize subtitles, select right size pictures for any screen and choose audio tracks yourself. The user has the opportunity to send Internet radio or television directly to the TV or player.

If you don't see your life without digital television, you can also download a home media server. It supports all modern digital formats(C, S, T), works perfectly with the VLC Media Player program and can transmit using the Digital Media Renderer function digital signal to others electronic devices.

The home media server in Russian has wide functionality. It is possible to save transcoding profiles. Their use greatly simplifies setup when connecting new devices. Downloading a free home media server (DLNA) is recommended for owners of Philips, Sony, Panasonic, JVC, Toshiba, Samsung TVs and players. Each of them has all the necessary connectors for interaction via the UPnP protocol with personal computer. Thus, with the help of this program you can significantly expand the capabilities of these TVs.

All novice users are advised to take a look at the official website of this application. There is a wonderful forum where the solutions of the most common problems. You can also learn how to effectively connect a particular device.

You can download the home media server without registration and SMS on the SoftAttaka website. We always provide the latest and most relevant updates.

This is possible when connecting the TV and computer to the same network, or when connecting directly. After that all that remains is to launch DLNA and enable viewing the desired film, or photo. This is quite convenient, because it is much more pleasant to show a large company photos, videos, or make a presentation on the big screen.

There are a lot different programs, allowing this to happen. Among them, it is often recommended. And indeed this application has shown itself well in practice. Therefore, in today's article, we will show an example using this particular program.

This home media server is quite universal and is capable of running a DLNA server that is compatible with any TV (and indeed with many devices, for example, game consoles) that can work using this technology. If the TV is capable of connecting via wireless network, or does it have a connector for connecting network cable, then there is a high probability that it supports DLNA. In general, the program itself has a lot different settings, That's why standard applications, for TVs, are very much inferior to it.

Today’s article itself will be useful to owners of TVs from almost any manufacturer. After all, as already noted, a home media server is third party program, which has great functionality and wide capabilities, which allows it to work with any equipment. And it's also free.

Today we will look in detail only at ways to give TV access to the necessary folders on a computer, instructions on how to create a server and watch movies using it.

For reference, the TV used in this example is an LG 32LN575U, ASUS router RT-N13U and ASUS laptop R56CM.

Establishing a connection between the TV and computer

As you already understood, in order to be able to watch video from a computer through a TV, you need to establish a connection between these two devices. If you have them already connected to each other, then you can skip this step and proceed to the next one.

Well, if your TV is not yet connected to your PC, then you can do this through a router. Thus, without unnecessary hassles, you can connect the TV itself to your computer via Wi-Fi. Another TV can be connected using a router. The most important thing is that both devices work with the same router.

In case there is no home Wi-Fi

When you don’t have a router, and therefore don’t have a wireless network at home, you can connect your TV to your laptop using a network cable directly.

It will look like this:

This connection method is quite reliable, so there should not be any problems here. The downside is the presence of a cable that connects these two devices. Even if the TV does not see such a connection, you can still play multimedia files through the Home Media Server program.

It is quite possible that it is possible to actually connect a TV to a computer. But we have not yet begun to check this and look for ways to implement such an idea. Most likely, you can do this using your laptop as a router.

Having connected the computer to the TV, we proceed to the settings for the DLNA server.

Setting up “Home Media Server”

Of course, first of all, we need the program itself. You can download it from official resource https://www.homemediaserver.ru/index.htm and then install. On the developers website, click on the download button.

After this, save the archive with the program to your PC. After which, it must be unpacked. There will be a “setup” file, run it and follow the instructions to install the application. When the program is installed, a shortcut will appear on your desktop. Start Home Media Server.

Now we will specify in the settings all types of multimedia files and folders that will be available for viewing on the TV. We go into settings, at the top of the program window there is a corresponding button.

In the settings window, go to the media resources tab. Several will already be indicated there standard folders with music, pictures and videos. Here we can add our own and edit the type of files that will be displayed on the TV.

In order not to rummage through folders too much, looking for the desired video or photo, it’s better to open access to local disks. Check the box next to the appropriate item (or make sure it is there).

Activating this option will provide the ability to access from the TV any files that are on all local drives.

In order to add separate directories with files or, for example external HDD, on the right click on the “Add” button. Then find the desired folder, or external device and choose it.

The plate in the center displays all the folders that are accessible to the TV. This shows the type of files that can be viewed in these directories. In general, this is the main setting necessary for us, but the program has many other useful parameters that can be configured.

After you're done, you'll need to save these settings. Click on the “OK” button and agree to scan the directories.

The program will scan the selected directories for some time. After this, you can start starting the DLNA server. On top menu click on the start button. A message indicating that the server started successfully should appear.

We turn on our TV and open, on the computer, in the program, the tab with playback devices. In the right corner, click on the “Update” button. After this, the TV should appear in the list.

If this does not happen and the Home Media Server does not find anything and the connected devices are not shown on the TV itself, then you need to check the connection itself. Make sure your TV and PC are connected.

In some cases, the media server may be blocked antivirus programs and firewalls. In this case, add this application to the exceptions and try again.

If everything is successfully detected, you can start viewing media files. We'll start with photos. From the top menu select desired type files in in this case this photo.

Next, in the central part of the window, you can select the desired directory and find suitable files in it. When will it be selected required photo, then just click on it right click and hover over the “Play to” line and then select your TV.

This photo will instantly appear on the TV screen.

In the same way, you can launch and play videos and music. This is just one way to play files by running them from a media server. But this method is not very comfortable. In many cases, it is much more convenient to search for the necessary files on the TV itself and then launch them.

By the way, if the window running program close, it will be hidden in the notification panel.

But the server itself will not stop and will continue to work.

Opening files via TV

After the server is started, we return to our TV.

Typically, TVs have a special program that allows you to work with a DLNA server. In our case, this is Smart Share. But perhaps, in other examples, it could be a completely different program.

If you have a TV like in our case (LG), then you need to go to the Smart TV menu (click on blue button remote control) and then find and launch Smart Share. True, if, but it supports DLNA technology, then everything may be completely different.

Open the tab for connected devices. The server running on the computer should be displayed there.

Today you will learn how to properly connect a TV to a computer and all the possibilities of such a connection, as well as how to organize viewing of your media library on Smart TV and other devices that support home DLNA server.

What is DLNA?

The Integrated Digital Network Network (DLNA) Consortium is a group of companies that have come together to create a globally accepted open standard to connect devices so that all DLNA-enabled clients can automatic mode, being on the same network, receive from each other the opportunity to view media content.

What devices support DLNA?

DLNA technology is compatible with any devices:

smart TVs;
smartphones and tablets;
PCs and laptops;
media players and Blu-ray players;
game consoles;
home media servers (NAS);
wireless printers;
photo and video cameras;
audio systems.

All DLNA-enabled devices have a corresponding logo or sticker indicating the type of digital content supported (for example, audio, video, photos), as well as the purpose: server, printer, player, etc. Most devices from major manufacturers such as Intel, HP, Motorola, HTC, Microsoft, Samsung, Sony, LG, Panasonic, etc. support DLNA. Apple has developed its own standard - AirPlay. If you have an Apple device, then using it in your media network, consisting of clients from other manufacturers, is not possible.

How does the DLNA network work?

As you already understand, DLNA devices are designed for mutual connection: creating a multimedia network between themselves. Each device is assigned its own type depending on its purpose. For example, any storage device: smartphone, media player, TV or PC can belong to both the Digital Media Server and Digital Media Player types, because they are capable of both receiving and playing digital content from another DLNA device.

How to create a DLNA network?

Wireless router (or wi-fi router) is the central element in a network and is used to connect devices to each other in a shared home wireless network.

Equipment for building a home network with DLNA

You will need:

TV with DLNA support;
DLNA digital media server (eg file server, PC, laptop or media player with HDD);
wi-fi router.

I will talk about the construction DLNA networks not only with a wireless connection, you can also use a wired method of connecting devices; instead of a wi-fi router, use a regular router (switch) to connect the file source ( home server– DLNA server) with a display device (DLNA client). You can also use (to distribute the Internet via the power grid), in addition, you will need Ethernet cables to connect devices to your network.

How to set up a DLNA home media server?

1 Connect a DLNA-enabled TV to a wi-fi router (for example, Samsung with Smart TV).

Option 1 - wired connection. Connect using an Ethernet cable to the router. It is enough to connect one end of the cable to the LAN port of the TV, and the other to a free port of the router (or switch, depending on the structure of your network).

Option 2 – wireless connection . If you are using a wi-fi router ( wireless router), then just connect the TV to an existing wireless network via built-in or external (USB) wifi adapter, directly to the router. If the TV is very far from the router, then you can install a wireless bridge (use the router in Bridge mode or buy one) to connect the TV to the router. I also recommend reading the article about. Wireless bridge connects to the TV via the LAN port, and to the router via wi-fi point access.

Option 3 – connection using Powerline adapters. This type connections uses the electrical network without laying Ethernet cables. This method will help you set up a home network using existing electrical wiring and cables for connecting DLNA clients will no longer be required. Powerline adapters are produced by almost all manufacturers network equipment: TP-Link, Netgear, D-Link, etc. They are called Powerline devices. Next, you simply connect the plug of your router, TV and other devices to the power outlet as usual, but now all your devices will form a DLNA network.

2 Add other DLNA compatible devices to your home network

Now you can connect DLNA servers (devices from which you want to play files on your smart TV) to the router - PC, laptop, phone or media player. All servers will be displayed on the smart TV since they are on the same network and you can play the content that is stored on their media. Exist various ways settings for various types of devices on the DLNA network.

PCs and laptops on a DLNA network

Connect your computer or laptop to your router or router using any of the above options. Most important point V DLNA setup on a PC or laptop: the need to install the appropriate program - media center (media shell). The most popular of them (each program has a link with information about it and settings):

Serviio

It is possible not to resort to installing media center applications to create a DLNA server, but to use Windows Media Player 11 or 12. To use them as a DLNA server, you need to allow access to files on your laptop or PC: open Windows Media Player, go to the Options menu, then open the tab public access To Windows files Media and enable media sharing.

Kodi Media Center Interface Window

You can select a media shell to use as a DLNA server from the list above. After installing the program you like to create a media center (DLNA server), you should configure it and select files (photos, videos, music files) to transfer to a TV or other display device.

Mobile devices on the DLNA network

3 Setting up DLNA on your TV

Once you have connected all DLNA devices, turn on your TV and go to home screen your Smart TV (using the example of a Samsung TV). Find and launch the AllShare application, which will allow you to find music, photos and videos stored on DLNA devices your network.

If you have Sony TV(model before 2015), then you need to turn it on, press the “Home” button and turn on “Media Player”. Once you select the content type: music, photos or videos, you will be able to see the DLNA servers on your home network.

4 Using DLNA on Android OS

To watch videos from a computer on smartphones and tablets with operating Android system you need to install special application. There are quite a few such applications; I can recommend MediaHouse or Bubble UPnP, which can be downloaded for free on Google Play.

After you install the application, you need to take a few simple steps:

select the source - your computer or other device with DLNA support and installed, from which you will watch the video;
select the receiver, that is, your Android OS device;
select a video from the list of available files.

In addition to universal applications, manufacturers mobile devices offer their own software with DLNA support. U Samsung– AllShare, LG has SmartShare, etc.

Using DLNA-enabled apps on Android devices requires no setup. Just run a DLNA server (for example, Kodi on your computer), and it will immediately appear in the list available connections in the application on your smartphone or tablet. Select your computer from the list, click “Browse” and specify the required folder. Don't forget that your smartphone can also act as a DLNA server.

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 with 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 connected to a network - 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.

How does a home media server work? As a rule, its structure assumes the presence of a main module responsible for storing files and media data, access to which can be organized from devices combined into shared network. This is usually a PC or laptop. In the hardware part, they are used to host files and organize procedures for exchanging them; in the software part, they provide the necessary functionality of the media server.

Features of DLNA standards

The operation of media servers can be ensured by using the most different technologies and standards. Among the most common in the global IT market is DLNA. This is a set of standardized algorithms supported by most modern TV models, smartphones, tablets, set-top boxes, etc. DLNA capabilities sufficient to solve most problems related to the distribution of media content. This standard, moreover, does not require complex configuration. All this, in fact, does DLNA technologies in demand among users digital devices Worldwide.

How to install an appropriate multimedia content management system? How to use a home media server based on DLNA algorithms? Let's study these questions sequentially.

Creating and configuring a home media server

The first thing we need to do is create our own home media server. The instructions with which such a problem can be solved involve the following basic steps:

Preparation of hardware components;

Software selection;

Network configuration.

Let's consider the relevant aspects of creating a media server in more detail.

Hardware package

First of all, it is necessary to prepare the hardware, that is, the hardware of the future media server. As we noted above, the corresponding multimedia content distribution system requires the presence of a main module - in the form of a computer or laptop. The performance requirements for the corresponding device will not be strict: to perform the corresponding function of a media server, you can assign a device that may be outdated for running modern games and therefore least often used by amateurs digital technology living in the apartment.

It is enough for the computer to have a processor with a frequency of about 1-1.5 GHz and RAM of about 1-2 GB. In principle, it is possible to organize network operation with lower performance characteristics. The size of the hard drive depends on the actual needs of the user. If a person plans to use a media server to store movies in high quality and their subsequent distribution over the network, you will probably have to equip a PC or laptop used as the main element of the corresponding infrastructure with a hard drive of about 500-1000 GB.

Wi-Fi equipment

It is extremely important that the device you are talking about we're talking about, supported connections via Wi-Fi. Of course, it is quite possible to organize a functional media server using wired connections- but this is less convenient and usually takes more time. Most modern laptop models have a built-in Wi-Fi module. As for "desktops", this is not always the case, but the appropriate hardware component can always be purchased separately. It is inexpensive - about 700-800 rubles. No special installation effort is required - all you need to do is insert the Wi-Fi module into the PCI slot and install the drivers included with it, if necessary.

In order for all devices included in the home network infrastructure to communicate via Wi-Fi, you will also need a router. Theoretically, of course, you can connect one device to another directly - the corresponding wireless standard supports this function, but in this case the connection channel will not be as stable as when using a router, and in most cases it will be less secure due to limited support strong By the way, Wi-Fi routers are provided by many modern providers, so it is possible that the user already has the corresponding software component at his disposal. If not, you need to purchase one, and it must support the Internet connection standard you are using - for example, a fiber optic connection, Ethernet or ADSL.

Note that devices that are supposed to be used to access multimedia content distributed by a home media server must support the DLNA standard. But most often there are no problems with this - if we are talking, for example, about modern models LG, Samsung, Philips TVs with Smart TV support. Regarding smartphones and tablets, modern models also, as a rule, integrate without problems with media servers.

Software

Other part of the infrastructure home media server- software. It must be installed on a PC or laptop used as the main module of the corresponding system. Software for such purposes is available in a very wide range of varieties. It can be classified on two grounds - programs created by manufacturer brands multimedia devices(for example, televisions), as well as solutions that are produced third party developers. So, in order, for example, to create a media server for Smart TV when using Samsung TVs, can be used Samsung program Allshare. Similar solutions are produced by other digital technology brands.

Home Media Server Benefits

Some of the most popular types of software from independent developers include: Home program Media Server, or “Home Media Server”. The instructions for using this software do not imply any difficulties in mastering. Required settings home network and media content management algorithms are implemented in HMS interfaces easily and quickly. This program is also characterized by great functionality and stability.

H.M.S. universal solution. Using it, you can integrate virtually any brand of TV and home media server - for Philips, Samsung, LG and other leading brands of digital equipment manufacturers, it does not matter what type of software the network owner uses. The program in question is fully compatible with the DLNA standards that we mentioned above. HMS capabilities allow you to organize shared access with various devices to files, as well as television broadcasts in IPTV format.

Features of TVersity

Other popular program, used by many users to power their home media server - TVersity. What are its specifics? First of all, it can be noted that it is available in paid and free versions. The difference between them is not very big in terms of software functionality. Main distinctive feature paid version— having a subscription to some Internet channels.

TVersity's notable features include optimizing media sharing from a home network perspective. Thus, the transcoder, which is activated by the program, can produce video with a given bitrate - so that the corresponding media stream is displayed on the screens of receiving devices continuously, even if the network is slow. There are no problems with how to set up a media server using this software. Instructions for using the capabilities of TVersity are quickly mastered even by beginners in creating home networks.

Advantages of XMBC

Another notable program is XMBC. It was originally created for use with Xbox consoles. However, now this is a popular cross-platform solution that can be installed on a PC under Windows control, Linux, Mac, on mobile platforms. This program is notable in that it can share not only media files located on the hard drive of the PC used as the main module, but also online media. Using XMBC, users can access pages of popular social networks and watch the weather forecast. Many users are also impressed by the fact that XMBC supports a large number of themes. A special xbmcRemote application is available for this program, with which you can configure your smartphone or tablet as a remote control for devices connected to your home media server.

Specifics of Plex Media Server

Another notable program is Plex Media Server. Many users characterize it as one of the easiest solutions to learn. Plex is also distinguished by its stability and versatility: with its help you can network the most different types devices. The versatility of the program is also reflected in the fact that it is equipped with algorithms for transcoding media streams. This feature allows you to avoid problems with recognizing content on different devices. Another important advantage of Plex is that it is cross-platform.

LinuxMCE Features

There is actually a separate operating system that allows you to manage home media servers - LinuxMCE. It may be noted that her functionality are not limited to supporting DLNA standards. This operating system allows you to combine single network not only TVs, smartphones and computers, but also other electronic devices, such as cameras, IP phones.

Which of the above solutions is best for managing a home media server? Undeniable advantages each of them has significant shortcomings- very few. Most likely, the question will not be about the quality and capabilities of this or that type of software, but about the user’s readiness to master them, as well as his practical needs for specific program functions. So, if he needs basic capabilities- organizing shared access to video files, Internet television - a media server can be created under the control of HMS - a simple and easy-to-use program. If you plan to create a powerful infrastructure that involves connecting to your home network large quantity digital devices- you can pay attention to XBMC or even LinuxMCE.

Practical use of media server capabilities

So, we have decided what hardware and software components are needed to organize the network. Let's continue to look at algorithms that reflect how to create and configure a media content distribution system, as well as how to use a home media server.

It can be noted that the use of program capabilities is based on at least, those that we discussed above, do not involve significant difficulties. The first thing you need to do is install the appropriate software on your computer. The further algorithm of our actions will depend on what functions we want to use. Among the most popular of them among owners of digital devices is organizing shared access to media files from different devices, as well as watching TV shows using IPTV technology using devices included in the network.

Let's look at how to configure a home server to solve the above problems using HMS as an example.

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 a problem related to the organization sharing to media files - videos, photos, music - launch the program, then select from the list of devices displayed in the main window the one with which you 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 subject to sharing, 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, configure in part IPTV usage The media server is also very simple.

You will need to download and install on your PC VLC program Media Player - it will be used to work with the relevant 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.