Why do you need a home media server? Setting up Home Media Server as a DLNA server. Finding a server in a media device

Name: Home Media Server (UPnP, DLNA, HTTP) 2.19
Evgeny Lachinov
Year: 2016
Platform: PC

System requirements:
- Windows 95,98,ME,2000,XP,2003,Vista,2008,Seven 8
- UNIX-like systems with using Wine(http://www.winehq.org)
- MAC OS using WineBottler (http://winebottler.kronenberg.org), CrossOver Mac(http://www.codeweavers.com/products/cxmac)
Interface language:Russian
License Free (FreeWare)

Description: Home media server (UPnP, DLNA, HTTP) - a program that provides media resources (photos, audio and video files) of your computer to other UPnP (DLNA) devices in 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 to separate device and device groups.

The program supports external and internal subtitles. If the device does not support subtitles, then the program can include subtitles (2D and 3D) in the video stream during transcoding.

Tested by me on PHILIPS LED 46 PFL 6806H/12.
Rewinding from the TV remote works!

My connection: Laptop - Wi-Fi - router - cable - TV

Update to version 2.19 (2.14) - (2.19) (2.15) - (2.19) (2.17) - (2.19) (2.18) - (2.19)

Home Media Server (UPnP, DLNA, HTTP) (version 2.19)

1. Settings - Media resources - Information about the catalog of media resources:
added the "Scanning torrent files" setting (disabled by default). Playing torrent files through transcoding, successful viewing depends on the network speed, computer characteristics and the number of torrent clients.
2. Settings - Media resources - Internet resources:
added "Torrent protocol parameters" setting: portbegin-portend - ports (default 6881-6889) that libtorrent will use for connections, if the first port is busy, then libtorrent will use the next one in the valid range, etc., sslport - port for secure (SSL) connections, if 0 (default), then the SSL port is not opened.

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, it's not really 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 Player Media.

But 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.

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)

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, Sony, Samsung, LG, Toshiba TVs, Sony Playstation 3, XBOX 360 game consoles, WD TV Live, Popcorn Hour, Dune, Boxee Box, IconBit, ASUS O!Play, iPad/iPhone/iPod media players, 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 Television (C, S, T), you can redirect digital television streams 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 program's terrible interface, but since it is needed to play movies on a TV, this will not 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 will always be a new version!

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 drives, 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 disks or folders we want to see on the TV. By default, there are open standard folders with photos, videos and music.

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. This means that you can open any file on your TV that is stored on these local disks(drives C, D, E, etc.).

You can also specify separate folders, or for example external hard disk. To do this, click on the Add button on the right and select in Explorer the desired folder, flash drive, or hard drive. 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.

Cons of Plex and others similar programs The problem is that the TV does not see the subtitles built into the film, but for me and I think for you this does not have any special meaning.
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 app is free, but can be purchased for $25 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 provided as an introduction in the 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!

DLNA - what is it and who needs it
Windows media server dlna,
Short dlna review server programs
Home media server - the best among equals, or a headache for the user
Setting up the server part
Alternative and development

DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance)– a set of technologies for displaying various types of media content in real time by devices combined in one local network. Initially, we developed this standard, and several companies (Sony, Intel, Microsoft, Samsung Nokia, Matsushita, Philips, Hewlett-Packard). On this moment There are more than 200 manufacturers producing compatible equipment.

home media server setup

Speaking in simple language, This desktop computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone, TV and other “smart” equipment, for viewing photos and video files, listening musical compositions. Media content becomes common to every device on the local network. All gadgets must be on the same IP network and connected to each other either wired (Ethernet) or wirelessly (Wi-Fi).

How to set up dlna

All devices with dlna support are conventionally divided into two types: servers and media players. The former mainly store and provide others with access to content. The latter, for the most part, only reproduce the files the user needs. For example: in personal computer there are photographs, he can store and reproduce them both on his monitor and on the screen of a networked TV, tablet, or phone.

The division is conditional because now many mobile electronics can both store and display content. For example, smartphones with installed special software, may well play the role of a server.
This technology is very useful for users with large quantity“smart” devices at home, as it allows you to store multimedia content in one place, and not in the memory of each device. A very relevant “trick” for those significantly deprived of memory mobile devices.

Windows and dlna

On an operating system from Microsoft, this technology appeared starting from version 7. However, it is hidden so deeply that it was quite difficult for the average user to find and configure it. In Windows 8, it became possible to use it to play video files on devices connected to the local network.

This is done by right-clicking on the file and selecting Transfer to... from the menu.

But before that, you still need to configure home media-server. In the “Control Panel” we find the “Home Group” item, in the window that appears, select “Create home group" Next, we will be asked to choose what type of file the homegroup can access.

In the next window we need the item “Allow all devices on this network, such as TVs and game consoles, to play shared content”, after clicking on which you will need to come up with the name of the media server and enter it in the proposed window.

At this point, the setup is almost complete and you can now play authorized files with dlna devices on your computer. For this purpose, each of them has certain points (AllShare, SmartShare...).

A description of how to use them is included in the instructions for use.
The software built into the system is easy to use and consumes less hardware resources. However, there is a high probability that the format of various types of multimedia files may not be understood by the player, since Windows transfers them as is. Third party programs have been created to solve this problem.

Overview of dlna server programs

From many dlna media server Several programs stand out. All of them are free, but for a fee they provide additional functions. All others are either highly specialized or simply provide information transfer on the local network and are an add-on to the Windows server. Below listed programs create a home non-Windows dlna server.

Codi– a project that grew out of XMBS. Due to its cross-platform, it works on Windows, IOS, Linux, Android.

It is a huge “media combine” that can find, transcode, download, and play a huge number of formats on the network. For this we are very much appreciated by users of TV set-top boxes.

A very bulky home media server, initially difficult to configure, it has a minimal number of add-ons. For different functions various elements are downloaded and installed. In this regard, it is quite difficult to set up, but it has large support and Russian-language support too.

Plex– another multi-platform home media server. It has high-quality localization and a huge number of possibilities. But due to this it consumes a lot system resources and they usually use it for individual devices used as multimedia set-top boxes.

H.M.S.– a program with a huge number of functions, absolutely free. The main difference is the transcoding of files on the fly for playback even outdated devices. Only works in Windows environment, consumes significantly less resources, and therefore can be installed on normal home computer. We will consider setting up this program below.

Server part of HMS (home media server)

The program interface is simple and setting up the first launch takes place in a few clicks. Before setting up your TV, first click the “Settings” icon, and on the “Media Resources” tab, add folders that can be viewed by connected devices. Adding occurs by clicking on “+” on the right side. For each folder, you can select a file type, which later helps when searching for them. =>

On next tab“Devices” we add devices that are allowed to access files. It is very convenient to select the type of gadget from a variety of presets at the top of the window. It includes big number game consoles, televisions different manufacturers, smartphones and routers. As a result, the settings will change for each selected device. If you check the Add devices automatically checkbox, the program itself will determine the type of device and adapt to it.

In the “Server” tab we only need to enter a name for the created server. The rest can be left empty, unless of course there are several networks and connections at home.
The “Transcoder” item allows you to configure data transcoding so that any connected device reproduces the data, regardless of whether it supports it or not. The configured HMS processes the file in real time into a format supported by the TV.

The remaining tabs will allow you to fine-tune the program, which most users will not need at the initial stage. Therefore, close the settings and click the “Launch” button at the top of the window. After which the media server will begin scanning accessible folders and create lists of files that the connected dlna device will see.

In the main window of the program, you can also select the resource we need and through the menu right button transfer it to a player within the network. This is very convenient and there is no need to search for data using the dlna device itself.
The program has great user support. On the official forum, problems in the operation of software with various devices, which helps to configure any equipment.

Setting up a client device

The process of setting up equipment for playing multimedia files varies for each device and is usually indicated in the instructions for use. The same point on any device is to select a server, the name of which we came up with during setup. And a request to connect to the network, a positive response to which needs to be made only once, will be considered allowed by the server in the future.

Alternative

IN Lately rapid development is taking place cloud technologies. There are more and more devices that have access to the Internet. And store data on physical media no longer so relevant. Of course, a collection of films of several hundred copies would be difficult to fit into any cloud service. And to increase the amount of allocated space you will have to pay. This requires unlimited Internet high speed channel.

Media resources are stored in the cloud, and access to it is provided to any device connected to the account. The advantage is that there is no need for a dlna server as a separate device. Simply put, you don’t need a constantly running hard drive with a large number of files. Access to files is available not only within the radius of the home local network, but also throughout the entire territory where there is access to the Internet.

With the development of Internet technologies, the home dlna server, dlna is giving way to “cloud” data storage, leaving the former the opportunity for the time being to exist in apartments that do not strive for modern technologies users.

Before we start talking about setting up the Home Media Server program, I would like to clarify that this program will help resolve the issue “How to watch movies, listen to music from a PC on a TV with DLNA technology» . These include Samsung's AllShare technology. Download program "Home media server" you can follow this link.

Supported HMS operating systems:

Windows 95, 98, ME, 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, 7;
UNIX-like systems using Wine;
MAC OS using WineBottler, CrossOver Mac.

Adding directories of media resources to the Home Media Server program

button "Settings"- chapter "Media resources"- page "Directory List" — "Add"
from Windows Explorer drag (and release) the required directories into the main form of the program with the mouse (can be used with standard search files on Windows).

To access the server through a browser, you must enable the mode Web, set a permanent server port in the section Settings - Server - "Port" field(value from 1024 to 65535). Accessing the server from a browser:

http://server IP address: specified server port.

The server IP address can be found in the section Settings - Server - List of allowed network connections - Search.

Launching the Home Media Server program

Pay attention to all messages that may appear from programs network protection when you first start the server.

Click the button "Launch" in the button bar of the main program window. When successful launch server, button "Launch" will become inaccessible, but the buttons will become available "Stop" And "Restart", the message log will contain lines
"Start the server".

What to do in case of errors when starting a home server

check the list of available network connections in the program settings (section Server - List of allowed network connections - Search). If the list of allowed network connections is not empty, then compare it with the list of available network connections using the button "Search".
Check the settings of the firewall program you are using; the Home Media Server (UPnP) program must be allowed network activity, for more strict rules UDP port 1900 must be open for incoming and outgoing packets, specified in the program settings TCP port the server must be available for incoming connections.

You can generate a list of allowed network connections from the list of available network connections, check network connection to be included in the list in the first column. If for the media server in the program settings (section "Server" - field "Port") a constant port number is specified, then the availability of the media server can be checked from the browser at http://server IP address: specified server port. If yes, the media server welcome page will open. If in the section Program settings - Device , Web mode is enabled, the top level of the media resource database will open.

Automatic start of home media server

Enabling automatic server startup when the program starts: Settings button - "Advanced" section - "Server autostart when the program starts."
Autostart of the program when the user logs in Windows system: Settings button - section "Advanced" - "Autostart the program when starting a Windows session."
Installing the server as Windows services: Settings button - "Advanced" section - "Service installation" Windows Home media server (UPnP)".

Options for connecting media devices to the server

With crimp options network cables you can check it out. To avoid misunderstandings, a media device also includes a television.

Computer - Media Device. A crossover (crossover) cable must be used for the connection.
Computer - Switch - Media Device
Computer – Router (router) – Media device. Straight cables must be used to connect devices.
Computer - Wi-Fi router - Media device. You can find out more about the wireless connection method in the article .

The operation and settings of the media server do not depend on the connection option. When using a router, enable the mode for automatically assigning IP addresses to devices; for details about setting up the router (router), read the article. When using connection options 1 and 2, IP addresses are assigned manually, the addresses must be different in the last part of the IP address, the subnet mask is 255.255.255.0, the default gateway is the IP address of the computer, if necessary, you can specify the addresses of the DNS servers. Example: computer address is 192.168.1.4, media device address is 192.168.1.5.

Finding a server in a media device

The search for a server with shared folders is performed according to the user manual of the media device. If you have any questions, please refer back to the above-mentioned articles on Allshare and Smart TV.
If the server is not found, but all connections are made correctly, then in the program settings (Server section) check that the list of allowed client devices is empty or the device’s IP address is in the list of allowed ones. When using a firewall program, check the rules for accessing the module's network hms.exe(if the server runs as a Windows service, then for the hmssvc.exe module), if possible, switch the network protection program to learning mode, restart the “Home Media Server (UPnP)” program. If other media servers are used, it is better to turn them off at the setup stage.

If the server is found, but there is no way to open it in a media device

Home Media Server (UPnP) settings that may help solve this problem, V Device section: mode “DLNA 1.0”, “DLNA 1.5”, “Authorization Service”, “Russian names of main folders”, in the Server section set a permanent server port (from 1024 to 65535).

Navigating through files on a media device (TV, media player)

If the device supports the Russian language, then in the program settings (Device section) you can enable the “Russian names of the main folders” mode, this affects the names of the main folders of the media resource database. If the Russian language is not supported by the media device, select the Translit mode for encoding Russian names; the “Russian names of the main folders” mode is turned on/off at the user’s discretion (if disabled, the names of the main folders of media resources will be in English).
Folder names can be changed in main form program by right mouse button - “Change name” item.
Unnecessary folders of media resources can be deleted in the main form of the program by right-clicking the “Delete folder” item, or the “Exclude” mode can be turned on empty folders when transferring information to UPnP devices" in the Device section.
Slow navigation through the media resource database may be due to the operating characteristics of the media device, the inclusion of the “Exclude empty folders when transferring information to UPnP devices” mode, the presence of slow removable media in the system, frequent changes in media resource directories and the enabled “Automatic” mode. scanning directories when they change while the server is running.” The “Exclude empty folders when transferring information to UPnP devices” mode can be turned off, the “Removable media” folder can be deleted in all sections of media resources (Movies, Music, Photos).
Navigation through directories of media resources in the structure of their storage on disk can be done through the folder “Watch Folders” (Russian language is turned off), “Catalogues of media resources” (Russian language is turned on).
If some media resources are not visible on the media device, but are present in the main form of the program, then this may be due to the mime type transmitted by the server for this media resource. The Mime type can be changed in the program settings - Settings button - "Media resources" section - "File types" - selecting a file extension - Change button.

Watching movies from the server

The server can transfer films to a media device in their original form or through transcoding (converting a film into a format supported by the media device). The movie is automatically transcoded if the file extension is not included in the list of supported ones or if a transcoding profile is selected for the movie. Configuring movie file extensions supported by the media device: button "Settings"- chapter "Device" — "Native file support" — "Movies". The list of file extensions is generated according to the media device user manual or information on the media device manufacturer’s website. If the film is played in its original form, then selecting the audio track and subtitles included in the film file is possible only if the media device supports this choice. When you select a movie through the Transcoding folder, you can select an audio track, internal and external subtitles, audio delay, and a transcoding profile to convert the movie.

Transcoding profile is a script (macro) that generates parameters for calling a transcoding program or performs transcoding using DirectShow. Editing transcoding profiles: button "Settings"- chapter - button "Profiles".

The transcoding profile used can be selected:

for all films: Settings button - section "Transcoder" - "Transcoded file parameters" - Movies - "Transcoding profile"
for movie files of a certain type (extension) - Settings button - “Media resources” - “File types” button - selecting a file extension - Edit button - “Transcoding profile”
for a specific film: in the list of films of the main form of the program, using the right mouse button - “Transcoding profile” or through the navigation of a media device, if the film is selected through the Transcoding folder in the Settings folder, generated by the server for each film.

When playing movies, media devices usually stretch the video to fill the entire screen, so to maintain the proportions of the movie frame, the server generates parameters for adding color to the original frame size to the frame size specified in the settings. Setting the transcoded frame size and the color of the addition is set in the program settings - Settings button - section "Transcoder" - page "Codecs, frame" - "Frame size". Color addition is not supported by all transcoding programs, so if you select a transcoding profile different from the main ones, it may not be available.

Reasons for errors when playing movies from a home media server:

is selected original file a movie in which the format, video or audio encoding is not supported by the media device, Possible Solution problems - select a movie through the Transcoding folder
a movie is selected through the Transcoding folder, in which video or audio encoding is not supported by the transcoder program; a possible solution to the problem is to select a different transcoding profile for the movie; Problems with the audio track can also be solved by setting the number of channels in the program settings (section Transcoder - “Codecs, Frame” page) to 2
Media device or server is unavailable: Reboot the media device or server.

Reasons for stopping/slowing down content playback:

viewing may stop due to insufficient disk space used for storage temporary files; exceeding the file size supported by the device; excess maximum size transcoded file specified in the program settings (section Transcoder - “Transcoded file parameters” - Maximum size).
The transcoding speed of the film is not sufficient for viewing, you can check this in the main form of the program: perform test transcoding using RMB in the list of films - The transcoding speed (fps parameter) must be greater than the frame rate of the film. If the “Show transcoding panel” mode is enabled in the program settings (Transcoder section), then the transcoding speed can be viewed in it after selecting a movie on the media device. You can also turn on the transcoding speed indicator (section Transcoder - “Subtitles, speed indicator”), if the transcoding speed is less than the value specified in the program settings, the current transcoding speed will be displayed on the film frame in the place specified by the user.

Solutions to the above problems:

select to view a transcoding profile from smaller size frame, video quality
if the encoding of a video track is supported by a media device, but the movie file format is not supported, then you can select a transcoding profile that converts the movie file format and leaves the video track unchanged (transcoding profiles “Movies - TsMuxer” - m2ts file generation, “Movies - WMF" - generation of wmv files). For the transcoding profile “Movies - TsMuxer”, you must additionally download the TsMuxer transcoder program from home page(in setting up Transcoding profiles)
stop watching a movie on a media device to create a transcoded movie file large enough for viewing
specify a disk for storing temporary transcoding files that is different from the one used by the system to store the paging file
optimize the system as a whole - check disk fragmentation, the list of startup programs, etc.

Settings of the Home Media Server program using the example of my TV model SONY Bravia KDL-46XBR9

Install, launch the Home Media Server program on your PC, go to Settings by clicking on the corresponding button.

On the right is the “Add” button for disks/directories with media content. In this case, you can choose which of these files will be scanned when the program starts. Scanning is necessary if you have changed the contents of this directory and changes have occurred there. A green circle indicates that these file types are being scanned.
Now you should pay attention to the File Types button on the right panel. Some TV models cannot play PAL video files; you must add NTSC for the content to be recognized. (for example, MPEG-PS_PAL_NTSC for *avi).

For the *mkv container, select Transcoding Profile - Core AVC. In DLNA, enter the line MPEG-PS_PAL or MPEG-PS_NTSC depending on your TV.
Now let’s look at the left panel “Categories” - “Device”. Here you will need to select your TV type and resolution. DLNA1 and DLNA1.5 are the old and new versions, you will learn about the supported DLNA version of your TV from the manual or on the official website. You can also configure here Web access to the server. Let's move on to the next category of the left panel of the “Server” settings section.

Add your TV to the client devices (look in the menu, TV network settings for static IP). When you click on the lifebuoy icon, the program will automatically detect the name of your computer and add it to the Server - Name line. To identify devices on a network, technology related DLNA, use the "Search" button. Check that the TV is turned on and connected to a wired or wireless network. After scanning the network, the program will add the found network clients (PC and TV). Click on TV and go to client settings.

By clicking on the Settings button, you will be taken to the individual device settings. Set the settings we talked about above.

When you click the “File Types” button, you will be taken to the file registration settings, where you can make the necessary changes.

Return to the main settings window and go from the left panel to the “Transcoder” category.

Set the settings according to the image and go to the bottom tab “Codecs, Frame”.

I draw your attention to the parameter section “Sound - Original audio track if compression is the same”. Unchecking this box will help avoid losing the Russian track when playing a video. Remember that before transcoding, each file can be viewed and changed if necessary.
The next tab we'll look at is Subtitles.

In this window, you will configure the subtitle display style to your taste and other parameters necessary for their correct display. Let's look at the last category in the left panel, "Advanced".

Place a tick in the checkbox “Installing the Windows Home Media Server (UPnP) service”. Thus, the program will automatically load when you turn on the computer as a service, I wrote about this in the section Automatic start server.

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 Consortium (DLNA) is a group of companies that have come together to create a common, open standard for connecting devices so that all DLNA-enabled clients can automatically view media content from each other while on the same network.

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 large manufacturers, such as Intel, HP, Motorola, HTC, Microsoft, Samsung, Sony, LG, Panasonic, etc. 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(Digital Media Player), 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 building a DLNA network not only with a wireless connection, you can also use wired method 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 LAN port 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. The 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 in as 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) for transmission 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 (for example 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 video 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.

Besides universal applications, mobile device manufacturers 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 required folder. Don't forget that your smartphone can also act as a DLNA server.