Windows 10 does not transfer to the TV. Installation and initial setup of DLNA Home Media Server (HMS) on Windows. How to create a DLNA server using standard system tools
I have already published more than one article on the topic of setting up DLNA. We ran the DLNA server in different ways, on different devices, and for different TVs. In this instruction, I will show you how to enable a DLNA server in Windows 10. Let it be a computer or a laptop, it doesn’t matter. The main thing is that Windows 10 is installed on it. There are many different programs that you can use to run a media server on your computer. But in this instruction we will not use any third-party programs. We will use only standard Windows 10 tools. However, this option is available in both Windows 8 and Windows 7. There are few differences there.
And so, first, let’s figure out what DLNA is, why run this server on a computer, laptop, and what to do with it. Everything is very simple. Using DLNA technology you can transfer media content (video, photo, music) between devices on the local network. Most often, this technology is used to view videos or photos that are on a computer on a Smart TV. I wrote in more detail about this technology in the article: . If interested, you can read it.
How it all works: The Smart TV must be connected to our router. Via Wi-Fi network or cable. It doesn't matter. The computer on which we want to run the media server and from which we want to play video, photos, or music on the TV must be connected to the same router. The main thing that devices were on the same local network (were connected through one router). This does not mean that there should be only one computer and one TV, there can be several of them. Moreover, there may be other devices on the network that support DLNA. For example: game consoles, TV set-top boxes, satellite receivers, etc.
Before proceeding with setup, make sure that your computer and TV are connected to your Wi-Fi network, or using a network cable to your router. Check if the Internet works on the TV. If you don't know whether your TV supports DLNA, you can check the specifications for this information. I will say this, if the TV has a Smart TV, then everything will work.
And in the Microsoft Edge browser in Windows 10, it is possible to display videos, photos and music on TV directly from the browser. I wrote in the article how to do this.
I think we have figured out all the nuances, now we can start setting up.
Displaying video from Windows 10 to TV: a quick and easy way
A video, film, almost any video can be displayed from a computer to a TV in a few clicks of the mouse. Turn on the TV. Make sure it is connected to the internet (to your router).
On the computer, open the folder with the video, and right-click on the file that we want to play on the TV (Smart TV). Next, move the cursor to the “Transfer to device” item. Our TV should appear there. If it says “Searching for devices...”, then you need to wait a little. Leave the menu open, or try again in a couple of seconds. As you can see in the screenshot below, Windows 10 found two TVs on me: LG and Philips.
Choose a TV. The player control window will immediately appear. In it, you can control video playback on the TV, add other files to the playlist, see information on the TV, etc.
The TV will immediately start playing the currently running movie.
We have just started watching video from a computer to a TV using DLNA technology. As you can see, everything works. And all this wirelessly, over the air. It's over if you have both devices connected via Wi-Fi.
Starting a DLNA server on Windows 10 using standard means
Above we looked at a method where you can send files to a TV from a computer. But there is still a great opportunity when we can view all files from the TV (to which access is open), which are stored on our computer. I think this is exactly what you need.
To run the DLNA server, you can use third-party programs, for example, "Home Media Server (UPnP, DLNA, HTTP)". I wrote about setting up using this program in an article. This program is suitable for all TVs. But each manufacturer, as a rule, has its own program. LG, for example, has Smart Share. The setup I wrote about.
Well, on the other hand, why do we need third-party programs if everything in Windows 10 can be configured using built-in tools.
1 First of all, we need to open the “Media Streaming Options”. This item is located in the control panel. You can simply start typing its name in the search and launch it.
If your TV is not on the list, then wait a little. Or close and reopen your media streaming settings.
Next to each device there will be a "Configure..." button. If necessary, you can set individual settings for each device.
As you can see in the screenshot above, access will immediately be open to three standard folders: “Video”, “Images”, “Music”. You can view all the files that are in these folders on your TV.
These three folders are located on the system drive. Agree, it is not very convenient to copy the necessary films and other files there all the time in order to watch them from the TV. Therefore, you can simply share other folders.
How to add a folder for a DLNA server
Launch Windows Media Player.
If you want to add a folder with videos, for example, then click on the corresponding item on the left and select “Manage video library.”
In the new window, click on the "Add" button. Select the folder to which you want to open access via DLNA, and click on the "Add folder" button.
That's it, the required folder will appear in the list and will be displayed on the TV. For example, I opened access to the “Video” folder in which I store films.
In this way you can add any folders or remove them from the list.
1 If you need to open your media streaming settings, you can do so from Windows Media Player. Just click on the "Stream" menu item and select "More streaming options...".
Several articles
Having at your disposal a home media server for Windows, you significantly expand the possibilities of using your information.
This can bring maximum benefit if you have several computers and modern TVs at home.
Although the server will also simplify the use of information on mobile phones, laptops, game consoles and tablets connected to a common network.
Thus, each family member can watch videos and photos, as well as listen to music, using any suitable device.
What is a home media server?
A home media server is software that makes it possible to exchange information between various devices - for example, a computer, a smartphone and a TV equipped with the appropriate technology.
It uses the DLNA streaming standard and free software such as the UpnP, DLNA, HTTP Home Media Server application.
All devices can already be networked using wired connections, although setting up a home network in this case will be quite complicated.
But this option allows you to transfer fairly large amounts of information at high speed (up to 1000 Mb/s).
Still possible wireless connecting devices via a Wi-Fi router that supports quality standards up to 100 or up to 300 Mb/s.
Although with this type of connection, when watching high-quality video (1920p or 4K), the image may freeze.
But such a connection is much easier to set up - you just need to set up a router (and, preferably, set a password) and connect all computers, TVs and phones to it.
As a rule, users choose wireless networks due to the ease of connection and the absence of wires throughout the apartment.
A lot of equipment simply does not have suitable connectors for inclusion in a single network - on many smartphones, tablets, older models of set-top boxes, and even on some photo frames with WiFi, you can only use a wireless network.
It is advisable to use a wired connection only for transferring information between stationary PCs.
Creating a DLNA server
To use it, you need to open the app on the computer that is now your home server and enable HomeGroup streaming.
As a result, on a TV connected to the group, you can even watch movies whose format is not supported by the device - for example, mkv.
Although to do this you will have to keep the player turned on while playing the video.
Configuration programs
In addition to using standard system tools, a DLNA server can be created and configured using third-party applications.
Home Mediaserver
For example, using the Home Mediaserver program, which is quite simple to work with and can be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website.
Many equipment manufacturers allow you to download their applications for working with DLNA servers from official resources, simplifying system setup.
We present the most popular of them:
Plex
Plex is a fairly convenient option for any user. The server runs on a PC, and control is carried out either from the application menu or directly in the browser.
According to consumer reviews, the program works without errors in 90% of cases;
PS3/PS4
PS3 and PS4 Media Server, designed to work, respectively, with Sony PlayStation 3 and 4 consoles;
Serviio
Serviio, a free application that can be upgraded by purchasing an upgraded version for $25, which gives access not only to home library files, but also to content from the Internet;
XBMC
XBMC is a free software program originally designed for the Xbox, but now works on other devices and most operating systems.
Results
Using easy-to-install and configure software or even built-in Windows tools, you can link all your home media devices onto a common network.
This can significantly simplify your leisure time: on a regular TV you will have access to channels with the television company’s service package, and to any information on the Internet, and to the contents of your computer open for viewing.
Thematic video:
DLNA is a special software protocol that allows devices such as TVs and media boxes that are on the same network to discover multimedia content stored on your computer. This is very useful as it allows you to view your collection of movies and other media stored in one place using different devices. With a few clicks, you can enable the built-in DLNA server in Windows 10 and start streaming your media files.
Details: DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a non-profit collaborative standards organization that defines interoperability guidelines to enable sharing of digital media between multimedia devices. DLNA uses Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) for media management, discovery, and control. UPnP defines the type of device supported by DLNA ("server", "renderer", "controller") and the mechanisms for accessing media over the network.
Windows 10 includes everything you need to use DLNA out of the box: a DLNA client, a (good) media player, and a DLNA server.
To enable DLNA Server on Windows 10, follow these steps.
- Open the classic Control Panel. To do this, simply open the Start menu and start typing the word Panel, from the displayed results, select "Control Panel".
- Go to Control Panel\Network and Internet\Network and Sharing Center.
- On the left click the link "Change advanced sharing settings".
- In the window that opens, expand the section "All Networks".
- Click the link- Select media streaming options... In chapter "Media Streaming".
- On the next page click the button Enable media streaming.
- Give your online media library a name and select the devices that can access it.
All. Once you're done, your personal folders such as Music, Images, Photos and Videos, will automatically become visible to any UPnP-enabled streaming device.
For example, I can view and play files using my TV with DLNA Android software.
The built-in DLNA server can be disabled at any time. Here's how.
Disable the built-in DLNA server.
Alternatively, you can stop the service by following these steps:
Press Win + R keys to open the dialog box Execute.
Enter: services.msc and press Enter.
In the Services window, find the service named - Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service.
Double click on it and install Startup type\Manual, now click the button "Stop" And "Apply".
Below is a guide on how to organize a DLNA server in the “ten” so that you can view streaming video on a TV and other equipment using integrated OS tools, as well as using special applications. In addition, instructions will be provided on how to work with the playback options on a PC or laptop.
In most cases, this is used to open a collection of videos that are stored on a PC via a Smart TV that is connected to the same network. In addition, in this way you can provide access to other content and various devices that are capable of working with DNLA.
Stream videos without setup
In the "ten" you can use DLNA options to play content without setting up a DLNA server. All that is necessary in this case is that the device and PC are on the same network, which will allow it to work correctly. It is worth noting that in the network settings on your PC, you can enable “Public network” and disable data sharing, but the content will still be played.
You just need to right-click on the movie or directory with data and select “Bring to device...”. After this, you need to indicate what you need from the list. For the device to appear in this list. You need to connect it to the same network as your computer. As a result, playback of the specified file or several data will start in the player window.
Organizing a DLNA server using integrated “tens” tools
To use the “tens” as a DLNA server for third-party devices with this technology, you need to perform a few simple steps. Initially, you need to go to “Media Streaming Settings”. To find them, you need to use a search in the control panel or taskbar.
After this, you need to click on the “Activate online transmission of media content” button. A similar manipulation can be carried out in Windows Media Player through the “Stream” item. Then you need to assign a name to the DLNA server and, if necessary, remove some devices from the list of allowed ones. Initially, all devices on the network can gain access.
Next, having specified the device, you can click “Configure” and set the type of content to which you will have access. It turns out that it is not necessary to create a group and join it. Having completed all the necessary settings from the TV and other devices, you can provide access to data in the “Video”, “Music”, “Images” directories on the PC and play them.
It is worth noting that if the network type was “Public”, then with such manipulations it automatically becomes “Private Network” and network discovery is activated. It may be that network discovery will be turned off in the “Advanced sharing settings”, however, you can activate it in the additional connection settings and the “dozens” interface.
Adding a directory for the DLNA server
When activating a DLNA server with integrated Dozens tools, there is one not very clear thing, which is adding directories so that they can be used on any devices on the local network. This can be done with several manipulations.
The first step is to activate Windows Media. Then you need to right-click on one of the sections. For example, you need to add a directory with movies. In this case, you need to right-click on the “Video” section and select “Manage video library”. Then you need to add the required directory and that's it.
After these manipulations, the directory will be displayed for all devices with DLNA technology. However, there is one small nuance here. Some TVs and devices cache the list of available data, so you may need to reboot the device or restart the network to display it. It is worth noting that you can restart the server directly in the player in the “Stream” menu.
Setting up a DLNA server using third-party utilities
There are a huge number of applications that are designed to organize a DLNA server in Windows 7 and 8. But in fact, these programs can be used in such a situation. However, you can add one more application to this list, which appeared quite recently, but already leaves a positive impression of the work. It's called Serviio.
The application is distributed freely, but there is also a paid version. However, the free edition has a wide range of functions for creating a DLNA server in the top ten. In addition, there are additional options.
Among them, we can note the use of online broadcast sources. Some of them require plugins. In addition, it is possible to transcode the file into the required format suitable for the device.
In addition, the program allows you to display subtitles, work with playlists and all popular media file formats. In addition, the application is able to sort content by type, artist, date. It turns out that while viewing you can conveniently move around the folder.
You can download the application from the official resource. After installing the application, you need to activate Serviio Console from the list of installed applications. Here you need to switch the interface localization and add the necessary directories with the required content. You can do this in the “Media Library” section. After this, everything is ready to go.
You can familiarize yourself with this application in detail after downloading it to your computer. But I would like to note that it is possible to turn off the DLNA server at any time. To do this, go to the “Status” section.
That, in principle, is all you need to know about how you can organize a DLNA server in the “top ten” to connect various devices to access directories with media files. In principle, even a novice user can cope with this.
I recently realized that televisions are still in the last century. If mobile gadgets and computers are becoming more convenient, faster and simpler, then the only thing that changes on TVs is the screen size and resolution. There's no point in talking about convenience yet.
A TV without a media server on your computer or a special device is practically a useless thing, unless you like to hang out. Therefore, I have selected the 5 best media servers for a computer that will upgrade your TV and make it much more functional.
Plex
PlexPlex is the most popular and perhaps 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 9 cases out of 10. The TV sees the Plex server without any problems and plays everything perfectly. The only downside to Plex and other similar programs is that the TV does not see the subtitles built into the movie, but for most this does not matter.
Plex is free, but you'll need to buy a subscription for additional features.
Plex
I used this server for a very long time on an old TV. It works quite well and unlike Plex, HMS is a whole combine, the functionality of which knows no bounds. The only drawback will be the terrible interface of the program, but since it is needed to play movies on the TV, this will not be a big problem. The program is absolutely free and is only available in the Windows version.
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.
Serviio is far from the most popular media server, but it also deserves a place in our top. The application is free, but for $25 you can buy the PRO version, which allows you to access your content from any network, not just your home one, and allows you to play content from the web (this function is provided as a preview in the free version). Serviio has Android apps, but they act as a secondary control panel for the backend on the computer.
Kodi (formerly 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.
KodiFor me, Plex is a clear favorite. What do you use?
