6 UPnP/DLNA Servers for Streaming Media
Understanding UPnP and DLNA for Media Streaming
UPnP, which stands for “universal plug and play,” is a suite of networking protocols designed to simplify media sharing. It eliminates the complexities of manual configuration, allowing devices to connect and exchange data seamlessly.
Essentially, UPnP enables devices on a network to discover each other and communicate, making it ideal for streaming media throughout a home.
The Role of DLNA in Media Sharing
DLNA, or “Digital Network Living Alliance,” was founded by Sony in 2003. Its purpose was to standardize and, in some perspectives, refine the process of media sharing.
DLNA builds upon the foundation laid by UPnP, providing a more defined framework for interoperability between devices.
Components for Utilizing UPnP and DLNA
To leverage the benefits of UPnP and DLNA, two key components are required: a client and a server.
The client, often referred to as a renderer, is the device that receives and displays the media – examples include a PlayStation 3 or a Smart TV.
The server, conversely, stores and transmits the media. This can be achieved through hardware solutions like a NAS drive or software applications running on a personal computer.
Setting Up a DLNA Server for Streaming
To initiate streaming to your console or other UPnP-enabled renderer, a DLNA server is necessary to manage playback.
Fortunately, numerous free DLNA server options are available.
For a comprehensive list of free UPnP servers suitable for this purpose, refer to the MakeUseOf resource.
DLNA/UPnP Device Compatibility
Compatibility between DLNA/UPnP devices and servers isn't universally guaranteed. Issues frequently stem from the client device – such as a Smart TV or gaming console – rather than the server software itself.
Certain server applications incorporate solutions to broaden support for a wider range of devices. A practical approach is to evaluate several servers with your specific hardware.
Testing and Troubleshooting
If a DLNA server exhibits incompatibility with a particular device, attempting alternative server options is recommended. Continue testing until a server is identified that successfully meets your household's requirements.
Consider exploring servers capable of media transcoding to enhance compatibility. However, verify that your system possesses the necessary processing power to handle transcoding effectively.
Server Considerations
- Compatibility Variations: Not all devices function seamlessly with every server.
- Client-Side Issues: The problem often lies with the device attempting to access the server.
- Transcoding Needs: Servers with transcoding capabilities can resolve compatibility problems.
- Hardware Requirements: Transcoding demands sufficient hardware resources.
Ultimately, identifying a server that reliably serves your devices is the most efficient solution. Once a suitable server is found, maintaining its use is generally advisable.
1. Serviio (Windows, Mac, Linux)
Serviio functions as a robust UPnP DNLA media server, offering a substantial free tier. A professional version is available, requiring a single payment of $25.
This pro version unlocks features like the MediaBrowser web player, an API for remote media access, and granular control over content sharing permissions.
Ideal for Home Streaming
For individuals aiming to stream personal media files across a local network, Serviio presents itself as an excellent solution.
The software is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems, providing broad accessibility.
ServiiDroid and ServiiGo
Android users benefit from ServiiDroid, granting access to the Serviio console directly on their devices – crucially, without necessitating the Pro upgrade.
Those who opt for the $25 Pro version gain the ability to access their media remotely through the ServiiGo Android application, enabling viewing outside the local network.
This allows for media consumption on the go, expanding the utility of the DLNA server.
2. TVMOBiLi (Windows, Mac, Linux)
TVMOBiLi represents a further premium streaming solution, offering a functional free tier. However, its operational model diverges from that of Serviio.
Unlike some alternatives, TVMOBiLi doesn't impose limitations on feature access initially. The entire media server remains available for use without charge until a user exceeds 10GB of streamed data.
Beyond this 10GB threshold, continued utilization necessitates a purchase. Options include a recurring monthly fee of $1.50 or a single, lifetime payment of $30.
Upon installation, users are granted automatic access to a free trial of the premium, “unlimited” functionality. This provides a one-month evaluation period to determine suitability with their specific devices.
Client and Support
The service asserts compatibility with a broad spectrum of media clients. Furthermore, TVMOBiLi provides comprehensive support documentation to facilitate server setup and troubleshooting.
This documentation aims to assist users in getting the server operational and resolving any potential issues encountered during use.
3. XBMC (Windows, Mac, Linux)
XBMC stands out as a remarkably potent media center, boasting an extensive collection of add-ons and benefiting from robust open-source development.
This software is capable of operating both as a DLNA-compliant UPnP server and as a client for receiving media streams.
Readers familiar with MakeUseOf will recognize our consistent appreciation for XBMC, particularly noting the performance enhancements and improved interface of its latest version.
Simple Server Setup
Configuring XBMC as a DLNA server is remarkably straightforward. Simply enable the “Share video and music libraries via UPnP” option.
This setting is located within the Network section, accessible under System in XBMC’s primary menu.
Once enabled, your media libraries will become readily discoverable by devices on your local network. The process is exceptionally user-friendly!
PS3MediaServer (Windows, Mac, Linux) [No Longer Available]
PS3MediaServer was created to maximize the media streaming capabilities of the PlayStation 3. While initially focused on Sony’s console, its compatibility extends to other client devices.
This project is well-established and boasts a selection of plugins. These plugins facilitate streaming from platforms like Grooveshark and SoundCloud, as well as certain on-demand television services.
Community Support and Setup
Although the official blog hasn't received updates recently, the associated forum remains active. Users continue to provide assistance and guidance for server setup and device compatibility.
Setting up PS3MediaServer may require some technical adjustments. However, it presents a viable solution for those seeking a single streamer to serve multiple clients, particularly if a PS3 is involved.
MediaTomb (Mac, Linux, FreeBSD) [No Longer Available]
MediaTomb was a free DLNA server offering media transcoding capabilities. It functioned as a highly adaptable UPnP solution, providing binaries compatible with OS X, FreeBSD, and numerous Linux distributions.
A significant advantage of MediaTomb was its comprehensive documentation. Detailed guides were available for configuring devices like the PlayStation 3 and DLNA-enabled televisions.
Configuration and Support
The server’s settings were managed through a web-based interface. This interface offered a simple and direct method for organizing your media library.
Should issues arise that weren't addressed in the Wiki or Frequently Asked Questions, an active user forum was available for seeking assistance and troubleshooting.
LXiMediaCenter (Windows, Mac, Linux) [No Longer Available]
LXiMediaCenter functioned as a UPnP server, uniquely characterized by its consistent video transcoding process.
This transcoding occurred irrespective of format compatibility, leading to comparatively demanding system requirements. Consequently, it wasn't the best choice for older computer hardware.
Performance Considerations
Due to its utilization of high-quality encoding, a stable wired Ethernet connection or an 802.11n Wi-Fi network was strongly advised for optimal performance.
Platform Support & Setup
Binaries were provided for Windows, OS X, and various Linux distributions, simplifying the installation process. A quick setup guide further assisted users.
It’s important to note that the project remained in beta testing during its availability. Therefore, it hadn't undergone the same level of rigorous testing as more established alternatives.
However, LXiMediaCenter could be a suitable option for users prioritizing high-quality streaming and possessing the necessary hardware capabilities to support it.
Final Thoughts
While numerous UPnP-compatible DLNA servers exist, the options discussed represent some of the simplest to configure and most reliably performing solutions currently available.
It's important to remember that many difficulties experienced by DLNA clients stem from the clients themselves, often due to incompatibility with the attempted streaming file format – a situation where transcoding becomes necessary.
Share Your Experiences
We invite you to share your preferred DLNA server, detailing your positive experiences and offering insights into whether paid alternatives, such as TVersity, genuinely deliver enhanced value. Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.
