We often use the PC to store all the multimedia files (movies, videos, music etc.), aware of the fact that in order to be able to see them on a TV or any other device we will have to move them via a USB stick or using an external hard drive. This method is the easiest to apply but it is decidedly uncomfortable, forcing us every time to bring from one room to another the storage medium with the contents inside.
And if it was the PC itself that provided multimedia content via the LAN or WiFi "> Better Kodi alternatives for managing watching movies and videos
1) What is DLNA and how it works
DLNA stands for Digital Living Network Alliance and is an association that brings together various manufacturers of multimedia devices (TVs, players, decoders, smartphones, PCs, etc.) providing the specifications so that the devices can communicate with each other to play videos, music and images without the need for the file to be transferred (streaming playback).
DLNA operation is based on two different types of devices:
- DLNA Server : this device has the task of indexing the contents of the multimedia folders so as to make them visible and reproducible on the entire network.
In order to take advantage of DLNA, it is essential that one of the devices in our LAN acts as a server for all the others.
The server can be the PC, a notebook, a NAS, a data server or the router itself (if it has DLNA functionality).
- DLNA client : this device is able to "see" the DLNA server present on the network and to reproduce the contents it indexes, with a convenient interface to manage.
Obviously there may be several DLNA clients, the server will manage all together (respecting the bandwidth limits of the internal network).
The contents are not simply "copied" from one device to another (the file always remains on the server), but the audio and video stream is sent as if we were streaming.
The client can be a Smart TV, a decoder, a game console, a TV Box, a DVD or Blu-ray player, a PC, a smartphone or a tablet.
DLNA works with any type of audio and video file, at any resolution (even 4K), but compatibility is guaranteed only if the DLNA server provides the right specifications for the type of file played (which is not always configurable) and if the DLNA client supports that type of file (if our TV does not support H.265 even if a file in this format is present on the DLNA server it cannot be played without conversion).
Simple DLNA servers only take care of indexing content, while more advanced ones can:
- Convert formats that are not compatible with some DLNA clients : through a special proprietary technology, it is also possible to reproduce files in formats that are not supported by transcoding in real time.
- Access via the Internet : using a proprietary protocol, it is possible to access the multimedia contents indexed even outside the internal network, so that we can connect to our contents via the Internet even when we are away from home.
Obviously these features are not present on all DLNA servers and are often offered for a fee, so better choose carefully the type of server we want to use.
2) Useful tips before installing a DLNA server
Before installing any DLNA server, we advise you to follow these useful tips, so as not to run into problems when playing multimedia content on the various clients.
- We connect the DLNA server to an Ethernet socket of the router / modem : we do not rely on the WiFi network to distribute the contents, especially if we still use the 2.4 GHz frequency.
We may have problems reproducing high quality files, which does not happen if we rely on the Ethernet connection (preferably Gigabit).
- We connect DLNA clients via Ethernet socket : clients should also be connected via Ethernet if we want to make the most of DLNA.
If the devices are present in separate rooms we can take advantage of Powerline to always move by cable.
- We take advantage of 5 GHz WiFi : if we really have to use wireless to connect the server with DLNA clients, we take advantage of 5 GHz WiFi, much faster than WiFi networks with a 2.4 GHz frequency.
If we use the 2.4 GHz network, we risk finding ourselves with problems when playing content in FullHD or at higher resolutions.
3) The best DLNA servers to be installed on PC
After having seen together what DLNA means and how to make the most of it, below we will find all the DLNA servers that you can use on PC but which can also be installed on other network devices (such as NAS).
Universal Media Server
The first DLNA server that we recommend trying on a PC is Universal Media Server, available for download here -> Universal Media Server .
This program presents itself as one of the best in its category, allowing you to index any type of multimedia folder on your PC and to display all the DLNA clients visible on the network in the interface.
This DLNA server streams videos and audio files in the highest possible quality, supports subtitles and DTS audio, also supports 3D video files (SBS) and is capable of converting any incompatible files with some clients.
In addition to these features, it offers the possibility of installing plugins and interfacing with iTunes to spread music and videos also on Apple devices.
Twonky Server
One of the best DLNA servers out there for compatibility is Twonky Server, downloadable for a free trial from here -> Twonky Server .
With this program it is sufficient to indicate the folders to be indexed and their contents inside.
The server will provide all indexed content via DLNA, in addition it is possible to indicate which DLNA profiles to use based on the clients visible on the network (if we have a Samsung TV just indicate the specific client with the Samsung DLNA profile to obtain maximum compatibility ).
The program is free for 30 days, then you will need to purchase a user license in order to continue using it.
Serviio
Another good DLNA server that you can try on PC is Serviio, downloadable from here -> Serviio .
As already seen for Twonky it will be sufficient to add the multimedia folders of the PC and indicate the type of content to start indexing.
Excellent compatibility, especially with mobile devices, also thanks to the integrated conversion system.
The program is available for free without limits, but to access some advanced features you need to purchase a user license.
Serviio is an excellent DLNA server for storing images, audio and video, including HD, for streaming with the support of playlists and subtitles.
Plex
The king of servers is definitely Plex, which we can download for any platform from here -> Plex .
Plex also offers indexing via DLNA but this is not its strong point, because the program has a proprietary protocol with which multimedia contents are sent via the same network or accessible from the outside.
In order to see the contents, it is preferable to use the Plex client app, available on almost all Smart TVs or as a smartphone app.
Plex also supports real-time transcoding, so as to always offer maximum compatibility with any device.
The program is available for free upon registration, but in order to fully exploit the full potential of the server, a user license is required (also available with a monthly subscription).
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