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Streaming media windows 10. How to set up a DLNA server on Windows, connect your TV to your home network. Windows Embedded and Home Media Server

Home Media Server for Windows 10 is a specific program that allows you to provide access to various kinds of multimedia resources, for example, photos, videos and audio files of one computer, to other upnp devices located on the same home network. Thanks to the modern technology of streaming data over the network, you can easily browse any media resources, which are stored on the hard disk one computer through another device, such as an Xbox One or Sony Playstation 4 game console, mobile phone, media player, or any other technology-enabled device.

The program includes a set of different video and audio format codecs, which, in turn, allow converting media files into the format necessary for the playback device, that is, in other words, ensure the playback of the file on the device. Thanks to modern transcoding technologies, it is possible to redirect Internet TV or radio streams from one computer connected to the network to other media devices.

What is Windows 10 DLNA Server

People who are not interested in modern technologies or are simply not well versed in them may not know what exactly a media server, DLNA, upnp, and so on is. That is why it is worth noting that DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a certain protocol due to which you can get access to all kinds of media content located on the main server (for example, on a personal computer) by any other gadgets that support the technology. The main requirement for them is only connection to one single network. All kinds of films can act as content, videos, photos, documents, music and more.

DLNA server for Windows 10 can be useful in cases where the user does not have the desire or ability to connect a laptop, smartphone or tablet directly to, for example, a widescreen TV. With streaming through a media server, you can effortlessly stream content, such as video footage, directly to your TV, to a large screen over the network.

In addition to all of the above, enabling and configuring such a server can be incredibly useful for owners of tablets or smartphones with little memory. The thing is that it is completely inconvenient to download content on such devices, for example, movies. Since a high-quality movie is quite heavy and takes a long time to download, it will be much easier to start streaming over your home media network and watch the movie directly on the big screen directly.

How to easily create your own media server

The instructions for creating your own DLNA server are quite simple and will not take much time. But before considering it, you should carefully read the basic requirements, with what is required to create your own home media server. The basic requirements are something like this:

Setting up a media server for Windows 7

Make sure that all conditions are met and you can start installing your own media server. Since the scheme of actions on other versions of the operating system is approximately similar, we will consider the setup process using the example of the OS Windows 7.

The easiest way to play streaming video on Windows 10

There are also many other ways to play media files via streaming. For example, you can download a special third-party program "Home Media Server" or use the Miracast function. However, there is another incredibly simple method for streaming video content.

The fact, that the operating system is Windows 10 by default includes the DLNA function - playback of content, in particular, video files of various formats. The only requirement when using the method is the need to connect all devices to the same local network. That is, both the computer acting as a media server and the device on which you plan to play video via streaming must be connected to the same local network source - router or Wi-Fi.

Here's the whole procedure:

Right click on the video file you want to stream on another device.
Select "Cast to Device" (or Cast to Device if you have an English version of Windows).
Select the device you want from the list that appears and the file will automatically start streaming through Windows Media Player.

Technologies are moving by leaps and bounds across the planet, expanding the boundaries of possibilities every day. Let's talk about one of them - about the home media server, and how to configure it depending on the version of the operating system.

First, what is a home media server and what is it for. In your search for information, you will come across DLNA technology - the abbreviation in English stands for Digital Living Network Alliance, the literal translation sounds like a digital network alliance. A technology that allows compatible devices on the same network (home, corporate, etc.) to exchange data in real time to play / watch media content (music, images, video recordings of any size) - thereby creating a home media server. The network can be either wireless Wi-Fi or wired Ethetnet, devices are identified by their IP address. Already in 2013, the alliance included more than 200 well-known manufacturers of digital technology, so the technology is supported by most digital TVs, smartphones / tablets and modern OS versions. Further, in more detail about the options for setting up a home media server using DLNA technology with step-by-step instructions. Let's start in ascending OS versions, starting with seven and further on third-party tools.

Windows Embedded and Home Media Server

The Windows operating system provides built-in setup for a home media server, but it takes a little time and patience to set up a home network. Since the principle of broadcasting is similar in the seven and ten, we will first configure the operating systems, and then move on to the content transfer itself and the creation of a home media server.

Windows 7 and home media server

A home network media server for Windows 7 can be configured for both wireless and wired. Devices must be connected at the time of connecting to the home / corporate network. So, step by step.

Go to "Open Control Panel" from Explorer, or "Start" → "Control Panel";

Method 2

Now let's start the home media server from the TV, before turning it on.
on the TV remote control, press the button with the image of a house to start smart services;

scroll to the right to select "SmartShare";

Installation

After the distribution has been successfully loaded, it will proceed to the installation:
on the first screen of the installation, you will be offered a directory into which the unpacking will be performed, you can leave it unchanged, or you can change it;

then the installation directory of the program will be indicated, which can be changed if desired, and it will also be offered "Create a shortcut to launch the program ...." on the desktop → after selection, click "Install"

installation is complete and the program will ask you to start the program → click "Yes".

Customization

Let's move on to setting up a home media server, below is a complete instruction:
the first time you start it, the "Initial Settings" will open. Here you will be prompted to select a device from the list, or put a tick “Automatic”, in addition, you can select the color of the main form from the palette;

when you click "Next", an information window with changes in versions will appear.

Going to the main window of the program, select "Settings".

Choose from "Category"

"Media Resources":

here we put ticks according to the content that is located either on local disks or on removable media;

button "Add" → select directories for adding media resources and click OK.

"Devices":

in this settings window, by IP addresses, you can add or exclude devices, depending on your preferences, leave or uncheck the boxes for "Automatically add new devices" and "Allow access for new devices";

in the case of adding a new device using the "+ Add" button → a new settings window will appear with fields for specifying the name, IP address, setting the time interval for restricting access, setting options according to the stars of the content;

when you click on the "Settings" button → an extended settings window will open with the ability to:

instructions "Media - resources";
fine-tuning file formats with video extension and the number of pixels in images;
client settings of the transcoder;
after making changes click "OK"

"Server"

For advanced users and system administrators only:
do on the "Basic" tab - indicate the name of the computer, port, setting the obstacle for the machine to go into sleep mode when the server is running;

in the "Additional" tab - you can specify the root folder of the HTTP server, as well as the use of a specific address to receive UPnP messages about the discovery and management of devices on the network;

in the "Web - navigation" tab - you can control the default script, or make changes to it;

when you click "+ Add" - a dialog box will appear with the ability to specify the name, IP address of the device, MAC - address and server name, you can immediately check the IP address for a conflict in the network.

"Transcoder" is exclusively for advanced users.
Section "Temporary files":
allows you to correctly distribute the storage of temporary files and set a limit on the total volume in Gb, as well as enable an alert when a certain amount of data is reached;

specify the size of the buffer excluding disk space;

parameters for performing transcoding with fine-tuning of profiles with an indication of priorities, the maximum number of streams, as well as resources of executable files, you can create your own profile;

here are the paths of the source and finished files with the transcoding profile.

Starting a home media server

Individual settings according to preferences and needs are completed, and now let's proceed to the most pleasant thing - demonstrating the capabilities of your media server.
The program window is divided into 3 parts:

Navigation through the folders is identical, select the desired file and start the preview, below is a screenshot.
Tz_mediasrv / screenshot_058
Tz_mediasrv / V002.mp4
Upon completion of work with the home media server, it is necessary to stop the stream transmission:
select "Stop" in the main menu;

click on the cross - close the main window → the system will display a dialog box with the question "Unload the program?" → "Yes".

Happy viewing!

Not only computers, but also televisions, smartphones, media boxes and other devices that support viewing multimedia content are capable of exchanging and accessing data in one local network. This means, for example, that you can view a collection of images or video clips stored on your computer on a large TV screen without transferring files using removable media.

This viewing is possible thanks to DLNA- a special set of protocols that allow compatible devices to exchange media content within a local network. Thanks to DLNA the user can listen to music, view images and videos in real time on the screen of one device, while the content itself is physically located on another device. Connection by DLNA can be both wired and wireless.

In most cases, it is proposed to use third-party software to pair a computer and a TV - a home media server, but in Windows 10 you can do without it, since this version of the system already has all the necessary components in it, namely a server and a client DLNA, as well as
multimedia player.

Turn on DLNA Windows 10 is easy.

Team control / name Microsoft.NetworkAndSharingCenter in the window "Run" open up Network and Sharing Center and click on the left.

In the next window, expand the section.

And click the button in the next window.

If at the same time you suddenly receive a message "Media streaming is not enabled", go to the service management snap-in, find the setting Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service, open its properties, set the startup type "Auto" and run.

After that, streaming should start without issue.

Note: If you are unable to start the Player Network Sharing service, please check if you have disabled the service Windows Search.

You’re almost done, all you have to do is make sure your TV or other device is available in the streaming media options window and still has access to your computer. After applying folder settings Images , Video and Music must be made viewable on a supported device DLNA... The names of the sections in which the one responsible for viewing shared multimedia content on TVs and other devices is located may differ, it all depends on the model of a particular device. The setting can be called Smart TV , network , UPnP etc.

Unfortunately, streaming doesn't always work the way you'd like it to.

In some cases, the TV recognizes a computer on the network, but does not see shared folders and files, files may not play or play with errors. Problems can be caused by incorrect network settings, the lack of appropriate drivers on the PC, as well as the device's support for a number of multimedia formats.

Having at your disposal a home media server for Windows, you significantly expand the possibilities of using your information.

This can be most beneficial if there are several computers and modern TVs at home.

Although, in the same way, the server will simplify the use of information on mobile phones, laptops, game consoles and tablets, united into 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 allows information to be exchanged between various devices - for example, a computer, smartphone and 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 difficult.

But this option allows you to transfer large amounts of information at high speed (up to 1000 Mb / s).

Still possible wireless combining 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 configure - all you need to do is set up a router (and, preferably, set a password) and connect all computers, TVs and phones to it.

Typically, users choose wireless networks because of the ease of connection and lack of wires throughout the apartment.

A lot of equipment simply does not have suitable connectors for connecting to a single network - on many smartphones, tablets, old 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.

DLNA server creation

To use it, you must open this application on the computer that is now your home server and enable streaming for the homegroup.

As a result, on the TV connected to the group, you can watch even those films, the format of which is not supported by the device - for example, mkv.

This does require keeping the player turned on while the video is playing, though.

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 you can download it on the manufacturer's website.

Many equipment manufacturers allow downloading their applications for working with DLNA servers from official resources, simplifying system configuration.

Here are the most popular ones:

Plex

Plex is a fairly convenient option for any user. The server is launched 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;

Serviio

Serviio, a free application that can be enhanced by purchasing an enhanced version for $ 25, which opens access not only to files in your home library, but also to content from the Internet;

XBMC

XBMC, a free distribution program originally intended for the Xbox, but now works on other devices and most operating systems.

Outcomes

Using easy-to-install and customizable software or even built-in Windows tools, you can link all your home media playback devices to a shared network.

This can significantly simplify your leisure time: on a regular TV you will have access to the channels with the TV company's service package, and to any information on the Internet, and to the contents of your computer open for viewing.

Thematic video:

Usually, users use this feature of the system in order to have access to all video and audio files that are on the computer. In fact, after setting up a DLNA server on the top ten, the user will be able to read all the necessary data from another device connected to the same server. This will allow you to no longer carry movies on a flash drive to your TV, you can watch them immediately after they are downloaded to your computer.

Video playback without settings

In the top ten, you can reproduce information on another device without even setting up a server. For this, it is enough that the device supported this function and also that they are on the same network with the computer. This method will work even if the user did not specify file and folder sharing during the network setup.

The user only has to select the required data. It can be a folder, one or several files, then you have to right-click on them and select "", in some cases it can also be called " Transfer to device". In the pop-up window, select the device to which the transfer will be made. It must be turned on and online, otherwise it will not appear in the list.

After that, the information will be played back in the standard player in streaming mode.

How to create a DLNA server using standard system tools

However, for frequent and more convenient use of this technology, it is still worth creating a server; moreover, this can be done using the utilities built into the system.

At the beginning, the user will need to type in the search bar " Media streaming options"And open the found item.

After that, a new window will open in which you will need to enable this very streaming, for which you need have administrator rights.

In the next window, you can set the name of your server. A list of devices will also be presented there, the user can allow or deny access to files, this can be done by simply installing or unchecking the checkbox. It is also possible for each device to individually configure the types of data to which it will have access.

After completing the configuration, all devices from the list will be able to receive information from standard folders- Pictures, Music and Videos, depending on the set restrictions. However, this setting will change the network to private and will also enable network discovery, so you should not change settings on an unsecured network.

How to add custom folders to the server

In most cases, all user media files are not in standard folders, but in other places. At the same time, it is not very convenient to constantly drag them into it to watch on the TV, and then back so that it does not take up space on the hard disk. That is why you can add your folders to the dlna server in windows 10. How to do this will be described in this section.

First of all, the user will need start standard player.

Next, you need to right-click on the desired item in the left part of the window. After that, in the pop-up menu, select “ Management ...", The second word will depend on which section the user needs.

Third party DLNA setup apps

The same capabilities that built-in tools have can be obtained using third-party programs. In most cases, they also have additional options. For example, the application Serviio will allow you to convert to a supported format. It also allows you to create playlists for files, it also supports the transfer of subtitles.