- Originally based on PS3 Media Server, Universal Media Server is a DLNA media server that has evolved into a project focusing on stability and file compatibility. This focus on stability and compatibility makes Universal Media Server the best open source media server available.
- As a DLNA certified server app, this app comes packed with convenient features that eliminate the need for you to use wires. In addition, you don’t need to download the app and therefore, save users from going through a lot of hassles.
I'm assuming you mean Mac OS X rather than classic Mac OS. I'm a big fan of Plex (Plex Media Server - Your Media on All Your Devices).It's dead easy to set up, there are beautiful, usable clients for all of the desktop and mobile OSes and game consoles, it speaks standard DLNA, and you can share your server's library with other Plex users (e.g. Family members).
UPnP stands for “universal plug and play” and provides a set of standards for the hassle-free sharing of mediaTop Free Ways to Stream Video from Your Computer to Your Mobile or TabletTop Free Ways to Stream Video from Your Computer to Your Mobile or TabletHave a bunch of video files on your computer but want to watch them on your tablet? Not a problem.Read More without the need for manual setup. In essence, UPnP devices are able to see and communicate with one another, and one of the best uses for this technology to stream media around the house.
DLNA is an acronym for “Digital Network Living Alliance” and was established by Sony in 2003 to further define (some might say restrict) the sharing of such media. In order to make use of UPnP and DLNA-compliant devices you will need a client (known as a renderer) such as a PlayStation 3 or Smart TV and a server which can be hardware-based like a NAS driveHow To Build & Use Your Own Network Attached Storage Using A Ubuntu NetbookHow To Build & Use Your Own Network Attached Storage Using A Ubuntu NetbookRead More or software-based as a service that runs on a PC.
In order to stream to your console or other UPnP renderer you will want a free DLNA server which controls playback. Here is the MakeUseOf list of free UPnP servers for this purpose.
A Quick Note
Not all DLNA/UPnP devices work with all servers, and this is often down to the client (i.e. Smart TV, games console) than it is the server. Some servers include workarounds to extend support for devices such as this. The rule of thumb is to test servers with your devices – if you find one that fulfills the needs of your household then you should probably stick with it.
If a particular DLNA server doesn’t seem to like one of your devices then you should probably try another until you find one that does. You might also want to look into a server that transcodes media for compatibility, but ensure your hardware can handle the task.
1. Serviio (Windows, Mac, Linux)
Serviio is a premium UPnP DNLA-compliant media server with a generous free option. The pro version of the DLNA server requires a one-off fee of $25 for access to the MediaBrowser web-based player, API for online access to your media and the ability to control access to shared content. For home users looking to stream their personal connections over a local network, Serviio is a great choice.
Android users can download ServiiDroid, which provides access to the Serviio console on Android devices (and more importantly does not require Pro). Users who do decide to drop $25 can access their media from anywhere via the ServiiGo Android application for the viewing of media away from your local network.
2. TVMOBiLi (Windows, Mac, Linux)
TVMOBiLi is another premium streamer with decent free option, though it takes a different approach to Serviio. For TVMOBiLi, there are no restrictions over the use of features, and the whole media server is open for use until a user streams over 10GB of data. At this point you must purchase (either at $1.50 monthly fee or a one-off payment of $30) in order to continue use.
Users automatically get a free trial of the premium “unlimited” mode upon installing TVMOBiLi, which gives you a month to decide whether it fits the bill and works with your clients or not. The service claims to support a vast array of media clients and has decent support documentation for a server up and running and resolving any issues.
3. XBMC (Windows, Mac, Linux)
Dlna Media Server Software
One of the most powerful media centres out there with a huge range of add-ons and open source grunt behind it, XBMC can function both as a DLNA-compliant UPnP server and a client for receiving streams. If you’re a regular reader then you’ll surely know that we’re rather fond of XBMCEntertainment On The Cheap: The Most Affordable Ways To Set Up A Home TheaterEntertainment On The Cheap: The Most Affordable Ways To Set Up A Home TheaterWhile plenty of pricey pre-built solutions exist, there are a few ways to bring a streaming box of entertainment to your living room on the cheap. With the right some open source media software, a...Read More at MakeUseOf, with the latest release being faster and prettier than ever.
Setup of this DLNA server is as easy as enabling “Share video and music libraries via UPnP” in Network under System in XBMC’s main menu. From then on, your libraries will be easily discoverable on the local network. It’s really that easy!
4. PS3MediaServer (Windows, Mac, Linux) [No Longer Available]
Designed to make the most of the PS3’s abilities as a media streamer, PS3MediaServer isn’t strictly limited to Sony’s console in terms of compatibility and has some compatibility with other clients. This is a mature project, with a number of plugins available for streaming from sources such as Grooveshark and SoundCloud as well as some on-demand TV providers.
The blog side of things hasn’t been updated for a few years but the forum community is still very much alive, offering help and tips on getting the server up and running with your devices. There’s a little more tinkering involved here, but if you’ve got a PS3 and would like to use the same streamer for multiple clients then it’s a good option.
5. MediaTomb (Mac, Linux, FreeBSD) [No Longer Available]
Another completely free DLNA server with transcoding ability, MediaTomb is a highly extensible UPnP solution with binaries for OS X, FreeBSD and a large range of Linux distributions. One of the best things about MediaTomb is the documentation, with detailed instructions about getting devices such as the PS3 and DLNA-enabled TVs working.
The server is configured via a web interface, which provides a straightforward way to manage your media. If you run into problems that the Wiki or FAQ can’t solve then there’s an active forum on which to ask for help.
6. LXiMediaCenter (Windows, Mac, Linux)
LXiMediaCenter is a UPnP server that always transcodes video, regardless of whether it is in a compatible format or not. This means the requirements for running it are relatively high compared to some of the other servers on this list – so it’s not ideal for older machines. It also uses high quality encoding, so a wired Ethernet or 802.11n connection comes highly recommended.
There are binaries available for Windows, OS X and a number of Linux distributions, making setup easy when coupled with the quick setup guide. The project is still in beta, and thus has not been tested as extensively as some others but it might suit those of you who value high quality streaming with the hardware to support it.
Conclusion
There are more UPnP compliant DLNA servers for the job, but these are some of the easiest to setup and most effective servers available. Don’t forget that much of the troubles encountered by DLNA clients is down to the clients themselves – much of the time due to not supporting the filetype attempting to be streamed (in which case transcoding is required).
Let us know what you use, which you’ve found works best and whether premium options like TVersity are really worth it in the comments, below.
Explore more about: Media Server, Online Video, XBMC Kodi.
I'd add ArkMS, easy and usable streaming server for Mac. It works great on my old Mac Mini, streams to several devises at the same time - TVs, Sonos, iPads.
using Servio for couple of years and liked it more than XBMC or several other nonames. easy to use and does the work
Question:
Is there a method where I can stream a STB(cable Set-top-box) hdmi/AV, to a DLNA renderer?
STB should support DLNA or UPnP to stream to renderer. Some channels could be DRM protected and cant be playbacked on renderer
Speaking on media sharing without manual setup, I triedPS3MediaServe. Can't say anything bad about, in general I am satisfied. However, for sharing media files for my ipad and iphone I also use ArkMC by arkuda. After they fixed the bugs with DLNA/UPNP i prefer this app.
No mention of Media Browser? Unfortunately the 'holy trinity' of media servers does not seem to exist. Combining a top notch local library, fully functioning 'play to' support with ff/rr/next/prev. ideally available from the both caster and your remote control. Add a wide selection of WORKING 'channels'.
Plex has the best selection of channels, but who cares if you have lots of channels that don't work. The claimed 'compatibility check' is meaningless with major channels like CBS frustratingly incompatible, using flash or silverlight with no transcoding so no dlna. Add that even working channels are painfully slow and almost never populate smoothly, making them more a frustration than a function.
So far Media Browser is the closest, a better web gui than Plex. 'play to' support (needs ff/rr though) if MB had more than just the bare minimum of channels then they would be the run away winner.
And ALL these servers should be modular broken into bite size pieces, ideally light enough to be run on a router or nas, I can't tell you how many times I've absent mindedly rebooted only to go dough.. I was streaming from my local machine..
I tend to use older, slower hardware (Core2 Duo), and have tried MediaTomb and XBMC and PS3MediaServer. Been using PS3MediaServer solidly for 3-years across Samsung smart TV's, Android devices (with BubbleUPnP Player), iPhones, Amazon TV, and Chromecast. Last year I added BubbleUPnP Media Server to the PS3MediaServer mix and things only got better. More control, more options, more awesome. I only use Linux, FWIW.
I like Serviio.
It is simpe and works perfectly good with
ArkMC DLNA appication
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.arkudadigital.arkmc.gm
on my Galaxy Tab.
Serviio is easy to manage and it works fast.OK, I've been using PS3MediaServer for few months now and I found few issues. In general it works OK with my Sony BR player but doesn't like my Samsung TV. I cannot make the subs working on my TV and it takes me back to the menu in the middle of movie without touching any buttons. I mostly watch mkv videos which are supported by Samsung TV and play fine straight from HDD.
Still searching for a good server - Dennis, please don't suggest anything :)For any Windows users out there, give Mezzmo a try. I've been using it for several years and it is rock solid with all my devices in my home (Samsung TV, Samsung Blu-ray player, Android tablet and iPhone).
And if you like Mezzmo, give KooRaRoo a try as well :) It's got more features, it's faster to deliver folders and files to your devices and more actively developed.
PLEX Media Server great for LG Smart TV...
Plex Media Server great for new LG Smart TV...
Nice overview. Thanks.
A small note regarding XBMC: It is not able to share pictures in library mode.
I have a Samsung Smart TV and it connects to XBMC but shows up only two folders: Music Library and Video Library. A Picture Library is not present in XBMC, at least not out of the box. Even installing the Add-On 'My Pictures Database' did not change this.
Has any other managed to provide pictures to a DLNA client?
You can remove XBMC from this list as it's not designed as a server, just a client and is not compatible with all DLNA devices (mainly sony has problems). There are literally hundreds of posts on its forums regarding this issue. Ironically the development team seems to blame the hardware manufacturers, which is funny because every other program on this list has no such problems, I would therefore conclude the problem is indeed with XBMC.
XBMC is primarily designed to work as a media center, and that task it does very well.
It is incapable of running in the background as a server for media files, something which the vast majority of people reading this page will want.
I myself have my computer connected to my tv via HDMI, so if I wanted to play movies in this fashion I would simply use a media player and drag the window to the TV.
After downloading both versions 11 and 12 of XBMC, I have concluded that it doesn't deliver on any of it's promises, which is a shame because it had such potential.Serviio didn't work properly with my Sony Blu-ray player.
XBMC is a media centre and cannot run in the background so is useless as a DLNA server for me.
PS2 Media Server is the answer. It supports transcoding, AC3, DTS, subtitles, and works excellent.I just wanted to make a note that KooRaRoo also has transcoding, supports AC3, DTS (and all other audio and video and image formats, including 3D MPO and such), subtitles (external and burned-in - burned-in are being beta-tested right now and will available with the next update) and provides a fully customizable media library layout and an easy to use interface.
Hi Tim,
Please excuse my ignorance on this I am new to it. I have a Hjmax DVR, iMAC and home wifi. I have managed to connect all 3 and with the free trial of TVMobile I can watch the files on my Mac on my TV no problems. My ? is - Can I watch what is stored on my PVR on a MAC or windows laptop via wifi?I vote iSedora. I tried most of the above about 18 months back (some may have improved since then), but the only thing I could get to work seamlessly to all my devices (Panasonic TV, Sony Blue Ray player and Xbox) was iSedora. They don't seem to get much publicity, but just worked for me straight out of the box transcoding where required. Free demo available or buy from $25.
Rob, give KooRaRoo a try as well - it wasn't around 18 months ago :) iSedora is not actively updated - the last update was 2 years ago.
There is also another DLNA server - KooRaRoo Media (http://www.kooraroo.com). I'm the author, just so you know :) The server itself is new, but I have lots of experience with DLNA and I plan to make KRR the best out there. Give it a try and let me know what you think.
http://www.kooraroo.com worked for me, I tried a few of the above. It had a demo, installed right on Windows 7, my LG TV saw it... and EVERYTHING I've tried to play so far has played. Big Thumbs Up Dennis.
Thanks Mike, I'm glad to hear that!
Hi Dennis, I just tried kooraroo , it really seems fine, but there are two problems
when streaming to LG TV or LG BD, there are no subtitles, and You cannot change the audio of mkv. (this problem is present on xbmc, plex, but it is working fine in nero mediahome).If You manage to make it work, big thumbs up!
Hi Petar! Thanks for the feedback!
Actually yes, there was an issue in version 1.3.4 (current release) with subtitles for LG devices, but I already have a patch that fixes it. Please send an e-mail to support (at) kooraroo (dot) com (or visit http://support.kooraroo.com) and I'll send it to you.
The audio in MKVs probably cannot be changed by the device (because it doesn't support multiple audio streams), but you can specify your preferred language (in device properties, available from the Devices pane) and KRR will fix it up for you.
Thank you so much for this fresh article. I got so tired of reading old and outdated articles on the subject. Glad to see XBMC is still one of the fan favs. I tried plex and wasn't a fan
xmbc doesn't work on Windows server 2008 R2, gives some weird error about create failed then exists, even when run as an administrator. I guess I'll try something else.
Thanks Tim, interesting article.
Problem with most of these and that i tried is subtitles enabling, and google tv compatibility
Uh, what about Plex? It's based on XMBC and has clients for iOS and Android (at least).
XBMC and Tonido ftw!
Some DNLA software aka. UPnP software includes the ability to 'transcode' video and/or audio files from one format to another. So if you have a mixture of DNLA clients which do not all support the same format it can convert the files for those that need it. You may want to take this in to consideration when choosing a DNLA package for your Mac.
Before I get on to DNLA I would say that DNLA is old, poorly supported, poorly featured and I would advise if possible to avoid it. There are other approaches which you may decide are better for you but if not then move on to the DNLA answers below.
Firstly, other non-DNLA approaches. The premier approach for doing multi-room audio is to buy a Sonos system. With this you either buy Sonos speakers e.g. Play:3 or you buy a Sonos Connect which allows you to plug in to an existing amplifier. Sonos supports all the audio formats supported by iTunes including Apple Lossless which is going to be the best format to use if possible. While Sonos is the market leader there are other brands offering similar solutions. Examples of other similar systems to Sonos include Logitech Squeezebox, Roku SoundBridge (discontinued), an Apple TV3 or TV4, etc. All these support Apple Lossless and all allow different rooms to play different tracks at the same time.
A second approach is to use Apple's AirPlay standard, many AV Receivers now support AirPlay if you have a network interface on your AV Receiver which these days is either standard or an option on most. iTunes would then stream directly to the AV Receiver using the AirPlay standard.
A third similar approach is to get one or more AirPort Express WiFi base-stations, these have an audio out connector, you AirPlay from iTunes to the AirPort Express and it outputs via its audio connector to the attached audio device which could be speakers or an AV Receiver.
Dlna Server App For Iphone
Now there is a limitation with AirPlay, a single iTunes can only output via AirPlay the same content to one or more AirPlay destinations, if you want to play multiple different music tracks at the same time then this is where Sonos and similar solutions win hands down. The iTunes however can be a Mac, or Windows, or an iPhone, or an iPad.
Moving on to DNLA. You are probably going to find many DNLA servers for the Mac are either discontinued, or semi-discontinued in that they have not had a recent update and therefore may have problems with newer versions of OS X, or only work with some clients, or do not do Transcoding well or at all. In other words like DNLA as a whole it is rather a mess. You will therefore find that you may have to buy a commercial DNLA package although this will be still cheaper than say buying a multi-room Sonos setup. I would advise testing the trial versions, make sure to remove each before trying the next.
Dlna Server Free
With no particular sentiments, have a look at the following.