In this article we will look at how to install your DLNA server on Windows using the example program Home Media Server (HMS)

Nowadays, it is increasingly necessary to have a DLNA server on your home network, since most modern TVs do not support data transfer protocols such as SMB or NFS, but only work via DLNA.

What is DLNA?

DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a set of standards that allow compatible devices to transmit and receive various media content (images, music, videos) over a home network, as well as display it in real time. That is, technology for connecting home computers, mobile phones, laptops and consumer electronics into a single digital network. Devices that support the DLNA specification can be configured and networked at the user's request. automatic mode. (Source - Wikipedia)

Installing DLNA Home Media Server (HMS)

Installing HMS is very simple, but we will still explain in detail how it happens.

First you need to download the installer. At the time of writing, the official website was not working. And it didn’t work a month before, so below I’ll provide a link to download from our server latest version HMS:

(47.2 MB)

Let's get started with the installation.

Launch the installer:

Here we are asked to select the directory into which the installation files will be unpacked. Select a directory and press the button Execute". After unpacking, the installation will start automatically.

Attention: Unpacked files are not automatically deleted after installing the program, I advise you to delete them manually after installation is complete

After unpacking, the installation of the program automatically starts:

There are not very many settings here. In this window, select the directory in which the Home Media Server (HMS) program will be installed and “Program Group” - the name of the folder in the Start menu.

After selecting the installation folder and folder name in the “Start” menu, all that remains is to check the box “create a shortcut to run the program on the desktop”, if necessary, and click the “ Install«.

At the end of the installation, which takes less than a minute ( depends on your equipment), we are offered to immediately launch the Home Media Server (HMS) program.

This completes the installation of the program.

Initial setup of DLNA Home Media Server (HMS)

So, we have a freshly installed DLNA server, let's launch it and see what it first offers us to configure, and also make a couple useful settings. Let's get started.

After launching the program for the first time, we see the initial settings window.

In this window we are asked to select the device to which the media content will be broadcast. There are many templates in the list.

If you haven’t found your device or one similar to yours, then you can leave the standard DLNA Device, as practice has shown, this does not affect anything much. After choosing, move on.

And then a choice of folders from which we will take media content appears before our eyes. You can select folders with your media content now, or you can add them later. We'll look at how to do this below. After selecting the folders, click the " Ready«.

After the initial settings, we are asked to make a backup copy of the settings, image cache, database, and set up an automatic backup schedule. Let’s not dwell on this in detail now and move on. To do this, press the button “ Close«.

After this, the main program window appears in front of us. Let's move on to several “important” settings at once.

On the left are the types of settings, on the right are specific settings.

Let's go straight to additional settings and set up autoload DLNA servers with PC turned on.

To do this, select points 2 and 3.

Now let's go to the " Server"and write down the name of our DLNA server. How will we see it online?

After changing the name, you need to add folders with media content (if you did not do this in the “initial setup” or decided to add more folders. Everything is simple here. Click the “ button Add"(2) and select the folder you want to add. After this it is necessary " Scan"(3) so that files from the folder/folders get to the server.

If you did everything correctly, then your files should appear on the right side (as highlighted in yellow in the screenshot).

If you have your files there, then we have just a little bit left. Launch and use. Everything is very simple here - press the button " Launch«.

If you have Windows Firewall enabled, the system will ask you whether to allow it access to the network. Select which ones to allow access to and click “ Allow access«.

Conclusion

We have installed the Home Media Server (HMS) program, or, to put it simply, we have configured a DLNA server on the Windows operating system.

All that remains is to start the playback device (TV, media set-top box, mobile phone etc.) and check whether our device is on the network and whether it contains the files we need.

We hope this article helped you. If something doesn’t work out for you or you have questions, write a comment and we’ll try to help.

Home media-server (UpnP-DLNA-HTTP) is a server that provides media resources ( audio and video files, images, photographs) computer by another UPnP ( DLNA) devices on the home network - televisions ( Samsung, LG, Philips, Sony, Toshiba, etc.), game consoles ( Sony Playstation, XBOX), media players ( WD TV Live, Popcorn Hour, Dune, Boxee Box, IconBit, ASUS O!Play, iPad/iPhone/iPod), mobile and PDA devices.

The server includes a transcoder (FFMPEG), which allows you to convert media into a format that will be supported by the playback device. It is also possible to convert the media frame format to the playback screen format. Transcoding can be selected from any minute.

Feature Home Media Server (UpnP-DLNA-HTTP)

You can redirect Internet radio and Internet TV streams to another media device. UpnP-DLNA-HTTP supports digital TV, which can also be redirected to another device. The server also supports external and internal subtitles. There is also support for Digital Media Renderer device management, where you can use the “Play to...” option for both an individual device and a group of individual devices.

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

Plex

Plex 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 additional functions you'll have to buy a subscription.

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 app is free, but can be purchased for $25 PRO version, which opens access to your content from any network, not just your home one, and allows you to play content from the Internet (this function is provided as an introduction and in 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 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.

Kodi

For me, Plex is a clear favorite. What do you use?

A media server is an excellent solution for owners of home computer networks, the structure of which involves the simultaneous use of several devices - SMART-TV TVs, mobile gadgets, as well as PCs and laptops. How to create a functional home media server? What type of program can I use for this?

What is a home media server?

Many Russian users access the Internet via a Wi-Fi router. This device allows you to simultaneously connect several devices to the network. These could be laptops, tablets or, for example, Smart TVs TV. Possibilities wireless networks allow you to create a real home media server - for a TV, laptop and any other Wi-Fi-enabled device. What functions should it have? For example, a server can distribute media resources—video files, music, photos—between different devices. Another useful function is to provide shared access between devices to online services, for example, IPTV.

Why create a home media server?

For what purpose do users create home media servers? This is usually due to the desire to organize a more convenient and efficient option for working with media content through multiple devices. If, for example, with using Smart TV person wants to watch a movie, then without a media server of the appropriate type this can only be done by going online, where he will have to search for a long time required file, or through external media - a flash drive or HDD. In the second case, constantly transferring media from one device to another is not always convenient. But if you have a media server, you can place the necessary files on it and launch them from the TV, as well as from other devices, at any time.

A home media server in a number of configurations can also function offline. This is useful if there is no Internet access for some reason. Even in this case, home network users will probably be able to entertain themselves by watching video files, photos, and listening to music available on the server.

How difficult is it to create a home media server? Setting up such a system - what are its nuances? It all depends on what functions the user wants to see in home system distribution of media content. If we are talking about basic capabilities - for example, providing access to files of common multimedia types, then the server structure will not be too complex. There are quite a lot various types Software that allows a user who has little experience in working with local systems to create an appropriate system computer networks. If you need to create a media server for a TV, then the capabilities of such solutions are almost always sufficient. TV usually can recognize not as many types of files as a computer, but only those that relate to the most common media standards.

But if the question is how to set up a home media server not only for shared access to content, but, say, to ensure that devices can access the Internet or Internet television resources, then more comprehensive work will be required. The capabilities of those types of software that are adapted for inexperienced users may not be enough.

Methods for creating a server

What are the ways to create a home media server? One of the most technologically advanced is the purchase of a separate system unit, performing the corresponding functions. Its performance does not necessarily have to be high, since it is supposed to serve not hundreds of thousands of users, as is the case with Internet servers, but several devices within a home network. Therefore, large investments in equipment are not required. What you should pay attention to is performance hard drive system unit. It is advisable that the associated hardware component has sufficient volume and rotation speed to handle the job. The hard drive will be subject to significant loads during system operation.

Where should I locate my home media server? It is necessary to find a place in the apartment in which the server unit can constantly work and not disturb anyone. It is advisable to connect the server to an Internet source - for example, a Wi-Fi router - using a wire, since you will probably need to use maximum power throughput channel- this is sometimes difficult to do wirelessly because there is interference.

Server software

In many cases, the optimal operating system with which you can organize a server capable of accumulating the user’s media resources is Linux Ubuntu. This OS is characterized by stability. However, in order to using Ubuntu to launch a home media server, the setup will be quite complex, and the user will need to have extensive experience working with similar platforms. But if a person has the appropriate skills, then he will be able to take advantage of all the benefits of such a scheme.

The capabilities of the Ubuntu OS allow you to create a functional server with which you can organize general access online with different devices, create storage for files, and also use DLNA standards. A home media server based on Ubuntu will allow you to connect not only computers to the Internet, but also various mobile devices and even some types of household appliances, supporting the corresponding function.

If the user does not have enough experience with Ubuntu, then he can try using popular solutions for Windows. Among these is the Home Media Server program or Home Media Server. It has enough capabilities to satisfy the needs of most home network owners. So, with the help of it you can organize file sharing, IPTV, and use podcasts for a home media server. You can download the HMS program on the website homemediaserver.ru. Once we have downloaded and installed this type of software, we can create a home media server. It can be configured using the following algorithm.

Setting up a server via HMS

You should launch the HMS program, then select the “Settings” button. After that there is a section called “Media Resources”. Then go to the “Directory List” page and click “Add”. After this you can use Windows interface move the necessary folders to the main program window.

The HMS program is characterized by a fairly high degree of automation. In general, the user does not need to make significant changes to the settings of this software. But sometimes this may be necessary, for example, if the system does not work for some reason. Possible reasons incorrect operation We'll look at servers a little later.

Once the files are downloaded, click “Launch” in the main HMS window. If the server starts, then everything is fine. If necessary, it can be stopped or restarted. After this, you can start using the home server using devices that support the corresponding function, for example, using a TV.

To organize access to the server via a browser, you must again select “Settings”, then “Server”, and enter the required value in the “Port” section. Using a browser, you can log into the server by entering the IP address in the address bar home server, then a colon, and after that the port number that we entered before. You can find out the required IP address by selecting “Settings”, then “Server”, and then selecting the list of connections that are allowed.

Setting up a server via HMS: fixing errors

What to do if the home media server does not start? The network setup was probably carried out with errors in this case. Let's look at the most typical ones. First of all, it is useful to check which network connections are reflected in the list of available ones. This can be done by opening Settings and Server, and then enabling the list of allowed connections. It is useful to compare the data displayed in the program window with the information contained in the list of available connections, which can be viewed using the “Search” button. Allow the system to use available connections You can also access the network using the HMS program interface.

It is also useful to check whether there are any restrictions on the operation of the HMS program in the settings of the Windows firewall or its analogues, which may be installed in the operating system. The exchange of all types of packets must be allowed - incoming, outgoing.

IPTV via HMS

One of the opportunities that a functional home media server provides to the user is Internet television, or IPTV. The HMS program allows you to configure the corresponding function. The main thing is that the Internet provider to which the user is connected provides a service for broadcasting TV channels online - by subscription or as an additional service.

In order to organize a broadcast using an IPTV home media server, in addition to the HMS program, you should also download a type of software such as VLC Media Player. This can be done through the website videolan.org. Once VLC is downloaded, it needs to be combined with HMS. To do this, you need to open “Home Media Server”, then select “Settings”, then “Media Resources” and “Internet Resources”. After that, find the VideoLAN settings and indicate the folder on your computer where the player is installed.

Then you need to download a playlist that includes a list of broadcast channels. It is a file in m3u format. This can be done by visiting a specialized website for digital TV lovers, for example, nastroisam.ru. Also, such files may be on the websites of providers. After downloading the playlist, you need to move it to the appropriate area of ​​the HMS interface. To do this, go to “Settings”, then select “Transcoder” and start working with the “Internet TV” option. After the appropriate settings have been made, you should reboot the home server. After this, you can use IPTV capabilities, for example, using a TV - if it supports this function.

Working with HMS: nuances

Let's look at some of the nuances that characterize the operation of the Home Media Server program. Using the main window of this software, you can edit the list of folders that form media content, as well as manage them when exchanging data between different devices.

If navigation through files that form media content is slow, this may be due to the specifics of a particular device. It is also possible that the performance of the server's hard drive is insufficient. Failures can also be caused by frequent changes in directory structure. Slowdown of the server may be due to the fact that the directory scanning mode is activated in the program while the system is running.

You can navigate through the files that form the structure of media content using a folder called “Media resource directories.” It is quite possible that certain media files will not be visible on the device used to view content, despite the fact that they are viewed in the main program window. This may be due to the specific mime types for a particular type of content. You can set a different Mime type - the program's capabilities also allow you to do this. You should click “Settings”, then “Media Resources”, then “File Types” and change extensions if necessary.

Connecting devices

So, we have configured and launched the home media server. How to use it? The capabilities of the program in question allow you to connect a variety of devices to your home network - computers, televisions or, for example, multimedia projectors.

Let's assume that the network is organized via a Wi-Fi router, but communication technology in this case is a secondary factor. If devices are connected to a network via Wi-Fi, then you need to set the automatic procedure for assigning IP addresses to connected devices in the router settings.

Exactly how the device connected to the server - a TV or mobile gadget- finds folders with media content, depending on the specifics of the corresponding device. Brands that produce devices can use interfaces that are quite different from the solutions of device manufacturers.

The HMS program is universal; it allows you to connect to the server almost any device that supports this function. Using this software, you can organize access to video files, music and photos. It is optimal for both Wi-Fi networks and wired connections. Through this program, you can access media content from PCs, laptops, mobile devices, as well as, for example, printers, video cameras and set-top boxes that support the corresponding function.

But in some cases, the device can only work correctly if branded software is used.

So, for example, if a person uses Smart TV from Samsung, then perhaps the best option for him is the AllShare program produced by the Korean brand. It allows you to create a fairly functional home media server on the user’s computer. Samsung is not the only manufacturer of this type of software, of course.

Another Korean brand, LG, also developed own program. In order to run a home media server for LG, you can install the LG Smart Share program.

Home server using Plex

If using branded software is less desirable for the network owner, then you can try using a common alternative to HMS - the Plex Media Server program. Its capabilities also allow you to effectively distribute media content between several devices - TV, mobile devices, PCs, laptops. The program in question is cross-platform. That is, it can be used by PC owners under Linux control Ubuntu who do not have enough experience to set up a home server, through standard features given operating system. You can download Plex from plex.tv.

How can I set up a home media server using this program? In this case, instructions that take a lot of time to study are not needed. The peculiarity of the Plex program is that it has a friendly, user-friendly interface. Its functionality allows you to receive Additional information about videos: for example, if these are films or TV series, the program will find appropriate annotations for them and additional media content.

Plex - universal program. It functions equally correctly on both PCs and mobile devices. This program- the most convenient tool for viewing network content using devices on Android, iOS and Windows Phone. Owners of the appropriate type of mobile device can download the Plex application, which is characterized by the advantages noted above - a user-friendly interface, as well as the ability to supplement media files with useful content and annotations. Available in mobile application Plex and a number of others useful functions- for example, creating playlists, playing a file from a location selected by the user. It can also be noted that Plex allows you to organize shared access to media content not only from devices on your home network, but also for users connected to the Internet. So, you can show videos and photos to friends.

Plex users can register paid subscription for access to services - it costs $4.99 per month. This will enable a number of additional features Software such as Sync. It is especially useful for owners mobile devices. By launching the appropriate application on your phone or tablet, you can select the desired media content online and ensure its availability offline.

Some notable features of Plex include streaming video content using Google's Chromecast device. This device allows you to play video on any screen with HDMI interfaces. The Plex program allows you to stop using unnecessary cables when organizing broadcasts via TV - you can start watching movies using mobile devices.

If we use Plex to create a home media server, how do we use it? Algorithm, thanks high degree Software automation, as in the case of HMS, is very simple. First, you can copy the desired file to a folder located on your computer. Then update the list of content items using the program. Next, you can turn on your TV, smartphone or tablet - those devices with which you are supposed to access the files. Using the interface provided in them, you can select the desired media content.

HMS, Plex, branded solutions from device manufacturers allow you to create home media servers that are quite simple in structure and use. These programs are quite easy to install even for an inexperienced user. Possibilities of this type The software fully satisfies the basic needs of home computer networks.

If you want to create based on TV and computer home network entertainment, which will provide all the possibilities for playing content various formats, then you might be interested in learning how to set up a home media server. Let's learn how to install the server creation software and then see what features it provides to users.

Connecting a computer and TV

Before you start installing a home media server, you need to resolve the issue of connecting your computer to your TV. It is better to make a wired connection between devices using a LAN cable and a router. Of course you can use wireless connection, however, then you become dependent on the antenna power and the presence/absence of obstacles.

To avoid possible problems When playing movies in Full HD format, it is better to use a LAN cable, carefully laying it between the computer, router and TV.

The router, of course, must be configured to access the network, otherwise no media server will work. If you have figured out the question of how to set up the Internet on Windows 7, then you can proceed directly to installing and configuring the program.

Program installation

Download the program distribution package to begin installing it. It is better to download from the official website, since the current and verified version of the utility is located here. You can choose two types of download - as a *.exe file or in an archive format. There is no difference between them, so choose according to your taste.

The installation process itself is extremely simple: you only need to specify the directory in which the application's executable files will be stored and decide whether to create a program shortcut on the desktop.

After assigning installation parameters, click the “Install” button. Wait until the installation is complete to begin setting up the program.

Setting up the program

When you first start the program, it should appear with initial settings where you need to select your media device.
Depending on the type of hardware you specify, the Native Support field will display a comma-separated list of supported formats.

If your TV can play some formats that are not in the “Built-in support” field, then check the “Custom device” checkbox. Manually write the formats supported by your equipment and click “Next” to move to the next settings window.

In the “Media resource directories” window, you need to make directories visible to your device (“share”) either local or network drives. Open by default standard folders, but to avoid confusion with them, it is better to allow access to local disks. To perform this procedure, check the boxes of the drives that you want to make accessible through the media server and click the “Scan” button.

You can also manually add directories or external media. To do this, click the “Add” button, select the directory you need and start the scanning process.

After scanning local and removable drives in the program interface you can see full list audio, video and photos stored on your computer.

Remember that the more multimedia information the program has to check, the longer it will take to launch, so do not overdo it with the number of “shared” directories.

The next setting item is parameters Reserve copy. You can specify your storage path backup copy, used to restore program data, or leave everything as is.

After clicking the “Run” button, the backup process will begin. You can specify which parameters you want to save in the backup file by checking them. After completing the data backup procedure, click the “Close” button.

Starting the server

After setting up all the important parameters, you can proceed directly to enabling the DLNA server on your computer. To do this, click on the “Launch” button - a message will appear on the screen that the start was successful.

After starting the server, you need to turn on the TV. If the connection is established correctly, it will appear on the “Playback Devices” tab in the program. If the list is empty, update it using the special button on the right panel.

Test the server by running files from your computer on your TV screen:

If the Home Media Server program is configured correctly, the file you launched from your computer will appear on the TV screen. But opening media files from a computer is not always convenient, so you need to learn how to additionally run them directly on the TV.

To prevent the program from disturbing you on your computer, close it by clicking on the red cross. The work of the home server will not be completed, since the application will not turn off completely, but will only be minimized to the system tray.

Viewing files on TV

After setting up the server on your computer, you can go to the TV and try to open “shared” folders through it. On different models The TV connects to the created server in its own way. For example, LG devices have built-in Smart app Share.

Select the created home server as the signal source. If this item is not on the list, update the list of sources.

Don't forget to configure your firewall by temporarily disabling it; otherwise, the firewall will block the TV's attempts to connect to the home server.

After selecting the signal source, you will see a directory of folders, among which there will be directories “shared” on the computer. You can launch available files and watch them on your TV screen.

Possible applications

The Home Media Server program provides users with several interesting opportunities, allowing you to expand the functionality of a regular TV to the level of a real home entertainment center.

Interactive television

To enjoy all the benefits of interactive broadcasting, you can set up Rostelecom television. But there is another option that allows you to do without concluding an additional agreement with the provider - download an interactive television playlist and launch it through your home media server.

For IPTV to work, you need to install the VLC Player program. Installing this application will not be difficult even for a novice user, since the convenient installation wizard does everything automatically - all you have to do is click the “Next” button.

The next step is to restart the home media server, which is done by clicking a special button on the top panel of the program.

After this, you can go to the TV and select the “Internet Television” folder in the media server directory. If you downloaded the working playlist and installed it correctly, you will see a list of channels presented in it.

Of course, this is not the most convenient option for playing interactive television, especially if the user has a Smart TV or has configured the IPTV function from the provider. However, if you have nothing but a home server, then using the “Home Media Server” program can be called the most adequate solution.

If your TV does not support Smart TV, but you want to be able to watch online broadcasts, then you can delegate some smart TV functions to the Home Media Server program using installed podcasts.

Podcasts in this case are files that allow you to directly launch online cinemas on your TV. For example, on the forum of the official website of the Home Media Server application, it is possible to download a podcast to play and manage video files from social network In contact with.

Download the desired podcast to your computer and drop it into the main program window, as you did with the interactive television playlist file.

Expand the Podcasts section and select the app you downloaded to online broadcasts. Click on it right click and select "Update".

Wait for the update process to complete and go to your TV. Find the “Podcasts” folder and select the application downloaded through the media server inside it.