The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) is the standard for sharing content across home network devices. It connects DLNA-certified devices over WIFI through routers. This simplifies connecting gadgets like computers, phones, and TVs. The connection lets users share music, videos/audio, and photos. DLNA turns a certified device into a universal media server. DLNA Windows setup for your home network is easy.
What is DLNA?
DLNA is a technology that means Digital Living Network Alliance. It is used in home networks to connect multiple devices. This technology connects smart TVs, smartphones, media players, and computers. It makes it possible to stream media content across interconnected devices. With this technology, you can stream movies and music. You can also share photos with various devices from your smartphone. DLNA creates a smooth entertainment experience across your home.
You can easily create a DLNA server on any computer regardless of its operating system. For instance, you can create a flawless DLNA server Mac and stream your media content. What is DLNA media server and what is it for? You can check this https://setapp.com/lifestyle/dlna-media-server website to learn more about the DLNA media server. For basic information, a DLNA is an app that connects your devices, turning them into entertainment gadgets. It puts all your media content into one place. This includes all your music, pictures, and videos. You must set up the server before connecting the devices. This creates a point through which each device connects to the central device.
What is a media server?
A home media server is an app that organizes your media files. It stores your photos, music, and videos. The server avails them across all devices. It works like a centralized repository for storing all your media content. You can access them from there and stream across your smart devices.
For instance, you can use a home media server on your computer to stream a video on your TV. You can use the same server to play music on your phone. Generally, a media service provides you with endless entertainment in your home.
How to make a media server
Prepare the following items to make a media server for home.
- A computer operating on Windows 10 or later.
- A strong WIFI or Ethernet.
- A DLNA device like a media player, smart TV, or computer.
- Media content on your smartphone or computer.
The process for DLNA Windows setup
Several steps help connect your home entertainment content and devices to a centralized place. First, enable home media streaming across your network. Next, set up your streaming options. Lastly, organize your media library and connect to your DLNA devices. Follow this process to go through the steps successfully.
Set up media streaming
Type the word Control Panel in the Windows search bar. This bar is located on the left bottom of your screen. Press the Enter key and wait for your search results to appear. Look for the Network and Internet option in the Control Panel. Open this option and proceed to the Network and Sharing Center option.
Look for the Change Advanced Sharing settings once the Network and Sharing Center option opens. Under these settings, open Media Streaming and proceed to the Choose Media streaming options. Once you open this option, a dialogue window will open. In this window, enable the Turn on media streaming option.
Do Windows media server configurations
You can now proceed to Windows media server configurations. In this step, create your media library access permissions and name it. Look in the Media streaming window. You will find all your networked devices listed there. Open each device icon and set up the various access permissions.
You may allow some and block others depending on the content and users. It is best however to allow access to all the devices. This provides better convenience to everyone at home. Next, name your media library. You can do this at the top of the Media streaming options window.
Organize your Windows DLNA server
Create files in the Windows DLNA server and add content to them. To do this, open the Windows Media Player. Check the left pane of this player for the various options. You will find options like videos, music, and pictures. Open the Manage Library option and create folders for each. That is, create folders for music, pictures, and videos. The player will automatically add them to the media server for the home library.
Activate the media server for home
To activate the server means to connect it to all your DLNA devices. Turn on each device and open its settings option. Turn on the enable access icon on each device. Your computer will display as a media server in the DLNA library. Click on it to allow it to access all the other devices.
You can now browse for media files and begin streaming. If you experience connection issues, check your network. Ensure all the devices are on the same network. Update your drivers and ensure the player is allowed in the Firewall. Restart your devices to refresh the connection.
Conclusion
DLNA turns your devices into entertainment gadgets. You can easily create a media server for home on your Windows computer. This provides you with endless entertainment controlled from a central point. Ensure your devices are allowed on the Fire and update your drivers to avoid connection interruptions.