Not so long ago, the creation of an entertainment center based on home network, to which user devices in the form of computers, laptops, television panels and mobile devices would be connected, one could not even dream of. However, today such actions no longer seem like something out of science fiction, since in order to combine all devices into single network when used to access, broadcast and play media home media server for Windows 10, can be used special technology DLNA (UPnP, HTTP). We will talk further about how to create such a center yourself. There is nothing particularly complicated about this, however, at some stages you will need to pay attention to specialized settings, without which the created center will not work.
What is Home Media Server for Windows 10?
First, let's look at what this organization of access to multimedia and content playback is. It’s worth noting right away that the home media server for Windows in terms of installation and configuration is based on the use of a wireless connection.
The current connection can be a connection via a router or Wi-Fi Direct, if such technology is supported by the devices on the network. Such questions especially often concern television panels of early generations. But almost all modern TVs have such support, but it may be called differently.
The simplest method to access files
Before you start creating a media server and setting it up, pay attention to the fact that sometimes it is not necessary to do this to simplify the actions performed.
It is enough to simply “share” folders with multimedia content by setting them to public access. In this case, it is imperative to enable the ability to identify computers on the network. If you do not do this, the folders will remain invisible even if shared access is set.
In the case of set-top boxes like Mag, the problem is simplified even further, since they already have a pre-installed setting for DLNA (UPnP), which, when activated, allows you to immediately access the necessary files and folders.
Also, if devices on the network are detected, you can simply use the RMB menu on the selected file using the line “Bring to device...”, and then select the active device connected to the network. After this, playback of the selected object will immediately begin in Media (by default) with the broadcast transmitted to the connected terminal or mobile gadget.
DLNA server in Windows 10: setting, outputting content for playback
Now directly about the methodology for creating and activating an entertainment network center. Setup for Windows 10 begins by using the network and Internet section located in the “Control Panel” (if the display of categories is enabled in the view menu), where you need to go to the home group settings.
Now the question of how to set up a DLNA media server on Windows 10 (8.1, 8 or 7) is to create new group and include only those user devices that will be allowed access. To do this, click the corresponding button at the bottom of the window, after which you select the types of multimedia files to which you want to open access.
After this, use the continue button and go to the section for automatically generating passwords. The combination issued by the system must be written down or remembered, since without it it will be impossible to connect gadgets to the server. Then all that remains is to click the “Finish” button and proceed to editing the parameters.
In the new window, you can change the initially created password that will use the home media server for Windows 10, troubleshoot connection problems, etc. However, it is mandatory to activate the file streaming option with permission to play multimedia content (selected above) for all devices connected to the network.
Streaming media
Now the created media server for a home network in Windows 10 requires one important setting. To avoid searching for it in various menus for a long time, simply search for “Media streaming options” (without quotes), and in the new window click the corresponding power button.
Next, you need to name the media folder, which is installed by default. You can also add or exclude devices on the network from the list and be sure to click the “Allow all” button.
If you use additional settings, as in the first stages, you can select the content type. If all types are enabled, devices on the network will have access to the Pictures, Music and Videos folders on the parent terminal, which is used as the main server.
By the way, setting these particular parameters also has the advantage that you don’t need to create them. The main condition here is to register devices on the network so that they are visible.
Note: When installing these options, be sure to change the network type from public to private and enable device discovery for it.
Adding files and folders
So, the home media server for Windows 10 has been created. Now you need to add multimedia folders so that their contents can be played on all devices on the network.
To do this, launch the standard player Windows Media, select the multimedia type, use the RMB menu to manage the video library (music library or gallery) and add the necessary directories. Now their contents can be played (played) on all devices that support DLNA.
Specialized program for Windows 10
However, you can simplify your work and use utilities specially designed for such purposes. One of the easiest to use exclusively on Windows systems is the Home Media Server (HMS) software home media server. You can even download it from the official Microsoft website.
The program for Windows 10 “Home Media Server” is recommended for use by those users who do not have the necessary knowledge to make settings using the operating system. After starting the utility, the basic settings and options installed by default do not need to be changed. The essence of using the application is simply to add devices and select directories with multimedia content. If for some reason the devices are not visible, you should click the update list button or check their connection to virtual network. But, in theory, there should be no problems.
Serviio application
Another fairly simple but powerful utility, presented in the form of the Serviio package. IN installed application After launching the Serviiio Console applet, you must immediately change the language to Russian.
After this, you should add the directories in which there is material to be played, and that’s it - the server is ready for use. You can disable it at any time using the status item in the settings. This program, just like the previous package, changes basic settings does not imply. Everything works using standard preset options.
Instead of an afterword
It remains to add that it is better for the average user to use highly targeted programs rather than system tools to create a server. But for those who do not want to install additional software, the Windows toolkit is quite enough. However, this is a matter of preference for the users themselves.
As for possible problems When connected, the created server can be checked using Windows tools, as described above. The troubleshooter is launched in the settings, after which a list of errors and recommendations for resolving them will be displayed. In some cases, if these are not critical failures, they may be fixed automatically. In general, there is nothing particularly complicated here.
Finally, one more point can be especially noted. The fact is that when creating such an entertainment center, you can use some of its additional capabilities. For example, download the same large films to mobile device not at all necessary. You can quite simply set some selected directory on the server (PC or laptop on which it was created) as the final download folder.
One of the characteristics that distinguishes one modern televisions from others, is the degree of their intelligence. In a figurative sense, of course. We are talking about the technological advantages of the so-called Smart TV. Regular digital TVs, as a rule, can play the role of the TV itself, working in tandem with a receiver, play media content using the built-in player (alas, often with a limited list readable formats), and also serve as a monitor for a computer, game or TV console. Whereas Smart TV, they are also smart TVs, are able to participate to a greater extent in the chain of content reproduction as independent participants.
1. About media streaming and DLNA technology
Smart TVs are actually the same computers, because they have their own hardware capabilities, have their own software, and can connect to wired and wireless networks. And the last thing is almost complete independence from source devices. The advantages of direct TV access to the Internet are obvious, but there are many of them with local access to a computer. Streaming media from a computer to TV is the TV's direct access to files on the computer. Streaming eliminates the fuss with flash drives and external hard drives. Files are transferred from the computer to the TV over the network. Without the participation of a computer, as long as it is simply turned on, without the participation of a smartphone, without the participation of set-top boxes and other source devices, all permitted material can be played using a TV - video, photos, music, any media files that such a TV can play.
DLNA technology allows devices on the same network to exchange media content. Many people support her modern devices, capable of connecting to the network - computers, tablets, smartphones, TV and game consoles, and, of course, Smart TV. For example, smart TVs from LG that support DLNA technology have a proprietary Smart Share application - a shell of this technology with user interface. Applications from other Smart TV brands are called differently and, accordingly, have a different interface. In particular, the smart ones Samsung TVs The shell for DLNA technology is the standard AllShare application. And for Sony TVs, this is the Vaio Media Server application.
How to set up streaming media from a Windows computer - PC or laptop - to TV? We will examine this issue in detail below.
2. What do you need to set up streaming from a computer to TV?
To set up streaming from a computer to a TV, as mentioned, it is necessary that the latter supports the network. By the way, to stream media files, the Smart TV “status” for the TV is not required. The TV may not have super-functionality; it simply must support the network and allow the selection of a signal source with at least primitive standard functionality. Such a TV must have a built-in Wi-Fi module or an Ethernet network port. As a rule, modern Smart TVs provide both options - both a wired and a wireless network connection.
Both devices - the TV and the PC or laptop - must be connected to a single local network. When connected to a router (router), any devices - computers, smartphones, tablets, set-top boxes, smart TVs - are automatically combined into one small network. Of course, if you don’t have a router, you can get by by directly connecting the TV to your computer over the network. What you need to do this is to connect network cable to the Ethernet ports of devices. But in this case, if the computer has only one network port (one LAN card with one Ethernet port), you will have to constantly reconnect the cable from the TV and the cable from the Internet provider. It is not comfortable. A router must be in the house if there is a question of unlocking the potential of Smart TV. Well, a Wi-Fi router is a must-have if you use smartphones or tablets in the house.
The method of connecting the TV to the network - wired or wireless, if it provides both options, is not important.
Next condition streaming – configured access using DLNA technology to media library folders on the computer. On Windows, this can be done in several ways.
3. Setting up network access to computer files in Windows Media Player
A way to configure access to computer files in Windows without the need to install third-party software is to use standard Windows Player Media.
On the Windows toolbar Media Player Click the “Stream” option and check the box next to:
- "Turn on streaming multimedia…".
After switching on this parameter a system window will open with streaming parameters, where you can specify the name of the media library and flexibly configure the availability of media content for specific devices networks: for some, leave the preset resolution, and for others, remove it.
The configured permissions will allow other devices to access files over the network only in the user profile folders. These are the “Video”, “Music”, “Pictures” folders, which are displayed in Windows Explorer along with disk partitions, drives and removable devices of the computer. If this is more than enough, you can start testing file playback on your TV using local applications that work with DLNA technology.
But storing files in user profile folders is on system disk– not the best idea from the standpoint of availability free space on drive C, and from the point of view of the safety of these files in case of a critical failure Windows operation. As a rule, media libraries of impressive size are stored on non-system partitions of the computer disk. Folders of such media libraries must be added in a separate step to the Windows Media Player library,
To make the contents of other computer folders available for streaming to the TV in the Windows Media Player window, click the “Arrange” option, select “Manage Libraries”, and in it – one of the content types: “Music Library” for audio files, “Video” for video files , “Gallery” for photos and pictures.
A window will open with a list of existing libraries, and to add the desired folder to this list, click the “Add” button on the side. Add this folder in the Explorer window that opens, then click “Ok” in the list window.
Alternative way adding folders with media content to the system list of folders with open access for home network devices - adding to the library using the context menu command in Windows Explorer. At any time, any folder on your computer where videos, music or photos are stored can be accessed for playback from network devices. To do this, you need to open this folder in Explorer, call up the context menu and select the “Add to Library” command. The folder will be added to the appropriate library and its contents will be available for streaming.
The list of folders with video and audio files open for streaming will also change when changes are made to it using the standard Windows 10 Movies and TV and Groove Music applications. In the settings section of both applications, you can add and remove folders to local collections of video and audio files. Local application collections work in conjunction with system libraries.
4. Setting up network access to computer files using the LG Smart Share program
Some Smart TV brands have their own desktop software operating systems, through which you can configure access to media files on your computer. These programs can be downloaded from the TV manufacturers' website or on the Internet. For example, to allow Samsung smart TVs to access computer content, the South Korean corporation created Samsung program Allshare. And for LG TVs on the company’s website it is available for free download Windows program LG Smart Share for PC. Let's take a closer look at it. On the LG website, select the version for Windows and download.
Installation of LG Smart Share is standard. After launching the program, you need to select any of the proposed content settings options – Movie, Photo, Music.
In the window that appears, access must be enabled. If it is disabled, set the switch to the “On” position.
Switch to the “My” tab shared files" Here you can allow access to files in the specified folders. Using a button in the form of a folder with a plus sign, you need to add any other folders with media content to the existing folders of the user profile. After adding, click the “Apply” button at the bottom, then “OK”.
All - now the content of all folders displayed in the “My Shared Files” tab of the program will be available for network devices, in particular for TV.
In the program settings tab just below - “My device settings” - you can change the computer name. Using this name, the computer will be identified on the network for other devices.
The LG Smart Share utility process will automatically start along with the Windows system, providing further access to your computer's media files.
To make sure that everything works as it should, launch the SmartShare application on the TV.
Go to the “Devices” section and select our media server.
Open any of shared folders, which contains media files.
Let's try to play the file.
5. Setting up network access to computer files using the Home Media Server program
Another way to provide TVs, set-top boxes, mobile and other devices that support the network and DLNA technology with access to your computer’s media content is the Windows program “Home Media Server (UPnP, DLNA, HTTP)”. The program works with many popular TVs: LG, Samsung, Toshiba, Sony, Philips. Using this program, a DLNA server is launched on the computer, to which all network devices can connect. By default, the program allows you to manage server files from the TV - essentially, computer files.
The advantage of using Home Media Server over all of the streaming options listed above is that it has more features and is more customizable. The program provides various transcoders for video and audio files, which allows you to convert media content, if it initially exists on the computer in a format not supported by the TV, into a format that is supported by it. You can additionally configure the broadcast of individual Internet channels (radio and digital television) on your TV.
“Home Media Server” can be downloaded absolutely free on the creators’ website.
Download the program, install it and run it. Upon startup, the initial settings window will immediately appear. You can leave everything as default and refuse to scan media files. Let's move on to the program settings in a separate order.
In the program window, click the “Settings” button on the toolbar at the top of the window.
In the settings window that opens, we will see the category tabs on the right. In the first tab “Media Resources”, using the “Add” button, we can add any folders with media content to the program list to give them access for streaming. General access can be opened immediately to all partitions of the computer disk (C, D, E, etc.), to all network drives, to all connected removable media. To do this, you need to check the boxes next to the required options at the bottom of the window - accordingly, “ Local disks», « Network drives" and "Removable devices".
The Media Resources settings tab provides many options for the added folders. For example, by clicking the “Change” button, we will be able to exclude hiding files and directories, remove certain types of files, set a different folder name - and all this within the framework of the DLNA server, without changes on the computer.
At the bottom of the “Media Resources” tab there are separate sections with an abundance of different settings. In the “Scanning” section, you can pay attention to the option “Always use file name as the name of the media resource.” Without checking this option, the names of media files in Russian will be converted into transliterated Latin letters or into unreadable crocodile.
In the “Devices” settings tab we will see a list of all detected network devices that will have access to DLNA server files. Any of the devices on the list can be disabled by removing the green activity button.
In the “Server” settings tab, instead of the default DLNA server name, we can set our own name, for example, more convenient for perception. Next to the server name field we will see its port - 45397. It may happen that the antivirus or firewall running on the computer will block the operation of the DLNA server. In case of such blocking, the DLNA server port must be granted permission to work in the antivirus or firewall settings.
Also in the “Server” tab, you need to pay attention to the default option that prevents the computer from going into sleep mode while the DLNA server is running. If it becomes necessary to put your PC or laptop into sleep mode, the DLNA server will need to be stopped in the future. If, on the contrary, the checkbox for the option “Prevent the computer from going into sleep mode while the server is running” is not checked for some reason, it is better to check it. Otherwise, watching a movie on TV will be unceremoniously interrupted as soon as the laptop goes to sleep to save battery power.
The Home Media Server program has a very rich selection of settings, and its potential can be revealed gradually, testing certain features as you become familiar with them. For now, let's limit ourselves to the settings already made and save them. Click “Ok” below and agree to scan media files in the configured folders.
After the program completes the scanning process, we can launch the DLNA server. To do this, click the “Launch” button on the toolbar at the top of the main program window.
Home Media Server works in background, and the program can be controlled from the system tray. By calling the context menu on the program button in the system tray, the DLNA server can be stopped, started, or restarted.
Automate this process so that the DLNA server starts automatically with starting Windows, can be found in the program settings. Last tab The “Advanced” settings provide in the “Startup” column options for autostarting the program itself when Windows starts, autostarting the DLNA server when the program starts, as well as installing its background service in the Windows system.
Once the DLNA server is running, all available media content on the computer can be played on the TV through a local DLNA application. In the TV app, the DLNA server will appear as a connected playback device. Inside it, folders with computer media content configured in the Home Media Server program will be available.
You can launch available media content for playback not only in the TV application. You can also assign the Home Media Server program to start playing media files on your TV. To do this, in the main window of the program, select the appropriate content - click on the “Movies”, “Music” or “Photo” button on the toolbar at the top. The right side of the program window will display folder files that were previously accessed for broadcasting to the TV. Select the desired video, audio file or picture from the list, call the context menu on this file and select “Play to” among the commands. In the list of devices that appears, select the TV. The selected movie, track or photo will unfold on the TV screen.
6. "Bring to device" function Windows 8.1 and 10
The function of starting playback of media files on a computer with displaying the image on a TV is also provided as part of the standard functionality in Windows versions 8.1 and 10. If the Windows system allows playback of computer media files by network devices in Windows Media Player, as discussed above, a movie, audio track or photo can be launched on the computer, and viewing or listening can be continued on the TV. This is a handy thing when you don’t particularly want to fiddle with the TV remote control and look for, for example, the desired movie among a bunch of other media files, killing your nerves with monotonous flipping through file after file.
To launch a media file on your computer, you need to open the context menu on it in Windows Explorer and select the “Bring to device” command. This is the command for Windows systems 10. In Windows 8.1, this context menu command is called “Play To”.
After this, we will see a list of network devices available for playback. Choose a TV. Running file will unfold on the TV screen, and on the computer screen we will see a small window Windows player Media with a playlist where you can additionally add some files.
7. Bring to Device feature in Windows 10 Movies & TV app
Available for media files in context menu conductor Windows function“Bring to device” is also implemented in Windows application 10 "Cinema and TV". It works on the principle of launching a video file in an application on a computer and continuing to watch it on a network device, in particular, on a TV screen. Open the “Movies and TV” application, launch the video and in viewing mode, click the first button at the bottom – the button to connect to available playback devices. A list of all network devices defined for outputting the video file will appear in a small window. Choose a TV.
In the future, you can continue watching the movie again on your computer, in the “Movies and TV” application. This is a great idea for a home filled with digital technology that is connected into one network. For example, having started watching a movie on the TV screen in the living room, you can continue watching it on the kitchen TV screen. And then you can move back to the living room with the film. And to do this, you just need to pause for a couple of simple actions on the computer.
8. Conclusion
As you can see, the choice of ways to configure the computer part of the chain of interaction between the computer and the TV over the network is great. Despite the fact that the article turned out to be voluminous, in fact, not all programs on the software market for implementing multimedia streaming from a computer to a TV are considered. Setting up your TV is easier.
As mentioned above, your computer's media files can be accessed through local smart TV apps. And these are the above-mentioned Smart Share for LG TVs, AllShare for Samsung, Vaio Media Server for Sony and others. On regular network-enabled TVs, where the firmware does not provide separate applications, access to computer files can be configured by selecting a media server as the signal source. In many cases, the source button on the TV remote is called “Source”.
Have a great day!
Having at your disposal a home media server for Windows, you significantly expand the possibilities of using your information.
This can bring maximum benefit if you have several computers and modern TVs at home.
Although the server will also simplify the use of information on mobile phones, laptops, game consoles and tablets connected to 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 you to exchange information between various devices– for example, a computer, a smartphone and a TV equipped with 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 complicated.
But this option allows you to transfer fairly large amounts of information at high speed (up to 1000 Mb/s).
Still possible wireless connecting 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 set up - you just need to set up a router (and, preferably, set a password) and connect all computers, TVs and phones to it.
Typically, users choose wireless network due to the ease of connection and the absence of wires throughout the apartment.
A lot of equipment simply does not have suitable connectors for inclusion in a single network - on many smartphones, tablets, older 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.
Creating a DLNA server
To use it, you need to open the app on the computer that is now your home server and enable streaming for your homegroup.
As a result, on a TV connected to the group, you can even watch movies whose format is not supported by the device - for example, mkv.
Although to do this you will have to keep the player turned on while playing the video.
Configuration programs
In addition to using standard means systems, a DLNA server can be created and configured using third-party applications.
Home Mediaserver
For example, using Home program Mediaserver, which is quite easy to work with and can be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website.
Many equipment manufacturers allow you to download their applications for working with DLNA servers from official resources, simplifying system setup.
We present the most popular of them:
Plex
Plex is a fairly convenient option for any user. The server runs 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 with Sony PlayStation 3 and 4 consoles, respectively;
Serviio
Serviio, free application, the capabilities of which can be improved by purchasing an improved version for $25, which provides access not only to home library files, but also to content from the Internet;
XBMC
XBMC is a free software program originally designed for the Xbox, but now works on other devices and most operating systems.
Results
Using easy-to-install and configure software or even built-in Windows tools, you can link all your home media playback devices into a common network.
This can significantly simplify your leisure time: 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 that are open for viewing.
Thematic video:
Home media server (UPnP)- a universal program that provides access to content hard drive your computer electronic devices, such as TVs, players, game consoles. Data is transmitted via the UPnP (DLNA) protocol. This program works with TVs, game consoles, music centers, mobile phones and smartphones.
Today, human life in modern realities is very difficult to imagine without high technology. Each of us is surrounded by laptops, computers, televisions, music centers. It often happens when you really want to watch your favorite movie on a big TV or play computer game via the console. Multifunctional is designed to solve such problems software package home media server for Windows. With its help, you can organize full access to all media contents of your computer’s hard drive.
Download Home Media Server for free
The Home Media Server program is small in size. You can install a home media server in just a few minutes. Its main capabilities include transcoding video and audio into a form that is supported by a TV or tape recorder. You can also customize subtitles, select the desired picture size for any screen, and select audio tracks yourself. The user has the opportunity to send Internet radio or television directly to the TV or player.
If you don't see your life without digital television, you can also download a home media server. It supports all modern digital formats (C, S, T), works perfectly with the VLC Media Player program and can, using the Digital Media Renderer function, transmit a digital signal to other electronic devices.
The home media server in Russian has wide functionality. It is possible to save transcoding profiles. Their use greatly simplifies setup when connecting new devices. Downloading a free home media server (DLNA) is recommended for owners of Philips, Sony, Panasonic, JVC, Toshiba, Samsung TVs and players. Each of them has all the necessary connectors for interaction via the UPnP protocol with personal computer. Thus, with the help of this program you can significantly expand the capabilities of these TVs.
All novice users are advised to take a look at the official website of this application. There is a wonderful forum where the solutions of the most common problems. You can also learn how to effectively connect a particular device.
You can download the home media server without registration and SMS on the SoftAttaka website. We always provide the latest and most relevant updates.