DLNA is a protocol (set of standards), according to which modern interoperable multimedia technology has the ability to receive and transmit various content within the home network. In addition, it can be displayed online. That is, all devices (computers, mobile phones, stereos and consumer electronics) that support the DLNA specification can be automatically combined and configured into a home network.
Many buyers of multimedia equipment are surprised to find the DLNA logo on it. In this case, this designation refers to devices that can participate in the creation of a home network designed to receive and transmit media content in real time.
In order to realize all the advantages of DLNA technology and using a home network, you can imagine the classic situation with downloading an interesting movie on the Web and wanting to watch it on TV. In the traditional interpretation, such an objective reality is usually accompanied by recording on a digital medium (CD or USB flash drive) and playback on a multimedia player. However, these manipulations become completely unnecessary when using a special information exchange protocol called DLNA.
Its use as an ideal synchronizer between all supporting devices connected to the home network allows for optimal exchange of digital content. In this case, the computer acts as the host and the other home appliances act as the client. The home network creates a huge advantage, as it allows you to instantly access any information data located on any device connected to it.
For example, after downloading an interesting video to your computer, you can immediately broadcast it to the TV screen. The same applies to photos taken with a phone or camera. Instantly transfer them to your computer or TV for a spectacular slideshow. What can we say about lovers of quality music, when recording an acoustic file to any device compatible with dlna allows you to enjoy comfortable listening through the use of home music equipment.
Setting up a home network
When creating a home network that includes various samples of multimedia equipment, you must be guided by the fact that in this case there are two types of devices that support the DLNA protocol. These include "DLNA Client" and "DLNA Server". In this context, the client receives the signal and the server transmits it. It is important to understand that most modern television receivers can act as a dlna client. And even in the absence of such an opportunity, they can be connected to the home network through a media player that has this function.
In addition, it should be borne in mind that gadgets (computers, tablets, smartphones) can play the role of both a server and a client. At a time when network storages will always be just servers. And for the interaction of devices within the home network, both wired and wireless connections can be used.
Thus, there is usually no need for additional software to create a Windows DLNA server. Indeed, in this case, it is quite enough to make the hard disk or, at least, a separate folder of the computer available for other devices on the home network. Not everything is so optimistic in the case of using a different operating system on the computer. So, the IOS or Linux platform can become a DLNA server only if special software is installed. All this applies to any mobile device. In this case, you will need to use special applications provided for this. By the way, it is optimal to use network storage if you need to install the dlna media server.
Connecting devices
Since almost all modern TVs and stereos are equipped with support for dlna protocols, they can connect to a home network (wired or wireless) without the use of any special technical means.
Accordingly, all devices on the home network can easily receive any data according to the DLNA protocol. To do this, you just need to use this function on the TV remote control or music center. And after receiving this command, the device will independently find the DLNA server, as a result of which it will be possible to select any media file from the available generated list.
disadvantages
After analyzing many consumer reviews, a number of difficulties and disadvantages associated with the use of DLNA technology can be noted.
Software compatibility. Often, software for specific models of TVs or computers (DLNA servers) implies its separate installation according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
Compatibility of TV formats. There are many TV models that only support certain signal formats (mpg4, avi and wmv). Therefore, when downloading movies from the Web, you should take into account the fact that other types of codecs may not be readable without connecting a multimedia player.
Weak Wi-Fi signal. When using a wireless home network, the signal strength from the router may not be sufficient to broadcast high quality video. Movie playback in this case will be accompanied by endless delays. To eliminate this cause, you can shorten the distance between the router and the TV receiver, or connect it to the Internet directly using a wire.
conclusions
The field of application of the thematic information outlined above, in practice, mastering DLNA technology to create a home network does not present any difficulties. And the obvious benefits of using it are quite obvious. The following are useful tips for making effective use of your home network using DLNA technology.
In order to avoid playback stuttering when you start a large video file via streaming, you can purchase a new and more powerful router, or you can reduce the network load by turning off games, smartphones, and other downloads.
To increase the quality of the connection between the server and the client, you can replace the wireless home network with a wired one, ensuring that the router is not switched over Wi-Fi, but through a cable.
Poor Full HD video quality and the inability to play rare video formats can be eliminated by converting to the AVI standard supported by almost all manufacturers.
A few tips for setting up your home network
DLNA connection to a single home network means connecting all devices and setting up the server for signal transmission. In this case, a number of simple manipulations should be performed.
The devices are connected to a single network by means of a router, either wired or wirelessly. Moreover, for each technical tool, you must enter the password from the router.
The transfer of content from the server implies the presence on it of special software that allows you to select the necessary directories. The Windows 10 DLNA server is configured using the standard capabilities of the operating system. The sequence of actions in this case is as follows: "Explorer" - select the desired file and right-click on the submenu - "Transfer to device" - select from the general list a specific device for transferring content - the client will launch a file from the "Playlist" on the player form.
You can create a DLNA Server in Windows using the Streaming Options utility. In this case, you need to perform the following manipulations: "Start" - find and run the utility by clicking "Enable streaming …" - specify the server name in the network parameters and put "Allowed" in front of the objects allowed to receive files. Then you need to open the server files on the clients to identify the signal source ("Video", "Pictures" or "Music").
