Probably, many users of computers, laptops and mobile gadgets at least once would like to watch their favorite movies, photos, TV shows, say, on a large screen TV panel or, conversely, synchronize the Internet broadcast of the same TV, radio with a mobile device, and also listen to music on a good speaker system. To do this, we need the so-called UPnP media server. What is it and how to configure it, we will now consider. There is nothing complicated.
UPnP - what is it?
In general, UPnP is an abbreviation of the term Universal Plug & Play. In other words, this is a kind of virtual system that combines the connections of smart devices located on the same network among themselves based on the TCP / IP, UDP, HTTP, etc. protocols.
Understanding the topic “UPnP: what is it?”, We can simply describe it as creating the ability to transmit and receive data by all devices that support this standard. As a simple example, let’s say, for example, viewing photos on the same TV instead of a smartphone. As already clear, it’s enough just to synchronize the devices with each other to make mutual access to the data.
Windows Presets
Before starting to consider how to configure and enable the home media server UPnP, you should perform some preliminary settings in the "OS" itself.
In Windows, depending on the version, this is done in slightly different ways, but the general principle is the same.
So, you need to activate the UPnP server (Windows 7). How to enable it? There is nothing easier. You just need to go to the programs and components section (in previous versions of Windows, the Add or Remove Programs menu) located in the standard Control Panel, and then select the installation options for Windows components. Here the point of network services is selected, on which a check is put, and on the right the point of their composition is used. When you enter this menu, you must definitely enable the client for detection and management, as well as note the UPnP user interface . Next, changes are simply saved, which take effect without a reboot. This applies equally to XP, Vista, 8, or 10 systems.
Here it is worth paying attention that in some cases you may need a Windows installation disc.
How to enable UPnP on the router
But that is not all. If you intend to make a network connection between devices using a wireless connection using a router (router), you will have to check UPnP settings on it as well.
Although, as a rule, almost all the most common router models come with the UPnP service already enabled, it’s better to check the settings anyway. For most models, the router menu is entered by entering the address 192.168.1.1 in any Internet browser. Depending on the model, the menus may differ in the names or location of individual controls. But in any case, you need to find the option “Enable UPnP” or make it available (in the English version - the menu Enable UPnP Protocol or Enable UPnP Settings).
Enabling UPnP on Skype
Now consider an example of a popular program for communicating using IP-telephony Skype. UPnP technology is also used here. What does this apply to the application itself? This is the same port forwarding system to establish communication with another device. It’s much more pleasant to communicate with friends, seeing their image, say, on the big screen of the television panel.
Enabling UPnP is easy. Here you need to go into the main settings of the program and select additional parameters, and then use the "Connection" menu. It has a special UPnP enable field, in front of which you need to check and then save the changes.
The simplest utility for creating a home media server
Actually, here we come to the main issue of configuring and enabling the UPnP server. To begin with, as already clear, you need to decide on the program (UPnP client). As the simplest, not requiring manual configuration utility, you can advise Samsung PC Share Manager.
In this program, almost all settings are automated, the determination of devices and the connection method does not require user participation, but the only thing that is required is the indication of shared folders with the multimedia files stored in them. By default, the application selects its own parameters, but the directories preferred by the program can be deleted or set your own instead.
It is important to check whether the same public access is open to them. This is done from the properties menu, which is called by right-clicking on the directory. Well, after starting, the UPnP server will turn on automatically, and all the devices currently present on the home network will synchronize. Sometimes it may be necessary to add a program to the firewall exception list.
Perhaps the only drawback of the application is the inability to watch online television or listen to the radio. You can only play content stored in shared folders.
Using the Home Media Server program
Another thing is the use of the more serious application Home Media Server (Russian development). Here, however, you will have to delve into the settings.
Although automatic detection is enabled, in some cases you will have to add devices manually. So, for example, the program clearly defines the desired computer terminal on which it is installed, as well as the router responsible for the connection. If you need to transmit a signal, say, to an IPTV set-top box and then broadcast it to a television panel, you will have to enter the IP or MAC address of the device yourself.
Next up is the issue of transcoding. In most cases, the “Films (main)” mode is selected, but if the special Ace Stream utility (one of the Ace Player components) is installed in the system, it is better to use it.
With shared folders, everything is also simple here, but on the issue of television broadcasting, you again have to strain your brains. So, for example, to watch torrent television, you will need to register on a specific resource, and then download from it the so-called podcasts, which must be added to the list, and then updated. Only after that it will be possible to watch television programs.
Along the way, it is worth noting that on the set-top box you will have to manually enable the use of the UPnP server. Most often, LAN mode is used to enable it. Maybe another, it all depends on the modification of the console itself.
In general, there are a lot of settings in the program. You can deal with the main ones without problems. But if you need to use any additional parameters, you will have to spend some time. But then the user gets at his disposal a powerful tool for synchronizing devices of any type. In passing, we note that for mobile devices, it may be necessary to install special applications and activate UPnP. Without this, there can be no talk of any synchronization.
Yes, and pay attention to one more thing. Unlike the previous utility, the server is turned on only in manual mode using the special start button or, if required, restart.
Instead of an afterword
So we briefly reviewed the topic “UPnP: what is it?”. Here are the most common situations and rules for setting up and working with a home media server. Naturally, you can use any other utilities, however, the initial principles for setting up and enabling almost all UPnP clients are the same. If you study at least a couple of simple programs, deal with the rest is not difficult.