Many users know what a home media server is for Windows 7 or other systems. But here you can find very few versed in the settings of this entertainment center. Therefore, for ordinary users it is worth filling this gap. Moreover, the solutions proposed below will help in organizing a home network with the ability to broadcast any content from one device to another.
What is a home media server for Windows 7 and above?
The very understanding of the work of this software comes down to ensuring that all devices connected to the same network via Internet access can play multimedia content, regardless of the category of the device itself and the types of files to open.
In this case, we are talking about the fact that when you create (for example, in Windows 7) a media server for your home network, you can simply connect all available devices, including stationary PCs, laptops, smartphones and tablets, to play files stored on them, or use the playback libraries on the device on which server authentication is installed.
To make it clear, “sharing” folders to ensure that they are shared on the network by operating system-defined devices is not the organization that a home media server for Windows 7 provides. Yes, of course, you can play video, audio or view photos. But this applies only to the material that was originally stored on the device. But when creating a server of this type it is absolutely not necessary to download files, for example, directly not the same smartphone or tablet. And what if computers are scattered around the world? But so far about the local version.
All devices must be combined, and this concerns not only access via VPN, but also the use of DLNA technology. The problem here is that data can be remotely transferred from a computer to a mobile device (as well as back). But broadcasting a signal to a TV panel, say, when watching online TV, will be impossible (especially if we are talking about outdated modifications).
DLNA Home Media Server (UPnP): how to configure it using system tools?
To begin with, all Windows operating systems, starting with XP, support this technology. For example, take the popular Windows 7 OS.
Setting up a home media server for Windows 7 can be done using the system itself. The proposed solution to many users may seem quite complicated, but its application allows you to refuse to use third-party programs.
The first step is to enter the standard “Control Panel”, select network connections and proceed to create a new home group in the appropriate section.
In the process of creating a group, an automatically generated password will be issued, which should be initially recorded and saved (without it, further connection of related devices will be impossible, but it will be possible to change it later).
Server installation and sharing
At the next stage, setting up a home media server for Windows 7 implies enabling access to content, but only in such a way that it can be broadcast to other devices (it is clear that this is what the server is created for).
Here you have to use the so-called streaming data transfer (you can go to the settings through the search by entering the search query). Next, select the directory that will be used by default on the created server device to access the contents or to save files, and then click the button for setting permissions for all types of multimedia (“Allow all”). If necessary, passwords and data types can be changed.
Broadcast to other devices
Now a few words about the most burning question regarding how to configure DLNA. Setting up DLNA on a TV, in general, does not mean anything special. It is enough to activate the permission for such a connection in the parameters or use the network settings.
Another thing is that at different manufacturers of equipment of this type (TV panel), the names of the connection technologies may vary somewhat. Here you have to choose exactly what corresponds to the maximum wireless connection. Sometimes it can be Wi-Fi Direct (on TV panels). If this module is missing, or the device itself does not support this type of connection, there's nothing to be done. True, you can use set-top boxes like the Mag 250. They allow you to use some of the DLNA functions provided that a network cable is connected directly.
Programs for connecting
But all this may seem a little complicated for the average person. As it turns out, the easiest way is to turn to the program of the same name, install it on your computer and use the default settings.
Alternatively, you can offer software products like Serviio or Plex. Fundamentally, they do not need to change the default options. You just need to launch the applet and follow the instructions of the “Setup Wizard” (in the Serviio application you need to start the corresponding console).
Finally
It remains to add that it is best to use the program of the same name, since it is the most suitable one. The Plex application or its analogs are quite problematic to configure, so their use is recommended only to users who have experience with this type of package. But Serviio is quite simple to run, and do not change anything. The program will do everything for you.
You can not even create a server, but use the function of cast to the device, which will help to play the desired file on the remote device. The only question is that all computers and mobile gadgets are detected on the network (the network identifier must be included).