A media server is an excellent solution for owners of home computer networks, in the structure of which the simultaneous use of several devices is assumed - TVs SMART-TV, mobile gadgets, as well as PCs and laptops. How to create a functional home media server? What type of program can I use for this?

What is a Home Media Server?

Many Russian users access the Internet via a Wi-Fi router. This device allows you to simultaneously connect several devices to the network at once. These can be laptops, tablets, or, for example, Smart TVs TV. Possibilities wireless networks allow you to create a real home media server - for TV, laptop and any other device with Wi-Fi support. What functions should it have? For example, a server can distribute media resources between different devices - video files, music, photos. Another useful function is to provide sharing devices to online services, for example, to IPTV.

Why build a home media server?

What is the purpose of users creating home media servers? Usually this is due to the desire to organize a more convenient and efficient way to work with media content through multiple devices. If, for example, a person wants to watch a movie using Smart TV, then without a media server of the appropriate type, this can only be done by going online, where you will have to search for a long time desired file, or through an external medium - a USB flash drive or HDD... In the second case, it is not always convenient to transfer media from one device to another. But if you have a media server, you can place the necessary files on it and run them from the TV, as well as from other devices, at any time.

Home media server in a number of configurations it can also function offline. This is useful if Internet access is not available for some reason. Even so, users home network will probably be able to entertain themselves by watching videos, photos, and listening to music available on the server.

How difficult is it to create a home media server? Setting up such a system - what are its nuances? It all depends on what functions the user wants to see in the home media content distribution system. When it comes to basic capabilities- for example, providing shared access to files of common multimedia types, then the structure of the server will not be too complex. There are enough different types Software that allows you to create an appropriate system for a user who has little experience in working with local computer networks... If you need to create a media server for a TV, then the possibilities of such solutions are almost always enough. A TV usually cannot recognize as many types of files as a computer, but just those that belong to the most common media standards.

But if the question is about how to set up a home media server not only for sharing content, but, say, also for ensuring that devices go online or to Internet TV resources, then more complex work will be required. The capabilities of those types of software that are adapted for inexperienced users may not be enough.

Server creation methods

What are the ways to create a home media server? One of the most technologically advanced is the acquisition of a separate system unit performing the corresponding functions. Its performance does not have to be high, since it is supposed to serve not hundreds of thousands of users, as is the case with Internet servers, but several devices within the home network. Therefore, large investments in equipment will not be required. What to look out for is performance hard disk system unit. It is desirable that the appropriate hardware component had enough volume and speed to handle the job. The hard disk will be subject to significant loads during the operation of the system.

Where to locate your home media server? It is necessary to find a place in the apartment in which the server block can constantly work and not interfere with anyone. It is advisable to connect the server to an Internet source - for example, a Wi-Fi router - using a wire, since you will probably need to use the maximum power of the bandwidth - this is sometimes difficult to do in wireless mode because there is interference.

Server software part

In many cases, the optimal operating system with which you can organize a server capable of accumulating user media resources is Linux Ubuntu. This OS is characterized by stability. However, in order to run a home media server using Ubuntu, the setup will be quite complex, and the user will need to have a lot of experience with such platforms. But if a person has the appropriate skills, then he will be able to take advantage of all the advantages of such a scheme.

The capabilities of the Ubuntu OS allow you to create a functional server with which you can organize general access online from different devices, create storage for files, and also use DLNA standards. A home media server based on Ubuntu will allow you to connect to the Internet not only computers, but also various mobile devices and even some types household appliances that support the corresponding function.

If the user does not have enough experience to work with Ubuntu, then he can try using popular solutions for Windows. These include the Home Media Server program or Home Media Server. It has enough capabilities to meet the needs of most home network owners. So, using it, you can organize file sharing, IPTV, use podcasts for a home media server. You can download the HMS program at homemediaserver.ru. Once we have downloaded and installed this type of software, we can create a home media server. It can be configured using the following algorithm.

Server setup via HMS

Start the HMS program, then select the "Settings" button. After - a section called "Media Resources". Then go to the "Directory List" page and click "Add". After that, you can use Windows interface move the necessary folders to the main program window.

The HMS program is characterized by a fairly high degree of work automation. In general, the user does not need to make significant changes to the settings of this software. But sometimes it may be required, for example, if the system will not work for some reason. Possible reasons incorrect work we will look at the server a bit later.

Once the files are uploaded, click "Run" in the main HMS window. If the server starts, then everything is in order. It can be stopped or restarted if necessary. After that, you can start using your home server using devices that support the corresponding function, for example, using a TV.

To organize access to the server through the browser, you must again select the "Settings" item, then - "Server", and in the "Port" section, enter the required value. Using a browser, you can log into the server by entering the IP address in the address bar home server, then a colon, and after - the port number that we entered before. You can find out the required IP-address by selecting "Settings", then - "Server", and then - by selecting the list of connections that are allowed.

Server setup via HMS: bug fixes

What if the home media server didn't start? The network setup was probably not done correctly in this case. Let's consider the most typical ones. First of all, it is useful to check which network connections are shown in the list of available ones. This can be done by opening "Settings" and "Server" and then using the list of allowed connections. It is useful to compare the data that is displayed in the program window with the information that is contained in the list of available connections, which can be viewed using the "Search" button. Allow the system to use available connections You can also connect to the network using the HMS program interface.

It is also useful to check if there are any restrictions on the operation of the HMS program in the settings of the Windows firewall or its analogues, which may have been installed in the operating system. Exchange of all types of packets should be allowed - incoming, outgoing.

IPTV over HMS

One of the possibilities that a functional home media server provides to the user is Internet TV, or IPTV. The HMS software allows you to customize the corresponding function. The main thing is that the Internet provider to which the user is connected to provide a service for broadcasting TV channels online - by subscription or as an additional service.

In order to organize broadcasting using an IPTV home media server, in addition to the HMS program, you should also download a type of software such as VLC Media Player. This can be done through the site videolan.org. After VLC is downloaded, it needs to be merged with HMS. To do this, you need to open "Home Media Server", then select "Settings", then - "Media Resources" and "Internet Resources". After that, find the VideoLAN settings and specify the folder on the computer where the player is installed.

Then you need to download a playlist that includes a list of broadcast channels. It is a m3u file. This can be done by visiting a specialized site for digital TV lovers, for example, nastroisam.ru. Also, such files can be on the websites of providers. After downloading the playlist, you need to move it to the corresponding area of ​​the HMS interface. To do this, go to "Settings", then select "Transcoder" and start working with the "Internet TV" option. After the appropriate settings have been made, you should reboot the home server. After that, you can use the capabilities of IPTV, for example, using a TV - if it supports this function.

Working with HMS: nuances

Let's consider some of the nuances typical for the operation of the Home Media Server program. Using the main window of this software, you can edit the list of folders that form media content, as well as manage them when exchanging data between different devices.

If navigation through the files that form media content is slow, then this may be due to the specifics of a particular device. It is also possible that the performance of the server hard disk is not enough. Failures can also be caused by frequent changes in the directory structure. Slowdown of the server may be due to the fact that the program has activated directory scanning mode while the system is running.

You can navigate through the files that form the structure of media content using a folder called Media Resource Directories. It is quite possible that certain media files will not be visible on the device with the help of which the content is viewed, despite the fact that they are viewed in the main window of the program. This may be due to the specifics of mime types for a particular type of content. The mime-type can be set differently - the program's capabilities also allow you to do this. You should click "Settings", then "Media resources", then - "File types" and change the extensions if necessary.

Connecting devices

So, we have configured and launched our home media server. How do I use it? The capabilities of the program in question allow you to connect a variety of devices to your home network - computers, televisions or, for example, multimedia projectors.

Suppose that the network is organized through a Wi-Fi router, but the communication technology in in this case- a minor factor. If the devices are connected to a network via Wi-Fi, then it is necessary to set the automatic procedure for assigning IP addresses to the connected devices in the router settings.

How exactly the device connected to the server is a TV or mobile gadget- finds folders with media content, depends on the specifics of the corresponding device. Device brands can use interfaces that are quite different from the solutions of device manufacturers.

The HMS program is universal, it allows you to connect to the server almost any device that supports this function... With this software, you can organize access to video files, music and photos. It is optimal for both Wi-Fi networks and wired connections. Through this program, access to media content can be obtained from PCs, laptops, mobile devices, as well as, for example, printers, camcorders and set-top boxes that support the corresponding function.

But in some cases, the device can work correctly only if branded software is used.

So, for example, if a person uses Samsung Smart TV, then perhaps the best option for him - AllShare program produced by a Korean brand. It allows you to create a fairly functional home media server on the user's computer. Samsung is not, of course, the only manufacturer of this type of software.

Another Korean brand, LG, also developed own program... You can install LG Smart Share to start home media server for LG.

Home Server Using Plex

If using branded software for the network owner is less desirable, then you can try using the popular alternative to HMS - the Plex Media Server program. Its capabilities also allow you to efficiently distribute media content between multiple devices - TV, mobile devices, PCs, laptops. The program in question is cross-platform. That is, it can be used by owners of PCs running Linux Ubuntu who do not have enough experience to set up a home server, through standard features given operating system... You can download Plex from plex.tv.

How to set up a home media server using this program? An instruction that takes a long time to learn is unnecessary in this case. The peculiarity of the Plex program is that it has a friendly user-friendly interface... Its functionality allows you to receive Additional information about videos: for example, if these are films or series, then the program will find the corresponding annotations for them and additional media content.

Plex is a versatile program. It functions equally well on both PC and mobile devices. This program - the most convenient tool for viewing network content using devices on Android, iOS and Windows Phone... Owners of the corresponding type of mobile devices can download the Plex application, which is characterized by the advantages noted above - a user-friendly interface, as well as the ability to supplement media files with useful content and annotations. Is in mobile application Plex and a number of others useful functions- for example, the formation of playlists, playing a file from a user-selected location. It can also be noted that Plex allows you to organize the sharing of media content not only from devices located on the home network, but also for users connected to the Internet. So, you can show videos and photos to friends.

Plex users can checkout paid subscription for access to services - it costs $ 4.99 per month. This will allow you to use a number of additional software features, such as, for example, Sync. It is especially useful for owners mobile devices... By launching the corresponding application on your phone or tablet, you can select the desired online media content to make it available offline.

Notable features of Plex include streaming video content using a Google-developed Chromecast. This device allows you to start video playback on any screen with HDMI interfaces. Plex allows you to eliminate the use of unnecessary cables when organizing broadcasts through a TV - you can start watching movies using mobile devices.

If we are using Plex to create a home media server, how do we use it? The algorithm, due to the high degree of software automation, as in the case of HMS, is very simple. First, you can copy the desired file to a folder on your computer. Then update the list of content items using the program. Then you can turn on your TV, smartphone or tablet - those devices with which you intend to access the files. Using the interface provided in them, you can select the desired media content.

HMS, Plex, branded solutions from device manufacturers allow you to create home media servers that are fairly simple in structure and use. These programs are easy enough to install even for an inexperienced user. Possibilities of this type The software satisfies the basic needs of home computer networks.

In this article, we will set up a media server (DLNA) on a computer for a Philips TV. After setup, you can watch movies, photos, and listen to music on your TV on your computer (laptop). All this according to DLNA technology... This means that the TV can be connected to a computer via Wi-Fi. More precisely, the computer and TV must be connected to the same Wi-Fi router... By network cable, or wireless network.

Let me explain in more detail. Do you have a Philips TV (in this article, we will focus specifically on these TVs), with the support (if you have Smart TV, then DLNA support is definitely there)... Your TV is connected to a Wi-Fi router (via Wi-Fi, or using a cable)... Also, a computer is connected to this router. We launch a DLNA server on a computer, open the necessary folders with video, photos, or music, and just start viewing on the TV. Everything is by air, without wires. It is very convenient, you do not need to record movies on a USB flash drive all the time. We just get access to the computer, select the desired movie and watch.

In the way described below, you can run a DLNA server on Windows 7, Windows 8, and even Windows 10. To start and manage the server, we will use a free, simple excellent program"Home Media Server (UPnP, DLNA, HTTP)". I recently showed how, so there we started the server using a proprietary program. Since Philips does not have such a program, we will use the "Home Media Server". The program is really very simple and cool.

We need:

• Philips TV with DLNA support... There must be a TV, or. I will show on the example of Philips 43PUS7150 / 12 with Smart TV (Android TV).
• A computer that is connected to the same router as the TV. It can also be connected by Wi-Fi networks, or over LAN.
• Home Media Server (UPnP, DLNA, HTTP) software for DLNA server setup.

You can do without third-party programs, and set everything up by standard means Windows. I wrote about how to do this in the article.

In fact, a server launched in this way will be able to see absolutely any TV: Philips, Sony, LG, Samsung, etc. Sony, by the way, already has models on Android TV. So, the instructions for them should also work. Except that the access may differ before viewing the DLNA server content on the TV itself.

Setting up a DLNA server for a TV with the "Home Media Server" program

First, download and install the Home Media Server (UPnP, DLNA, HTTP) program. I recommend downloading it from the official website: https://www.homemediaserver.ru/index.htm. Click on the button Download opposite the EXE version. The file size is approximately 35 MB.

Save the file, then run it and follow the instructions to install the program.

Launch the program with a shortcut on the desktop, or from the Start menu. First of all, we need to configure access to files on the computer. We can only open certain folders for the TV, everything local drives, or even removable media.

In the program window, click on the top button Settings... We are interested in the first tab Media resources. There will already be three folders open. These are standard. To open access to all local drives on your computer, check the box next to Local drives... To open access to removable drives, check the box next to Removable disks.

If you want to open, for example, only one local disk or folder, then do not check these boxes, but click on the button Add... And in the explorer, select the drive or folder that you want to open for viewing on TV. The folder will appear in the list. You can delete folders by simply highlighting it and clicking Delete.

I think the meaning is clear. You can open only one folder, which contains, for example, your movies. And you can open all the disks. I advise you to check the box next to Local drives. Then, the TV will display the My Computer folder, in which you can view all the files.

At this point, the setting can be completed by pressing the button Ok... If you want, you can also go to the side tab Server, and change the name of your DLNA server. It will be displayed on the TV.

Click the button Ok to exit the settings.

To start the DLNA server, press the button Running.

If your TV is turned on and connected to the router, then in the program window, by opening the tab Playback Devices (DMR), you will see your TV. This means that everything is fine. If the TV does not appear, check the connection and see the tips at the end of this article.

The program can be minimized. You can proceed to DLNA setup on your TV.

Watching DLNA Movies on a Philips TV from a Computer

Press on the remote remote control button SOURCES.

On the menu Sources of choose Network (media)... Or run the program Media with Android menu TV.

Select the server running on the computer from the list.

If you have opened all local drives, then you will have a My Computer folder. Select it, all disks will be there. You can open the folders you need, and start watching movies, photos, or playing music from them. If you open one of standard folders: Movies, Photos, or Music, then there will be all available content, sorted into different categories. To view content by folder, select Media Resource Directories.

Select a folder with your movies, and just start viewing the desired file.

That's the whole setup. From the TV, we got full access to the videos, photos and music that is on your computer. The program "Home Media Server (UPnP, DLNA, HTTP)" will prevent your computer from falling asleep and interrupt the movie playback. You can also control the viewing from the program itself on the computer. There are a lot of settings and possibilities there, I think you can figure it out.

Why the DLNA server (files) is not displayed on the TV

The most common problem when setting up such a scheme is the lack of a running server on the TV. When the files from the computer are just not displayed.

In such situations, the first thing to do is always check the Wi-Fi connection of the TV and laptop, or the cable connection. Perhaps one of the devices just turned off. Turn your TV off and on. You can also restart your computer and start the server again. You can also try disabling the antivirus that can block the TV's connection.

If a DLNA movie plays with delays, it is buggy

In such cases, you most likely started watching a very difficult movie. And the router does not cope with the transfer of information. Usually, this problem appears on cheap routers, and when connected via Wi-Fi. Large films, in high quality, which do not want to be played via DLNA, are best watched from a USB drive or hard drive.

If, when opening a video, the TV says "Format is not supported"

There are times when the TV does not want to play some kind of video file. Most likely, the standard player simply does not support the format, there is no codec. In this case, if you have an Android TV, then from Google play Store you can install the VLC player. He also knows how to play files from local network... And most likely, it will play videos that were not opened with a standard player.

In this article, we will look at how to set up your DLNA server on Windows using the Home Media Server (HMS) program as an example.

Nowadays, it is more and more often required to have a DLNA server on the home network, since most modern TVs do not support data transfer protocols such as SMB or NFS, but only work via DLNA.

What is DLNA?

DLNA (English Digital Living Network Alliance) is a set of standards that allow compatible devices to transmit and receive various media content (images, music, video) over a home network, as well as display it in real time. That is, a technology for connecting home computers, mobile phones, laptops and consumer electronics into a single digital network. Devices that support the DLNA specification can be configured and networked at the user's request. automatic mode... (Source - Wikipedia)

DLNA Home Media Server (HMS) Installation

The installation of HMS is very simple, but we will still explain in detail how it works.

First you need to download the installer. At the time of this writing, the official site was down. And it did not work a month before, so below I will give a link to downloads from our server latest version HMS:

There are not many settings here. In this window, you select the directory where the Home Media Server (HMS) program will be installed and the "Program Group" - the name of the folder in the "Start" menu.

After selecting the installation folder and the name of the folder in the "Start" menu, all that remains is to check the box "create a shortcut to launch the program on the desktop", if necessary, and press the button " Install«.

At the end of the installation, which takes less than a minute ( depends on your equipment), we are offered to immediately run Home program Media Server (HMS).

This completes the installation of the program.

DLNA Home Media Server (HMS) Initial Setup

So, we have a freshly installed DLNA server, let's start it up and see what first it offers us to configure, as well as make a couple useful settings... Let's get started.

After the first launch of the program, we see the window for the first initial settings.

In this window, we are asked to select a device to which the media content will be broadcast. There are many templates on the list.

If you did not find your own device or a device similar to yours, then you can leave the standard DLNA Device, as practice has shown, this does not greatly affect anything. After choosing, go on.

And then a choice of folders appears before our eyes, from which we will take media content. You can select folders with your media content now, or you can add them further. We'll look at how to do this below. After selecting folders, press the button " Ready«.

After initial settings we are offered to do backup settings, image cache, database, set up an automatic backup schedule. We will not dwell on this in detail now and will go further. To do this, press the button " Close«.

After that, the main window of the program appears in front of us. Let's move on to several "important" settings at once.

On the left are the types of settings, on the right are specific settings.

Let's go straight to additional settings and set up the DLNA server autoloading with the PC turned on.

To do this, select items 2 and 3.

Now let's go to the " Server"And write down the name of our DLNA server. As we will see it on the net.

After changing the name, you need to add folders with media content (if you did not do this in the "initial setup" or decided to add more folders. Everything is simple. Press the " Add»(2) and select the folder you want to add. After that, you need to " Scan»(3) so that the files from the folder / folders go to the server.

If you did everything correctly, then your files should appear on the right side (as highlighted in yellow in the screenshot).

If you have your files there, then we already have quite a bit. Launch and use. Everything is very simple here - we press the button " Run«.

If you have Windows Firewall enabled, the system will ask you whether to allow it access to the network. Choose which ones to allow access and click " Allow access«.

Similar

All devices that have a DLNA module have been tested in advance and have a corresponding sticker on the case.

It is also necessary to have a description of the type of content supported, there is a DLNA server, a printer or a player, that is, the module allows you to transfer a certain type of content - images, signals, sound.

All these devices can be freely connected to each other, depending on the purpose, the technique has its own class. The classes can be distinguished as follows:

1. Digital media servers. This category includes storage devices such as mobile phones.
2. Digital media players. This includes devices that can receive and play digital content. For example, a TV that can play music and sound from another device.

How to create a home network

The DLNA home network scheme is similar to the data transfer scheme over the Internet.

It is he who provides the connection of devices to each other. To set up your home network, you need the following:

1. TV for playback.
2. Media server for data storage, phone or laptop.
3. Router - used to provide a connection between transmitting and receiving devices.
4. Cables or wireless adapters are needed for DLNA connections to the network.
5. Powerline adapters - will allow you to distribute the Internet over the mains.

The first thing to do is connect the playback media device to your router.

There are several ways to do this - connecting by power supply, via cable, or via a wireless bridge.

• Plugging in your media device with an electrical outlet is a great way to set up a network throughout your home. For this, ordinary electricity is used, no cables are needed. For configuration, only the Powerline adapter is useful.
  All that is required is simply to connect the TV to the network via the adapter and the DLNA home network will start functioning.
• If your router and TV are close to each other, it is best to use a cable connection. The Ethernet cable connects to the TV and router port.
• Creating a media group using a wireless bridge is appropriate when the TV is located far from the router. The bridge can be connected to a TV via a cable, and to a router via a wireless network.

Advice: optimal solution there will be an electrical connection for any occasion.

The next stage of setup is to connect other DLNA devices to the router.

After connecting to the TV, you can connect any DLNA server to the network - laptop, phone, tablet.

But if this is not possible, you can connect them using the above methods.

Thus, the TV will be able to “see” the devices and play the content.

Setting up DLNA HomeGroup Devices

In order for the TV to recognize the content, the media group devices must be configured. For laptop and tablet, you will need to install a special software.

These programs can be:

• Windows Media Player 11 or 12.
• VAIO Media Server (for Sony TV).
• AllShare for Samsung.
• LG Smart Share.
• Home Media Server.

The group must be allowed access to the laptop, this can be done in the software settings by activating the media exchange.

These can be music files, images or videos. Typically a library or list is created that the media device can play back later.

Not every smartphone can be connected to a DLNA group. But those that have this feature connect via Wi-F to a wireless router.

Now, in the century mobile technologies and gadgets, linking them within the home network seems to be a very convenient opportunity. For example, you can organize a DLNA server on your computer that will distribute video, music and other media content to the rest of your devices. Let's see how you can create a similar point on a PC with Windows 7.

DLNA is a protocol that provides the ability to view media content (video, audio, etc.) from various devices in streaming mode, that is, without completely downloading the file. The main condition is that all devices must be connected to the same network and support the specified technology. Therefore, first of all, you need to create a home network, if you do not already have one. It can be organized using both wired and wireless connections.

Like most other tasks in Windows 7, you can organize a DLNA server using third-party software or by limiting yourself only to the capabilities of your own operating system toolkit. Next, we will look at the various options for creating such a distribution point in more detail.

Method 1: Home Media Server

The most popular third party DLNA server software is HMS (Home Media Server). Next, we will study in detail how it can be used to solve the problem posed in this article.

1. Run downloaded setup file Home Media Server. The integrity of the distribution will be checked automatically. In field "Catalog" you can write the address of the directory where it will be unpacked. However, you can leave the default here as well. In this case, just press "Run".



2. The distribution kit will be unpacked to the specified directory and immediately after that the program installation window will automatically open. In a field group Installation directory you can specify the disk partition and the path to the folder where you want to install the program. By default, this is a separate subdirectory of the standard program installation directory on the disk. C... It is recommended not to change these parameters unless absolutely necessary. In field "Program group" the name will be displayed Home Media Server... Also, there is no point in changing this name unnecessarily.

   But opposite the parameter "Create a shortcut on the desktop" you can check the box, as it is unchecked by default. In this case, on "Desktop" the program icon will appear, which will further simplify its launch. Then press "Install".



3. The program will be installed. This will display a dialog box asking if you want to launch the application right now. In it you should press "Yes".



4. The Home Media Server interface will open, as well as an additional initial settings shell. In its first window, the type of device (DLNA Device by default), port, types of supported files and some other parameters are indicated. If you are not an advanced user, we advise you not to change anything, but just click "Further".



5. In the next window, the directories are assigned in which the files available for distribution are located and the type of this content. By default, the following standard folders are open in the user shared directory with the corresponding content type:
   • "Videos"(movies, subdirectories);
   • "Music"(music, subdirectories);
   • "Pictures"(photo, subdirectories).

   In this case, the available content type is highlighted in green.



6. If you want to distribute from a specific folder not only the type of content that is assigned to it by default, then in this case you only need to click on the corresponding white circle.



7. It will change color to green. Now you can distribute the selected content type from this folder.



8. If you want to connect new folder for distribution, then in this case click on the icon "Add" in the form of a green cross, which is located on the right side of the window.



9. A window will open "Directory selection", where you should select the folder on your hard drive or external media from which you want to distribute media content, and then press "OK".



10. After that, the selected folder will be displayed in the list along with other directories. By clicking on the corresponding buttons, as a result of which the green color will be added or removed, you can specify the type of content to be distributed.



11. If, on the contrary, you want to disable distribution in a directory, then in this case, select the appropriate folder and press the button "Delete".



12. After that, a dialog box will open in which you should confirm your intention to delete the folder by clicking "Yes".



13. The selected directory will be deleted. After you have configured all the folders that you intend to use for distribution, and assigned them a content type, click "Ready".



14. A dialog box will open asking whether to scan the media resource directories. Here you need to click "Yes".



15. The above procedure will be followed.



16. After the end of the scan, the program database will be created, and you will need to click on the item "Close".



17. Now, after the distribution settings are completed, you can start the server. To do this, click the icon "Launch" on the horizontal toolbar.



18. Maybe then a dialog box will open « Windows Firewall» where you will need to press "Allow access" otherwise, many important functions of the program will be blocked.



19. After that, distribution will begin. You will be able to view available content from devices that are connected to the current network. If you need to turn off the server and stop serving content, just click on the icon "Stop" on the Home Media Server toolbar.

Method 2: LG Smart Share

Unlike the previous program, the LG Smart Share app is designed to create a DLNA server on your computer that distributes content to devices manufactured by LG. That is, on the one hand, this is a more highly specialized program, but on the other hand, it allows you to achieve a higher quality of settings for a specific group of devices.

1. Unpack the downloaded archive and run the installation file located in it.



2. A welcome window will open "Installation Wizards" in which click "Further".



3. Then a window will open with license agreement... To accept it, you must click "Yes".



4. At the next stage, you can specify the directory for the installation of the program. By default, this is the directory "LG Smart Share" which is located in the parent folder "LG Software", located in the standard directory for placing programs for Windows 7. We recommend that you do not change these settings, but simply click "Further".



5. After that, LG Smart Share will be installed, as well as all necessary system components if they are missing.



6. After completing this procedure, a window will appear informing you that the installation was completed successfully. Some settings need to be made right there. First of all, pay attention to the fact that opposite the parameter "Include all SmartShare data access services" there was a check mark. If for some reason it is absent, then you need to set this mark.



7. By default, content will be served from standard folders "Music", "Photo" and "Video"... If you want to add a directory, then in this case click "Change".



8. In the window that opens, select desired folder and press "OK".



9. After the required directory is displayed in the field "Installation Wizards", press "Ready".



10. Then a dialog box will open where you should confirm your consent to use LG Smart Share system information by clicking "OK".



11. After that, DLNA access will be activated.

Method 3: Windows 7 Native Toolkit

Now let's look at the algorithm for creating a DLNA server using your own Windows 7 toolkit. In order to use this method, you must first organize a homegroup.

1. Click "Start" and go to item "Control Panel".



2. In the block "Network and Internet" click on the name "Choice of parameters home group» .



3. The homegroup editing shell opens. Click on the label "Choose your streaming media options ...".



4. In the window that opens, click Enable Media Streaming.



5. Next, a shell opens, where in the area "Name of the media library" you need to enter an arbitrary name. The same window displays devices that are on this moment connected to the network. Make sure that there are no third-party equipment among them for which you do not want to distribute media content, and then click "OK".



6. Next, you return to the window for changing the settings of the home group. As you can see, there is a check mark opposite the item « Streaming…» already installed. Check the boxes in front of the names of those libraries from which you are going to distribute content through the network, and then click "Save changes".



7. As a result of these actions, the DLNA server will be created. You can connect to it from devices on your home network using the password that you set when creating your homegroup. You can change it if you want. To do this, you need to go to the homegroup settings again and click "Change Password…".



8. A window opens where you again need to click on the inscription "Change Password", and then enter the desired passcode to be used when connecting to the DLNA server.



9. If the remote device does not support some of the content format that you are sharing from your computer, then you can use standard Windows Media Player to play it. To do this, start the specified program and click on the control panel "Flow"... In the menu that opens, go to .



10. A dialog box will open where you need to confirm your actions by clicking "Allow remote control ...".



11. You can now view content remotely using Windows Player Media, which is hosted on a DLNA server, that is, on your stationary computer.

The main disadvantage this method is that owners of Windows 7 "Starter" and "Home Basic" editions cannot use it. It can be applied only by those users who have the "Home Premium" edition or higher installed. For the rest of the users, only options with the use of third-party software remain available.

As you can see, creating a DLNA server on Windows 7 is not as difficult as it seems to many users. The most convenient and accurate setting can be made using for these purposes third party programs... In addition, a significant part of the work on adjusting the parameters in this case will be carried out by the software automatically without direct user intervention, which will greatly facilitate the process. But if you are against using third party applications unless absolutely necessary, then in this case it is quite possible to configure a DLNA server for distributing media content, using exclusively the operating system's own tools. Although the latter feature is not available in all editions of Windows 7.