Some DNLA software aka. UPnP software includes the ability to 'transcode' video and/or audio files from one format to another. So if you have a mixture of DNLA clients which do not all support the same format it can convert the files for those that need it. You may want to take this in to consideration when choosing a DNLA package for your Mac.
Supports AirPlay (iOS8.0+ / Mac OS10.0+), Miracast (Android4.4+ / Win8.1,Win10),WiDi (Intel WirelessDisplay). DLNA can push the video from phone to big screen by using the phone as remote control (Intelligent devices Built-in or installed Apps support DLNA function）. Introducing FireStream: the most advanced UPnP/DLNA media server for the Mac platform. FireStream is written for the Mac from scratch with an 'it just works' philosophy, so that you can be sure it provides a true, seamless Mac experience. Enjoy all of your media, including videos, photos and music o.
Before I get on to DNLA I would say that DNLA is old, poorly supported, poorly featured and I would advise if possible to avoid it. There are other approaches which you may decide are better for you but if not then move on to the DNLA answers below.
Firstly, other non-DNLA approaches. The premier approach for doing multi-room audio is to buy a Sonos system. With this you either buy Sonos speakers e.g. Play:3 or you buy a Sonos Connect which allows you to plug in to an existing amplifier. Sonos supports all the audio formats supported by iTunes including Apple Lossless which is going to be the best format to use if possible. While Sonos is the market leader there are other brands offering similar solutions. Examples of other similar systems to Sonos include Logitech Squeezebox, Roku SoundBridge (discontinued), an Apple TV3 or TV4, etc. All these support Apple Lossless and all allow different rooms to play different tracks at the same time.
Playback is my favorite DLNA Server for MAC OS X, but I just found out that they closed business and are no longer supporting any of their software as of March 2014. I'm using Plex right now as the best of the two others that I've tried; Plex and XBMC (KODI). I just have problems with Plex not understanding my naming convention for TV show.
A second approach is to use Apple's AirPlay standard, many AV Receivers now support AirPlay if you have a network interface on your AV Receiver which these days is either standard or an option on most. iTunes would then stream directly to the AV Receiver using the AirPlay standard.
A third similar approach is to get one or more AirPort Express WiFi base-stations, these have an audio out connector, you AirPlay from iTunes to the AirPort Express and it outputs via its audio connector to the attached audio device which could be speakers or an AV Receiver.
Now there is a limitation with AirPlay, a single iTunes can only output via AirPlay the same content to one or more AirPlay destinations, if you want to play multiple different music tracks at the same time then this is where Sonos and similar solutions win hands down. The iTunes however can be a Mac, or Windows, or an iPhone, or an iPad.
Moving on to DNLA. You are probably going to find many DNLA servers for the Mac are either discontinued, or semi-discontinued in that they have not had a recent update and therefore may have problems with newer versions of OS X, or only work with some clients, or do not do Transcoding well or at all. In other words like DNLA as a whole it is rather a mess. You will therefore find that you may have to buy a commercial DNLA package although this will be still cheaper than say buying a multi-room Sonos setup. I would advise testing the trial versions, make sure to remove each before trying the next.
With no particular sentiments, have a look at the following.
Every net surfer wishes to be able to stream audios, videos, photos, and music endlessly. And, it’s a bliss to be able to do so without any hiccups. We all have a collection of some kind of media (music, photos, or videos) on our computers and mobile phones those can be played later as per our convenience. So, to stream these stored media, a home media server does the job.
DLNA servers are the types of home media server that we are talking about. Using these servers, you can stream or share media among multiple devices without needing any manual setup. Whether it’s your iPhone, game consolers, or Android phone, the DLNA server sets up a connection between these devices and allows you to share your favorite media. It basically transforms your PC into a powerful home media streaming center, allowing you to stream media across your home, wirelessly.
So, if you are wondering where to find the best DLNA server software for your needs, here’s a master list to start with.
Kodi Open Source Home Theatre Software
If you are looking for a software that can spruce up your entertainment space, then Kodi Open Source Home Theatre Software can be the best choice for you. The program offers unlimited features on a user-friendly and attractive interface that brings your stored media to life. Moreover, it also offers a support forum or a community that’s inundated with questions, answers, and tips from people all across the world.
What’s more? It also features a massive catalog of community add-ons that you have access to. You can further customize and adjust these catalogs to arrange a perfect entertainment framework. Whether you own a smart TV or a smartphone, you have entertainment at your finger tips with Kodi. It works with all major platforms that includes Windows, Mac OSX, iOS, Android, Linux, and Raspberry Pi.
Price: free and open source
PLEX Media Server offers some great features and works with majority of the platforms such as, Windows, Linux, Mac, Docker, Synology, Qnap, Netgear, Seagate, etc. The software allows you to stream your favorite live TV, web shows, podcasts, video news along with your personally saved media, on mobile device or computer screen.
The software gets all your media into one place and lets you stream them to all your devices. Among its other features are:
- live TV and DVR that allows you to watch live and recorded TV shows on all your devices;
- offers access to Tidal’s huge collection of tracks (59 million), 250,000 music videos and other original media;
- allows access to podcasts, web shows, news, and more all in single app;
- organizes your personal media that can be streamed on any of your device, anywhere.
Best Dlna For Mac
Price: 30-day free trial available; upgrade starts from $4.99
PlayOn
Streaming, recording, and casting your favorite media is smooth as silk with PlayOn. It allows you to record movies and TV shows that you can add to your watchlist to be watched later. It also allows you to stream to any device like PlayStation, Roku, Xbox, etc. Among its other major features are:
- offers free mobile app allowing to record or watch a show anywhere in the world;
- allows you to play back the recorded show without ads;
- automatically records fresh episodes of your preferred shows;
- allows you to record a series in just one click;
- enables you to set recording hours in advance;
- automatically sends recordings or a series to iTunes in a single click.
For added assistance, it offers a great support team that’s available to help you out with any concerns.
Price: 7-day free trial available; upgrade available for $1.99/month
Serviio
Serviio allows users to stream various media files, for instance, photos, videos, and music to multiple devices that includes TVs, smartphones, games console, or Bluray player within your home network. While the free version offers connectivity to multiple devices, the pro version offers advanced possibilities of sharing media across your household.
The best part about Serviio is that it’s compatible with different devices within your household such as, smartphones, TV, tablets, Xbox, Playstation 3, and more. It aims to boost the potential of the devices and/or reduce the deficiency of support for the media format playback by providing support for profiles for specific devices.
Additionally, it allows you to access files on the go with the pro version, and also lets you control it simply using your voice. Based Java, it works with all the major platforms such as, Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Price: free version available; Pro available for $25
Subsonic
Packed with features, Subsonic can be accessed via browser. It allows you to access music from any location with an internet connection around. Some of its major advantages are:
- it’s an open source software;
- the playlists created by it can be shared with others;
- offers on-the-spot re-sampling where bitrates can be minimized on-the-spot using ffmpeg encoder;
- allows you to build a playlist and cache the tracks on the mobile phones in advance;
- works as Podcast receiver, Chromecast, Sonos, in jukebox mode, multiple frontends, and so on.
Works with all the major platforms such as, Windows, Mac, Linux, etc.
Price: $1 per month.
Universal Media Server, a DLNA compatible UPnP media server, was initially based on PS3 media server. It works with all major operating systems that includes Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux. What’s interesting is, that the software can stream several different media formats with minimum or without any configuration.
UMS is run by MEncoder, FFmpeg, tsMuxeR, and more, that blends to provide support for a variety of media formats. It works with different devices such as, PS3, Xbox, TVs, Smart phones and so on.
Price: free and open source
Ampache
For the music lovers, the free and open source Ampache is a great catch. It’s a web-based application n offering services in audio/video streaming. It’s also a file manager using which you can access your music and videos from any location and on any device, that’s supports internet connection. Among its major features are:
- allows you to browse and manage your collection of music on your PC using a simple web interface. Using this interface, you can even sync native and remote catalogs to an exclusive and persistent collection;
- lets you stream your selected tracks to your favorite player, manage it using Localplay, or directly listen to the tracks on the webpage using HTML5 player;
- enables you to listen to your favorite numbers from any device such as, smartphones, TVs, or tablets.
Price: free and open source
Emby Media Server
Emby Medi Server helps you carry your music to any device with ease. It brings all your media collection (music, photos, and videos) together into a single place, where it automatically converts your media on the go on any device and streams it right there. Some of its major features include:
- makes it easier to take full advantage of your personally saved media in any location. It does not involve the hassle of using the IP address and rather, you can just sign in and start playing;
- offers support for Live TV and streams it to any device, control your DVR, and take full advantage of your collection of recordings;
- allows you to control access for your children, easily by letting you monitor and remote control their sessions as per your choice.
Moreover, it automatically organizes your personal media into elegant and attractive displays. Best of all, it keeps you notified of server activity depending on events and actions that are crucial to you.
Price: starts from $4.99/month
PS3MediaServer
PS3MediaServer is a DLNA server written in Java that helps you stream or transcode any media file format, with little or no configuration. The program is supported by Mplayer and FFmpeg packages. The best part is, it does not require codec packs for installation, requires no folder configuration and pre-parsing or any such annoyance.
All the media folders on your PC are directly browsed by the PS3. It refreshes automatically, and offers real-time video transcoding through MEncoder.
Price: free
Dlna For Mac
MediaPortal
MediaPortal claims to offer the best media experience by converting your PC in virtually a complete media solution. The program is powered by basic hardware that connects straight away to your TV and shows all your photos, music, movies, and TV shows in a much compelling manner. You can even use the program with your projector for enhanced experience.
Some of its significant features are:
- allows you to watch, schedule, and record Live TV for free;
- lets you play movies, DVDs, videos, and Blu-Ray discs;
- allows you to listen to radio and your favorite music;
- lets you enjoy photos, home videos, or even create slideshows for fun;
- enables you to stream media, TV, and radio to any other PC linked to your network;
- helps you use a remote control sitting from your bed;
- allows you to get detailed updates with news, on weather, and more;
- lets you access the software from mobile phones or directly on web.
It also offers plenty of plugins and skins for advanced activities like, monitoring your HTPC, stream web TV or YouTube videos, and more.
Price: free and open source
MediaTomb
MediaTomb is another great open source DLNA server based on UPnP media server that’s accompanies with a pretty good web interface. It enables you to stream your personal media using your home network connection and then watch or listen them on several different UPnP based devices.
As a user, you can stream your persona media to devices such as, PlayStation 3. Given it’s Ubuntu based software, you may need to look for alternatives to be able to stream to different devices.
Price: free and open source
MEEDIOS
Those looking for a free and open source DLNA server software, MEEDIOS can be a great option. It’s especially designed to manage and show all your digital media in one detailed package. The program offers complete media support, unlimited customizability, and a rich interface that can be used by the entire family. Some of the media that it supports include Photos, Music, TV Shows, Online Media, Web Browsing, games, and so on.
Moreover, it also supports the playback of these media on majority of the formats and mediums that include, physical, digital, and web-based formats.
Price: free and open source
LXiMediaCenter
LXiMediaCenter is DLNA based server that streams or transcodes your favorite media (photos, videos, music, and TV shows) to different DLNA compatible televisions and media players like, PS3, Xbox 360, and Streamium.
What’s interesting is, that the program also provides support for subtitles and audio language choices. It allows you to play your favorite digital media on any of the device you wish.
Price: free
OpenFLIXR Media Server
OpenFLIXR Media Server is a comprehensive media server that automatically downloads and serves media files. Be it any app (Couchpotato, Plex, or SickRage), it brings all your media to display. The best part is, whether it’s a TV, PC, or mobile phone, it streams to any device you can think of. It’s a completely web-based software that includes tools for monitoring and management.
While it can keep all your media files updated and ensures that they run smoothly using smart auto-updating, it can also be run on any platform given it’s a virtual app.
Price: free and open source
OSMC Media Center
OSMC Media Center is a free and open source media server based on DLNA that’s designed for people, by the people. It’s a simple and easy to use software that comes with an attractive look. It’s based on Debian Linux and Kodi Media Center. Additionally, it offers an app store that allows you to customize your experience with the program according to your taste, and all using the remote.
Dlna For Mac
The program plays almost all major media formats available from several different devices and streaming codes.
Price: free and open source
Conclusion
Choose from the comprehensive list of best DLNA server software above and boost your streaming experience.
I find passion in writing Tech articles around Windows PC and softwares