DLNA

Introduction

DLNA is an industry protocol for sharing media among devices. It first appeared in JRiver Media Center 14.0. You will need to enable Media Network in MC's Options. In most cases, you can just set the DLNA / UPnP Server to "Generic DLNA". XBox and PS3 are exceptions and selections for these are available in MC15 and above.

DLNA is a super-set of UPnP, which previous versions of MC supported.

Terminology

DLNA Terminology

1. DMS -- Digital Media Server -- where the media resides

2. DMP -- Digital Media Player -- where the media is played

3. DMR -- Digital Media Renderer -- where media is played, but with ability to respond to a controller

4. DMC -- Digital Media Controller -- software control of the renderer -- functions as a remote

UPnP Terminology (similar)

1. A Device (a server)

2. A Renderer (the client)

3. A Control Point (something like a remote control)

Our UPnP Server is a "Device" (#1 above).

More information on UPnP can be found in the article on UPnP Server.

Hardware Known to Work with MC

A list of DLNA TV's

A list of DLNA Boxes

Setup Instructions

MC14 introduced a DLNA renderer and controller, in addition to the previously existing DLNA Server (formerly known as the UPnP Server). The controller can play media from the DLNA server to another copy of MC or to a device.

1. In MC15's Tools/Options/Media Network, turn on the functions you need in each copy of MC. Normally, this would be the controller and server on the machine you're playing from, and the renderer on the machine you're playing to. If you're not sure or you have trouble, turn on all 3 DLNA options on the right side.

2. Add a Server in Options/Media Network. Usually "Generic DLNA" will work, except if you have a PS3 or XBox.

3. If you want to use MC as the renderer, start the copy of MC that is running the renderer. Or turn on any device you want to use.

4. Restart the copy that is running the controller and server. In a minute or two, MC will display any renderers it finds under Playing Now. Select the one you want. Then drag a file to it. This should play on the remote device.

5. DLNA Servers are displayed under File/Library. Once you select one, you can browse its library as if it were a normal MC library.

Using DLNA -- Finding DLNA Renderers and Servers

In MC16 and later, both Renderers and Servers will be found under Playing Now in the tree on the left. It may take a minute or so for the devices to show up.

Media Renderers will appear under Playing Now as zones about a minute after MC is started. In the screenshot below, the WDTV Live and the Streamium are renderers, and Zone 1 is the local machine. When a renderer is selected, any playback will be sent to it. In MC16, both Renderers and Servers are under Playing Now.

Two DLNA Servers are shown in the list below (from MC15's File/Library). Selecting one will open it as a library in MC.

In MC16, the DLNA Servers will be found under Playing Now, along with the DLNA Renderers.

The Buffalo Linkstation shown is a NAS drive that includes a DLNA Server. Any media moved to the drive will automatically show up in the MC library after the library is opened.

Media Network Board on Interact