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Yeah, there's also open source alternatives in this space too like Emby. I've had major issues with Plex (DLNA server crashing constantly) so I'm looking for an

Yeah, there's also open source alternatives in this space too like Emby. I've had major issues with Plex (DLNA server crashing constantly) so I'm looking for an alternative. Currently just running a fork of PS3 Media Server called UMS which seems to work better, does transcoding and everything.

arghwhat 10y ago
What you're looking for specifically is a DLNA server, then. That's not necessarily a part of a media server solution. I suspect it's a bit of a dying tech - it never worked that well, support was limited, and better options are available. Back when I played with it, Kodi née XBMC and Plex were basically the only options, and the UI of the devices tested was awful, and not geared for large collections. Furthermore, it lacks the ability to expose server-specific services, such as transcoding and additional subtitles in case of Plex. Using specialized clients forego much of these problems. I personally use a raspberry pi with RasPlex, but if I wanted to, my TV itself and my Chromecast can both also run Plex clients (although I shall never do the former - Smart TV platforms suck).
- problems 10y ago
  Yeah, basically, I do appreciate the media server thing for other uses though. I've had quite good luck with it on my Smart TV until Plex started shitting the bed. > Furthermore, it lacks the ability to expose server-specific services, such as transcoding and additional subtitles in case of Plex. No it doesn't, UMS and others allow you to enable these things. In fact it has transcoding profiles for different devices just like Plex does and you can select the subs you want on your TV, mine lets me at least. Just really glad I didn't pay for Plex as I was considering it prior to this incident.
  - arghwhat 10y ago
    Can you, from the device, chose how to transcode and apply subtitles, select different video/audio tracks, potentially trigger ahead-of-time transcoding, etc.? Fixed device profiles are not particularly useful. I may be mistaken, but I do not recall DLNA as supporting any such "extended", server-specific capabilities.
- distantsounds 10y ago
  DNLA always felt fairly half-baked. VLC struggles to use it correctly, TVs stopped supporting it, and iOS/Android don't really use it out of the box.
distantsounds 10y ago
XBMC/Kodi has a DNLA server built in, just need to turn the feature on. It requires keeping the app running in the background, though.
- problems 10y ago
  Interesting, might consider it - does this support transcoding?

arghwhat 10y ago

What you're looking for specifically is a DLNA server, then. That's not necessarily a part of a media server solution. I suspect it's a bit of a dying tech - it never worked that well, support was limited, and better options are available. Back when I played with it, Kodi née XBMC and Plex were basically the only options, and the UI of the devices tested was awful, and not geared for large collections. Furthermore, it lacks the ability to expose server-specific services, such as transcoding and additional subtitles in case of Plex. Using specialized clients forego much of these problems. I personally use a raspberry pi with RasPlex, but if I wanted to, my TV itself and my Chromecast can both also run Plex clients (although I shall never do the former - Smart TV platforms suck).

problems 10y ago
Yeah, basically, I do appreciate the media server thing for other uses though. I've had quite good luck with it on my Smart TV until Plex started shitting the bed. > Furthermore, it lacks the ability to expose server-specific services, such as transcoding and additional subtitles in case of Plex. No it doesn't, UMS and others allow you to enable these things. In fact it has transcoding profiles for different devices just like Plex does and you can select the subs you want on your TV, mine lets me at least. Just really glad I didn't pay for Plex as I was considering it prior to this incident.
- arghwhat 10y ago
  Can you, from the device, chose how to transcode and apply subtitles, select different video/audio tracks, potentially trigger ahead-of-time transcoding, etc.? Fixed device profiles are not particularly useful. I may be mistaken, but I do not recall DLNA as supporting any such "extended", server-specific capabilities.
distantsounds 10y ago
DNLA always felt fairly half-baked. VLC struggles to use it correctly, TVs stopped supporting it, and iOS/Android don't really use it out of the box.

distantsounds 10y ago

XBMC/Kodi has a DNLA server built in, just need to turn the feature on. It requires keeping the app running in the background, though.

problems 10y ago
Interesting, might consider it - does this support transcoding?