UPnP AV media server

UPnP AV MediaServers store and share digital media, such as photographs, movies, or music. These media servers use the Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) protocols to communicate with other devices.

UPnP AV MediaServers on their own provide UPnP AV ControlPoints to browse the music content of the server and request the MediaServer to start streaming that file to the ControlPoint for local playback. The UPnP AV other device categories and protocols outlines the various components.

There are UPnP MediaServers available for most operating-systems and many hardware-platforms. UPnP AV MediaServers can either be categorized as software-based or hardware-based. Software-based UPnP AV MediaServers can be run on PCs (Personal-Computers), mainly on Microsoft Windows, Linux, BSD, Unix or Mac OS X. Hardware-based UPnP AV MediaServers may run on any NAS (Network Attached Storage) devices or any specific hardware for delivering media, such as a PVR (Personal Video Recorder). As of May 2008, there were more software-based UPnP AV MediaServers than there were hardware-based servers.

UPnP AV MediaServer

Software

Main article: Comparison of UPnP AV MediaServers

• media:connect DLNA/UPnP AV compatible media server for iPhone and iPod Touch.
• vp-upnp A free UPnP Media Server for Windows (requires .Net 2.0).
• TVMOBiLi A free DLNA/UPnP Media Server for Windows, Mac OS/X and Linux.
• minidlna DLNA server for Linux that works with Samsung LE40B650, Sony Bravia 46W4500, and PS3
• TVersity, a free UPnP MediaServer with strong device support and on-the-fly transcoding.
• PS3 Media Server, a free Cross Platform Java based UPnP DLNA server especially Good for AVC and other current HD media codec players PS3/Xbox,Popcorn Hour, Bravia,Samsung Wiselink, Freebox HD,and other DLNA equiped TVs etc,with on-the-fly transcoding.
• XBMC Media Center (formerly "Xbox Media Center"), a cross platform open source software media-player/media-center for Apple TV, Linux, Mac, Windows, and the original Xbox.
  • XBMC built-in UPnP client and UPnP MediaServer code are from Platinum UPnP C++ SDK (open source under GPL)
• J. River Media Center A multi-faceted media player/organizer with a DLNA/UPnP server, controller, and renderer, including conversion.
• Windows Media Connect from Microsoft - free UPnP AV MediaServer and control point (server and client) for Microsoft Windows
  • Windows Media Connect (WMC) version 2.0 can be installed for usage with Windows Media Player 10 for Windows XP
  • Windows Media Connect (WMC) version 3.0 can be installed for usage with Windows Media Player 11 for Windows XP
  • Windows Media Connect (WMC) version 4.0 already comes pre-installed on Windows Vista with its WMP version 11
• FreeNAS, a free operating-system/software (based on FreeBSD), enabling you to turn any x86-based computer into a dedicated stand-alone NAS (Network-Attached Storage) device. (FreeNAS UPnP server code is from the Portable Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) SDK project)
• MythTV, an open source HTPC and PVR software for Linux, with a built-in UPnP AV MediaServer.
• MediaTomb, an open source (GPL) UPnP MediaServer with a web user interface and AV transcoding support.
• Musicmatch Jukebox, a commercial audio player for Windows with uPnP audio streaming support.
• GeeXboX, an opensource lightweight Media center has uShare for Linux.
• SimpleCenter, a Java based UPnP AV MediaServer for Windows.
• Elgato EyeConnect, an OS X add-on for Elgato's EyeTV PVR application. It allows for UPnP streaming of recorded content.
• FUPPES, a free, open source, multiplatform UPnP A/V Media Server. FUPPES supports a wide range of UPnP MediaRenderers as well as on-the-fly transcoding of various audio, video and image formats. FUPPES also includes basic DLNA support.
• 360 Media Server, a UPnP media server designed for streaming music to the Xbox 360. It is capable of transcoding many non supported audio formats including AAC, Ogg, Flac as well as the formats the 360 already supports (MP3 and WMA).
• Coherence, a free and OpenSource UPnP/DLNA MediaServer based on Python and Twisted. It can be easyly enhanced with new backends to support Flickr, Gallery2, Last.fm etc. Also it can be integrated into Nautilus to browse and interact with other UPnP MediaServers. Available in the repository of the latest Ubuntu versions.
• Gmediaserver, a GNU project with command line interface. Currently in early development stage.
• TwonkyMedia Server, a commercial cross-platform UPnP media server for Windows, Linux and Mac. PC version supports realtime transcoding using FFmpeg or VLC.
• Allegro Media Server, an iTunes to UPnP bridge server for Mac and Windows.
• Llink, a media streamer using the HTTP protocol that should work with most Syabas middleware hardware (NetworkMediaTank; Popcorn Hour A-100, HDX900, DuneHD, ISTAR mini, Egreat EG-M31A, Buffalo LinkTheater).
• myiHome, a free Java based UPnP AV MediaServer for Windows, Linux & Mac.
• BRisa, an open source python based media server for Linux. It will offer a plugin architecture enabling new services such as Flickr to be added as UPnP services.
• Vuze, an open source Java based BitTorrent client which contains MediaServer plugin.
• Mezzmo, a commercial home entertainment software package designed for Windows.
• PlayOn, a commercial UPnP/DLNA media server for Windows, supports PS3/360 & includes a transcoder for streaming web video.
• PyMedS, a free Python based media server. Dynamically looks in tar/zip/rar files, supports ShoutCAST streaming.
• Nero MediaHome 4, a commercial media server for Windows with realtime transcoding and live TV streaming functionality. Free Trial version is available. (Not available to United States)
• Jamcast, a UPnP/DLNA media server for Windows with features including comprehensive audio format support (including WM-DRM), on-the-fly transcoding, streaming PC soundcard audio, and integrated podcast RSS/OPML services.
• Asset UPnP/DLNA, Free Audio specific UPnP/DLNA server for Windows & Windows Home Server. Features album art, audio WAVE/LPCM transcoding from a huge range of audio codecs, replaygain support for streamed audio. Customizable browse tree.
• Majestic a UPNP/DNLA server for Mac OS X that works with the PS3, xbox360 and XBMC on Mac or Apple TV.
• Playback, a UPnP server for Mac OS X, allows you to share your media with any Playstation 3, Xbox 360, or other UPnP compatible device. It automatically integrates with iTunes, iPhoto, Aperture, Photobooth, Adobe Lightroom 2 and more.
• MediaLink, an OS X UPnP server for Playstation 3 that integrates with iLife.
• Serviio, a free DLNA/UPnP media server for Windows, Linux and OS X that works with Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and most other DLNA/UPnP devices.
• Wild Media Server (UPnP, DLNA, HTTP), a trial media server for Windows, Wine (Linux), CrossOver Mac (MAC OS), individual device settings, transcoding, subtitles, restricted device access to folders, Internet-Radio, Internet-Television, Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB), etc.

Hardware

• Mede8er MED500X http://www.mede8er.com HD Media player, MKV/H.264/AVCHD/M2TS/RM/RMVB, UPnP,Samba, Built in NFS Client, about,JPG preview function, up to 2TB HD, Special Low Noise Fan mounts, SD Card, NAS, 2 X USB Host, File Manager, Internet Radio, up to 1080P HDMI. Carry Bag included, Subtitle Support, Forum support http://www.mede8erforum.com
• AC Ryan Playon!DVR TV HDD Recorder, TV Digital+Analog, Network 10/100 Wifi 802.11b/g, Media Player, NAS 3.5" SATA up to 1.5TB, 2x USB Host, Internet Radio, HDMI, UPnP client, GNU GPL Source code available for download
• AC Ryan Playon!HD FullHD (MKV/H.264/AVCHD/RM/RMVB), 1080P, Network 10/100 Wifi 802.11b/g/n, Media Player, NAS 3.5" SATA up to 2.0TB, 2x USB Host, Cardreader (SD/SDHC/MMC/MS/MSPro), Internet Radio, Internet Feeds, HDMI, UPnP client, Bittorrent.
• AC Ryan Playon!HD mini FullHD (MKV/H.264/AVCHD/RM/RMVB), 1080P, Network 10/100 Wifi 802.11b/g/n, Media Player, 2x USB Host, Internet Radio, Internet Feeds, HDMI, UPnP client, Bittorrent, DTS, DTS-HD MA, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital True HD.
• IcyBox IB-NAS4220
• IcyBox IB-NAS2000
• Linksys NAS200 NAS 2x 3.5" Serial ATA HDD, LAN 10/100, average throughput 4MB/s
• Linksys NSLU2, a hacked/modded version running ushare (a free open source UPnP MediaServer for Linux), (connect USB 2.0 drives to the NSLU2 and share)
• Buffalo network-attached storage series (Terastation/Linkstation) a HomeServer (HS) variant runs a UPnP compatible media server; the device can also be hacked with an FLOSS or proprietary Linux software package.
• Naim Audio HDX [1] Audiophile hard disk player with built-in UPnP media server.
• Conceptronic CHD3NET NAS 3,5" Serial ATA HDD, LAN 10/100 Mbit/s.
• Conceptronic CH3WNAS NAS 3,5" IDE HDD , 10/100/1000 Mbit/s Gigabit LAN, wifi 802.11b/g.
• Conceptronic CH3SNAS NAS 2 x 3,5" Serial ATA HDD Raid max 4 TB (2 x 2TBB), 10/100/1000 Mbit/s Gigabit LAN.

All Conceptronic devices: GNU GPL source code available.

• Eminent EM7070 and EM7071 Media Tanks Eminent has a series of two NMT type Mediaplayers that serve the content stored on internal hard disk. Can also be used as a media renderer. For more details see NMT Wiki
• QNAPTS-109 NAS 1x 3,5" Serial ATA, max 1.5TB, 10/100/1000MBit, 3xUSB & 1xeSATA for further external devices. Explicitly advertised as PS3 and Xbox360 compatible.
• QNAPTS-209 NAS 2x 3,5" Serial ATA HDD RAID, max 3TB, 10/100/1000MBit, 3xUSB & 1xeSATA for further external devices. Explicitly advertised as PS3 and Xbox360 compatible.
• QNAPTS-409 NAS 4x 3,5" Serial ATA HDD RAID, max 4TB, 10/100/1000MBit, 3xUSB for further external devices. Explicitly advertised as PS3 and Xbox360 compatible via TwonkyMedia.
• Netgear ReadyNAS NV+ NAS 4 x 3,5" Serial ATA HDD Raid max 4 TB (4 x 1TB), 10/100/1000 Mbit/s Gigabit LAN. Advertised as PS3 and Xbox360 compatible.
• Netgear ReadyNAS DUO NAS 2 x 3,5" Serial ATA HDD Raid 500/750/1000 GB, max 2 TB (2 x 1TB), 10/100/1000 Mbit/s Gigabit LAN. Advertised as PS3 and Xbox360 compatible.
• D-Link DNS-323 2-Bay Network Storage Enclosure.
• Linksys WRT610N gigabit Wifi-N router supports UPnP with a USB hard drive, as a Storage feature: "The media server even automatically scans particular folders, or the whole NAS device, for newly added multimedia files to add to the shared list, so that these files can be picked up by other media players in the network, such as a Sony PlayStation 3 or iTunes software." (ZDNet)
• Promise SmartStor NS4300N NAS 4x 3.5" Serial ATA HDD RAID, max 4TB, LAN 10/100/1000, 2xUSB for external devices. Advertised as PS3 compatible. Downloadable DNLA plugin required.
• SFR - Neuf Cegetel NeufBox 5 (Gigabit LAN) and NeufBox 4 (10/100 Mbit/s with firmware 2.0.8) and USB drive key. Firmware-2.0.8
• Bubba server, a linux based NAS using MediaTomb from Excito (http://www.excito.com)

See also

List of NAS manufacturers – there are many uncatalogued NAS devices with UPNP.

UPnP AV clients (ControlPoint)

UPnP MediaServer ControlPoint is the UPnP-client (a 'master' device) that function as digital audio/video players, which can auto-detect UPnP-servers on the network to browse and stream media/data-files from them.

UPnP control points and player software

Java

• Cidero Control Point, written in Java
• Eyecon Technologies Control Point, written in Java, runs on Windows, Linux or Mac
• eezUPnP, a free Java based UPnP Control Point, especially for music, for Windows and Linux.

Mac OS X

• PS3 Media Server powerful Windows, Unix, OSX UPNP Server with on-the-fly-transcoding, dedicated and optimized for Sony PS3, but can run on all DNLA plateforms.
• VideoLAN Network Client (VLC), a free, open-source and cross-platform media player that has a UPnP-client (via the CyberLink UPnP plugin). UPnP support is currently broken, and will be rewritten for VideoLAN 1.0 [2]
• Kinsky is a free, open-source and cross-platform UPnP control point
• XBMC Media Center (formerly "XBox Media Center"), a cross platform open source software media-player/media-center for Apple TV, Linux, Mac (Intel), Windows, and the Xbox.
  • XBMC's built-in UPnP client and UPnP MediaServer code are from Platinum UPnP C++ SDK (open source under GPL)
• MediaCloud is a UPnP plug-in for the Apple TV. [3]
• SongBook is a control point with specific support for Linn MediaRenderers
• Eyecon Technologies Control Point, runs on Windows, Linux or Mac.
• [4] Playback is another uPnP-Server with full iLife integration.
• [5]EyeConnect from Elgato

Linux

• VideoLAN Network Client (VLC), a free, open-source and cross-platform media player that has a UPnP-client (via the CyberLink UPnP plugin)
• BRisa UPnP Framework, a free and open-source UPnP framework that allows the development of UPnP devices, as well as provides three implementation reference of UPnP applications: the BRisa Media server, the BRisa Media Renderer and the BRisa Control Point. BRisa Official Website
• Kinsky is a free, open-source and cross-platform UPnP control point
• XBMC Media Center (formerly "XBox Media Center"), a cross platform open source software media-player/media-center
• Coherence, a free and OpenSource UPnP/DLNA Framework. Together with GStreamer or Rhythmbox it forms a controllable DLNA/UPnP MediaRenderer. Available in the repository of the latest Ubuntu versions.
• Eyecon Technologies Control Point, runs on Windows, Linux or Mac
• KinskyDesktop is a free, open-source and cross-platform UPnP control point
• Rhythmbox is an integrated music management application, originally inspired by Apple's iTunes. It is open-source software, designed to work well under the GNOME Desktop, and based on GStreamer media framework.
• GUPnP GUPnP is an object-oriented open source framework for creating UPnP devices and control points, written in C using GObject and libsoup. The GUPnP API is intended to be easy to use, efficient and flexible.

Windows

• 4u2Stream, is a free, standalone and dedicated UPnP control point using .NET
• CyberLink PowerDVD, a commercial DVD-Video and video file playback software for Windows
• Eyecon Technologies Control Point, runs on Windows, Linux or Mac.
• foobar2000, an audio player, supports UPnP via the Foo_UPnP plugin
• InterVideo WinDVD, now owned by Corel, is a commercial DVD-Video and video-files playback software for Windows
• Kinsky and KinskyDesktop are free, open-source and cross-platform UPnP control points.
• Musicmatch Jukebox, a commercial music player for Microsoft Windows
• Nero MediaHome 4, a commercial software package containing both a UPnP client and server supporting music and video playback.
• TVersity powerful Windows UPNP Server with on-the-fly-transcoding
• [TwonkyMedia manager], a commercial control point, externally controllable renderer and UPnP media server for Windows from PacketVideo
• Windows Media Player 11, either out-of the-box (via Windows Media Connect (WMC)) on Windows Windows Vista
• XBMC Media Center (formerly "XBox Media Center"), a cross platform open source software media-player/media-center.

Notes:

• The On2Share UPnP plugin is no longer available.
• VideoLAN Network Client (VLC), now has integrated UPnP-client support, but not on the Windows platform yet.

Symbian OS

• Nokia N82 has client and server, both DLNA certified.
• Nokia N95 has client and server, both DLNA certified.
• Nokia N78 has client and server, both DLNA certified.
• Nokia 5630 XpressMusic has client and server.

Windows Mobile

• KinskyPda is a free, open-source and cross-platform UPnP control point
• Pocket Player is a commercial UPnP Client with plugin support

iPhone / iPod touch

• media:connect DLNA/UPnP AV compatible media player, media server, control point, media renderer, and media downloader.
• SongBook is an iPhone control point which supports Linn UPNP extensions.
• PlugPlayer is an iPhone application that acts as a UPnP client, MediaRenderer and control point.
• AdoubleU IntelligentShare UPnP AV Renderer is an iPhone UPnP AV MediaRenderer application.
• AdoubleU ItunesDB UPnP AV Server turns your device into a multiformat network audio streaming server. You can browse through your device's ITunes music library (including playlists and podcasts) and stream the desired song to the audio gadget.
• iMediaShare is an iPhone application that supports Media Server specifications of UPnP/AV.
• NasViP is an iPhone application. UPnP Media Client.

Android

• AndroMote is an Android control point which can also play music locally
• TwonkyServer mobile is a free UPnP/DLNA-compliant media server for Android phones.

PHP

• GUPnP GUPnP is an object-oriented open source framework for creating UPnP devices and control points, written in C using GObject and libsoup. This extension wraps GUPnP and provides similar API. All sources and additional documentation can be obtained from the official site

Other

• GeeXboX, an open source lightweight Media center Live CD, no installation required
• Nokia N800 and its native MediaStreamer application. This client can also control other hardware renderers such as the Roku Soundbridge
• Moovida (formerly Elisa) is a free, open-source and cross-platform media center solution
• PlayStation 3 game-console with OS version 1.8 or later through the Xross Media Bar
• Xbox 360 client from Windows Media Connect

• XBMC Media Center (formerly "XBox Media Center"), a cross platform open source software media-player/media-center for Apple TV, Linux, Mac, Windows, and the Xbox.
  • XBMC's built-in UPnP client and UPnP MediaServer code are from Platinum UPnP C++ SDK (open source under GPL)

UPnP control point hardware

• Philips Streamium range of products
• Philips 9000 LCD series with DLNA interface
• Allegro RDMC 101, a DLNA DMC test unit.
• DIRECTV PLUS HD DVR hardware (HR20/HR21/HR21Pro/HR22/HR23)

UPnP media render hardware

• Archos Generation 5 All Archos models of the 5th Generation like 605 and 705
• Archos TV+ Like the 5th generation models
• Brite-View [6] CinemaTube is 3-in-1: a full 1080p HD media player/streamer/torrent downloader, with up to full 1920X1080HD (1080p) resolution. NOW Mac formatted HFS+ supportive!"
• Buffalo LinkTheater HD players; http://www.buffalotech.com/products/multimedia (and the older PC-P3LWG/DVD which also includes a DVD player)
• Denon ASD-3N
• Denon ASD-3W
• Denon ASD-51N
• Denon ASD-51W
• Denon CHR-F103
• Denon S-32
• Denon S-52
• Denon S-302
• Denon AVP-A1HDCI(A)
• Denon AVR-5308CI(A)
• Denon AVR-4810CI
• Denon AVR-4308CI
• Denon AVR-4310CI
• Denon AVR-3310CI
• Denon AVR-990*
• Eminent EM3710 wRADIO Internet Radio with speaker.
• Eminent EM7070 SMP8635 based Full HD NMT player.
• Eminent EM7071 SMP8635 based Full HD NMT player.
• Eminent EM7075 (Worlds first SMP8655 based Full HD player.)
• Eminent EM7080 Realtek 1073DD Full HD media player.
• eGreat NMT Full HD player with support MKV.
• Freecom Musicpal Internet radios and upnp server, speakers included.
• Grundig Ovation 2i CDS 9000 WEB
• ISTAR Mini Full HD player with support MKV. http://www.istarhd.com/
• HDX 900 Full HD player with support MKV. http://hdx1080.com
• HP MediaSmart LCD High Definition Televisions
• Linn Klimax DS (Digital Stream) - Digital Music Player
• Linn Akurate DS - Digital Music Player
• Linn Majik DS - Digital Music Player
• Linn Sneaky Music DS - Digital Music Player
• Loewe Connect LCD High Definition Televisions. http://www.loewe-uk.com/index.php?seite=loewe_connect_de
• Netgear MP101
• NAIM uniti - all-in-one audio player. http://www.naim-audio.com/index.htm
• Onkyo HT-RC180
• Onkyo PR-SC5507
• Onkyo TX-NR807
• Onkyo TX-NR1007
• Onkyo TX-NR3007
• Onkyo TX-NR5007
• Panasonic Plasma Viera NeoPDP G15-Series
• Panasonic Plasma Viera NeoPDP V10-Series
• Panasonic Plasma Viera NeoPDP Z1-Series
• Pioneer KRP-500A
• Pioneer KRP-500ABG
• Pioneer KRP-500AW
• Pioneer PDP-LX5090H
• Pioneer KRP-600A
• Pioneer PDP-LX6090H
• Pioneer PDX-Z9
• Pioneer SC-LX71
• Pioneer SC-LX72
• Pioneer SC-LX81
• Pioneer SC-LX82
• Pioneer SC-LX90
• Popcorn Hour Full HD player with support MKV. http://www.popcornhour.com
• PlayStation 3 Sony games console from home screen
• Olive OPUS music servers and players, Olive MELODY players
• Onkyo TX-NR905 AV receiver with built in UPnP client.
• Roku SoundBridge and SoundBridge Radio (also sold under the Pinnacle Systems brand)
• Sangean WFR-20 (also supports Windows Shares) http://www.sangean.com/product.php?model=WFR-20&prod_id=42
• T+A MP-1250R Audio D/A Converter and Network Player. http://www.taelektroakustik.de/
• T+A MP-1260R Audio D/A Converter and Network Player. http://www.taelektroakustik.de/
• T+A E-Series Music Player. http://www.taelektroakustik.de/eng/ta2/e_system/music_player.htm
• T+A K2 M. http://taelektroakustik.de/eng/ta2/k_system/k2.htm
• T+A Caruso. http://taelektroakustik.de/eng/ta2/caruso/caruso.htm
• TerraTec Noxon iRadio - Internet Radio & Digital Music Player. http://www.my-noxon.net
• TerraTec Noxon iRadio for iPod - Internet Radio & Digital Music Player. http://www.my-noxon.net
• TerraTec Noxon 2Radio for iPod - Internet Radio & Digital Music Player. http://www.my-noxon.net
• Xbox game-console with XBMC Media Center (formerly "XBox Media Center") software, which is a free open-source software multimedia-player.
  • XBMC's built-in UPnP client and UPnP server code are from Platinum UPnP C++ SDK (open source under GPL).
• Xbox 360 game-console through the Xbox 360 Dashboard
• Yamaha RX-V3900
• Yamaha RX-Z7
• Yamaha YMC-700
• Yamaha RX-V2065
• Ziova ClearStream Series (ie. CS510)
• ZyXEL DMA-1000, a wired, HD-capable media renderer.

External links

• upnp-database.info Community based approach to build a database with UPnP devices' capabilities
• CH3SNAS & DNS-323 Hacking - How to use the commonly used CH3SNAS and DNS-323 NAS as a download/media server