Set up a DLNA home network

In a previous post I (attempted to) explain what Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) is, well here’s how to setup a DLNA network in your home.

First of you you will need the following:

A DLNA certified device to play content. A DLNA Certified TV for example

A DLNA Server to storer to store the content. A laptop or mobile phone for example

A router

Either ethernet cables, a Wireless Bridge, powerline adapters – to link the network together

Step 1

First of all you need to connect your DLNA certified TV to your router. You can do this wirelessly if the router is close enough to the tv or via an ethernet cable. You can also use a wireless bridge if you wish to connect wirelessly but the router is out of range. The wireless bridge plugs into the ethernet port of your TV and this allows you to conenct wirelessly to your router. The final option is a powerline network which is a good option if you want to extend your network around the house. It’s easy and safe to set up using the mains electricity power circuit in your home. As it uses the existing electrical wiring in your home there’s no need to connect your DLNA network using cables.

Step 2

Add other DLNA devices to your router. Once you have added you TV to the router you can add other devices for example a laptop, a mobile phone, music player or Blu-Ray Player. These become accessable over the network so you can play the content they have stored. In order to view content on from your laptop you will need to install Windows Media Player 11 or 12.

Step 3

Browse and play files using your TV menu. Different TVs will obviously have different menu structures and navigation so you will need to refer to your TV manual at this stage.

DLNA certified Blu-Ray player from Play.com

One Response to “Set up a DLNA home network”

1. Alfred Palaspas says:

   16/07/2010 at 2:04 pm

   Did you know Acer is reportedly planning to launch a tablet PC which will be based on Google Chrome operating system.