DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) is a standard that enables devices like televisions and computers to share content over a local network. NAS (Network-Attached Storage) serves as a dedicated network storage system with server functionality, allowing users to store and access files on demand across multiple devices.
Previously, Samsung TVs supported DLNA, allowing users to stream media from a NAS device directly to their TV. This feature was widely used in the mid-2010s, often by installing software on a computer to create a virtual NAS server that stored movies, photos, and music. Through Samsung’s AllShare program, users could then access these files on their TV.
Samsung TVs and NAS Server Compatibility
However, Samsung ceased DLNA certification for its TVs around 2019, and by 2021, DLNA support was completely removed. As a result, newer Samsung TV models no longer support NAS servers.
The primary reason for this shift is the declining demand for such servers. Modern TVs support external hard drives and flash drives with capacities reaching several terabytes, making it more convenient to connect storage devices directly to the TV. Additionally, the need to maintain personal media libraries has diminished with the rise of streaming services offering extensive video-on-demand options. Furthermore, Samsung TVs now support wireless screen mirroring via AirPlay for iPhones and Chromecast for Android devices, providing seamless content sharing without the need for a dedicated NAS setup.
How to Find Out if My Samsung TV Supports Receiving Files Over My Home Network
Samsung doesn’t always explicitly mention NAS or DLNA support in its specifications. This is often a marketing strategy, where companies rebrand standard features with their own names. In Samsung’s case, DLNA functionality is referred to as AllShare.
To check if your TV supports file transfer over your home network, open the input sources on your Samsung TV. If you see AllShare listed as a source, it means your TV can receive files from your computer over the network. If AllShare is not present, this feature is likely not supported.
