The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) is a non-profit organization founded in 2003. Its main goal is to develop standards for convenient sharing of digital media files between various devices on a home network, such as TVs, computers, smartphones, and other multimedia devices.
How Does DLNA Work?
DLNA operates within a local network, requiring devices to have IP addresses from the same subnet (for example, 192.168.1.10 and 192.168.1.20). It is a set of protocols that facilitates the transfer of information between compatible devices.
Setting Up DLNA
To use DLNA, a server (usually a computer running a special program) scans the local network for devices that support DLNA. Once such devices are found, a unified network is established, allowing features like “Media Sharing” or “DLNA Server” to be enabled. This lets users watch videos stored on their computer directly on their TV screen.
The Rise and Decline of DLNA
DLNA technology became widespread with the rise of smart TVs around 2010, significantly simplifying the sharing of local media files. Before DLNA, people often had to copy videos to USB drives or connect their computers to TVs via HDMI to play content. DLNA eliminated these hassles by enabling easy media transfer across a local network, particularly from computers to TVs.
However, with the advent of streaming services in 2016, the need for local media storage and, by extension, DLNA began to decrease. Smart TV apps provided access to a vast online content library, reducing the demand for local files and DLNA.
The decline of DLNA was further accelerated by technologies like Google Chromecast and Apple AirPlay. These solutions allow users to instantly stream content from devices to TVs with a single click, eliminating the need for media server programs. As a result, DLNA, which once bridged the gap in home entertainment, gradually lost relevance as more convenient streaming solutions became available.
DLNA and Compatible TVs
According to the DLNA Alliance, over 4 billion devices have been DLNA-certified. However, it’s unclear how many of these devices are still actively used and how many have become obsolete or discarded.
Manufacturers have gradually stopped certifying their products for DLNA:
- Samsung: Stopped certifying TVs for DLNA in 2015, and mobile devices in 2016.
- LG: Ended DLNA certification for TVs in 2016, though DLNA-enabled models were still released for a time.
- Sony: Ended DLNA certification for TVs in 2017.
- Panasonic: Ceased DLNA certification for TVs in 2019.
Thus, DLNA, once a robust solution for media file sharing, is becoming increasingly obsolete as newer streaming technologies take its place.
Categories of DLNA-Compatible Devices
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Home Network Devices (HND) | Network storage devices, audio and video players, TVs, music centers, printers |
| Digital Media Servers (DMS) | Devices that store and share digital content |
| Digital Media Players (DMP) | Devices designed to play digital content |
| Digital Media Controllers (DMC) | Devices that control the playback and sharing of digital media |
| Digital Media Renderers (DMR) | Devices that display and play media files |
| Mobile Devices (MHD) | Mobile phones, portable players, handheld computers, photo/video cameras |
| Mobile Digital Media Servers (M-DMS) | Devices that function as mobile digital media servers |
| Mobile Digital Media Players (M-DMP) | Devices designed to play digital content on the go |
| Mobile Digital Media Downloaders (M-DMD) | Devices that facilitate downloading of digital media content |
| Mobile Digital Media Uploaders (M-DMU) | Devices that allow uploading of digital media content |
| Mobile Digital Media Controllers (M-DMC) | Devices that control the playback of digital media |
| Home Interoperability Devices (HID) | Devices that support additional communication standards and convert data formats to ensure compatibility across technologies |
