DLNA - what is it?

In this practical tip we explain what DLNA is and what it is used for.

DLNA is a term that is used frequently in the field of multimedia and home theater

The abbreviation DLNA stands for "Digital Living Network Alliance". Specifically, this is a networking standard for digital devices such as media players, computers and smartphones that is defined by various forms. So that devices from different manufacturers can communicate with each other and understand each other, there is DLNA.

• The "Digital Living Network Alliance" consists of 250 companies in the entertainment electronics, computer and telecommunications sectors. These come from 20 countries. These include well-known names such as LG, Panasonic, Sony, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, Philips, Pioneer, Nero and the Fraunhofer Institute.
• The DLNA was founded in 2003 by originally 17 members. Above all, Sony and Intel.
• Together, the DLNA created the eponymous standard with which multimedia devices can communicate with each other digitally. DLNA verifies compliance with this standard, develops it further and issues certificates.
• You can tell whether a device is DLNA compatible by the official DLNA logo in the manual or on your hardware.
• Only Apple is missing from the big companies. Apple's own competition format is called "Airplay". However, there are software solutions such as the "Twonky Media Server" that simulate DLNA functions on Macs.
• A DLNA server plays multimedia content and makes it available in your network. A DLNA player plays it. These roles can be flexibly selected between computer, tablet, smart TV or smartphone.
• The minimum requirements for the supported data formats were JPEG, LPCM and MPEG-2.

Another practical tip tells you how to set up a DLNA client in Windows 7.