If we like to enjoy any type of multimedia content on our different devices, we must look for an application that can offer us compatibility with all of them, allowing us to centralize all our content on the same computer. In this way we can access them through our networked equipment. To help us with this work we can use a free and open source tool such as Universal Media Server , and about which we will talk to you below.
Universal Media Server is a free and open source Java-based multimedia server, with which we can transmit all our multimedia content (videos, music, photos) to the Internet or other compatible devices through the use of DLNA technology . This software is based on one of the old media centers that already incorporated the classic PlayStation 3.
In this way it is possible to share different content between all kinds of networked devices to play them anywhere. The application takes on the role of a UPnP media server , designed to share several files through a dedicated server, without requiring complex configuration.
The main features that this application boasts are:
- It has a web server to access multimedia content even from devices without DLNA support.
- Adjusting the bitrate of the videos automatically according to the quality of the network.
- Browse all media files instantly.
- Supports subtitles.
- DTS sound.
- H.264 encoding.
- Customizable through plugins.
- Works with MEncoder, FFmpeg, tsMuxeR, AviSynth, VLC among others
- Support and compatibility for devices such as PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Google Chromecast, televisions with Smart TV, Android devices, Apple TV, among others.
Universal Media Server, simplicity by flag
If this application can be characterized by something, it is by trying to be able to perform any task with the greatest simplicity, requiring minimal user interaction. That is why it is a program suitable for all types of users, from beginners to the most advanced. And it is that he only takes care of automatically detecting the devices that are connected and initiating the content transfer without asking us to enter additional configuration options.
Automatic network scan
And it is that unless we need or want to perform a specific operation, it will not be necessary that we can perform any additional configuration on the server. Although we have different tabs through which we can scroll and see all the options that this program offers us.
On the main screen we can find both the connection status, the detected media processors, the details about the current bit rate, as well as the use of RAM. In the Shared Content folder, we can easily configure those files and folders that we want to share and that are available on other devices. It will be possible to add both shared folders and web content.
Web interface
Universal Media Server also has a graphical interface, although it is not available within the application. It will be necessary to click on the Web Interface button and our default browser will open. Once open, we can to the different folders that we have added that the application will organize them within the video, audio and photo folder.
Within each folder we find different categories by which to filter all the content. Inside the Video folder, we will find subfolders such as TV Shows, Movies, 3D Movies, HD Videos, SD Videos, DVD Images, among others. In the Audio folder, you can filter By Artist, By Album, By Genre, By Date, etc. In the Photo folder, we can only filter it by dates.
Once we have finished the small configuration of this program, it will be enough to restart the server for all the changes to take effect. From the Registration tab, we can track all changes in chronological order. This means that if something does not go as it should, we can retrace our steps to find a solution, in the event that we are able to analyze the technical language.
Universal Media Server free download
Universal Media Server is a free and open source application that we can download directly from its website . It is compatible with Windows 7, 8 and 10 on both 32-bit and 64-bit devices. In addition, it offers compatibility with computers with Linux and macOS operating systems. 567 MB of available storage is required for its installation.
Its latest version 10.4.1, officially launched on April 1, 2021 , is currently available , which gives a good account of the good support and update policy both by its developers and the wide community of users, who are able to count on with numerous versions in a short time.
Alternatives to Universal Media Server
If we are looking for a multimedia center with which we can synchronize our devices over the network, we must consider these alternatives to Universal Media Center.
MediaPortal
This is a free and open source application capable of turning our computer into a multimedia center, with an interface inspired by Windows Media Center, capable of working with basic hardware. We can use it to play videos, DVD, Blu-ray, listen to music or view images. We can download it from this link .
Kodi
If we talk about multimedia players, without a doubt the best known and used today is none other than Kodi. With it we can play all kinds of videos, music and images. One of its main characteristics is its wide compatibility with a large number of addons (add-ons) that allows us to customize it to our liking and provide the application with all kinds of utilities. We can download Kodi for free from its website .
Plex
This multimedia center allows us to keep our entire collection of music, images and videos organized, being compatible with almost any format we need. Among its features, its compatibility with cloud services such as Dropbox, Google Drive and Box Cloud Storage stands out. It is multiplatform so it is possible to use it on different operating systems. We can download Plex from here.
