MediaCenter: DLNA availability

Erik informed us about a problem in the media center: if multiple DLNA devices are present, then only the first DLNA device appears in the media center - and this device must not be a DLNA media server, so that although DLNA appears in the media center, there is no media accessible.

Through several trials and protocols, that were issued for test purposes and Erik sent us back, we were able to solve the problem finally.

Especially helpful were there 2 existing DLNA media server (Fritz!Box NAS and DS214play), whereat the Fritz!Box NAS has been disabled for test purposes. In this case, the Fritz!Box NAS still reported itself as a DLNA media server even though it is no media available - and thus DS214play was then not available.
Another problem was DS214play that reports itself twice as device - and only the second device is a DLNA media server.

We have now solved the problems by showing only the first DLNA media server that really provides media. A modified version can be downloaded from the download page.

Many thanks go to Erik, who had the patience to test several attempts and different combinations!

And then there is also bad news for the AppStore customers: nessMediaCenter 1.6.1 was rejected on 27.1. by Apple. Due to a bug in XCode we had to upload unfortunately a corrected version as 1.6.2 on 28.1. - and apparently it takes again a week until Apple will review the new version. And the improved DLNA availability will not be included in this AppStore version.

nessViewer & DLNA

The pre-release of nessViewer now integrates DLNA as a first step.

After opening the DLNA window by the toolbox or file menu, a window is displayed which allows it to start DLNA. If the firewall is activated then incoming connections for nessViewer must be allowed.

After the DLNA start, all available DLNA devices are shown in the drop down menu.

If the selected device supports media (e.g. a media server like Serviio or NAS volumes), then "Browse" will show the root content. Folders can then be opened and media like movies or pictures presented.

Particularly pleasant is the feature to select multiple media and then to present these media continuously.

So far the following devices have been tested (and work):

• Fritz!Box NAS Media Server
• PlexMediaServer
• PS3 Media Server
• Serviio Media Server
• Twonky Media Server (modificated nessViewer version from 3/21/2013 13:35)
• XBMC UPnP Media Server (modificated nessViewer version from 3/21/2013 12:10)

At the moment we are testing further DLNA devices like BluRay player. If beta tester will find problems, we will updated the pre-release just in time. Experiences or problems can be send to us by email.

For the future further features like a DLNA media server or DLNA remote control are imaginable. An integration in the media center might also be possible.