Stream Media Throughout Your Home

Multimedia Hub

© Lead Image © alphaspirit, 123RF.com

© Lead Image © alphaspirit, 123RF.com

Article from Issue 305/2026
Author(s):

Universal Media Server lets you stream your entire media library to any device in your home with minimal configuration.

If you've built a library of movies, music, and photos, Universal Media Server (UMS) can turn your computer into a private, on-demand streaming hub. It makes your local media instantly accessible across your home network, on other computers, smart TVs, game consoles, and phones – all without uploading anything to the cloud.

UMS is a free, open source media server that relies on Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) and Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) protocols. These protocols allow UMS to detect and connect with any compatible device on your local network. Once set up, you can browse and play your media collection directly from your TV or media app, just as if it were stored locally on the device.

Install UMS

UMS provides several installation options for Linux, including a tarball, an AppImage, and a Docker container. The latest version, UMS v15.2.0, brings improved transcoding, device compatibility, and an upgraded web interface.

[...]

Use Express-Checkout link below to read the full article (PDF).

Buy this article as PDF

Download Article PDF now with Express Checkout
Price $2.95
(incl. VAT)

Buy Linux Magazine

Related content

  • Serviio

    Home media servers like Kodi or LibreELEC are feature-rich but difficult to set up. Serviio promises to make things simpler.

  • Universal Plug and Play

    Universal Plug and Play provides an easy framework for seamless integration of network devices. Learn how to build your own UPnP solution using the open source BRisa framework.

  • Video Streaming

    Thanks to protocols such as UPnP and DLNA, video, audio, and photos are distributed to TVs, gaming consoles, PCs, and smartphones without the need for configuration. Linux as a central media server is a welcome guest.

  • Media Sharing with MediaCrush

    Sharing videos or images doesn't always require a full-fledged YouTube or Flickr clone. Sometimes all you want is a quick place to upload, so you can link to your media or share it online. MediaCrush gives you just that, as well as other interesting perks.

  • MediaGoblin Media Sharing

    The same way that "ease of use" usually equates to less flexibility, "convenience" is nearly always synonymous with less privacy, and YouTube nowadays is very, very convenient. If you just want to share a video, and not your personal data, or you want to avoid rude users from commenting on your kids' videos, MediaGoblin is what you need.

comments powered by Disqus
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters

Support Our Work

Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

Learn More

News