Linux – UPnP / DLNA Render on Linux

UPnP and DLNA are two different standards.

DLNA is derived from UPnP, as an attempt to normalize media interoperability. It does this partly by being more restrictive than UPnP (e.g. by restricting the number of media formats) and partly by adding features (like DRM, i.e. copy protection).

DLNA guidelines can be thought of as an umbrella standard that defines how the home network interoperates at all levels.

From the DLNA whitepaper (pdf).

The UPnP A/V spec provided a strong and flexible means to share content throughout the home, but because UPnP offered rather overwhelming flexibility in the choices vendors and providers could make in configuring their products and services, (push vs. pull, what types of video and audio file formats have to be supported, etc.) the DLNA developed its own interoperability guidelines to simplify the process.

From http://www.broadband2.com/usingstandardstostandout.asp

I couldn't find a clear answer on whether pure UPnP and pure DLNA devices are directly interoperable today, but in 2006 they weren't (pdf). My bet would be "probably not", unless at least one of the devices can handle both.

I was able to get this going, I think the Home Group settings had me confused. Instead of through that area, I followed these steps:

1. Open Control Panel in Windows 8
2. Navigate to Network and Internet
3. Under Network and Sharing Center selected View computers and devices
4. Right clicked on the Phone and Sony player (which both appeared as Media Devices) and selected Allow streaming to this device
5. It worked - yay!