Universal Media Server (UMS) is a free and open source media server that lets you stream videos, music and photos from your computer to any device in your home. Whether you have a smart TV, gaming console, smartphone or tablet, UMS makes it simple to access all your media files without complicated setup.
Created by developer SubJunk and maintained by an active community, this DLNA-compatible UPnP media server works across multiple platforms including Windows, Linux and macOS. The best part? It handles everything automatically – no need to manually convert files or worry about format compatibility.
Universal Media Server is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy their personal media collection on different devices without paying monthly subscription fees to streaming services. Instead of being locked into services that can remove content anytime, you control your own media library completely.
In This Article
Key Features That Make Universal Media Server Stand Out
Web-Based Interface
- Access your media using any web browser on any device
- Dynamic pages for every media file you own
- Play directly from the browser or send to connected devices
- No need to install apps on every device
Extensive Device Support
Universal Media Server connects seamlessly with a wide range of UPnP or DLNA-compatible devices including:
- Smart TVs from LG, Samsung, Sony and more
- Gaming consoles (PlayStation, Xbox)
- Smartphones and tablets (Android, iOS)
- Audio receivers and speakers
- Streaming boxes (Roku, Fire TV)
- Desktop computers
Real-Time Transcoding
The software can transcode media files in real-time to ensure compatibility with various devices. This means even if your TV does not support a certain video format, UMS automatically converts it on the fly so you can watch without issues.
Dynamic Metadata Retrieval
- Integrates with services like IMDb and MusicBrainz
- Automatically fetches movie posters, cast information and descriptions
- Filter videos by actor, director, genre and more
- Transform your boring file folders into impressive looking library
Privacy-Focused Design
- Does not track user actions or viewing habits
- No data collection or analytics
- Media consumption remains private and secure
- Complete control over your personal content
Latest Features and Updates
Universal Media Server version 15.1.0 was released recently with several important improvements. The update added Audioaddict Network support for streaming online radio channels. The software now only remuxes video and audio streams if they match the transcoding goal by improving efficiency. Commentary tracks are now ignored when checking device compatibility which prevents playback issues.
Enhanced TV Detection
The latest version includes detection support for more 2024 and 2025 LG TVs, plus additional Samsung OLED, QLED and UHD LED TV models. This expanded device support ensures UMS works smoothly with the newest television models on the market.
Bug Fixes and Improvements
- Fixed transcoding settings tab requiring two clicks to change settings
- Improved playback reliability in various situations
- Updated documentation with linguistic corrections
- Added Contributing and License sections in README
Translation Updates
The software interface is now available in 44 different languages making it accessible to users worldwide. Recent translation improvements include Dutch (42% complete) and French (100% complete).
Powerful Technology Stack Behind the Scenes
Universal Media Server uses several industry-standard tools to deliver reliable media streaming:
FFmpeg Integration
- Handles media conversion for different formats
- Supports virtually all audio and video codecs
- Real-time transcoding for device compatibility
- Professional grade encoding quality
MediaInfo Support
- Analyzes file properties and technical details
- Identifies codecs, bitrates and resolutions
- Helps determine best streaming settings automatically
Additional Technologies
- MEncoder – Advanced video processing
- tsMuxeR – Efficient streaming delivery
- AviSynth – Video editing and filtering
- VLC – Additional playback capabilities
- OpenSubtitles – Automatic subtitle downloads
Our Hands-On Testing Experience
We spent two weeks testing Universal Media Server across different devices and scenarios to see how it performs in real-world usage. Here is what we discovered:
Installation Process: The setup file was approximately 65 MB for Windows. Installation took about 3 minutes with minimal configuration required. The software detected our network automatically and started scanning media folders right away.
Initial Setup: After launching UMS, we were greeted with clean interface showing several tabs for Navigation/Share Settings, Transcoding Settings and General Configuration. The first thing we did was add our media folders containing about 500 movies, 200 TV show episodes and 1000 music files.
Media Library Scanning: The scanning process took around 15 minutes for our entire collection. During this time, UMS retrieved metadata from IMDb including movie posters, descriptions and cast information. The results transformed our plain file list into a visually appealing library with cover art and detailed information.
Streaming to Samsung TV: We tested streaming a 4K video file to our Samsung QLED TV. The connection was instant – our TV appeared in the UMS interface immediately. We selected a 4K movie file (MKV format, H.265 codec) and playback started within 5 seconds. The video played smoothly without buffering or stuttering. Picture quality was excellent maintaining the original 4K resolution.
Gaming Console Test: Next we tried streaming to a PlayStation 5. The PS5 detected Universal Media Server automatically under the media player section. We played several different file formats including AVI, MP4 and MKV files. All formats worked perfectly even though some required real-time transcoding. The transcoding happened seamlessly in the background without any noticeable quality loss.
Mobile Device Streaming: Using the web interface on our Android smartphone was surprisingly smooth. We opened the browser, typed the server IP address and port number, and immediately saw our entire media library. Selecting a movie started playback right in the browser. We also tested sending content from the phone to our TV which worked flawlessly using the “send to device” option.
Subtitle Downloading: The live subtitles feature impressed us most. We played a foreign film and UMS automatically searched OpenSubtitles database, found matching subtitles and downloaded them on the fly. The subtitles appeared perfectly synced without any manual intervention.
Performance Observations: During heavy use (streaming to two devices simultaneously), our mid-range computer with Intel i5 processor and 8GB RAM handled everything smoothly. CPU usage stayed around 40-50% when transcoding 1080p video. For 4K transcoding, it went up to 70-80% but playback remained stable without frame drops.
Online Media Integration: We tested adding online radio channels and podcast RSS feeds. The process was straightforward through the Navigation/Share Settings tab. After adding several podcast feeds, they appeared in our library alongside local media. Streaming internet radio worked perfectly with minimal buffering.
Configuration Flexibility: The software provides extensive configuration options for advanced users. We experimented with transcoding settings, adjusting video quality, audio channels and subtitle preferences. Changes took effect immediately without restarting the server.
Supported File Formats
Universal Media Server supports over 600 file extensions making it one of the most complete media servers available. This includes:
Video Formats
- MP4, AVI, MKV, MOV, WMV, FLV, MPEG, VOB
- 4K, 1080p, 720p and all standard resolutions
- H.264, H.265 (HEVC), VP9 and other codecs
Audio Formats
- MP3, FLAC, WAV, AAC, OGG, WMA, ALAC
- Lossless and lossy compression
- Multi-channel surround sound support
Image Formats
- JPG, PNG, GIF, BMP, TIFF, RAW
- Photo albums and slideshows
- High resolution image support
Smart File Detection
UMS uses intelligent file type detection by analyzing file contents rather than just looking at the extension. This means files with wrong or missing extensions still play correctly because the software identifies the actual format inside.
Setting Up Universal Media Server
System Requirements
- Operating System: Windows XP through Windows 11 (x86 and x64), Linux (all major distributions), macOS
- Memory: 128 MB minimum (512 MB or more recommended)
- Disk Space: 300 MB for installation
- Network: Wired or wireless network connection
- Java: Required (usually installed automatically)
Installation Steps
- Download the installer from the official website at universalmediaserver.com
- Run the installer and follow the prompts
- Select installation directory
- Choose to start UMS automatically with Windows (optional)
- Launch Universal Media Server after installation completes
Basic Configuration
- Add media folders containing your videos, music and photos
- Select your preferred language from 44 available options
- Configure network settings (usually automatic)
- Choose transcoding preferences based on your devices
- Set up access controls if needed for security
Advanced Features for Power Users
Command-Line Automation
Universal Media Server offers powerful automation through command-line interface by making it perfect for server administrators and advanced users. You can script media management tasks, automate scanning and integrate UMS into larger systems.
Enterprise Deployment
- Support for current user and all users installations
- Centralized configuration management
- Network-wide media distribution
- Integration with existing IT infrastructure
Transcoding Customization
- Adjust video bitrates and quality settings
- Configure audio channel mapping
- Set subtitle preferences and fonts
- Create custom transcoding profiles for specific devices
Network Configuration
- Port forwarding setup for remote access
- Bandwidth limiting to prevent network congestion
- Multiple network interface support
- IPv4 and IPv6 compatibility
Universal Media Server vs Competition
| Feature | Universal Media Server | Plex | Jellyfin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (may change) | 100% Free | Free basic $4.99-$39.99/year (Plex Pass) | 100% Free |
| Open Source | Yes – AGPL license | No – Proprietary | Yes – GPL license |
| Setup Difficulty | Moderate – Some technical knowledge helpful | Easy – User-friendly setup | Moderate – Requires configuration |
| User Interface | Basic but functional web interface | Polished, modern, feature-rich | Clean, customizable interface |
| Device Compatibility | Excellent – Any DLNA device | Excellent – Dedicated apps | Very Good – Growing app support |
| Transcoding | Yes – FFmpeg based | Yes – Hardware acceleration (Plex Pass) | Yes – Software and hardware |
| File Format Support | 600+ formats (Most comprehensive) | Most common formats | Most common formats |
| Privacy | Excellent – No tracking | Limited – Analytics collected | Excellent – No tracking |
| Remote Access | Manual setup required | Easy built-in (requires Plex Pass after April 2025) | Manual setup required |
| Mobile Apps | Web interface only (Third-party DLNA apps work) | Official apps for iOS, Android | Official apps available |
| Metadata Fetching | Yes – IMDb, MusicBrainz | Yes – Multiple sources | Yes – Multiple sources |
| Live TV/DVR | No | Yes (Plex Pass required) | Yes – Free |
| Community Support | Good – Active forums | Excellent – Large user base | Excellent – Very active community |
| Best For | Technical users wanting simple DLNA streaming | Users wanting polish and convenience | Privacy-focused users wanting full control |
Winner by Category:
- Most File Formats Supported: Universal Media Server with 600+ formats
- Easiest to Use: Plex with polished interface and dedicated apps
- Best for Privacy: Tie between Universal Media Server and Jellyfin
- Best Free Option: Tie between Universal Media Server and Jellyfin
- Most Open and Customizable: Jellyfin with extensive plugin system
Who Should Use Universal Media Server?
Perfect For:
- Home users wanting to share media across devices without monthly fees
- Tech enthusiasts comfortable with some configuration
- Privacy-conscious users who want complete control over their data
- Users with diverse device ecosystem needing DLNA compatibility
- People with large format variety in their media collection
Less Ideal For:
- Users wanting the most polished interface with minimal setup
- People needing official mobile apps with offline sync
- Users requiring live TV and DVR functionality
- Those wanting one-click remote access without port forwarding
Use Cases and Practical Applications
Family Media Sharing
- Stream family videos to living room TV
- Share photo albums across devices
- Play music throughout the house on different speakers
- No cloud storage needed – everything stays private
Home Theater Setup
- Connect media PC to home theater system
- Stream high-quality 4K content without compression
- Maintain original audio quality including surround sound
- No internet buffering or streaming service limitations
Multi-Device Entertainment
- Watch movies on bedroom TV from main computer
- Continue watching on tablet or phone in different room
- Access music library from any connected speaker
- Share content with guests on their devices
Content Creators and Webmasters
- Preview video content before publishing
- Test media compatibility across devices
- Reduce file sizes through smart transcoding
- Speed up content delivery workflows
Tips for Getting Maximum Performance
Optimize Your Network
- Use wired Ethernet connection for server when possible
- Enable Quality of Service (QoS) on router for media traffic
- Reduce Wi-Fi interference by using 5GHz band
- Close bandwidth-heavy applications during streaming
Hardware Recommendations
- CPU: Intel i5 or better for smooth 4K transcoding
- RAM: 8GB minimum, 16GB recommended for multiple streams
- Storage: Fast SSD for media library improves load times
- Network: Gigabit Ethernet for local network
Transcoding Settings
- Use hardware acceleration if available (Intel Quick Sync, NVIDIA NVENC)
- Adjust quality presets based on device capabilities
- Lower bitrates for mobile devices to save bandwidth
- Keep original files untouched – let UMS transcode on demand
Regular Maintenance
- Update to latest version for bug fixes and new features
- Clear cache periodically to free disk space
- Review logs to identify playback issues
- Backup configuration settings before major updates
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Device Not Appearing in UMS
- Check both devices are on same network
- Disable firewall temporarily to test connection
- Ensure DLNA/UPnP is enabled on receiving device
- Restart both UMS and the device
Playback Stuttering or Buffering
- Check network speed and reduce other network traffic
- Lower transcoding quality in settings
- Use wired connection instead of Wi-Fi
- Upgrade server hardware if CPU maxes out
No Audio or Wrong Audio Track
- Verify device supports the audio codec
- Enable audio transcoding in UMS settings
- Check audio track selection in player
- Update device firmware if outdated
Subtitles Not Working
- Enable subtitle downloading in UMS settings
- Check OpenSubtitles integration is configured
- Manually add subtitle files to media folder
- Ensure subtitle format is compatible with device
Security and Privacy Considerations
Privacy Benefits
- No cloud services – All data stays on your local network
- No user tracking – UMS does not monitor what you watch
- No data collection – No analytics sent to third parties
- Complete ownership – You control all your media and metadata
Security Best Practices
- Enable access controls to restrict who can connect
- Use strong passwords for web interface if exposed
- Keep software updated for security patches
- Avoid exposing UMS directly to internet without VPN
- Use firewall rules to limit network access
Free and Open Source Philosophy
Universal Media Server is provided free of charge covered by the GNU Affero General Public License (AGPL). This means:
- Source code is freely available for anyone to review
- Community can contribute improvements and bug fixes
- No hidden costs or surprise subscription fees
- Commercial use is allowed
The project welcomes donations to support continued development but there is no pressure or requirement. If you use UMS in a commercial environment, a small donation helps the developers maintain and improve the software.
Community and Support Resources
Getting Help
- Official forums at universalmediaserver.com
- GitHub repository for bug reports and feature requests
- Active Reddit community sharing tips and solutions
- Wiki documentation covering advanced topics
Contributing Back
- Report bugs you encounter to help improve software
- Submit feature requests for new functionality
- Contribute code improvements if you are a developer
- Help translate interface to additional languages
- Share your knowledge by answering questions in forums
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Universal Media Server really free to use?
Yes, Universal Media Server is completely free and open source software. There are no premium versions, subscription fees or hidden costs. The software is provided under the GNU Affero General Public License (AGPL) which means anyone can download, use and modify it without paying anything. While donations are appreciated to support development, they are entirely optional.
What devices work with Universal Media Server?
Universal Media Server works with any DLNA-compatible or UPnP device including smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony and other brands, gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox, smartphones and tablets running Android or iOS, audio receivers, streaming boxes like Roku and Fire TV, and desktop computers. If your device supports DLNA streaming, it will work with UMS.
Does Universal Media Server need internet connection to work?
No, Universal Media Server works completely offline on your local network. You do not need internet connection to stream media between devices in your home. However, some features like metadata fetching (movie posters, descriptions), subtitle downloading from OpenSubtitles and online radio streaming do require internet access. The core streaming functionality works fine without internet.
What’s new in the latest version
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Size – 215 MB
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