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A digital media receiver usually means a device that plays digital media delivered over a home network. The phrase is not a consistent formal device-class name; in DLNA terminology, the similar playback role is a Digital Media Renderer (DMR). This article uses “receiver” in that network-playback sense, not as another name for every AV receiver or internet streaming box.
What does a digital media receiver do?
It receives media over a network and plays it through a connected screen or audio system. For example, a device might play a video or song stored on a computer or other media server, with a phone or other controller selecting the content and directing playback.
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Sony Support describes a DMR as “a function that allows content to be streamed to a DLNA-compliant product from a Digital Media Server (DMS), such as a mobile device or a computer.” That describes a playback capability, not a guarantee that every product in a particular category has it.
How the DLNA roles fit together
DLNA separates network media playback into roles. A single physical product can support more than one role, so the role describes what it can do—not necessarily what kind of box it is.
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- Digital Media Server (DMS): makes media available on the network.
- Controller: discovers devices, selects content and directs playback.
- Digital Media Renderer (DMR): plays the media after the controller handles discovery and playback setup.
- Digital Media Player (DMP): finds content exposed by a server and plays it locally, rather than depending on a controller to direct a separate renderer.
These roles are defined in DLNA’s consumer and home-networking materials and Microsoft’s Windows Media Streaming API glossary.
What a digital media receiver is—and is not
It may be a DLNA renderer
When someone uses “digital media receiver” to mean a network playback endpoint, a DLNA DMR is often the closest formal term. Use the manufacturer’s specifications to confirm that a particular device supports DMR behavior.
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It is not automatically an AV receiver
An AV receiver is a product category for equipment that handles audio and video connections and playback. A particular AV receiver may also implement a DLNA renderer function, but the category name alone does not establish that it does.
It is not automatically an internet streaming player
A streaming box or dongle that plays services over the internet is not necessarily a DLNA renderer. “Streaming” can describe different technologies; check the device documentation for the specific network playback role and protocols it supports.
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Which devices can act as DMRs?
Sony lists TVs, audio/video receivers, Blu-ray Disc players, Blu-ray home-theater systems and remote speakers as device types that can serve as DMRs. These are examples of categories that may implement the role, not confirmation that every model does. Sony’s DMR support explanation describes the function; consult the current specifications for the exact model you own or plan to use.
What to check before relying on one
A network connection by itself does not ensure that your devices will work together. Check the product documentation for:
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- Explicit DLNA DMR support, or support for the specific playback mode you need.
- The audio, video and photo formats the device can play.
- Compatibility with your media server and controller.
- Available network connections, such as Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet.
- Output connections that work with your display or audio system.
Compatibility depends on the particular devices, software and media formats involved. The role name alone does not certify that a server, controller and renderer will interoperate.
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Microsoft labels its Windows Media Streaming API as legacy and recommends Media Casting for new code where possible. That guidance concerns a software interface; it does not establish that DLNA-capable hardware is obsolete or that DLNA and every casting technology are interchangeable. See Microsoft’s API documentation for the current status and guidance.
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