Universal Media Server

Universal Media Server is a media server that can stream videos, audio, and photos to any DLNA-enabled device. It is free, frequently updated, and contains more features than any other media server, including paid ones. 

Universal Media Server supports all major operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS. The program streams or transcodes video, audio, and image formats with minimal or no configuration. It is driven by FFmpeg, MEncoder, tsMuxeR, MediaInfo, OpenSubtitles, and other libraries that work together to support a variety of media types. 

It streams to a variety of devices, including Sony PlayStation 3 (PS3) and PlayStation 4 (PS4), Microsoft Xbox One and 360, several TVs (Samsung, Panasonic, Sony, Vizio, LG, Philips, Sharp), cellphones (iPhone, Android, etc.), Blu-ray players, and others. 

Key Features

1. Media Streaming: Stream media files (videos, music, and images) from your computer to DLNA-compliant devices like smart TVs, gaming consoles, and media players.
2. Transcoding Support: Convert media files into compatible formats for seamless streaming on various devices.
3. Cross-Platform Compatibility: Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it accessible for users on different operating systems.
4. Customizable Settings: Configure various streaming and transcoding settings to optimize performance and compatibility.
5. Automatic Library Updates: Automatically detects and updates media libraries to ensure the latest content is available for streaming.
6. Web Interface: Control and manage media streaming through a web browser from any device connected to the same network.

Pros

1. Easy Setup: Simple installation process and user-friendly interface make it easy to set up and use.
2. Wide Device Support: Compatible with a wide range of DLNA-compliant devices, including smart TVs, gaming consoles, and media players.
3. Regular Updates: Continuously updated to support new devices and improve performance.
4. Customization Options: Offers a range of customization options for streaming and transcoding settings.
5. Active Community: Supported by an active user community that provides help and troubleshooting tips.

Cons

1. Resource Intensive: Can be resource-intensive, especially when transcoding high-definition media files.
2. Compatibility Issues: Some devices may have compatibility issues, requiring manual configuration.
3. Limited Features: Compared to some commercial media servers, Universal Media Server may lack certain advanced features.
4. Interface Design: The interface design could be more modern and intuitive.
5. Dependency on Network Stability: Relies on a stable network connection for seamless streaming.
   
   Note: Java Runtime Environment is required.