What is DLNA connectivity?

While most people will be familiar with one or two connectivity acronyms or abbreviations, such as Wi-Fi and 3G, you might not have encountered DLNA before, but lo and behold it is an increasingly common sight when you check up on the specifications of a new smartphone. So, what is DLNA and how does a DLNA connection benefit people who can access it? Here’s a quick examination of how smartphone DLNA connectivity can let you enjoy wireless streaming to TV, Hi-Fi and other entertainment gadgets at home.

What is DLNA connectivity?

DLNA stands for Digital Living Network Alliance, although that doesn’t really help answer the question of “What is DLNA?”. It’s basically just a form of wireless connectivity that lets compatible devices speak to one another and share multimedia content with ease. Smartphones, TVs, PCs, tablets, games consoles and even printers can be DLNA certified, although you’ll want to check that the devices you own are compatible to work out which can be used in tandem via DLNA.

If you have smartphone DLNA connectivity and a TV with DLNA on board and as long as these are both connected to the same network, you will be able to stream video from your handset to your big-screen display in the living room.

This means that if you have home video, photos or music on your phone and you want to see them on a much larger format, using a DLNA connection will be a good way to achieve this.

Wireless streaming to TV sets is not the only thing on offer. You can do the same to stereo systems, computers and any other certified device you have to hand, even if they are not produced by the same manufacturer. Thanks to DLNA, it’s possible to hook up your LG Nexus 4 with your Samsung HD TV.

There are some restrictions and while almost every major tech company has committed to the DLNA standard, not everyone is on board. Apple, for example, is not a DLNA supporter, as it has its own AirPlay standard for wireless streaming to TV, PC and set-top boxes.

So long as you are willing to delve into the instructions manual on your phone, connecting it to a TV with DLNA should not be too taxing.

So whether you’re after a top of the range release or are browsing the affordable smartphones of 2012, there’s a good chance your device is ready for some wireless multimedia fun.