Device Types and DLNA Roles

What users call “streamer, NAS, receiver, TV” maps to different roles in DLNA/UPnP and ECHO. Wrong role = NAS visible but not playable, empty Connect list, etc.

Overview: Connect frontend playback devices. Connect UI: Connect page.

UPnP / DLNA triangle

        DMS (Media Server)
         /    serves files
        /
  DMC (Control Point) ─── controls ───> DMR (Media Renderer / player)
   ECHO when casting                      Connect target

Role	English	Function	ECHO Connect target?
DMS	Media Server	Share folders / libraries	No (files only)
DMR	Media Renderer	Play from URL	Yes
DMC	Control Point	Play, pause, seek	ECHO when casting

Synology, QNAP, etc. often appear as DMS. Listing a NAS does not mean ECHO can play through it. You need a Renderer (streamer, DLNA-capable receiver/TV) or local output.

Common hardware mapping

User term	Typical role	Connect?	Notes
USB DAC + headphones	Local output	No	Local output
Bluetooth speaker	Local (via Windows BT)	No	Bluetooth
Network streamer	Usually DMR	Yes	Enable Renderer / UPnP in settings
Network CD / streamer box	Often DMR	Yes	Firmware-dependent
AV receiver (network)	Some DMR	Yes	Enable DLNA / Renderer
Smart TV	Some built-in DMR	Yes	Brand-dependent compatibility
Smart speaker (DLNA mode)	Possible DMR	Yes	Not voice-assistant-only mode
NAS	Usually DMS	No	File source; use with remote library
Jellyfin / Emby	Server / DMS-like	No	Remote sources for files
AirPlay speaker	AirPlay receiver	Connect → AirPlay	AirPlay 1 only
HomePod (recent)	Often AirPlay 2	May fail	No AirPlay 2 support

Enabling Renderer on streamers (generic)

1. Streamer on network (wired preferred), same router as ECHO PC.
2. Enable DLNA, UPnP, Media Renderer, or Network Play.
3. Media Server may coexist; pick Renderer in Connect.
4. Restart network module or device if required.
5. ECHO Connect → Refresh.
6. First test with MP3.

Receivers and TVs

Device	Renderer notes
Network AV receiver	Enable DLNA / Renderer; update firmware
TV	Some DMP-only; verify in Connect list
HDMI ARC/eARC	Not ECHO Connect

Remote library + Renderer

Remote file → ECHO decode → Connect URL → streamer DMR → amp / speakers

See Scenarios · remote + DLNA.

DMR vs DMS clues

Clue	DMR	DMS
Vendor text	Renderer, Player	Server, Library
Phone DLNA app	Players list	Servers list
Connect	Starts playback	No play capability

Further reading

Topic	Doc
DLNA terms	DLNA guide
Connect flow	Connect page
Network	LAN and firewall