Universal Media Server for Mac
DLNA-compliant UPnP media server.
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Universal Media Server overview
Universal Media Server is a DLNA-compliant UPnP media server. It is based on PS3 Media Server by shagrath. It is actually an evolution of the "SubJunk Build" of PMS. UMS was started by SubJunk, an official developer of PMS, in order to ensure greater stability and file-compatibility. Because it is written in Java, Universal Media Server supports all major operating systems, with versions for Mac OS X, Linux, and Windows. The program streams or transcodes many different media formats with little or no configuration. It is powered by MEncoder, FFmpeg, tsMuxeR, AviSynth, MediaInfo and more, which combine to offer support for a wide range of media formats. A list of device support and a comparison of popular media servers is available here.
What's new in version 15.8.0
General
- Added feature to backup and restore personal data including fully played statuses, bookmarks, playback positions and play counts
- Added feature to delete thumbnails to allow them to be recreated
- Improved design of the Tools section
- Improved speed of file hashing
- Improved video filename parsing
- Fixed advanced filtering via UPnP
Media players
- Added LG TV support for FLAC audio in videos and audio files
- Added support for nextCP/2
Translation updates via Crowdin
- Arabic (37%)
- Czech (100%)
- Finnish (66%)
- French (100%)
- Polish (67%)
- Slovak (43%)
- Turkish (95%)
Full list of changes available here
Universal Media Server for Mac
Free
In English
Version 15.8.0
Write a detailed review about Universal Media Server
(10 Reviews of Universal Media Server)
Comments
User Ratings
Aug 25, 2026
Version: 15.8.0
I used this for an evening to watch a mp4 that was on my laptop from my Roku. Halfway through DISCLOSURE DAY, the scene would "backspace" a couple seconds and play the same scene. At first we thought it was some weird time look effect Speilberg was using and made jokes about Wibbly Wobbly Timey Whimey. But it became obvious it was the server. Once copied the file to an external SSD and played it directly attached to the Roku, the movie was fine.
Since then, I started using Jellyfin. It works great and is so much easier to setup than Kodi. And there's a Roku plugin directly for it. UMS went straight into the trash.
Jul 24, 2021
Version: 10.8.0
The BIG problem here is that the software requires Universal Plug and Play (UPnP). Microsoft screwed up, and continues to screw up UPnP by allowing it to have WAN (Wide Area Network) access. That's BAD! UPnP must ONLY be used within a LAN, period. If you give it WAN access you WILL BE HACKED. UPnP is perfectly benign on a LAN. But with WAN access (check in your router!) UPnP is a MALWARE MAGNET! Hackers are constantly pinging every IP address on the planet for open UPnP ports. Upon finding them, they TAKE OVER you network. That's how lousy, insecure and stupid UPnP is over the WAN. Don't do it. - - Turn OFF UPnP if your router forces you give it WAN access. Turn It OFF!
Mar 22, 2020
Version: 9.3.0
UMS works, but is extremely troublesome. Mostly I can play 1 movie or tv show & then it wont work & the computer will need a restart before it will work again. This has been the case with this software since it came out, its barely usable & there are so many options & prefs, but its all worthless when the basic function is so poor. PS3 media server, its predecessor worked flawlessly & I never had an issue with it.
Feb 25, 2020
Version: 9.3.0
Wanted to give it another try after years of not working.
Now even the .dmg does not open. xD
PS3 Media Server still is the better choice after all those years...
Apr 12, 2019
Version: 8.0.1
I dont know but the only reliable version that runs on my 10.13.6 is UMS 6.8.0 Also that it isn't possible to start minimized on UMS 8.0.1 I do not really like.
