Top 15 Windows Media Services Alternative and Similar Softwares | Dec 2024

Windows Media Services (WMS) is a streaming media server from Microsoft that allows an administrator to generate streaming media (audio/video). Only Windows Media, JPEG, and MP3 formats are supported. WMS is the successor of NetShow Services.
In addition to streaming, WMS also has the ability to cache and record streams, enforce authentication, impose various connection limits, restrict access, use multiple protocols, generate usage statistics, and apply forward error correction (FEC). It can also handle a high number of concurrent connections making it ideal for content providers. Streams can also be distributed between servers as part of a distribution network where each server ultimately feeds a different network/audience. Both unicast and multicast streams are supported (multicast streams also utilize a proprietary and partially encrypted Windows Media Station (*.nsc) file for use by a player.) Typically, Windows Media Player is used to decode and watch/listen to the streams, but other players are also capable of playing unencrypted Windows Media content (Microsoft Silverlight, VLC, MPlayer, etc.)
64-bit versions of Windows Media Services are also available for increased scalability. The Scalable Networking Pack for Windows Server 2003 adds support for network acceleration and hardware-based offloading, which boosts Windows Media server performance. The newest version, Windows Media Services 2008, for Windows Server 2008, includes a built-in WMS Cache/Proxy plug-in which can be used to configure a Windows Media server either as a cache/proxy server or as a reverse proxy server so that it can provide caching and proxy support to other Windows Media servers. Microsoft claims that these offloading technologies nearly double the scalability, making Windows Media Services, according to the claim, the industry's most powerful streaming media server. ...

1. Connect360

Connect360 Connect360 automatically indexes your iTunes and iPhoto libraries and shares them to your Xbox 360. You can then use the Xbox 360 Dashboard to browse and play your media, organized in the exact same way that it is on your Mac.......

2. younity

younity ACCESS ALL YOUR FILES:- View the files and media libraries of all your computers- Merge your iTunes libraries and accounts for easy access- Automatically discover your GoPro video library- Access Dropbox, OneDrive, Box, Google Drive and other online services all in one place- Print documents or photos to most printers......

3. MediaTomb

MediaTomb MediaTomb is an open source (GPL) UPnP MediaServer with a nice web user interface, it allows you to stream your digital media through your home network and listen to/watch it on a variety of UPnP compatible devices.......

4. Tvmobili

Tvmobili TVMOBiLi is a free UPnP/DLNA media server for Mac, Windows and Linux.......

5. Plex

Plex Plex bridges the gap between your computer and your home theater, doing so with a visually appealing user interface that provides instant access to your media. Plex can play a wide range of video, audio and photo formats as well as online streaming audio and video. The real power of......

6. StreamNation

StreamNation Streamnation is the ultimate media storage service for your movies, TV shows, personal photos & videos. Stream your content everywhere; try a free plan.......

7. ViralWire Viral Video Website

ViralWire Viral Video Website One of the best youtube alternatives viralwire is full of great home videos and professional and viral videos from music to animals and automobiles check us out......

8. Kurento

Kurento Kurento Media Server provides, out of the box, group communications, mixing, transcoding, recording and playing. In addition, it also provides advanced modules for media processing including computer vision, augmented reality, alpha blending and much more.Kurento Media Server capabilities are exposed by the Kurento API to application developers. This API is......

9. AudioIn

AudioIn Do you need a wireless headphones for watching movies or listening to music without disturbing your family or roommates? With AudioIn, you'll never hear them tell you to "turn the volume down!" ever again! AudioIn can turn your iPhone/iPod Touch into a wireless HiFi stereo headphones. Paired with our free......

10. AllCast

AllCast AllCast lets you send photos, music, and videos on your Android to your TV!AllCast lets you cast to:* Chromecast* Subtitles supported* Amazon Fire TV* Subtitles supported* Apple TV* Xbox 360, Xbox One* Roku* WDTV* Samsung, Sony and Panasonic Smart TVs* Other DLNA RenderersThis is the free version of AllCast, which......

11. Skifta

Skifta Stream audio, video, pictures from Android devices to DLNA devices or between Android devices and Windows, Mac, Linux computers......

12. Pith

Pith Pith sits on a server or NAS. It scans your media for movies and tv shows and you access it through a modern web UI from your tablet, phone or PC. From there you can stream your media directly to any DLNA Media Renderer.......

13. TwonkyManager

TwonkyManager TwonkyMedia manager streams your music, photos and videos to compatible devices in your home. Playing media on a compatible device is easy. Just drag and drop a media file or playlist onto the icon for the device.Includes a full version of the latest TwonkyServer and TwonkyBeam.......

14. Emby

Emby Emby, formerly Media Browser, is a media aggregator plugin for Media Center that takes your recorded, digital, or ripped media and presents it in a simple, easy to use interface. Emby prides itself on delivering a fast, intuitive, media rich experience for the whole family. Emby requires a subscription to......

15. Infuse

Infuse Ignite your video content with Infuse – the beautiful way to watch almost any video format on your iPhone or iPad. No need to convert files! Infuse is optimized for iOS 8, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, with powerful streaming options, trakt syncing, and unmatched AirPlay & subtitle support.......