How to configure a Sony Bravia KDL50R550A to get content via wifi

Forums › Home Theatre (including HTPC and EPG Collector) › How to configure a Sony Bravia KDL50R550A to get content via wifi

rossmcm

111 posts

Master Geek

#139051 26-Jan-2014 00:32

I have just acquired a Sony Bravia KDL50R550A, mainly because they were a good TV for the price (one-day special $1399), and have WiFi.

I set up the WiFi and connected to my home network no problem. I can browse the web and watch YouTube. I also updated the firmware via the web.

I have set up my Windows 8 laptop running WMP as a DLNA server, and I can see and access the shared media from my Sony Tablet S, but not the TV.

How do I see the media from the TV? The TV doesn't appear as a render (I have a DLNA app on the tablet that shows all connected renderer devices), and I can't find anywhere on the TV menus where I might see a list of media servers. There is precious little in the documentation.

I also cannot screen mirror my Galaxy S4. The S4 sees the TV but the TV refuses a connection. I'm not so worried about that, but I would love some learned advice on the DLNA problem.

TIA
R

KevinL

656 posts

Ultimate Geek

Trusted

#974438 26-Jan-2014 00:49

Have you tried using something like Plex or Universal Media Server? At a guess your DLNA server needs an appropriate profile for your TV.

rossmcm

111 posts

Master Geek

#974441 26-Jan-2014 03:30

Hi,

Thanks for replying. I installed UMS on the Windows 8 laptop, but still the same result. No sign of the TV, and no sign on the TV of the UMS content. I can't see anywhere on the TV where I might look for digital content, or change any settings associated with DLNA.

R

B1GGLZ

1961 posts

Uber Geek

#974471 26-Jan-2014 08:50

I've got a Sony Bravia ex720 and it communicates with my PC OK. Windows 7 sees the TV on the Network and Windows Media Player will stream to the TV. The TV will access suitable file formats from the PC and play them however it can't send anything to the PC probably due to Freeview certification constraints. Basically it's a one way thing. On the other hand my Panasonic recorder works both ways but never really tried all functions to see just what it will do as I don't have a laptop or any of the new fancy electronic gadgets like smartphone etc.

rossmcm

111 posts

Master Geek

#974478 26-Jan-2014 09:20

Hmmm.. that's what I want but don't get. I assume that you have a wired connection to your ex720 TV, or a wifi dongle. The 550A has wifi so I shouldn't need anything else.

B1GGLZ

1961 posts

Uber Geek

#974643 26-Jan-2014 15:26

rossmcm: Hmmm.. that's what I want but don't get. I assume that you have a wired connection to your ex720 TV, or a wifi dongle. The 550A has wifi so I shouldn't need anything else.

The TV is wired and the recorder is WiFi built-in.

B1GGLZ

1961 posts

Uber Geek

#974654 26-Jan-2014 15:53

rossmcm: Hi,

Thanks for replying. I installed UMS on the Windows 8 laptop, but still the same result. No sign of the TV, and no sign on the TV of the UMS content. I can't see anywhere on the TV where I might look for digital content, or change any settings associated with DLNA.

R

On the ex720 I just use the Home button on the remote then go to video, select the PC then the file I want to play. It's very restricted in the types of file it will play though so I use a Media Player.
The TV should show up as a Media device in your network.
To stream from WMP just drag a file to playlist then use the play to button to select TV.
The TV doesn't show up below "other libraries" but the Panasonic recorder does.
Don't know about Win 8 but I'm using WIN7 and WMP 12.
When I go to Network and Sharing centre my A C Ryan media player shows up as another Computer but the TV and Recorder as Media Devices.

rossmcm

111 posts

Master Geek

#974671 26-Jan-2014 16:39

Ok, when I press the home button I don't get video as an option. I do get "media". If I select that I get photos, music and video. If I select video I get a screen labelled "device selection" and it shows "there are no items to display". I guess that is where I would expect to see my media server.

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rossmcm

111 posts

Master Geek

#974724 26-Jan-2014 18:06

I am beginning to smell a rat. If I look at the manual for the KDL50R550A here: http://esupport.sony.com/US/p/model-home.pl?mdl=KDL50R550A&template_id=1&region_id=1&tab=manuals# I see on P38:

Strangely enough, I can't see any such text in the manual that came with my KDL50R550A. The PDF also talks about options to do with media servers on P45:

which likewise my manual doesn't mention.

I think Noel Leeming might be dealing with a return next week. Not quite what I call a smart TV.

B1GGLZ

1961 posts

Uber Geek

#974730 26-Jan-2014 18:23

rossmcm: Ok, when I press the home button I don't get video as an option. I do get "media". If I select that I get photos, music and video. If I select video I get a screen labelled "device selection" and it shows "there are no items to display". I guess that is where I would expect to see my media server.

OK
Bit different to the ex720 and not as smart.
When I select video it shows me the PC and other sources available.
Take it back and get a smarter one.

ArcticSilver

729 posts

Ultimate Geek

#974793 26-Jan-2014 20:07

Though this is a smart TV, it does not have DLNA (what you are looking for).

I don't know why, I have the same TV (frustrated me too!).

xlinknz

1127 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#974811 26-Jan-2014 20:39

rossmcm: I have just acquired a Sony Bravia KDL50R550A,...I also cannot screen mirror my Galaxy S4. The S4 sees the TV but the TV refuses a connection. I'm not so worried aboy ut that, but I would love some learned advice on the DLNA problem.

TIA
R

The 60R550A was one if two choices for our new TV [but it lost out]. I tried unsuccessfullly to use screen mirroring in store from my 2014 edition Samsung Note tablet [which is certified for Miracast]. I subsequently found out from Sony NZ that despite their advertising screen mirroring only works with a cable or Xperia devices !, if you search the Net you will see some disparaging commentary on that issue and accursations of false advertising. That said I'm curious if you get it working, perhaps it will be resolved in a firmware update ? It wasn't the main reason for me not to buy it but it did annoy me