KooRaRoo Media 2.4.0

Overview

Kooraroo Media is a DLNA server (about) that can stream media to your DLNA-supporting devices such as tablets, smartphones, game consoles and other types of devices. It can be used to organize your media content, create playlists, as well as automatically convert video files that aren't supported by your device before playback. You can also add external subtitles to your videos so that you can enjoy your movies without problems. These and a lot more are included in a simple and easy to use interface that won’t confuse you at all.

Installation

The setup procedure consists of only a few and easy steps that don’t require you to make any settings other than the typical shortcut ones. The main installation process finishes quickly so you don’t have to worry about it being time consuming.

No spyware or other types of malware are included in the program, and neither do additional 3^rd party software.

Supported operating systems are Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, WHS, Server 2003, 2008 and 2012.

Interface

First timers will have to add the folders where they keep their media files, in order for the program to scan them and them to its library. Information about this and all active processes is displayed in the Status pane located at the lower part of the window and includes the number of files added, filenames, total size and other information regarding the program’s general status. The toolbar at the top gives you quick access to the most important features, like Add (files/folders), Delete, Update Folder, Play Locally, Play to Device, etc. The middle part of the window is split into a pane with a tree-style menu, and an area that lists the contents of the selected folder.

A new feature that was introduced in version 1.8.0 is a web interface, which lets the user access his server from non-DLNA devices (i.e. web browsers).

Pros

Kooraroo Media needs a minimum amount of setup from its end to work. In fact, all you need to do is add the media files you want to play in your device and the program will take care of the rest, like scan for devices and get information. If a file you want to stream isn’t supported by the device, Kooraroo Media will automatically find the best format that is supported and convert the file to it. Width and height of video files can be limited on a per-device basis. As for the program itself, it supports a wide range of formats so you don’t have to install codecs in order to watch videos (this includes DVDs). External subtitles can be added to videos from within Kooraroo Media as well, which can then be burnt to DVDs.

You can use MPAA-parental settings feature to rate videos and block them from playing on certain devices. In addition, the program can connect to TheMovieDB/IMDB/Rotten Tomatoes online movie databases in order to grab metadata of movies you want to stream.

The Remote Player feature allows you to control the videos’ playback from your computer.

Another useful feature is the Maintanance-free feature, which lets you direct the program to the folders your media files are located in and then let it update automatically with new content. Even the playlists you create can be adjusted to be regenerated and include the new media files when they are added. It’s also possible to visit a previous playlist.

You can select another skin, if you would like to change the program’s look (you can do so from the Options menu).

Kooraroo Media has the ability to detect blocked ports that can trouble you when using the program and prompt you to unblock them in order avoid possible issues.

Metadata and subtitles support non-English characters.

Cons

This software is highly customizable and we have no complaints about it.

Alternatives

A few DLNA server software are ReadyMedia (free), PS3 Media Server (free- for PS3 only), Universal Media Server (free) and Serviio (paid). Whilst all of them are powerful, Universal Media Server is the best due to its incredible list of features.

Conclusion

Kooraroo Media is simply one of the best DLNA servers available and can be used by anyone. It certainly deserves 5 stars.