In this month’s newsletter we have addressed the frequently asked questions from companies. Please write to dca@spirespark.com if you have further queries. We also include a DLNA in the News section.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Why am I paying for tools now?
A: DLNA has dissolved and thus you can no longer access the tools through DLNA. However, the same DLNA Test Tools are now available through SpireSpark International. DLNA Membership is no longer required, and there is no longer a $10,000 membership fee.
In order to provide and maintain the Test Tools, a reasonable fee is being charged for the Test Tools usage, since there is no membership fee any longer.
Q: How much do the Tools cost?
A: All pricing information is available here: https://spirespark.com/test-tools-pricing/
Q: Why do I need the Golden devices and how much do they cost?
A: The DLNA Certification Tests consists of Tools testing and Interoperability testing with Golden devices. The Test Labs will test all devices sent for certification with the Golden devices for interoperability. These Golden devices can be purchased and tested against in your internal labs as well.
The cost pricing of the Golden devices can be found here: https://spirespark.com/test-tools-pricing/
The Golden DMP/DMR is now available and will be used at ICVs during DLNA Certification. The Golden DMP/DMR is a fully functional DMP and DMR device that supports all certifiable DLNA media format profiles. All Trickmodes operations and methods can be easily configured to test different use cases in your server and controller devices. The Golden DMP/DMR will be the only DLNA Test Bed device used while certifying DMS, M-DMS, DMC, M-DMC and +PU+ devices
For a Golden DMP/DMR sneak peek click here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOW1nl7lvYE&feature=youtu.be
Q: How much does certification of a device cost?
A: Certification testing is still being conducted at the DLNA Independent Certification Vendor (ICV) labs. The testing fee would vary based on the ICV. Please contact the ICV for the testing fee- https://spirespark.com/dlna/independent-certification-vendors/
The Certification administrative fees are here: https://spirespark.com/dlna/certification-pricing/
Q: Have the ICVs changed?
A: The ICVs are the same as before and have not changed.
For the list of ICVs, please refer to https://spirespark.com/dlna/independent-certification-vendors/
Q: Is derivative certification still possible?
A: Yes. A company can still certify derivatives for a base model device if the derivative devices comply with the requirements mentioned in the Vector table of the Certification Process document.
Cost of Derivative certification is available here: https://spirespark.com/dlna/certification-pricing/
Q: Where can I find the Certification Documents namely – Certification Test Plan, Certification Process Document, Test Bed Known Issue List, Tools Known Issue List, Test Bed Matrix, Content File list?
A: All Certification Documents are available on the Web Certification System (WCS) under “Certification Documents” on the main page.
Companies who do not have access to WCS can obtain access by contacting dca@spirespark.com
Q: Where can I find the DLNA 2.0 and 3.0 Certification Guidelines?
A: All devices will be certified based on the latest June 2016 guidelines which can be obtained here: https://spirespark.com/dlna/guidelines/
However for DLNA 2.0 Certification, only the Play and Stop operations are mandatory
For DLNA 3.0 Certification, the mandatory trick modes are specified in the DLNA Certification Test Plan.
Q: Where are the DLNA Certified products listed?
A: All DLNA Certified public products will be listed here: https://spirespark.com/dlna/products
Q: Where can I find the DLNA Test Media contents?
A: The DLNA Test Media contents can be downloaded from our website. Please contact dca@spirespark.com for access to the DLNA content.
Q: How can I buy the Tools and Golden devices?
A: Please contact dca@spirespark.com
DLNA in the News
DLNA is on Kodi
Kodi is a versatile home theater app which works with almost any type of media and any file format. You can move any image, audio, video content across any device irrespective of the device type. It is a free and open source app where anyone can use, copy, study, and change the software.
DLNA compatibility is present throughout Kodi. You can receive and play any DLNA content you push to the app, browse DLNA media sources, share libraries between DLNA devices, and even use Kodi to control DLNA devices.
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/kodi-everything-you-need-know/
Brazilian service provider MultTV launches IPTV offering STBs with DLNA
Brazilian service provider MultTV has launched a new IPTV offering set-top boxes (STBs) featuring DLNA-based in-home media streaming and sharing. Internet Service Providers can now affordably deliver advanced features such as In-Home Media Streaming and Sharing.
Nisha Bhaskaran
Certification Program Director
SpireSpark International