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[vigotone]

My media server consists of a Mac Mini running JRiver Media Center 26. Most of my files are ALAC, with the exception of multichannel albums, which are FLAC. I am able to playback multichannel albums via DLNA to my Oppo 205, and everything is wonderful.

I am trying to install a simple system in my bedroom, with an LG TV and Atmos Soundbar (and satellite surrounds), as well as an Apple TV 4K, which will allow me to play multichannel files from my server. The LG TV shows up as a DLNA renderer in JRiver, but it will only playback in stereo. I've tried setting up a Plex server on the Mac Mini and using the Plex Apple TV client, but once again, I only get stereo (even though I was under the impression Plex could play multichannel FLAC). I even tried Emby, but same thing: just stereo. Also I know that any hi-res files that go through Apple TV will be downsampled to 24/48, which is a bummer.

So what's the best solution for me? I can't afford another Oppo Blu-ray player, but I know that works flawlessly as a DLNA renderer, where I could use JRemote to playback anything from my library quickly and easily (and in native resolution). Is there another (affordable) unit I could use as a DLNA renderer connected via HDMI? I'm not an Android user, but would Nvidia Shield be a solution?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

[HaWi]

First, I am surprised you got any DLNA renderer to play multichannel. I tried it, although not with oppo, and failed in all attempts. In fact, my research led me to believe that it is impossible to play mch via DLNA. Anyway, my solution was to run MC on a Raspberry Pi4 and connect my 5.1 receiver to that via HDMI (actually much easier to set up than I thought, without any burden of knowledge regarding Linux  ).
Alternatively, you could move the Mac Mini to your bedroom and connect the system there via USB>HDMI (that works, I've done it with an iMac). However, you'd need ethernet in your bedroom to be able to continue to use your main set-up via DLNA.

[JimH]

DLNA Renderers are the only limit.  If they support a file type, MC can send it.  Oppo has very broad support.

[vigotone]

Thanks for the replies. I think Raspberry Pi is too complicated for me. Is there another Blu-ray player that can act as a DLNA renderer (like the Oppo) and playback multichannel FLAC?