Yes. Current ZimaOS can expose a folder to a smart TV through its built-in DLNA server without adding that folder to Plex or Jellyfin. The important update since the 2024 forum thread is that current ZimaOS lets you configure the DLNA Media Path rather than relying only on a fixed default folder.
This is useful for simple LAN playback—such as class recordings or personal videos—when you want the TV to browse files directly and do not need a full media-library application.
Why the Old 2024 Thread Was Confusing
The original poster could see a device named “Zimacube” from an LG WebOS television, proving the DLNA service was discoverable, but the expected folders were empty. A community reply suggested placing files under the Media folder. The user later said files under /media/movies still did not appear and eventually switched to Jellyfin and Emby.
Because the thread never reached a verified built-in DLNA fix, its “move it to Media” advice should not be treated as the current limitation.
Configure DLNA in Current ZimaOS
The current ZimaOS DLNA setup guide documents the present workflow:
- Open Settings and enable Developer Mode.
- Enable DLNA.
- Open DLNA Configuration.
- Set the Friendly Name if desired.
- Choose or change the Media Path to the storage folder you want to expose.
- Save the configuration and keep the TV on the same LAN.
The default friendly name may still include “ZimaCube DLNA Server,” which does not mean the feature is limited to ZimaCube hardware.
Use a Separate Folder Without Adding It to Plex
Because the Media Path is configurable, you can point DLNA at a dedicated folder for course videos, family clips, or other files you do not want indexed by Plex/Jellyfin. Keep that path separate from application libraries if you want the two workflows isolated.
If you later need posters, metadata, user profiles, remote streaming, or transcoding, the Plex and Jellyfin media-center guide explains when a full media server becomes more useful than DLNA.
If the TV Sees the Server but Shows No Files
- Confirm the configured Media Path contains the files you expect.
- Check that the TV and ZimaOS server are on the same reachable LAN/VLAN.
- Try a common codec/container that the television supports.
- Restart the DLNA service after changing its path and allow time for discovery/indexing.
- Test from a second DLNA client to separate a server problem from a TV compatibility problem.
DLNA discovery and file visibility do not guarantee that every codec can play on every television.
Bottom Line
The 2024 thread ended without a built-in DLNA solution, but current ZimaOS now documents a configurable Media Path. You can serve a dedicated local folder directly to a smart TV without Plex or Jellyfin, provided the TV can discover the server and play the file format.
