RenderingControl

RenderingControl is a UPnP AV service used by digital media renderers to control rendering parameters. It is defined by the UPnP Forum as part of the AV Architecture and is commonly implemented on DLNA-compliant devices. The service works alongside the playback control responsibilities of the AVTransport service by providing access to settings that affect audio and video output.

The RenderingControl service exposes actions that allow clients to query and adjust rendering properties. Typical audio properties include volume and mute state, often selectable per channel (for example Master or individual channels in multi-channel speakers). Video properties can include brightness, contrast, color saturation, and hue, with some devices offering additional attributes such as gamma or loudness. Clients invoke Get/Set actions such as GetVolume, SetVolume, GetMute, SetMute, GetBrightness, SetBrightness, and related routines to read current values or ranges and to apply changes. An InstanceID identifies the target renderer, and a Channel parameter selects the relevant audio path when applicable. State variables reflect current values and permissible ranges.

Communication with RenderingControl occurs via SOAP over HTTP as part of the UPnP control protocol. Each request specifies the target InstanceID and, when relevant, a Channel. The service is designed to be stateless across requests, though devices maintain the actual rendering state between calls.

Standards and usage: RenderingControl is widely implemented in UPnP AV renderers and is referenced in DLNA guidelines to enable consistent user control of rendering properties. Interoperability is generally good for common properties, though supported ranges and additional vendor-specific controls may vary between devices.