@leeloo @socketwench @vkc I've run minidlna on a raspberry pi (model 1B) with a usb drive for storage successfully. I think because it defaults to not transcoding and just streams the video the cpu requirements are minimal. It's been painless (but I moved it to a different computer a few years ago).
DLNA also works with older bluray players just fine if you don't have a smart TV.