A method for providing DLNA compatible content directory service (CDS) on a media content server device includes: entering content item metadata properties into a virtual properties database, where each of the content item metadata properties is associated with a content item stored in a content database; adding the associated content item to CDS sharing as a virtual content item defined by the entered content item metadata properties; in response to a user's request, displaying on a display device the virtual content item in a listing of content information based at least on the content item metadata properties, without accessing the content database; enabling the user to select the virtual content item from the listing; and playing the associated content item from the content database.