Recently, the TV has evolved from a simple “box” for watching analogue TV shows into a high-tech device, which in its functionality can easily be compared to a computer. Modern models can be included in a home local network. Some people use them to surf the Internet, communicate via Skype with friends, and also for games. Of course, the hardware of the TV will not support powerful 3D shooters, but you will definitely leave Angry Birds behind.

But here’s the catch: only SmartTVs have all of the above functionality, the price of which often exceeds the cost of a regular TV and a powerful computer combined. Of course, many consumers have very serious doubts about the need for such a purchase. This is correct, since a media player for a TV will turn an old LCD model into a good analogue of a “smart” device, and you are unlikely to pay more than five to six thousand rubles for all the pleasures.

What it is?

It would be stupid to continue talking about this type of device without making a digression and describing this concept itself in a little more detail. So, what is a media player for a TV?

If you are a user of gadgets on the Android mobile OS, then you can imagine a kind of mini-computer under its control. Have you heard of Raspberry Pi? So, the media player is the same “Blackberry” based on an ARM processor. Unlike the mentioned mini-computers, it already has a proprietary shell from the manufacturer installed, usually based on Android with the addition of some specific services and programs.

Roughly speaking, this is a miniature one for which your TV acts as a monitor.

Advantages

In principle, you can easily guess for yourself about the positive aspects of this type of technology. By purchasing a media player for your TV for just four to five thousand rubles, you can turn even outdated equipment into a modern entertainment center.

Considering the speed of Android development, you don’t have to worry about the lack of any applications: players for video and audio files, browsers, programs for We have already said that there is even Skype! Of course, in this case you will need to purchase an additional webcam, but it is also not too expensive.

In addition, portable devices can be connected to such devices, combined with the ability to run torrent clients; this makes any media player for TV a real treasure for movie lovers.

Easy setup and security

If you somehow follow IT technology news, you've probably heard about the scandal that erupted around SmartTV from LG. Let us remember that back then users accused the overly smart technology of spying. Not only was it very difficult to refuse targeted advertising in the settings (the option was hidden far away), but even after removing the corresponding checkbox, user information continued to be sent to the company’s servers.

Of course, the Android OS is far from perfect in this regard. There are currently hundreds of thousands of malware out there that can pose a threat to your personal data. But there are also important differences.

Firstly, there are many effective antivirus programs for Android. Secondly, if you have not so deep knowledge of the topic, you can install not only different firmware, but even a new operating system on stationary media players! In any case, instructions for installing special ARM builds of Debian and Ubunu can be found online without any problems.

As you can understand, not a single such fundamental feature is provided in SmartTV. Moreover, even with updating its firmware, problems may arise, since not everyone has a normal wired Internet, and such equipment is simply not able to recognize a USB modem.

Where can content be played from?

Unlike Smart TV or any other, it can easily “pick up” a movie or musical composition from a home local network, from an external hard drive or NAS server, the popularity of which is currently insanely high. Some of them have a built-in hard drive onto which you can download music and videos, and playback from a flash drive has not been canceled.

Please note that a portable media player with a supply of films will fit into your pocket, becoming a faithful and indispensable companion on a business trip or travel.

LAN Settings

Unlike the aforementioned smart TVs, you are unlikely to encounter any problems. The most commonly used Wi-Fi network. As a rule, the device will immediately “stick” to the home wireless network, requiring only a password to enter.

If you need to connect the gadget via a wired connection, there may be more difficulties. So, you will probably need to enter the IP address of the set-top box itself, and other attributes. When setting up a digital media player, you will have to contact the manufacturer and study the procedure for setting up connected devices on their website.

Formats and other goodies

As for the number of supported photos and videos, in this case too these devices are beyond any competition. In addition, the media player will be indispensable for those who have an HD video camera at home. Why? Judge for yourself:

• Burn to disk? Expensive, tedious, and optical storage devices themselves are gradually becoming a thing of the past.
• The small display of the camera itself is simply inconvenient to watch.
• Of course, you can use a computer monitor for the same purposes, but professional videos will look much more colorful on a widescreen TV.
• In the end, you can connect a system unit or laptop to a TV, but not everyone can handle the settings.

There are different media players...

To choose the best media player, it is highly advisable to follow some of the guidelines below. Firstly, the appearance and size of the device should be in harmony with the appearance of all your equipment. It may seem absurd, but if the gadget stands out against the background of your plasma panel, it will catch your eye even when watching a movie.

However, the technical characteristics of the player are much more important, which must include the following parameters:

• The more formats supported, the better. The MKV codec is required in their list. The ideal to follow is the “classic” software media player.
• It is highly desirable that only the highest-performance chips (like Sigma Designs 8634/8642) be used.
• It would be nice if the player supports playing Blu-Ray disc images.
• If you're a beginner, you might be interested in the option to automatically scan your home network for public folders.
• Is it possible to watch IPTV? It is perfectly!
• For those beginners, it will be much better if the equipment itself configures the mode for displaying the image on the TV screen.
• If the buyer considers himself a music connoisseur, it is highly desirable to have HD-audio (DD TrueHD/Master Audio) decoders.

Some disadvantages

Of course, nothing is perfect in the world. Media players are no exception. What are the disadvantages of the technology we are considering? How serious are they and how much do they interfere with watching movies and listening to music?

We need to start with the fact that the Android platform is of little use without a stable and fast Internet. Of course, you can try to watch the movie on the device you just purchased, but no one can guarantee that it will have the necessary codec or a sufficiently “omnivorous” player.

Everything needs to be downloaded from the network, so you won’t envy the proud owners of a GPRS/EDGE channel in this situation. In their case, the best solution would be to connect a laptop or computer to the TV, since they will certainly be able to cope with the image output settings, but they are unlikely to do without a normal Internet. In short, a network media player that is completely dependent on the availability of an Internet connection is definitely not suitable for us.

Ease of use

If possible, be sure to turn on the device while still in the store and try to control it. There are often cases when the media player itself is quite good, but its menu and navigation through it are so terrible that it is impossible to use the device normally.

Another point worth mentioning is the size and ergonomics of the remote control. Today on the shelves you can find quite a few of these types of devices, whose remote controls are more similar in size to a horseshoe for a flea. It is not known what the designers are guided by, but in the dark you definitely won’t hit the right button.

Avoid remote controls that have only a couple of buttons: they look nice, but it’s much more convenient to launch many functions with a single press, rather than spin through several menus. If possible, it is worth purchasing a universal control device that includes mouse and keyboard functions.

Please note that in most cases the keyboard, mouse and webcam will have to be purchased separately. The cost of specialized devices (a special camera for a player) is often much higher than that of their conventional counterparts.

Don't forget about the platform either. ARM processors cannot be called very productive devices, so movies at maximum resolution can noticeably slow down. However, this statement is not true for all devices: almost any Sony media player is almost certainly free of this drawback.

Not all television devices can be called “smart”. Smart TV technology is gaining popularity, but what about those who have older TV models? Fortunately, you don’t have to spend money on a modern model - there are special consoles. With the help of this article, you can choose the best media player for your TV. With such a set-top box, the possibilities of Smart TV no longer seem so far away.

NVIDIA SHIELD + Okko

• good speed
• powerful tv box
• opportunity to play computer games
• regular updates

• reduced play market

The advantage of this device is the incredible level of detail when watching movies and TV series. Sports matches are reproduced in a way that creates a sense of presence. 4K support with HDR. Included is a six-month subscription that gives access to films from the OKKO cinema.

Dune HD Pro 4K Plus

• metal case
• Supports all popular video formats
• control from smartphone

• one pair of batteries included
• HDMI cable quality
• overpriced

Technical testing of Dune HD Neo 4K was successful. In general, this model has few flaws, but these can also be explained by the features of the Realtek platform and firmware flaws. Suitable for connoisseurs of the “home server and normal content” tandem, as well as for “dune fans”. At the moment, the Dune HD system is much more powerful than its competitors. That's why the price is quite high.

Selenga A4

• 3 USB 2.0 ports
• support for popular formats
• lightweight console
• convenient remote control

• not identified

This smart set-top box based on Android 7.1.2 contains 16 GB of internal memory, as well as 2 GB of RAM. With the excellent Selenga multimedia center, TVs, monitors or projectors turn into full-fledged computers. It is possible to install applications, watch movies and TV online. Access to games and various widgets is provided.

On other OS

Apple TV 4K 32GB

• ability to install software from the App Store
• design
• quality
• comfort
• can be played with joystick

• defective remote control
• few apps

Apple TV 4K is presented as a mini PC. After all, the powerful A10X Fusion processor and 32 GB of memory are no joke. Movies and TV series are broadcast with the latest special effects for the 4K HDR format. High Dynamic Range is a technology that provides the most realistic reproduction of color and fine details. You can use Apple TV 4K as a universal media player, with the ability to install applications from the App Store. Various iOS devices can be “friends” with the console. For example, with a slight movement of your fingers, the iPhone turns into a remote control.

MiraScreen G2 WiFi Display Dongle

• comfortable
• powerful

• sometimes the signal drops out
• requires reboot

The individual, interesting design of the MiraScreen G2 Dongle will distract you from everyday life. Suitable for use at home or on the go. The player features: high-definition images, wide compatibility with various operating systems, and easy connection. The toggle button changes Airplay to Miracast modes.

AnyCast M4 Plus

• easy connection

• video hangs
• maximum – 1080p

Miracast (Anycast) M4 is a wireless device that allows you to play content from your smartphone or tablet on your TV. Connects via HDMI connector, as well as via WiFi. Suitable only for broadcasting static images, the video hangs on it.

Inexpensive models (up to 3000 rub.)

Google Chromecast 2013

• quality
• speed
• ease of use

• there are interruptions in work
• a small set of supported services

There were no comments regarding the design or hardware configuration of the player. The device responds quite quickly to user actions. The real picture quality is expressed by limiting the format to 720p. Therefore, you can’t count on greater clarity on a monitor with a large diagonal. The sound is only stereo. Live streaming of content from a smartphone is not possible.

When studying various media technologies, we rarely return to almost the same device. But rare circumstances, such as the long-term and confident popularity of the product and its development, force us to do this. The current review is dedicated to precisely this case: we have already reviewed the media player Rombica Cinema 4K, however, serious updates that have appeared, supported by the reputation and long-term recognition of the product, oblige us to resume studying the player. However, given the absence of fundamental changes in the design of the set-top box (there is nothing to improve here), we will focus on software changes, and will also conduct new tests, using, accordingly, new tools. What if the results show something that we didn’t even know about before?

Completeness, design

For those who do not want to open a second tab in their browser, we will briefly list the main features of the player’s design.

The device comes in a fairly large box, on which information about its technical characteristics, interfaces, functions and pre-installed services is printed.

The package content remains the same, all the basic necessary accessories are included. It's a pity that there is no free hard drive here. However, the current cost of these media can be several times higher than the price of even an expensive player.

• AC power adapter
• infrared remote control
• HDMI cable
• composite audio/video cable
• USB 3.0 cable
• detailed user manual in Russian

On the front panel there is a window, behind which there is an infrared sensor that picks up signals from the remote control; slightly to the side there is a power button for the device with a two-color LED indicator. Pressing the button turns the device on or off with complete boot cycles or system shutdown.

But what should be abandoned when releasing the next version of the device is the glossy case cover. Dust, fingerprints, easily formed scratches - this is the list of the player's closest visitors, unless, of course, it is hidden in some protective niche.

However, this particular player can be hidden. Typically, it is not recommended to install media equipment in close proximity to a wall or shelf. And even more so, it is not recommended to cover the body with anything. Simply put, air access must be free to prevent critical overheating. However, our player is unlikely to be afraid of high temperatures. Thanks to a well-thought-out ventilation system, the device can also work in confined spaces that are not well ventilated. Thus, after five hours of continuous playback of “heavy” 4K content, individual parts of the player heat up to only 32°C. The following thermal images were taken at room temperature around 25 °C.

It should be taken into account that playback was carried out from a hard drive installed in the player with a capacity of one terabyte, old and high-speed (7200 rpm). If the player is equipped with a cooler and quieter drive, then, most likely, the temperatures will be even lower than in our photographs.

Speaking of disks. The new version of the device's firmware made it possible to support almost all existing file systems, including even disks with HFS+ (fans of Apple products will certainly appreciate this). By the way, the card reader in the player supports SD memory cards of absolutely all currently existing varieties of this format, including SDXC Class10 U3 with a capacity of 256 GB, we specifically tested this using.

The right side of the case contains the aforementioned slot for a memory card in MMC, SD/SDHC/SDXC format, two USB 2.0 ports for connecting external drives or peripherals, including control, as well as one USB 3.0 port for connecting high-speed USB drives.

On the back panel of the player, service connectors are located in the following order:

• digital audio output S/PDIF (optical)
• USB 3.0 port for connecting to a PC as an external USB drive
• LAN port
• HDMI input
• analog composite audio/video output (4-pin 3.5 mm jack)
• HDMI output
• AC adapter connector
• blower fan
• rotating Wi-Fi antenna

On the left side of the case there is a removable cover secured with a latch. Under this cover there is a slot for a SATA 3.5″ hard drive. There is an ejector spring inside the socket, and the disk is inserted without much effort and secured with an internal latch.

There are no additional mounts for the disk, and they are of no use - the HDD is held quite rigidly inside the case. The absence of additional metal parts of the case that could touch each other eliminates vibration and rattling when the hard drive is operating.

In addition to the Realtek RTD1195 processor covered with a heatsink, the following electronic components can be seen on the main board:

• USB controller GL850G from Genesys Logic
• two four-gigabyte DDR3 memory chips Nanya NT5CB256M16CP
• Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module Realtek RTL8723BS

The included remote control is lightweight and tiny, with rubber buttons that give a distinct but silent response when pressed. At the top of the remote control there is a block of trainable buttons on which you can assign commands to absolutely any household appliance that receives infrared commands, from a TV and audio receiver to a humidifier or air conditioner. Several more buttons are programmed to quickly launch YouTube, Kodi, UltraHD player, music player, SourceIn and the settings menu. An additional button switches the remote control to mouse mode, and a cursor appears on the screen, which can be moved using the joystick-shaped block of arrow buttons on the remote control.

Settings, performance, operation

Information about the composition and characteristics of the player remains the same, despite the updated firmware. Even the display size is the same, uncorrected. Claiming that the screen resolution of this device is 1280x720.

But the player doesn’t have any display! More precisely, there is no constant, and there cannot be. Whichever video output you connect to, that will be the resolution. It is precisely in order to prevent collisions that developers use a trick, forcibly introducing information about a certain virtual display into the device’s firmware. This information, which often does not correspond to reality, does not in any way affect the performance of the device. Perhaps, only in one case do the numbers specified by the developer somehow manifest themselves: when testing using test applications. Which launch this or that task based on system information. For example, the 3D accelerator testing package activates the test with a resolution of exactly 1280x720, and not with the one that the TV connected to the player has. Otherwise, this technical information will not be relevant to the operation of the player.

Checking the speed of network connections did not bring any new results - the previous ones obtained during the study of the same player, albeit with an earlier firmware version, were just completely confirmed. This means that firmware does not play a role in the operation of network adapters, from which, apparently, all available potential has been squeezed out. This also means (to the author’s great joy) that no negative changes have occurred in his local network over the past time. All that remains is to give the speed values ​​that are obtained when copying from the player’s HDD to network storage and vice versa.

And just as before, the player can easily play 100-megabit videos from network storage devices, shot with 4K video cameras and cameras, including those with the HEVC codec.

Now we will touch more closely on the issue of reproduction, but this time we will dwell in more detail on formats. There is a famous Antutu test suite that is known as a universal test app for Android devices. For some time now, a branch of this package has appeared - a program designed to test support for video formats. Wisely, correctly, it’s high time! Of course, this program was immediately installed on our player and a video playback test, simply called Video Test, was launched.

Based on the testing results, the program rendered the following verdict:

It follows from it that the player fully supports 24 formats, partially coped with four formats, and two formats were too tough for the player.

Here you need to digress a little in order to broaden your horizons. So, when we use the word “format,” we mean a combination of several parameters of a video file: container + video codec + audio codec. Anyone with an imagination can easily guess how many “formats” can be obtained by mixing these three main factors in their various variations. More precisely, this way: he will guess that it is impossible to calculate the exact number of combinations. After all, there are dozens and dozens of containers and codecs alone. The Antutu developers thought about the same thing, limiting themselves to a set of 22 options for what they consider to be the most common codecs and containers.

A relatively detailed description of the formats for which the player was tested is given in separate tables:

For convenience and clarity, we list these problematic formats, for the reproduction of which the player received average and unsatisfactory ratings. Partially supported formats that are played with some deviations from the norm (no picture or smooth playback) are the following:

One could agree with all this if one is accustomed to blindly trusting what has an official appearance. However, trust - but verify. Let's check it out.

First of all, the very test files with which the application makes its measurements were found - they are stored in the program’s working folder, in the player’s memory. These videos are short segments from a cartoon, which, in our opinion, are not very suitable for determining the “smoothness” of playback. Guided by the parameters of these files, we produced our own test files, which repeated the desired combinations of containers and codecs. All that remains is to start playing the resulting set and try to fix the shortcomings with your own eyes.

Well, it worked! It was possible to record that the last two formats, which the player could not cope with at all, also turned out to be inedible for it. He simply failed to open them, as was briefly reported on the screen. But with the first four formats, which allegedly played poorly, there is a big question. We didn't see any shortcomings. Moreover, when playing the TS file, the picture was quite present, as well as the sound.

Well, let the final results remain the responsibility of the inspection program. In any case, the player in question scored enough conditional points to get close to the top ten - as many as 737 “parrots”!

What else, besides playing an existing video, might you need a media player for? Why was it called universal? Yes, if only because the hard drive that is installed in the device can - and should - be used not only for storing a media library. But also to replenish it. No matter how indignant the holders of countless copyrights may be, the very possibility of quickly obtaining the necessary content cannot be prohibited. We are, of course, talking about the notorious torrents. The torrent application built into the firmware is not much different from a regular PC client. Here, in the same way, you can manage downloads remotely, and the exchange speed was not just surprising - it was amazing. In fact, at the limit of the channel provided by the provider.

The content obtained in this way is automatically indexed and subsequently displayed in the built-in file browser. Which, it should be noted, constantly but quietly scans available drives for the presence of media content, after which the selected content opens in the built-in player or graphic viewer.

Of course, there is still one more way to brighten up your leisure time and keep your player busy. These are streaming Internet media resources. Probably, first of all, Internet TV should be classified as such. Such television is broadcast in different ways; individual TV channels even produce their own applications that allow you to watch live broadcasts. A considerable part of TV applications are paid or shareware. The most preferable option for watching TV seems to be a method based on the same technologies as a torrent client. Here, in the Peers.TV application pre-installed on the player, the user will find an almost unlimited list of TV channels for every taste.

But torrents and watching videos/TV are banal. But, for example, there is a task that usually requires expensive specialized equipment - video surveillance. Those who are “in the know” probably know the secret of how an ordinary smartphone can be turned into a DVR with a camera. However, a smartphone is not a very reliable device; you cannot trust it to work around the clock with recording, much less continuous broadcasting of a video stream. Unlike a smartphone, an Android-based media player will cope with this task much more successfully. Moreover, if you have a capacious - up to 8 TB - hard drive and without the risk of overheating. You just need to connect any webcam to the player and install one of the many applications that help implement the video surveillance task. True, not every program/service is free and reliable or skillful enough. In contrast to the simple-looking, but powerful in functionality, free program from the domestic developer IP Webcam.

Perhaps the most important feature of this application is the ability to work in the background, almost unnoticed by the user.

Finally, such a hardware-implemented feature as creating a constantly working Wi-Fi access point in the presence of a wired network will allow you to create a second Wi-Fi network in the place where the player is installed. A great chance to expand Wi-Fi coverage in a multi-room apartment.

However, a significant part of users can go much further in their fantasies. What is noteworthy is that the only thing that can hinder the implementation of their tricks is their own laziness. Well, as a last resort, there is no need for this or that technology or function. For example, if there is no more than one TV in a house or apartment, then a DLNA server is not needed at all. If you have a second or more TV with the Smart function, on which you also sometimes need to view local content, then it is not at all necessary to buy an additional player for each TV. It is enough to install a simple application on your existing Android set-top box that implements technology that allows you to transmit and receive a variety of media content over a local network, displaying it in real time.

One of the simplest such applications can be considered My DLNA server. There are no settings in it as a class - this is so as not to get scared. And three huge buttons - so as not to miss.

Once you press the main Start button, the application will begin indexing any media content available within local reach (internal memory, connected disk and other media), and the Smart TV, when selecting a source, will see our player under the modest name Local Media. By selecting this source, the user will see the contents of the player on the TV screen and will be able to view any supported content.

Of course, there are more advanced applications for such tasks, where you can not only set a different name for the DLNA server, but also select folders for indexing or set precise network settings.

In the same way, you can install a SAMBA server to “share” all the contents of the player and media connected to it over the local network, as a result of which the player becomes a regular network storage accessible from any computer. If you need to remotely access the player’s files and folders, the user has an FTP server at his disposal, which will work no less successfully than the network add-ons listed above.

Finally, the universal player in question can perform one more function, which is usually implemented by special gadgets, USB dongles, which connect directly to the HDMI input of the TV. We are talking about technology (in our case, EzCast), which is based on direct Wi-Fi connection between two devices, for example a player and a smartphone. Obviously, an intermediate link in the form of a router with its Wi-Fi point is superfluous here, since communication is carried out directly between devices. This connection allows you to transmit any multimedia signal from one device to another in real time. To implement this function, you will need to install the EzCast application of the same name on your smartphone, and then launch the EzCast Screen application installed on the player. Connecting two devices is extremely easy - just one touch on your smartphone.

After instantly connecting the devices, the TV to which the player is connected will duplicate the display of the smartphone, displaying everything that is displayed on it. Thus, while in the company of friends, you can demonstrate the content stored in your smartphone on the big screen - photos, videos, etc. without tedious preliminary copying or a wired connection. If you think about it, this wireless video transmission can be used for more specific purposes, even for work purposes. For example, to display presentation slides, diagrams, drawings and graphs on a large TV screen. And this technology looks absolutely priceless if the mobile device does not have a video output, but there is a vital need to transfer live video from the smartphone display to a large screen or to a capture card. For example, from a thermal imager connected to a smartphone.

To view in a larger size, click the Original size button

Perhaps, it would be possible to give a dozen more examples of using a universal stationary Android set-top box, but the imagination of millions of users will certainly be richer.

conclusions

Among the disadvantages of the design, we can only remember the obsessive quibble regarding the glossy finish of the lid. Unfortunately, there is nothing more to complain about. All other features cannot be called disadvantages, but they are clear advantages:

• hardware decoding of all common formats, including Ultra HD 4K HEVC (H.265)
• support for 3D video in Side-by-side, Top-to-bottom, MVC (BD 3D ISO) formats
• Automatic frame rate switching when playing various video content
• multi-channel audio output Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby True HD, DTS HD
• gigabit ethernet
• USB 3.0 ports supporting storage devices and various peripherals
• Supports hard drives up to 8 TB with any file system
• programmable remote control
• good cooling system

The cost of the device is not negligible, but it is strictly proportional to its functionality, and among devices of a similar class you are unlikely to find a cheaper offer. The considered media player has been popular for a long time and deservedly so, because it was developed with a serious functional reserve. Thanks to this reserve, the player is destined to constantly develop along with the Android application market. And this development can only be stopped by the probable, but very slow, obsolescence of the version of the operating system on which the set-top box runs.

In recent years, the rejection of physical media has reached its apogee and today few people use already outdated CDs. Both audio and video content have successfully migrated to the format of disembodied files stored on hard drives or received in real time using streaming services. At the same time, the quality of multimedia is steadily growing and you can easily find music with a resolution of 24 bit / 192 kHz or even DSD 128, and TVs and projectors have learned to display 4K video.

It is quite natural that with the transition to a new digital era, special devices were required to work with this type of data. And of course they showed up. They became network audio and media players. The first of them are intended exclusively for sound reproduction and are aimed primarily at audiophiles, but the second are quite omnivorous and suitable for everyone, especially since their cost has recently dropped significantly. The average media player is capable of playing a variety of content from almost any source, be it removable drives, NAS, built-in hard drive or the Internet, supporting both wired and wireless data transfer. It is convenient and easy to use, and the resulting quality is at a very high level.

To be fair, it is worth noting that expensive modern TVs of top models have a built-in media player on board, and its functions can be performed by a regular computer, but each of these options has advantages and disadvantages. Despite all the convenience of using an “all-in-one” device, TVs often, although they support work with the main formats, do not support all audio and video codecs found within the same media container in various variations. In particular, this concerns multi-channel DTS sound, with which most representatives of this class categorically refuse to be friends. It will not be possible to install a hard drive inside, instead of which you will have to use a USB-HDD or NAS.

In contrast, computers work with any codecs and formats, but without an additional upgrade they cannot boast of the convenience of media players. Firstly, you will have to get a more practical graphical shell for remote use and buy a remote control. Secondly, in order to properly output multi-channel audio via the HDMI interface, you will need to purchase an appropriate video card, which can also cost a significant amount. And finally, a computer, especially a powerful one, often produces a lot of noise that is not conducive to pleasant viewing. However, for those who watch movies only occasionally and are not particularly picky about comfort or versatility, both of these options may suit you, but if you want to get a convenient and multifunctional device for working with any content, you should pay attention to a network media player.

The emergence of a new player

Asian manufacturers were among the first to actively produce network media players, among which Dune HD, which still exists on the market, can be considered a pioneer. In 2006, it introduced its first DVD player, which could play not only a standard video disc, but also various third-party formats that were not very popular at that time. After that, the Blu-ray drive took over, eventually giving way to the hard drive. The capabilities have been supplemented with modern interfaces and wireless modules, as well as support for multi-channel audio and 3D video. They are still produced in this form to this day, and the quality of the products of this Taiwanese brand is very high.

The second company that contributed to the development of media players was the Korean DViCO, which produced devices under the TVi X brand. From the very beginning, it decided to use a hard drive as a data source, so its lineup was replete with unusual shapes, which became possible due to the absence of the need to use a CD -drive.

By the end of the 2000s, another Popcorn TV player appeared on the market, the distinctive feature of which was not only the ability to play files from a pre-installed hard drive, but also access to various online services such as radio and television, which allowed it to achieve high popularity in Europe and the USA, where the speed of Internet access at that time was already at a level sufficient for normal operation. In Russia, the device became known only later, when the Chinese company BBK began producing it, and dial-up was replaced by more or less sane broadband access.

Design Features

All network media players are developed on the basis of a chipset that is responsible not only for decoding the incoming signal, but also for supporting data input/output interfaces such as SATA, USB, HDMI or LAN. Additional functions such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or DVB-T/T2 are implemented by connecting the appropriate modules. The filling is packaged in a suitable case, supplied with power, connectors, a remote control and released for sale. Based on this, it becomes clear that the main capabilities and quality of operation of such a device largely depend on the chipset model used in it.

The vast majority of devices on the market are based on chipsets produced by Realtek and Sigma Designs. The first of them has in its assortment entry-level modifications installed in inexpensive players, while the second specializes in higher-quality and functional options that are distinguished by a significant cost. Sometimes you can also find products from AmLogic and Boxchip, but they are budget analogues of old Realtek developments and are not of particular interest.

The Sigma Designs lineup consists of 12 chips, grouped into five lines. All of them have support for HDMI 1.4 with CEC, high-definition video with 12-bit xvYCC color reproduction, stereoscopic 3D video (RealD), DTS, DD, DTSMA, TrueHD audio decoding and work with 100 MB, less often 1 Gbit networks. Each of them also has additional capabilities, which you can learn more about by reading the specification.

Realtek's assortment today includes three chips, the initial one of which is equipped with an HDMI 1.3 port with CEC, but is not equipped with a network card. On average, a PCI Express slot and a 1 Gbit network interface are preinstalled. In addition, the top one is equipped with a 3D accelerator, can broadcast a stereoscopic signal via an HDMI 1.4 interface with CEC and decode 3D.

Representatives

Today, there are many models on the market, both from industry pioneers and newcomers like 3Q and iconBIT. In addition, the giants ASUS, Sony and others are also involved in their production. If we talk about classification, it is fully determined by the use of a particular chipset in the design, on which the capabilities depend. Conventionally, all media players can be classified into one of three price groups: cheap, medium and expensive.

Budget models costing up to 7 - 8,000 rubles will allow you to watch Full HD video and listen to music in the most popular formats. Gradually, devices with the ability to work with 4K resolution are appearing in this category. Multichannel audio codecs Dolby Digital and DTS are almost always supported. Various devices are oriented towards the use of external drives, internal hard drives, usually purchased separately, or connection to a local network via an Ethernet port. There are modifications with a Wi-Fi module and an HDMI stick version. The remote control is included in the kit. Representatives include ASUS O!Play Gallery or IconBIT Movie FHD T2.

Mid-price ones costing up to 15,000 rubles work with all formats, decode 3D video and multi-channel audio, and are also equipped with a 1 Gbit network controller. Almost all of them allow installation of a hard drive, have their own Wi-Fi module and DVB-T/T TV tuner. The number of connectors for switching here is usually maximum, and the menu and interface are well designed. All this is complemented by the presence of Smart TV technology, which provides simple and convenient access to network services. Representative models: ASUS O!Play HD2 and IconBIT OMNICAST UHD.

Premium devices can do it all, but they do it much better. To achieve this, manufacturers are introducing various functions to improve picture quality, expand the color range, and so on. It is often possible to install a pair of hard drives in them, and the design is similar in form to classic CD players or audio components. As in expensive devices for working with sound, in such media players careful attention is paid to the set of components and circuitry. In general, premium class in its purest form. An example is the Dune HD Solo 4K model.

Conclusion

If you want to get a convenient and functional device that can work with most available formats, connect to the Internet and decode stereoscopic 3D video, then there are many worthy contenders in the mid-price segment. Those who have no need for extensive capabilities and 3D can easily choose a budget model. And finally, fans of watching movies on the big screen who have a good audio system in their arsenal will appreciate the advantages of expensive devices that provide a significant increase in quality.

When using a compact media player, you can save space, expand the functionality of your TV and play multimedia content on it from a computer, network storage (home server) or from the Internet. I’ll immediately note a couple of models for those who want to buy the best multimedia devices in their class: ASUS O!Play Air HDP-R3 and WD TV Live.

Network media players can be used to store and play home multimedia content paired with a TV (monitor) and speaker system. The media player is capable of transmitting films, music and images from a PC directly to the TV screen in optimal quality, and the computer can be used for work at this time. Moreover, network player can be equipped with a built-in hard drive or connected to external storage. In this case, you don’t even need to turn on your PC to view it, especially since many players allow you to view web pages.

Another 1.5 years earlier network media players were equipped with a built-in TV tuner, and also had the ability to install hard drives and an optical drive, but now, when choosing a media player, such slots to expand the capabilities of the device are rare. But in the models that are currently on the market, the Wi-Fi module is installed by default, which cannot be said about their predecessors. However, to play Full HD video over a wireless network, you will need a modern wi-fi router so that you are not disappointed by interruptions when watching. The network media player will be especially useful for users who have old LCD TVs, as they can act as an alternative to panel models with. New models of media players support a large number of Russian-language Internet services and allow you to view streaming video from the Internet.

Of course, all the functionality media player and even more, it can replace an inexpensive laptop or laptop, but the media player has a more compact size, low price and ease of use.

How to choose a multimedia player? Criteria for choosing a network media player

Criteria that you should pay attention to first of all: comfortable operation, convenient menu navigation and support for Internet services. Media player Western Digital TV Live is perfect as the optimal choice for the above characteristics: miniature body, full Russification of the menu, correct display of Russian file names and tags. And the equipment of this player is not lame. For those who often plan to enter information on the TV screen, a model with a full QWERTY keyboard (for example, ScreenPlay TV Link DX) is suitable.

Internet services of modern media players

Users who are attracted to Smart TV should take a closer look at the media player LG ST600, which supports this service. Plus, you will also receive the LG Apps application store, with which you can download the necessary programs + an on-board LG browser with Flash support. Other media devices can rarely boast of its presence at all. The device is controlled from a remote control or a regular mouse from a PC via a USB port. And the “Smart Share” function makes it possible to transfer content from tablets and smartphones directly to the TV screen.

I think a particularly important criterion when choosing a media player is the set of interfaces and ports it supports. Mandatory HDMI and USB, it’s always a good idea to supplement with something else (optical, card reader), for the reason that it will be possible to use media player in conjunction with various devices. It is better to think about the interfaces that you will need in advance; it is difficult to take into account all the subtleties during the purchase. There are fewer and fewer models with a built-in hard drive, but a USB connector for connecting an external HDD is a standard. Some users will need composite and component video outputs to connect the player to a TV; Be careful, check their presence in the technical characteristics of the devices.

An important parameter is the “omnivorous” nature of the media player. This is very important for those who store and play various media files, neglecting Internet services. I would recommend a media player to such users. Inexperienced users even often evaluate devices based on the list of supported media containers and codecs. To avoid confusion: a media container is the format of an audio or video file, and a codec is the format of the audio or video stream in it. Let me clarify that support for the mkv container does not mean that all files with the *mkv extension will be played on the device (for example, the audio track may not be supported). Don't forget about the release of new firmware for multimedia devices.

Who needs full-fledged operation of the device with Blu-Ray media, then take a closer look at Netgear NeoTV 550 with excellent performance (on board a high-performance processor Sigma Designs SMP8642). Opponents will like the device's support for ISO images of Blu-ray discs (you can also add here). It is also possible to select the required M2TS file manually, for those who get rid of unnecessary materials after downloading the image. Dear fans of Blu-Ray discs, pay attention to the processor...

Compact media players for home cinema

Now let's take a look compact media players Apple TV, Raspberry Pi and iconBit Toucan Nano SX. You can purchase them at a price of 4,000 to 5,000 rubles. These multimedia devices will help solve the problem of the main media player in your home theater.

In order not to use your SMART TVs only for watching TV channels, you can expand their multimedia capabilities using a functional media player that will allow you to play familiar multimedia files on a large TV screen without any problems, like Allshare, Home Media Server, etc.

Admit it, even an expensive TV with Smart TV functionality cannot have all the necessary functionality: some will not be satisfied with the browser, some with the remote control, and others with limited memory when watching online videos. What can I say, often the multimedia player built into the TV does not support any format, not to mention the fact that application stores may offer an insufficient set of services for the full functionality of your TV. Selection of compact media players solves the problem of lack of functionality.

Apple TV media player

You should immediately warn if you are not a user of devices from the company Apple TV If you prefer using a PC, then avoid Apple TV. But if you are the owner of an iPad or iPhone, then Apple TV is your device. The latest generation of Apple TV received Full HD support and a new user interface. We examined this neat little box closely.

The Apple device, as always, demonstrates exemplary ease of use:

• connect Apple TV to the mains
• connect the HDMI connectors on the TV and the set-top box
• and enter your Apple ID

As for connecting the media player to your home network, the multimedia player supports connection via LAN or Wi-Fi. As for the operating system, everything will be familiar to fans of hardware from Steve Jobs. The media player is controlled by a small remote control, or by the free Remote App for iPad, iPhone or iPod touch, which you can download from the App Store.

On Apple TV you can rent a huge number of movies in HD and SD quality from the iTunes Store. If you have fast Internet, you can watch movies immediately after purchase. It's a bit disappointing that the HD section doesn't offer a choice between 1080p and 720p. Speaking of rental prices, the average price for watching a film in HD quality is 299 rubles, for rental – 99 rubles, but not everyone can afford buying films.
You can stream your media library on your iPad or iPhone to your media player wirelessly using AirPlay - a feature supported by all devices running iOS versions above 4.3. For those who are going to play movies from their network-attached storage (NAS), it is worth considering that Apple TV does not support all codecs and video container formats, but content downloaded from iTunes will be played back without any problems.

As an online service, you can use the iCloud cloud, which synchronizes files stored on Apple devices. Applications from the AppStore will expand the functionality of the device: YouTube, Vimeo, or Stream HD. By the way, the USB port on the AppleTV case is used for service purposes; you cannot connect a USB hard drive to it.

For those who like to delve into technology and set everything up manually, I would recommend an inexpensive Raspberry Pi, which is a small but full-fledged computer for 5,000 rubles. Add to it a case, power supply and 2 GB SD memory card, then in combination with Raspmbc or OpenELEC Rasberry Pi software you will get an excellent multimedia player.

I can say with confidence that this is a full-fledged media center for 5,000 rubles. As software it is enough to use a multimedia shell.
Raspberry Pi is a small motherboard with the necessary interfaces and components. For full use, you will need a microSD memory card, a power supply with a micro-USB connector and a compact case. The above amount includes all necessary components. To connect to a wireless network, an additional USB module for WLAN is purchased, which solves this problem. Assembling the portable is quite simple: you just need to install the board into the finished case. This is a device for enthusiasts, as its capabilities directly depend on your desire to tinker. That's why I think Raspberry Pi such an interesting solution as a media player.

First, install one of the XBMC-based programs - Raspbmc or OpenELEC (I posted links to them above). The media player is controlled using a familiar keyboard and mouse. Alternatively, you can use the special Raspberry Pi Remote Control application for smartphones and tablets running Android and iOS. The performance of the device is very decent; it starts to slow down only when playing video content with a resolution of 1080p and a high bitrate (for those who don’t understand, small DVDRips and BDRips will work without problems). The media player allows you to play files both over the network (via shared folders or UPnP AV server) and from USB devices (flash drives and hard drives).

For XBMC and its modified variants used in the Raspberry Pi, there are all kinds of extensions - addons. By the way, the Raspberry Pi case costs from 700 rubles.

For those who are interested in RaspberryPi it will be interesting mini computer BeagleBone Black with a single-core TI Sitara AM335x (1 GHz) processor, built on the ARM Cortex-A8 microarchitecture. The BeagleBone Black can also install an XBMC-based shell.

Iconbit Toucan Nano XS - media player for Android OS

I would also like to draw the attention of multimedia player applicants to iconBit Toucan Nano SX, running on Android OS 4.0.4. This compact multimedia center will cost you less than 4,000 rubles, which is not limited to playing movies, music and photos. Owners of Android devices know that the Google Play online store can turn any device running on this OS into an almost full-fledged PC.

Like all Android devices, the first time you connect and set up, all you have to do is select a language and link the device to your Google account. The compact media player connects to the home network via LAN or built-in Wi-Fi module, and the image and sound are transmitted to the TV via an HDMI cable. By itself, the Toucan Nano XS is not a full-fledged media player, but the Google Play Store will fix this problem. It is enough to download a software media player, I would recommend XBMC for Android, or MX Player (the necessary codec is downloaded from the Internet during installation).

Controlling with the remote control takes some getting used to. If you use XBMC or VLC media player, you can use special applications to control iconBit Toucan Nano SX. As an alternative, you can purchase a wireless multimedia keyboard with integrated mouse functionality to make browsing the Internet easier. Excellent performance, even 1080p movies in the MKV container do not slow down. Let me remind you that on Google Play you can rent and purchase HD and SD videos at prices that are similar to Apple’s iTunes Store.

I think I will constantly update and supplement the article so that you can always get up-to-date information when choosing a device. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have questions when choosing a media player.