Stationary media player what. Media players: why they are needed and how to use them
Stationary media players have gained a lot of fans in recent years. Combining the advantages of a PC and a regular DVD player, they allow you to watch movies and listen to music without setting up a huge number of parameters without using a computer.
Let's first understand the terminology
It's actually very easy to get confused here. Let's say, if you ask a friend: “pick me a media player,” he will go to an online store and buy you an iPod Touch or shuffle, depending on your budget.
And you will be very dissatisfied, and quite rightly so: because this is not what you ordered at all. But your friend didn’t know this: since the time of Bill Clinton, media players have been called precisely that portable personal devices for reproducing sound, and the fact that now media players are increasingly called set-top boxes for reproducing audio and video material gives rise to the confusion described above. Stationary media players are connected not only to a regular TV, but also to a projector, and even to a standard monitor.
Media center of the future - the center of an intelligent home?
And they are called not only “media players”. Also, the names “media center” and “media player” were assigned to such set-top boxes. It is “media center” that seems to us the most correct and unambiguous name, since confusion can also arise with “media player”: after all, this is also the name for computer applications for playing multimedia data, like Winamp.
And media centers are the only ones like that. Therefore, in order to avoid confusion, we will primarily call them that way in the future.
Determining the budget
People choose a media center not with their heart, as we know, but with their wallet. Because you can buy a model for several thousand with a minimum set of functions and a limited number of supported interfaces, hard drives, with or without storage, with or without support for multi-channel audio... in general, here, like nowhere else, there is a single and direct dependence on the amount , which you put your head behind the media center.
Therefore, to begin with, we will tell you what can be in such devices in principle, and you will have to pay extra for each of the additional parameters.
With or without disk?
The first thing that both sellers and buyers usually pay attention to is the hard drive. It is on it (or on them) that multimedia information is stored. And since the main purpose of media centers is to play movies, and movies today occupy quite a few tens of gigabytes, the size of hard drives is calculated in terabytes.
The memory capacity of a media center is a significant indicator
Stationary media players are divided on this basis into two camps: with a built-in hard drive and without it. Both subjects have their own advantages and disadvantages.
The benefit of a built-in hard drive is that your entire collection is stored in one place. And this place, as a rule, is a standard 3.5” hard drive. Sometimes these are “laptop” 2.5 inches.
The built-in hard drive has many more disadvantages than advantages. Firstly, the volume is still limited. The average two or three terabytes these days quickly become crammed to capacity. Of course, in such a situation, external hard drives connected via USB can save the day, but then the idea itself loses all meaning. On the other hand, the maximum capacity of the most expensive media centers today is 6 TB and this should be enough for most users.
The second disadvantage of built-in drives is much more serious: no one will argue that the reliability of ordinary “pancake hard drives” today is much lower than 10-12 years ago (however, SSDs are not Fort Knox). Let’s not even talk about the fact that they can get very hot, and therefore in such a media center you need to think through a competent ventilation system (which, moreover, represents additional costs that fall on the shoulders of both the seller and, accordingly, the buyer). The point is precisely the low fault tolerance of all hard drives without exception.
Therefore, purchasing a media center without a hard drive and connecting it via USB seems like a more reasonable option from all sides. You can choose from models of external hard drives, from their own technical characteristics, and from volume, of course. This is if you are planning a very large collection of everything.
But the main advantage is that diskless media centers take up significantly less space; their dimensions can be called simply tiny compared to their monstrous disk counterparts.
By the way, large media centers may also have a DVD or Blu-Ray drive. To make it more convenient. And if there is no drive, it can be installed instead of the built-in hard drive, which increases the functionality of the device. There are also models with docking stations for iPhone, iPod and iPad - for fans of Apple devices.
Well, the last point that is worth mentioning is support for memory cards. Usually these are the most common SD/SDHC, and they are needed mainly for displaying photographs from a camera. The film, of course, can also be recorded, but it will not be played back very quickly.
A Blu-ray drive is not superfluous today
Connectors: what do we connect to?
As for the supported interface standards, it is now difficult to give any advice. For example, HDMI has become the de facto standard, but ordinary “tulips” (RCA connector) are also an invariable attribute of a decent device. There is no escape from the obsolete S-Video, Scart connectors, you can find VGA and DVI familiar from ordinary computers, and one cannot ignore the fact that high-speed Thunderbolt and DisplayPort connectors have recently been gaining popularity. If you have the opportunity to buy a media center with at least one of the last two connectors, take it, you won’t regret it. This can even be called a “growth” purchase. Of course, there is always USB 2.0 at least, without which today you can’t go at all.
Some media centers also have a USB-slave mode, when activated, the device connects to your desktop, taking on the appearance of a removable hard drive and allowing you to place the required information on its internal drive.
Specifications
But this is not a smartphone for you. If for a smartphone the selection process based on technical characteristics can be simply terribly variable due to the abundance of technical parameters, which are all important, then for media centers the hardware issues lie, first of all, in the power of the processor: the more powerful it is, the less delays at startup, the fewer slowdowns during playback (especially for videos with high resolutions and bitrates), and the higher the price, of course. And there is only one rule: the more powerful the processor, the better the player.
By the way, processors in players are now often installed similar to those in smartphones. And don't be surprised to see Cortex A9 in the technical specifications.
Standards and formats: what will we watch?
Supported standards are perhaps the most important characteristic of any stationary media player (media center) after hard drive capacity. Of course, you can buy a super cheap or super fancy player for five figures - and as luck would have it, it will not support the audio or video data standard you need.
Compact media players are not much inferior to larger solutions
Cheap media centers support a limited number of video formats. As a rule, this set consists of HD/HDV MPEG2 (TP, TS, MPEG – 1080i/p), WM9 HD (1080i/p), DivX, including HD (720p); DivX 3.x/4/5/6, Xvid, MPEG1, MPEG2 (MPG, IFO, VOB, ISO extensions). Audio formats are the standard set of MP3, AC3, OGG and WMA, plus multi-channel DTS. And if external subtitles are also supported, that’s very good, then you will see the letters SMI, SRT and SUB in the list of characteristics.
Higher level players will already give you support for MKV, H.264, Blu-Ray, MPEG4, MOV; audio formats PCM, LPCM, AAC, M4A, MKA, AIF, AIFF and lossless FLAC and APE, not to mention various multi-channel audio formats. The graphic formats supported by default by almost all players are the same: JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIFF and PNG. The conclusion here is simple: the more formats the device supports, the better. Better yet, it supports FullHD so you can enjoy high and ultra-clear resolution. Of course, FullHD processing requires a fairly powerful processor, which in turn increases the price... well, you get the idea.
Navigation through the file system is carried out using the built-in file manager, and it should be convenient, not clumsy. So that communication with the machine brings pleasure, and not selective abuse.
Internet functions
Representing a symbiosis of the capabilities of a personal computer and portability, stationary media players are gradually beginning to acquire more and more functions that make them similar to their grandfather - the desktop. Actually, judging by the number of functions, it can easily be called a computer with limited capabilities.
Wireless media player
For example, access to the Internet. If when the first media centers appeared, this possibility was not even considered due to its uselessness, today this attribute is actually mandatory. Connecting to the Internet can be either via a standard RJ45 Ethernet connector or via Wi-Fi, and the latter is becoming more and more common. Internet in a media center is needed for many reasons. For example, from an entertainment point of view - for playing content from social networks like YouTube or VKontakte (the firmware of some models even have built-in separate modules for working with certain social networks), for working with torrent trackers directly (built-in torrent -client), for communication with your main computer (if you don’t want to carry the box back and forth), and, of course, for updating the firmware.
More exotic uses of the Internet include support for Internet radio and IPTV. And the latest models support the DLNA wireless multimedia data transfer standard, and if you have a TV or at least a smartphone with DLNA support, you don’t have to worry about issues of wires and connectors at all.
Firmware and ways to deal with it
Gone are the days when updating the firmware required you to drag some large and complex device to a service center. Today, even smartphones are updated via Wi-Fi, without requiring any of your actions to connect to a PC, backup data, launch a program from Windows and other unnecessary actions. Why are media centers worse?
A good and honest manufacturer who cares about the fate of customers regularly releases new firmware for its devices. And not only for the purpose of eliminating any errors in the firmware, but also for the purpose of expanding the supported formats.
A set of interfaces is a very important indicator of a media player
So if you have a high-quality stationary media player, but without support for some particularly rare format, don’t hang your nose, over time your device will also have support. Plus, the new firmware may contain some interesting new features. All this information is usually freely available on the manufacturer's website.
How not to get confused in the menu: choosing the best interface
The interface is the main thing the user will have to deal with. And if in the computer environment you can choose your operating system and recolor its appearance as you please, then the media center usually has much more limited capabilities. And this is understandable: media centers are not designed for the user to constantly admire the appearance of the program, but for watching movies or listening to music.
The interface of a stationary media player can be divided into two parts: software and hardware. The hardware is a liquid crystal screen on the body of the device itself; not everyone has it (cheap ones usually don’t even smell it), and it is context-sensitive: that is, information appears on it related to what is currently happening on the screen. This could be either information about the settings (if you are delving into them at the moment), the name of the selected file or files, temporary information about the file being played, information about codecs, and so on and so forth.
There is only one conclusion that can be drawn here: the interface should be convenient for you personally, the user. No matter how powerful the unit is, an inconvenient and illogical interface can nullify all the advantages of even the most advanced media center. Therefore, before you look at the number of supported formats and admire the performance, evaluate how convenient it is for you to use it in principle. And won’t you then curse the gadget with the last words and take it back to the store?
Exotica: Android and 3D
In addition to the above standard characteristics, media centers have many others.
Conceptual solutions can decorate your home interior
For example, noise level. It is clear that the more stuffed inside the box, the more all this stuff will warm up. Therefore, fans or other cooling systems are needed. And the more revolutions the small fans have (you can’t install large ones), the more noise the unit makes. Therefore, if you take a stationary media player, say, to the bedroom, make sure to choose a silent model; Moreover, many catalogs have a special category with this name.
The second point is that stationary players on the Android OS have just begun to appear. That is, these units are still slowly turning into a computer. Why do you need a full-fledged OS in a media center? First of all, for easy access to the built-in browser and media player software. The first provides the opportunity to find the required torrent on some RuTracker, download it, save and play it, and the ability to launch a player application will help overcome a format that is not supported by the player itself. Plus, surfing capabilities can be used to access various television and audio Internet streams... Not to mention the fact that there are already media centers with a keyboard, and with the help of Android you can post on Twitter and hang out on VKontakte.
Android media players are just starting to gain popularity
In general, media centers, we repeat, are slowly turning back into computers. Actually, with the advent of Android, we can assume that Windows is not far away. That’s when media centers will reach a dead end - there will be no differences from the desktop.
Another point worth paying attention to concerns television capabilities: advanced models have standard coaxial inputs for a TV antenna and can not only broadcast television to the screen, but also record it.
The last noticeable exotic feature is support for 3D formats. For example, the newest media centers can already reproduce stereo video and photos in the corresponding few formats. Here we can only say that most stationary media players should soon have such support, since stereo formats are gaining slow, but still constantly expanding popularity. Media players support different formats, and you need to look at each model individually.
How to choose?
The process of choosing a media center is actually quite complicated, as you have already seen, and price does not always correlate with quality. Let's say, there are a lot of successful examples of how people buy cheap stationary media players on Android in Chinese online stores, modify them with a file and get excellent devices.
When choosing a media player, decide what the “main issue” is for you
When choosing, you need to pay attention to exactly those factors that we listed above in this article. And on the power of the processor, and on the number of supported formats (and most importantly - which ones), and on the situation with hard drives, and on the capabilities of the Internet in general and wireless data transfer in particular.
There is no universal recipe. Even if you only plan to spend a few thousand on a media center, try to choose one that won't disappoint you. Because sometimes it’s better, reluctantly, to spend a little more, but then live in peace, knowing that your new family member will easily “digest” any movie from your huge collection – or lossless music.
Media players - media players...
Brief overview of 39 media player models
With HDD and network access via LAN:
BBK MP050S
Omnivorous and compact. Noisy and leisurely. Rating - 3/5
Compact, lightweight and inexpensive media player with SD/MMC card reader and USB port. Allows you to play high-definition content up to 1080p from USB devices and memory cards on a TV or monitor via the HDMI port. Supports the most common audio, video codecs and containers. The impression is slightly spoiled by a noisy cooling fan, a very hot case, a specific smell of plastic and, of course, the absence of an HDMI cable in the package.
IconBit HDD301 HDMI
Another omnivorous and compact one. Rating - 3/5
This compact media player is capable of playing high-definition video on a TV or monitor, for which an HDMI port is provided. External devices with a USB interface can act as a signal source: hard drive, USB flash drive, digital camera and video camera, portable player. You can also play content from SD/MMC cards. Unfortunately, the media player does not remember audio and video settings, does not return to the file on which it was turned off, and does not include an HDMI cable.
Iomega TV Link MX
Media player exclusively for USB devices. Rating - 2/5
Among the advantages of the model are its compact size, ease of use, a USB port and a card reader on the front panel. Unfortunately, at the moment the player does not support some popular formats, including the mega-popular MKV, and even flashing the firmware does not help. Perhaps in one of the next updates the situation will change for the better. In the meantime, it is recommended to convert files before viewing or exclude unreadable formats from downloading. The model supports images in HD 720p format, not Full HD.
AVerMedia AVerLife Cinema
Compact non-omnivorous media player. Rating - 3/5
This media player has quite impressive dimensions and weight for such a device. It traditionally plays content from USB devices up to 1080p HD video, including external DVD drives
waters The highlight of the model is that it has two USB ports to which you can connect these same USB devices. There is also a slot for SD/MMC and MS memory cards. Traditionally and sadly, the kit does not include a cable for connecting to the HDMI port of a TV or monitor.
3Q 3QMMP-F331HC
Budget media player. Rating - 5/5
This nice-looking media player can be selected with a 500 GB, 1T6, 1.5 TB or 2 TB hard drive. Or purchase a device without a disk and enjoy high-definition content (up to 1080p) from SD/MMC memory cards. It plays a huge number of different types of video files. An HDMI interface or component video output is provided for connecting to a TV or monitor.
Espada DMP-005H
Budget media player with a full set of cables. Rating - 4/5
This compact media player is designed to play video, photo, audio and text content in the most common formats. The signal source can be any USB device, SD/MMC memory card or internal hard drive with a capacity of 160 to 500 GB. Despite the modest price, the media player boasts excellent equipment: HDMI, AV, USB and coaxial cables for connecting various audio and video devices, a remote control and even a screwdriver.
Qumo Home Base HB001
A media player for those who are not yet ready for Full HD. Rating - 3/5
This is a fairly portable entry-level media player, designed for those who for some reason are not interested in Full HD content and for whom HD Ready 720p quality is enough. The image is transmitted via a component output (the corresponding cable is included). The device reproduces data from the built-in hard drive with a capacity of up to 750 GB or various USB drives. Major video, audio and graphics file formats are supported.
Sarotech DVP-260X
Expensive external hard drive with media player functions. Rating - 3/5
Essentially, this device is an external hard drive equipped with media player capabilities. All content is played both from the built-in hard drive and from USB-nopma. There is also an FM trans-mitter, thanks to which you can listen to audio recordings through car speakers. When connected to a PC, the media player does not require additional power. The device has good equipment (remote control, stand, leather case, FM antenna and cables) and two body colors to choose from.
ASUS O!PlayAIRHDP-R1
Multiformat media player. Rating - 3/5
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ASUS O!PlayAIRHDP-R3
Multiformat thoughtful media player. Rating - 3/5
A virtually omnivorous network media player in a reliable case with a metal chassis. It works quite adequately on a home network - it reproduces content from various sources via wired or wireless connection. However, at the same time, he is thoughtful, slowly responds to commands from the remote control and conveniently forgets what and from what computer he played and where he stopped. Fortunately, many problems are solved by firmware updates, which are regularly released by the manufacturer. The downside is that there is no support for downloading torrents.
ASUS O!Play BDS-700
O!Play BDS-700 is a modern multimedia player with support for many video and audio formats.. Rating - 5/5
Externally, the BDS-700 is a classic disc player that looks great in a rack with other AV equipment. The austere black case with a glossy insert (the BD drive tray is hidden under it) on the front panel is decorated with only four buttons: power, stop, playback and opening the tray. On the rear side there are all the necessary connectors. It is worth noting the additional HDMI for audio output to the receiver - a very convenient solution. A second USB port is also welcome (the first, for quick connection, is hidden under a cover on the front panel). The picture is completed by a LAN port for accessing the Internet, although you most likely won’t have to use it, because ASUS did not skimp and equipped the player with a built-in Wi-Fi module of the fast version 802.11.n.
DVICO TViX-HD N-1
Fast, beautiful and multi-format “mug”. Rating - 5/5
What is most attractive about this media player is its original design approach. However, even if the case is not attractive, it does not spoil the impression. The device reproduces all possible formats over the network and without it. After updating the firmware (new versions appear regularly), it becomes fast in terms of content playback and response to the remote control. A very convenient function - setting up all parameters via the web interface. Downloading via HTTP and FTP protocols is supported.
Gmini HDRS120D
A miniature device with great capabilities. Rating - 5/5
In addition to the proper playback of content over the network and from USB sources, this media player demonstrates TV channels, and can also record TV broadcasts or video signals from the linear input. The device supports working with CD drives, downloading torrents, and has two USB nops. The player has quiet and efficient fan cooling. Users praise the manufacturer’s technical support and the good packaging of the device.
Hyundai M-Box HMB-L110
Compact media player with rich functionality. Rating - 3/5
Network media player with traditional capabilities for playing multimedia content over the network, from USB drives and memory cards. The device supports many different audio, video and other formats and codecs. To display images in high definition format on the TV screen, there is an HDMl interface. The advantages of the media player are a nice glossy body and the absence of a fan, and therefore no noise during operation. There are some niceties in the form of a night mode and a slide show.
In general, the new iconBIT XDS73D can be considered not only as a budget version of the XDS1003D, but also as a development of the legendary “seven”, which, thanks to the optimal combination of rich features and reasonable prices, was very popular among media player users.
At first sight...
iconBIT XDS73D is a miniature network media player. It does not provide for the possibility of installing an internal hard drive, which makes the player absolutely silent in operation. Network drives or external drives connected via USB2.0, USB3.0 and eSATA ports can be used as storage media.
This player uses exactly the same body design as other players in the seventh series. The exception is the black aluminum case. Previously, the body was used in matte chrome. On the front side of the player you will not find either a screen or numerous indicators. There is only one large button with a bright blue backlight and an indicator for connecting an external drive. In my opinion, this design can be considered transparent. The player in this case is not intended to be displayed. On the contrary, it is better to hide it inside the shelf with the receiver or attach it to the back of the TV.
The main ports and outputs are located on the back of the player. As you can see, there are: component and composite video output, stereo output, optical digital audio output, HDMI 1.4 port, gigabit network port, eSATA port and two USB hosts. One supports the USB2.0 standard, and the second supports USB3.0. If you compare the set of inputs and outputs with the XDS1003D, you will notice that this player does not have a built-in card reader, it is equipped with only one USB2.0 port. On the other hand, XDS73D has an eSATA port and allows you to connect external media to the USB3.0 port.
The player is controlled by a traditional remote control, which can be found in many iconBIT player models released in 2011.
iconBIT XDS73D is built on the Realtek RTD1186DD platform. This is the fastest multimedia chipset in the Realtek family. It operates at 750MHz, and, along with support for all current formats and codecs, including all possible HD audio formats, it supports the Blu-Ray structure, including BD Menu Lite. Until now, players based on Realtek chips supported Blu-Ray playback in SimpleBD mode (without menus).
Unlike any other chipset, including the latest Sigma Designs, it has support for HDMI 1.4 and 3D video. Now you can connect the player to a 3D-enabled TV, put on glasses and enjoy a real 3D picture.
It is equally important to note the native support for a gigabit network, which allows us to talk about the possibility of playing very heavy video over the network. And finally, the new platform has expanded support for additional functions and services. For example, the new chipset supports extended remote controls and miniature keyboards, a Web browser with Flash, and, what is especially interesting, allows the use of Android as a second operating system, within which the user can run numerous applications.
In addition to the chipset itself, the player board has a 2GB Flash memory chip and two 512MB RAM chips. As for all supported interfaces, they are implemented directly in the chipset, which made it possible to make the player board very small. To cool the chipset, a small radiator without an additional fan is used.
Review of media player iconBIT HDS6LSo, iconBIT HDS6L. This model is a mid-level media player. We will not go into technical details (simply because ordinary users are usually not interested in them). Let us only note that it is based on the 1073DD processor. This chip is slightly inferior in its characteristics and capabilities to the much more expensive Sigma Design products, which are used in top models. But at the same time, it is quite sufficient for the vast majority of home users and, very importantly, it allows you to significantly reduce the cost of the final product. As a result, iconBIT HDS6L can be purchased in a store for literally 3-3.5 thousand rubles.
When describing the iconBIT HDS6L, I immediately want to draw attention to the design of the device. Not on functionality, not on menus and features of use, but on appearance. This media player is a relatively large (for media players, of course) black “box”, on the front panel of which there is only one power button. When turned off, it is illuminated in red, and when turned on, it lights up with a pleasant blue light. The first glance at this media player leaves a double impression on the soul. On the one hand, its design is very strict. It is so strict that some modern users, accustomed to an abundance of buttons, buttons, LEDs and LCD screens, may consider it too ascetic. But on the other hand, iconBIT HDS6L immediately creates the impression of a serious, expensive device. You could even say that it looks more expensive than it actually costs. And this, of course, is the merit of the design.
Appearance of media player iconBIT HDS6L
The same can be said about the size of the device. Today, in the age of miniaturization, developers are trying to make their devices as small as possible. Meanwhile, large sizes also have their advantages. In particular, they allow you to easily place a hard drive in the media player, and also provide sufficient internal space necessary for high-quality cooling of the system. And again, the appearance of a large device is more serious than that of a small one.
Konoos MS-500
Network media player with LCD display. Rating - 5/5
The main difference between the media player and similar devices is literally striking - the presence of an LCD display for comfortable control of audio content, for example, for listening to music without using a TV. In addition, the device plays multimedia files over the network and from the Internet, from USB drives and memory cards, and also supports downloading torrents. The kit includes a control panel and all the necessary cables, including HDMI.
NetGear NTV350
Media player with three USB ports and a Nardreader. Rating - 4/5
The media player is designed to play movies, music, photos on a TV or monitor. In addition to external USB drives and other USB devices, it can play content from memory cards, including xD cards. When connected to a router, the device gains access to home network resources and the riches of the Internet, including content from Picasa, FUckr and other Internet resources. Unfortunately, there is no provision for connecting an optional Wi-Fi adapter.
Sony SMP-N100
Stylish media player with built-in Wi-Fi. Rating - 3/5
As always, a stylish and high-quality device with a convenient control panel and proprietary intuitive menu. It works silently, has a built-in (and not optional) Wi-Fi module, useful Internet widgets and support for DLNA networks. But, unfortunately, this media player, beloved and in demand by everyone, can only play MKV from USB drives, but not from the network. The device has only one USB port, and there is no card reader at all.
v MediaBox 135
Multimedia station with FM radio and screen. Rating - 3/5
A completely unique, although not Full HD, device with the ability to display content on its own 3.5-inch display or TV screen. 2 GB of internal memory is intended for data storage. You can also play files from SD/SDHC cards, the Internet and your home network via Wi-Fi. Other features include support for Internet radio and television, built-in FM receiver and 2 x 2 W speakers, photo frame mode, clock, alarm clock and calendar.
Digis MD200HD
Omnivorous player. Rating - 4/5
This media player can be used as a multimedia entertainment center, transferring all content from digital devices to its built-in hard drive or connecting them via USB. The model allows you to copy and delete files from different media over the network. In general, the player works with the network very quickly, reads any file formats, and supports downloading torrents. But, for the taste of the lucky owners, it is a little noisy and expensive.
Digma HDMP-200
Compact hard drive with player functions. Rating - 4/5
Despite its compact appearance, the media player fully performs all the tasks assigned to it: reads any file formats, including MKV and BD M2TS, supports downloading torrents, Internet radio and other Internet services. It is convenient that in addition to the remote control, there are buttons on the case. Among the downsides, the media player has an amazing property - when you connect the power adapter to the network, the device automatically turns on, without waiting for you to press the power button.
DVICO TViX-HD M-7000
Unlike conventional media players that have a traditional rectangular design, TViX-HD M-7000 has an unusual cylindrical design, indicating its exclusivity and a special central place in a modern home theater. This design is used in all models of TViX media players belonging to the TOP class. It was first used in the TViX-HD M-5000 model, which was based on the Sigma Design EM8621 multimedia processor. True, then the aluminum body was made in silver. Later, in the TViX-HD M-5100 model (Sigma Design EM8623), the body color was changed to matte black. The black glossy upper part, made of translucent plastic with silver rings, which are not just a beautiful decorative element, but also have a completely functional meaning, adds a special luxury to the case. The outer circle is the original control panel, including Play/Pause, Stop/Return, Function, Setup and Power buttons. The inner circle is a four-directional joystick, with which you can navigate the system and file menus, change the volume and “rewind” movies and music.
To display various information, the player is equipped with a VFD display, unusual for modern digital devices. Unlike traditional LCD displays (color or monochrome) that irritate and distract the eye when watching a movie, the VFD display, thanks to the translucent upper part of the body, has a calm light lilac glow that does not distract from the main thing.
TViX-HD M-7000 has the same capabilities for connecting external devices as many modern models from other manufacturers. However, it has something that you won't find in any other player. All inputs and outputs are located on the rear side. To connect to TV, along with the classic set of composite, S-Video and component outputs, the player supports HDMI 1.3 output, which will be an excellent gift for those who use the latest FullHD panels and TrueHD receivers. To connect external media, TViX-HD M-7000 is equipped with two USB Host ports. As far as we know, you can connect not only USB flash drives or miniature hard drives to them, but also an optical DVD drive. In addition, you can connect a USB Wi-Fi adapter to the USB host port, which will allow you to organize a wireless connection to an external network source.
TViX-HD M-7000 from the inside...
Now let's look at the internal design features of the media player. Despite the use of an unusual cylindrical case, the developers managed to conveniently position not only the hard drive installed in the central part of the case, but also four boards: the motherboard, the I/O ports board, the VFD display controller board and control panel, as well as a built-in power supply board.
TViX-HD M-7000 uses a well-known architectural solution used in most modern media players based on the Sigma Design EM8634 processor, which determines the capabilities of the media player. In addition to the Sigma Design EM8634 processor, the player’s motherboard contains four Samsung K4H5111638D memory chips, 64Mb each, an S29GL512P Flash memory module, 8MB, a Realtek RLT8110 network controller that provides support for a gigabit network, a Marvell 88SA8040 SATA controller and a PL-2507 USB host. All inputs and outputs are located on the additional board. It also houses the SIL9134CTU HDMI transmitter, which provides the HDMI 1.3 interface.
Specifications
| DVICO TViX-HD M-7000 | |
| Display | OLED alphanumeric, color |
| Interfaces | 2x USB 2.0 host, 1xUSB 2.0 client Network LAN port (10/100/1000 Mbps) |
| Built-in media type | 3.5" SATA HDD |
| Video | Format: .mkv, .wmv, .avi, .mpg, .vob, .mp4, .asf, .tp, .trp, .ts, .IFO, .ISO, .m2ts, .mov Codecs: MPEG 1 / 2 / 4, AVI, DivX, XVID, WMV9(MP2HL), H.264(BP2L3, MP24.0 and HP24.0), AVC(HD), VC-1(MP2HL, AP2L3) Resolution: 480p, 1280x720p, 1920x1080i/p Color mode: NTSC/PAL |
| Audio | MP3, WMA, AAC, Ogg, PCM, AC3, WAV, FLAC, M4A, DTS (Digital Theater System), Dolby Digital, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD MA |
| Photo | JPEG |
| Subtitle files | Text: smi, sub, str, aqt, utf, lrc, txt Images: sub (с.idx) |
| A/V outputs | Video: HDMI 1.3 (video stream up to 24 bits), S-Video, composite (LF), component HD Audio: analog: stereo; digital: coaxial, optical, HDMI 1.3 |
| File systems | FAT32, NTFS, disk partition support |
| Network protocols | TCP IP, NFS, SAMBA, FTP |
| Optical storage | Connection via USB 2.0 host port |
| OS | Windows 98SE/Me/2000/XP/Vista |
| Nutrition | Built-in power supply |
| Dimensions (LxH), mm | Cylinder 131x185 |
| Weight (with hard drive), kg | 1,8 |
Dvico TViX HD M-6500
TViX HD M-6500 - a universal multi-format HDD media player with an HDMI interface and support for the .mkv format will provide storage, playback and access to remote sources of digital content.
A distinctive feature of the M-6500 is its support for the multifunctional audio/video .mkv format - a modern media container that allows you to store an entire movie in one file, which is provided by the media processor integrated into the M-6500.
Ease of connection to modern technology is provided by the universal digital interface HDMI 1.3, which transmits multi-channel audio and video in one stream (up to 24-bit stream).
TViX HD M-6500 allows you to store up to 2TB of digital content on its own built-in storage device, and also provides playback from connected network resources and external USB drives, thus unlimitedly expanding the available volume of used audio/video archives. Similar to previous TViX models, the M-6500 is a full-featured USB Host device with the ability to connect external USB drives, which allows you to play content from external USB CD/DVD, USB FLASH, USB HDD, USB RAID devices.
The presence of the FTP and network playback function provides the ability to remotely replenish media content and play it back without copying data from local network resources to the built-in hard drive of the M-6500.
Specifications
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Estimated cost about 200 $
Dvico TViX HD M-6600А
TViX 6600A will allow you to enjoy watching Full HD video and accompanying sound in HD quality. Moreover, the media player supports playing music in “lossless” formats - without loss of quality.
The 6600A is a highly professional device that will allow you to conduct home presentations and share family photo archives. The presence of wireless and wired interfaces will allow you to use network sources for storing media content.
Key differences between the 6600A and the previous version (6500):
- dual tuner H264 HD PVR (both DVB-T/ATSC), ability to record one channel and view another
- new ergonomic HDD, improved cooling, reduced noise, new type of fan
- support for 802.11n (6600N) interface with NFS, SAMBA SERVER/CLIENT
- PnP support
- support for RMVB-HD, FLV, OGG/FLAC audio tracks in MKV
- support: JPEG, BMP, TIFF, GIF, PNG
- 9 different slide show modes
- Firmware update in less than 1 minute
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Estimated cost about 320 $
Dune HD Max
Blu-ray player and universal media center. Rating - 5/5
The manufacturer has combined the capabilities of a Blu-ray optical disc drive and a multi-format media player in one device. The hard drive bay is hot-swappable, and you can connect SD cards and various USB drives and devices (such as a mouse and keyboard). There is a web browser, downloading torrents, and recording TV broadcasts to the hard drive from an optional DVB-T receiver.
Egreat EG-R1B
Decent network media player. Rating - 5/5
The media player looks nice, runs on a high-quality 1073 processor and easily copes with playing MKV video files larger than 15GB without any stuttering. You can install a hard drive up to 2 TB as internal storage. Connection of Bluetooth and DVD players is supported. It is possible to copy files between connected drives. It’s nice that the device independently determines the frame rate and changes the TV mode accordingly.
Ellion X3-TR11
Multimedia recorder with DVB-T tuner. Rating - 5/5
The media player plays content from the built-in hard drive, USB drives, memory cards and network-connected devices. Among the niceties is a color display for displaying menus and file names, although you can only see anything on it when sitting directly in front of the player. Another useful feature is the built-in DVB-T HD TV tuner with the ability to record TV broadcasts. The device supports menu navigation, folder creation, copying and renaming files without turning on the TV.
Emtec Movie Cube S800
Beautiful media player with DVB-T tuner. Rating - 4/5
Quite an interesting (and most importantly - beautiful) device with good functionality. The small display is only suitable for use at a distance of one meter - you won’t be able to see anything further on it. The media player has a built-in TV tuner and can record TV shows. Problems with support for formats and codecs, as well as some menu confusion, may be resolved by updating the firmware. Despite all the advantages, the price of the media player seems somewhat overpriced.
HDX Bone
A unique device with the ability to install Android. Rating - 4/5
An exceptionally compact media player in an aluminum case, equipped with a minimum of interfaces with an original implementation: a miniUSB connector can operate in Slave and Master modes, the 3.5 mm port, when an adapter is connected, turns into three “tulips” (composite and stereo audio), one of which SPDIF can be output. The ability to install as a second Android operating system expands the functionality of the device. Standard media player functions are implemented at an average level.
Noontec V12
Recorder with display and ability to record from AV input. Rating - 5/5
A well-made and visually attractive media recorder with a small information display and the presence of all the basic functions of a media player: playing content from the built-in hard drive, USB drives, memory cards and network devices, support for Internet services and torrent downloads, connecting DVD drives. An interesting feature is the ability to record from the AV input - this way you can, for example, digitize old videotapes.
Digital media player Popcorn Hour C-300
Popcorn Hour C300 - the flagship representative in the line of media players Networked Media Jukebox, was created on the most powerful processor at the moment.
Thanks to the massive body of the player, heat dissipation occurs naturally (the player is not equipped with a standard fan and is content with real passive cooling). Popcorn Hour C-300 comes with a universal HBR-200 bay, which allows you to simultaneously use a hot-swappable SATA hard drive and a slim optical drive (slim Blu-ray/DVD/CD). You can also use two 3.5" + 2.5" SATA hard drives simultaneously (the 3.5" drive is hot-swappable).
The Popcorn Hour C-300's color TFT panel makes it easy to browse the menu without connecting to a TV; this feature is especially useful if you are not going to watch a movie, but just decide to play a music album. The menu and contents of the disc will be available in Russian.
The C-300 is the only media player to have a radio remote control. Now you can control your media player from anywhere in your apartment (lack of line of sight is not a hindrance), which will especially appeal to music lovers. 
Popcorn Hour C-300 supports all known codecs or file containers right out of the box, including MKV3D. Support for BitTorrent and Usenet will allow you to download files using the player and transfer downloaded content over the network using NMT applications. Thanks to the AK M 4420 ET audio chip (192 kHz, 24 bit), the media player can reproduce high-definition sound in DTS-HD HR, DTS-HD MA, Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby True HD.
With Popcorn Hour Jukebox, the player automatically recognizes all available media resources and creates a colorful media library and downloads all the necessary information. Popcorn Hour, the first of the HD equipment manufacturers, releases applications for the media player. You need an Internet connection, then simply download free content from the Popcorn Hour Apps Market. Watch news and favorite YouTube channels, listen to radio stations via the Internet, keep in touch with friends via Twitter and Facebook.
Main characteristics
Equipment without HDD
HD 1080p (Full HD) support
HDD
Number of HDD spaces 2
Standards support
File formats MKV, AVI, WMV, ISO, IFO, VOB, MOV, ASF, TP, TS, TRP, M2T, M2TS, MP4, DAT, MPG, RM
Codecs MPEG1, MPEG2, MPEG4, XviD, DivX, H.264, WMV9, AVCHD, VC1
Audio files MP3, WMA, AAC, Ogg, PCM, M4A, WAV, FLAC, APE, AC3, DTS
Graphic files JPEG, GIF, BMP, PNG, TIFF
Subtitle support SRT, MicroDVD SUB, SSA, SUB/IDX, PGS
Connection
Outputs audio stereo, audio coaxial, audio optical, composite video, component video, S-Video, HDMI 1.3a
Interfaces USB Type A x5, Ethernet
Ethernet speed 10\100\1000 Mbit/s
Wi-Fi connection is optional
Functionality
BitTorrent, HTTP download manager
Functions FTP server, NAS server, UPnP
Design
There is a display
There is a remote control
Name of processor/chipset Sigma Designs SMP8647
RAM size 512 MB
Flash memory size 256 MB
External power supply
Cooling passive
Additionally
Supports online services Revision 3, Videocast, CNET TV, Mediafly, Mevio, Bliptv, CBS Evening News, CNN Anderson Cooper 360 Daily, CNN The Larry King Podcast, NBC Today Show, The CNN Daily, CNN In Case You Missed It, NBC Nightly News, NBC Meet The Press, CBS Face the Nation, Podf, Jamendo, iPodcast, BBC Podcast, Indiefeed, CNN News, ABC News, Flickr, Picasaweb, Pikeo, 23, Photobucket, SmugMug, Yahoo! Weather, NMT Forum, Bloglines, Cinecast, MSNBC News, Traffic Condition, Yahoo! Traffic Alerts, Yahoo! News, Weather Bug, SHOUTCast Radio, Radiobox, Live365 Radio
Dimensions (WxHxD) 425x83x290 mm
Weight 3.7 kg
Additional information universal bay HBR-200 for simultaneous use of a hot-swappable SATA hard drive and a thin optical drive (slim BD\DVD\CD), you can simultaneously use two 3.5" + .5" SATA hard drives radio remote control allows you to control the media player without direct visibility
Approximate price: RUR 19,990
Popcorn Hour A-210
An excellent device in a solid aluminum body. Rating - 5/5
The media player received a one-piece aluminum case, which not only protects, but also removes heat well, which made it possible to get rid of the cooling fan and increase the price of the device. The player is quiet, easy to use, has excellent support for the Russian language, and plays all formats, including HD movies with a capacity of 40-50 GB. The device can be connected to your home network via Wi-Fi (optional) or Gigabit LAN, which allows you to play high-definition movies without any problems.
QNAP NMP-1000
The player takes a long time to turn on and off. Rating - 4/5
Among the main advantages of the media player are a nice design, quiet operation (despite the presence of active cooling), support for all popular formats, codecs and containers, adequate network operation, a fast and convenient menu, support for downloading torrents. The package includes all the necessary cables, including HDM1. The main drawback noted by users is the long process of turning the device on and off (takes more than one minute).
Seagate FreeAgent GoFlex TV
A good media player with some nuances. Rating - 3/5
Network media player in a high-quality case with a pleasant design. Supports all possible formats and codecs and has a convenient user menu. Now about the nuances. You can install GoFlex disks as an internal hard drive, but you need to keep in mind that some disks may simply not fit in thickness (for example, 1 TB hard drives), and the rest may stick out. The firmware also suffers from shortcomings - the sound settings are inconveniently implemented, Internet services for Russia are not thought out.
WD TV Live 1Tb
Five-star network media player. Rating - 5/5
The media player is made to a solid five. Plays all possible video formats, supports all possible audio codecs, works perfectly with the network and DVDs, has a friendly interface and a convenient remote control. One of the troubles is that the hard drive does not go into sleep mode on its own, and the Radio Pandora service agrees to work only in the United States. By the way, unlike most other HDD players, it does not have the “No disk” or “Disk size of your choice” configuration options.
3Q 3QMMP-F350HW
Media player with display, Wi-Fi and other interfaces. Rating - 5/5
For ease of control, this media player is equipped with a display. The device can have a built-in hard drive, it has a Wi-Fi adapter, supports video with HD resolution and most modern formats. The content source can be the built-in hard drive, external USB drives and network devices. Via the HDM port, connection to modern HD TVs is realized. There is also a torrent client that allows you to download files without a computer.
Compro VideoMate 1000W
Bold design and low data transfer speed. Rating - 5/5
The media player case is well assembled and has an unusual and bold design. Excellent graphics design of the firmware makes working with the device simple and enjoyable. The media player easily reproduces all declared formats, including MKV files, and has an adequate price. It can be connected to your home wired and wireless network. The disadvantages of the model are the low speed of data exchange over the network and USB, primitive players of audio and graphic files.
Dune HD Lite 53D Wi-Fi
Budget media player with Wi-Fi adapter included. Rating - 5/5
This is a universal media player equipped with a Wi-Fi adapter. It has compact dimensions and the possibility of horizontal and vertical installation, which is convenient (additional legs are included). Plays all popular formats, including Full HD video, including over the network. Can also play content from USB devices and SD memory cards. Implemented support for Internet radio and torrent downloading. New firmware versions appear regularly on the manufacturer's website.
Yes
Additional features of Dune HD Lite 53D
- Play audio files with the highest quality: up to 192 KHz / 24-bit, in FLAC, Monkey’s Audio APE, WAV/PCM, DTS and other formats.
- Playlists: creating playlists from folders, using your own playlists, repeat and random play functions.
- NAS function: access files on storage devices (HDD, optical drive, etc.) connected to the player from the local network (via SMB or FTP).
- BitTorrent: downloading files from P2P networks using the BitTorrent client built into the player.
- Customizable User Interface: support for media collections with display of covers and icons (with Full HD graphics).
- Internet radio: playback and recording of various Internet radio stations (HTTP/MP3).
- IPTV: playback and recording of IPTV streams (multicast UDP/RTP) from your Internet provider (check with your Internet provider for availability of multicast UDP/RTP streams).
- Digital TV Option: playback and recording of digital television channels using the optional Digital TV USB module (the Digital TV USB module is not included in the delivery package - must be purchased separately).
Specification Dune HD Lite 53D
- CPU: 8653
- Memory: RAM 256 MB, Flash 128 MB, expandable via HDD partition, USB flash drive or SD card (2GB recommended)
- Media content sources: internal HDD (SATA 2.5"), external HDD (USB), external optical drive (USB), USB devices (USB flash, USB card reader, etc.), built-in SD card reader (SD/SDHC), PC and NAS on the local network (SMB, NFS, UPnP, HTTP), other Internet and LAN sources (HTTP, multicast UDP/RTP)
- Video codecs: MPEG2, MPEG4, XVID, WMV9, VC1, H.264; support for high bitrate video (50 Mbit/s and above)
- Video file formats: MKV, MPEG-TS, MPEG-PS, M2TS, VOB, AVI, MOV, MP4, QT, ASF, WMV, DVD-ISO, VIDEO_TS
- Optical media formats: data discs (CD/DVD/BD) (MP3, JPEG, etc), Audio CD (PCM/DTS), DVD-Video (store-bought and home-made) (an external optical drive is required to play content from optical media)
- Video output modes: Wide range of modes and resolutions (up to 1080p), including 23.976p, 24p, PAL, NTSC
- Auto frame rate detection: automatic (depending on the content being played) or manually set
- Audio codecs: AC3 (Dolby Digital), DTS, MPEG, AAC, LPCM, WMA, FLAC, multichannel FLAC, Ogg/Vorbis; support for high quality audio (up to 192 kHz / 24-bit)
- Audio file formats: MP3, MPA, M4A, WMA, FLAC, APE (Monkey's Audio), Ogg/Vorbis, WAV, DTS-WAV, DTS, AC3, AAC
- Subtitle formats: SRT (external), SUB (MicroDVD) (external), text (MKV), SSA/ASS (MKV, external), VobSub (MP4, MKV, external SUB/IDX), PGS (TS, MKV)
- Graphic file formats: JPEG, PNG, BMP, GIF
- Playlist file formats: M3U,PLS
- Photo viewing function: slideshow, transition effects, image rotation, zoom, playlist viewing, repeat, random play
- Audio playback function: playlist viewing, repeat, random playback, ID3 tags, picture shift to prevent burn-in of plasma displays
- File systems: FAT16/FAT32 (read, write), EXT2/EXT3 (read, write), NTFS (read, write)
- LAN connection: 10/100 Mbit
- WiFi: optional 802.11n Wi-Fi (via external USB Wi-Fi dongle, not included in the package, it is recommended to use D-Link DWA-140)
- Dune Network Playback Accelerator— a network optimization system that provides the best playback of content from the network in the class of 864x/865x devices, thanks to which smooth playback of all supported types of media content is possible through any network protocols (including NFS and SMB) even in 100 Mbit/s networks
Dimensions Dune HD Lite 53D
- With stand: 83 mm (width) x 142 mm (depth) x 162 mm (height)
- Without stand: 142 mm (width) x 142 mm (depth) x 40 mm (height)
- Box: 235 mm x 212 mm x 128 mm
Sarotech T6
Beautiful media player with display. Rating - 5/5
A media player with an attractive appearance and a convenient, informative color display. Reproduces all formats, although with some bitrate limitations. It is possible to install an internal hard drive up to 2 TB. There is a built-in fast Wi-Fi adapter. Supports downloading torrents, playing music and photos. The main drawback is the lack of normal manufacturer support, and therefore regular firmware updates. In addition, the hard drive gets very hot.
3Q DF347HW
The player body is made of thin black sheet metal. The front side of the device is made of black plastic with a transparent “window”, behind which a symbolic display is visible. This display shows the basic status of the player and the availability of resources such as network, hard drive, DVD and USB. The current audio output mode is also indicated here: Dolby Digital or DTS. Above the display there is a DVD drive tray with an eject button, and the entire lower part of the panel is given over to the player control buttons.
These buttons are enough to perform simple operations: scroll through directories, start playback of the selected file, etc.? Thus, the arrow buttons are responsible for navigating through menus or directories, and the role of the OK button here is played by the playback button. Return to the previous menu or directory using the far right button. Unfortunately, despite the presence of controls, you won’t be able to start playing the desired content blindly - you need a TV. The fact is that the existing display does not display the names of folders and files, it only shows the current state of the player: idle (inactivity), playing time of a file when playing it, etc.?
Additional Information:
Key points when choosing a media player
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Last update
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.
What is a media player for a TV? Probably everyone has a vague idea of what kind of device this is. Multimedia technology has been and will be associated with watching films, TV series, and listening to your favorite music. When media players appeared on the electronics market, they provoked the transformation of televisions from ordinary television signal receivers into home multimedia entertainment centers. At the same time, this function is often assigned to the software built into smart TVs. At the same time, media players are popular on the market because they are universal and allow you to replace them with a more modern model.
Not only a CD, a flash drive, which is familiar to most users, can be used as a storage medium, with the help of which multimedia content is played. Modern devices work with Internet access by supporting Wi-Fi technology. Therefore, they provide the opportunity to watch TV series and movies on large Smart TVs. Media players provide users with the opportunity to enjoy high-quality images.
Previously, the number of media players and the number of manufacturers was insignificant. It is easier for a modern user to get confused by the abundance of both companies and the number of available models. If you choose the right TV set-top box, it will be easy to use and multitasking.
Plasma TVs are available with a built-in player, but you need to understand that their functionality is lower than that of a device purchased separately.
There are different approaches to purchasing any equipment. Someone takes into account the available budget. But this option for choosing a device is not always successful, since the functionality of inexpensive models leaves much to be desired. Next, we will consider the key points that you need to pay attention to when choosing a media player.
The range of available interfaces during the period of digital broadcasting is gradually losing its position; TVs that have an HDMI input and support resolutions from HD Ready and higher are considered candidates for connecting a media player.
The connector will allow you to obtain maximum quality during video signal transmission, which helps simplify the output of multi-channel audio to your home theater. Digital sound can be transmitted to acoustics in a modified format - this is a characteristic feature of HDMI.
If you look at the question of how to choose a media player, you need to focus on the size of the device. The dimensions of the new models depend solely on the number of connectors for connecting to the TV and the compartment for the hard drive.
There is no need to choose a model with only a HDD connector, since this option may no longer be in demand in the near future. The constant need to connect the media player to the computer, remove the drive to transfer new content, work with torrents - all this takes a lot of time. Playing content over a local network is one of the fastest ways.
Players without the function of supporting data exchange over the network are very rare. Even inexpensive models can offer their future owners an Ethernet connector or Wi-Fi support. When you have Wi-Fi at home, it is logical to immediately purchase a model with the option of accessing home network storage.
A media player with Internet access based on Android provides additional support for various functions: a Facebook client, VK, Skype and various instant messengers.
Let's move on to the supported formats. Over the past few years, devices have appeared that support formats such as:
- Divx/Xvid;
- H.264;
- MPEG 1/2.
In terms of sound, there are also high-quality audio formats: DTS, Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby TrueHD.
Fans of “full-length and voluminous video” may encounter problems. Because 3D capable movies are not often found as an ISO extension or as a file folder. In this case, you will have to select media player models that support standards such as ISO BD3D, and navigation through the film should be carried out using Lite.
Control methods in most cases are represented by: remote control, computer keyboard, mouse (in some models). The last two options make switching the TV comfortable.
To choose a media player wisely, you need to consider the following criteria:
- formats the device works with;
- hard disk memory;
- number and types of connectors;
- availability of support for Internet services;
- menu navigation;
- Russian-language interface;
- budget size.
Options for connecting a media player to a TV
For those who prefer ease of use, it is better to opt for Full HD media players. Most models connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi. The device is connected to the TV using special interfaces.
If we are talking about connecting the player to an outdated TV model, the situation becomes more complicated. Because due to the lack of HDMI in the old TV, you have to choose one of the analog interfaces:
- Composite output, or "tulip". For over ten years it has been used to output video signals and stereo sound. The sound quality is significantly reduced, it is better to stick to alternative options.
- Component output. It also uses several cables or “tulips”, which improves image quality and is considered the best among the available options.
- SCART. To a greater extent, this is not an interface, but "container" to transmit an RGB image. Rarely found in modern devices.
- S-Video. This connector is typical for outdated computer video cards. Rarely used by TV manufacturers.
Also used for HDMI connection. It is standard and identical for all equipment. When HDMI is not available, you can use “tulips”.
The best media player models
When choosing which media player to buy, everyone initially pays attention to the company that produces this product. Previously, the number of manufacturers was insignificant, today the number of brands is huge, so those who are faced with the purchase of such equipment for the first time may be confused. The most popular brands are: Apple, Nvidia, Xiaomi, Google, Pioneer, Dune, Rombica. And here are only the most important representatives of this industry.
Each brand has its own characteristics, style, features, and technical characteristics. Next, we will look at the rating of media players 2019.
Apple TV 4K 32GB
This is one of the best media players for TVs from the global brand Apple. The design is discreet, in black. The dimensions of the box are small, the edges are rounded. There are no unnecessary decorative elements. Maximum resolution – 4K.
The player also supports formats such as: MOV and MP4. If we talk about sound and graphic formats, the device supports all known options. Connection to TV is carried out using a digital HDMI 2.0 channel. Additionally, you can use Wi-Fi. Alternative connection options include Bluetooth and Ethernet.
For those who use other Apple products, you can use AirPlay technology. This greatly simplifies the work with all devices due to fast file transfer.
High performance is ensured by a proprietary processor – Apple A10X Fusion. RAM – 3 GB, built-in memory – 32 GB. Passive type of cooling is used. But you have to pay for this functionality.
Nvidia Shield TV
It should be noted that this hardware is available in two versions. The characteristic differences are the size of the built-in memory and the dimensions of the device.
A multifunctional player presented by the legendary GPU manufacturer. Maximum resolution – 4K. Supported video formats include: MKV, AVI, M2TS, MP4 and others. All sound files are read.
To connect you will need to use HDMI 2.0. Additional interfaces are also presented in a wide range from Wi-Fi to Ethernet.
Personally produced processor – Nvidia Tegra X1. 3 GB – RAM. OS – Android 7.0. Users can download the required applications from Google Play. The main menu is easy to use; to use the joystick you need to synchronize the console with your Nvidia account.
The design of the player deserves special attention. Indeed, the manufacturer relied not only on the functionality of the device, but also on the original appearance.
Dune HD TV 102W
We can say that this is a little-known brand that specializes in the production of digital media players. Despite little experience in this sector, its products are actively purchased both in Russia and in foreign countries. TV-102W is a junior model that provides high speed and stable operation.
The processor works with current video and audio formats. Thanks to streaming services, the set-top box is practical to use. Users will be able to enjoy working with web browsers, free online cinemas, and an expanded media player OS. Social networks are also available, and working with files in local space is supported. Suitable for Smart TV.
Among the disadvantages, we can note the lack of support for 3D video and sound in DTS format. But this is more of a drawback for those who love rich pictures. You can also note the low power of the Wi-Fi transmitter.
The device receives digital IPTV channels. You can control it using a remote control. If you install special software on a gadget (cell phone, tablet), you can control the media player. The option of data exchange via iOS and Android is available.
The Russian-language menu is simple, all plugins are presented on one screen. The user can immediately select the section he needs: browser, virtual keyboard, radio. The advantage of this model is the stable firmware update; it can be downloaded from the manufacturer’s official website.
Xiaomi Mi Box 4K
The Xiaomi brand is extremely famous in Russia and other countries. The company specializes in the production of various equipment. Xiaomi in particular is famous for its stylish, functional smartphones. Not the last place in the production process is occupied by media players.
Here is one of the most interesting and reliable models. In general, the technical characteristics are decent for such a price. Maximum video playback format is 4K. Connection methods are presented:
- HDMI;
- stereo jack;
- "tulips";
- Audio-video connectors.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless interfaces are also available. You can connect a hard drive or flash drive via the USB connector.
The Amlogic S905 chipset powers the player. The available operating memory is slightly less than that of previously presented options, 2 GB. A passive cooling method is also used.
Apple NV Gen 4 32GB
Here is a video player model that was presented by a global brand quite a long time ago. The latest updated version of Apple TV 4th Generation 32GB was slightly changed by the manufacturer, namely the company relied on applications; now the set-top box supports the most popular programs from the App Store.
The model runs on the tvOS user interface. The connection can be made using an HDMI cable; a wireless Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet interface is also available.
It should be noted that the kit includes a smart remote control equipped with a microphone. Also for game lovers, there is a built-in motion sensor to work as a game controller.
Rombica Smart Box Ultra HD V003
This media player works with different video formats up to 4K. Runs on Android OS, it is possible to install applications from Google Play or APK applications of the operating system. Built-in Internet services and clients for various social networks simplify working with the player.
Supports 3D. 8 GB of internal memory. Three additional USB ports are available. You can also connect a wireless keyboard or mouse for comfortable operation of the device.
The appearance is unremarkable, reminiscent of a router. The design is laconic, compact, without unnecessary elements, and the matte finish does not leave fingerprints. The player is equipped with feet, which improves air circulation. The advantage is the connection to older TV models.
As for cooling, this model has a reshaped bottom cover, which creates additional ventilation.
Iconbit XDS94K
The square box is made of plastic and has a metal edging. The disadvantage is that all fingerprints remain on the player.
The device works with the following interfaces:
- USB ports (4 pieces);
- HDMI cable and Ethernet;
- power cable;
- S/P-DIF;
- MicroSD slot.
The player menu is simple, there are no unnecessary elements that distract users. It is also worth saying that the remote control is small in size; for the most common functions, the corresponding buttons are located on the remote control.
Working with the remote control, you can open all sections of interest and configure the device. A virtual mouse mode is also available here. If desired, the user can connect a wireless keyboard and mouse.
The remote control supports the HDMI CEC protocol, which ensures synchronization between the player and the TV. For budget devices, such a solution is rare, but here, as we see, the manufacturer decided to please its users.
The media player can be used as a commercial video player. The equipment can work 24/7, seven days a week, and special applications can play files without interruptions and without returning to the main menu. Additionally, each owner of this device can activate the auto shutdown function using a timer. This option is also available for instantly launching the desired file after turning on the TV.
Amibox X96
Rounding out the list of some of the best consoles is the X96 Mini. Thanks to the ability to purchase players and choose the most suitable ones depending on your goals and preferences, there is no need to constantly purchase new TVs.
This device is easy to connect. You can use cords, or use Internet technologies.
The player operates on the Android TV operating system. This opens up the opportunity to watch videos, browse social networks, and additionally download applications from the store. For more comfortable use, you can purchase and connect a wireless keyboard or mouse. But in general, you can switch, work with menus, and scroll through social networks using the remote control. The remote control contains buttons to perform basic functions.
The manufacturer equipped the device with a powerful Amlogic S905W 64 bit Cortex-A53 processor with a frequency of up to 2.0 GHz. The model is equipped with 4 cores. 2 GB – RAM. The model is not equipped with Bluetooth. Supports UHD 4K.
Note.
Using multimedia players, you can expand the functionality of your TV and play videos, photos and music on it from a PC, network storage device or from the Internet. CHIP tested ten of the best models. ASUS O!Play Air HDP-R3 (left) is the best media player in its class. WD TV Live, with its low price, has almost caught up with the winner Network media players are a relatively new and very promising class of devices. Perhaps this is the first successful attempt to use just one device in conjunction with a TV and speaker system to store and play home multimedia content. 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, the network player can be equipped with a built-in hard drive or connect to external media. 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.
The market for network media players is now developing very dynamically. New devices have greater functionality even compared to products introduced on the market a year ago. Thus, at the beginning of 2011, many network media players were equipped with a built-in TV tuner, and also had slots for installing hard drives and an optical drive. Moreover, all the devices that took part in our test today are not equipped with a TV tuner, and most do not even have a slot for installing a hard drive and optical drive, since this feature is not in widespread demand. But if for “outdated” players a wireless connection (WLAN) was a clear luxury and was declared as an option in only a few models, then almost all modern devices have a WLAN module as standard. However, it is worth considering that it is not possible to comfortably watch Full HD video over a wireless network. We also note that a network media player in tandem with a TV is a good alternative to Smart TV technology. New models support many Russian-language Internet services and allow you to view streaming video from the World Wide Web.
In principle, everything that a multimedia player is capable of can be done by a desktop computer or laptop, but it is not always convenient to connect the latter directly to a TV and audio system or to move it from room to room. A media player allows you to distribute work and entertainment across different devices and even rooms, while the desire of your family to watch a movie will not prevent you from working or relaxing.
Equipment and ergonomics: the golden mean
Convenient controls, clear menus and support for Internet services are the main criteria when choosing a network media player.
It is interesting that the general principle of matching the equipment of devices to their price in media players is not followed in our test. This is probably due to the rapidly developing market for this equipment, so other pricing mechanisms are still working. Thus, the maximum score for equipment was given to one of the most inexpensive devices in our test - the TV Live media player from Western Digital, which as a result was awarded the title of optimal choice. It’s even strange how they managed to fit so much into such a small case: this is the smallest and lightest model in the review. I was also pleased with the 100% localization of the device: not only the media player menu is Russified - in addition, WD TV Live works with Russian file names and displays all tags correctly.
The test also includes another well-equipped Full HD media player, ScreenPlay TV Link DX, from Iomega. The remote control of this device contains a full QWERTY keyboard. As for the winner - the ASUS HDP-R3 media player, the equipment is not the strong point of this model: of the video connectors, this media player, in addition to the obligatory HDMI connector, has only a composite video output. In addition to the eSATA port, the body of this device has a USB connector, as well as a card reader, which allows you to connect external drives to it.
Smart TV: more than a media player
The LG ST600 Full HD media player, which earned maximum points for ergonomics, is capable of turning any TV into a modern Smart TV. A network connection allows you to access popular Internet resources through the LG Smart TV service, providing the ability to display web pages on the TV screen without using a PC. You also get access to LG Apps - a proprietary store of applications specifically designed for viewing on the TV screen. It allows you to download both entertainment and educational programs. You can control the device using a remote control or a regular computer mouse connected to a USB port. And the “Smart Share” function makes it possible to transfer content from tablets and smartphones directly to the TV screen. The leader of our test, the ASUS HDP-R3 media player, is almost as good as the LG ST600 in terms of ease of use, while significantly surpassing it in other characteristics. This media player allows you to view many Internet TV channels and supports displaying RSS news and stock prices.