Not all television devices can be called “smart”. Smart TV technology is gaining popularity, but what about those who have old TV models? Fortunately, it is not necessary to spend money on a modern model - there are special attachments. With this article, you will be able to choose the best media player for your TV. With such a set-top box, the possibilities of Smart TV no longer seem so distant.

NVIDIA SHIELD + Okko


  • good speed
  • powerful tv box
  • the ability to play computer games
  • regular updates
  • pared down play market

The advantage of this device is the incredible level of detail when watching movies and TV shows. Sports matches are played to create a sense of presence. 4K support with HDR. The set includes a subscription for half a year, which gives access to the films of the OKKO cinema.

Dune HD Pro 4K Plus


  • metal case
  • support for all popular video formats
  • smartphone control
  • 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 they can also be explained by the features of the Realtek platform and flaws in the firmware. Suitable for connoisseurs of the tandem "home server and normal content" as well as for "fans of the dune". On the this moment the Dune HD system is much more powerful than the competition. Because the price is quite high.

Selenga A4


  • 3 USB 2.0 ports
  • support for popular formats
  • light attachment
  • convenient remote control
  • not identified

This smart box from Android 7.1.2 has 16 GB of internal memory and 2 GB of RAM. The superior Selenga Multimedia Center transforms TVs, monitors or projectors into full-fledged computers. It is possible to install applications, watch movies and TV online. Opens access to games and various widgets.

On other OS

Apple TV 4K 32GB


  • the ability to install software from App Store
  • design
  • quality
  • comfort
  • can be played with joystick
  • defective remote control
  • few applications

Apple TV 4K is presented as a mini PC. The powerful A10X Fusion processor and 32GB of memory are no joke. Movies and TV shows are streamed with the latest 4K HDR special effects. 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 are able to "make friends" with the prefix. For example, with a slight flick of your fingers, the iPhone turns into a remote control.

MiraScreen G2 WiFi Display Dongle


  • comfortable
  • powerful
  • sometimes the signal fails
  • requires reboot

Individual interesting design MiraScreen G2 Dongle will distract from everyday life. Suitable for use at home or on the road. The features of the player are: high definition image, wide compatibility with various operating systems, as well as simple connection. Toggle button changes Airplay modes to Miracast.

AnyCast M4 Plus


  • easy connection
  • video hangs
  • maximum - 1080p

Miracast (Anycast) M4 is wireless device allowing 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 rubles)

Google Chromecast 2013


  • quality
  • speed
  • ease of use
  • there are outages
  • small set of supported services

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

For most users Personal Computer has long been performing the role universal device, with which you can not only work, but also enjoy spending your free time. In both cases, you cannot do without such familiar music and video recordings. As a rule, we come across such media files every day and rarely think about how the technology of their playback works. In fact, to work with such files, you cannot do without special programs called media players. They provide playback of sound and music content thanks to a set of various media containers. There are a lot of such programs today. As usual, some of them are available for download after paying a certain amount. Others are categorized as free software. We will talk about them. Fortunately, there is plenty to choose from.
The developers have created a lot of media players that differ in both interface and functionality. But first, let's clarify - the fundamental difference between them lies in the ability to play exclusively music files or both types of files - both music and video.
And now to the heart of the matter. Any media player is special program designed to work with media files. In other words, you simply won't be able to open such a file without a player installed on your PC. Programs of this kind can be considered the most real "stars" of the virtual world. Few can compare with them in terms of the regularity of use. Typically, every operating system has a built-in media player by default. For example, on Windows it's Window Media Player, on Linux it's Banshee and Totem. But many users rightly place higher demands on their players. I would like the interface to be convenient, and the appearance can be customized to your liking, and the playlist can be built. And a holy place, as you know, is never empty. So a huge variety of media players appeared, among which everyone will find a program “to their taste and color”. How else can media players be different? This, of course, is a different set of codecs that allow you to read files of different media formats, these are advanced equalizer and sound settings, playing streaming audio and video, writing to discs, editing files. Of course, not all players have a full set of such functions, but that's what the freedom of choice is for. Perhaps the most popular free media players are iTunes, VLC Media Player, KMPlayer, Kantaris, QuickTime Alternative, and Songbird and AIMP, which only work with sound.

Networked audio players have replaced CD players. They are not only on par with older disc players in sound quality, but they are often superior to them, as they can play music recorded in ultra-high resolution. While Audio CDs recorded audio at 44 kHz / 16 bit, the newer HD audio formats use higher bit rates: 96 kHz / 24 bit and 192 kHz / 24 bit.

Some models of network players can work in USB-DAC mode (connected to a computer via USB) and in preamplifier mode.

Formats

Many modern TVs (Smart TVs) can play video files on their own. However, in terms of the number of supported formats, they are far from the best examples of stationary media players. For example, not every Smart TV can boast M2TS support and the ability to play Blu-Ray or DVD ISO images. Many media players support playback of lossless audio files (without loss of quality) - this is necessary if you plan to connect high-quality acoustics and an amplifier to the player.

Additional functions

To view 3D video content through a media player, it requires support for playing Blu-Ray 3D images and an HDMI interface of version 4.0 or higher.

Some models of media players have the ability to work as a torrent client, when he can independently download and save on HDD files from torrent trackers.

A TV tuner with DVB-T2 support in a media player will help you switch to a new digital terrestrial television standard. DVB-T2 is defined as a standard for terrestrial digital terrestrial television in Russia, but it is not supported in older TV models.

An alternative to the TV tuner is IPTV - Internet TV. IPTV-enabled media players allow you to watch TV channels if your ISP provides such a service.

(also Media Player Media Player or Media Center).

Many people are familiar with the situation when, despite the many available TV channels, there is absolutely nothing to watch on TV. In such cases, a media player will come to the rescue - a compact device that can turn an ordinary TV into a multimedia entertainment center, showing your favorite films and photos or playing music at will. In this article, we will tell you how to choose a media player model and what characteristics to pay attention to.
A media player is a device for playing photos, videos and music, which works in conjunction with a home TV, monitor or projector, as well as an acoustic system. The advantage of the media player is its relatively compact size, so it can be moved to any room with a monitor or TV. The media player is an excellent choice for those who often purchase movies and music online and store their multimedia archive on their home PC, USB drives and hard drives. The fact is that most media players are equipped with standard USB connectors and even play content directly from your home network. To choose the optimal model that suits your tasks, you will have to analyze the main characteristics, which we will do. .

What parameters to pay attention to

One of the main parameters of the media player is storage medium... To store media content, these devices use built-in hard drives, external HDDs, as well as USB drives and memory cards... Sometimes there is a slot for optical discs or the ability to connect an external DVD drive. Benefits of embedded hard disk undeniable, but the higher the disk capacity, the higher the cost. Therefore, to save money, you can purchase a diskless model and connect external media to it.
The set of video and audio connectors on the body of the media player may differ significantly from model to model. : HDMI and cinch connectors. The more equipped models have a 6-channel audio output, as well as S-Video and D-Sub. If the media player needs to display information without HDMI output, pay attention to the presence of analog ports in the first one.
Many media players are equipped with a network interface for connecting to your home network and the Internet. For this, a wired Ethernet, which will save you from the need to transfer content to the device's memory every time and will allow you to play movies located on your home computer or network storage (). If this is not possible, support for the mode will come in handy. USB-Slave... Thanks to this option, the computer detects the media player connected via USB as an external drive, which is convenient for replenishing the library with files from the main PC.
The ability of some models of media players to record is very useful TV broadcast directly to your hard drive.

Inexpensive and functional

As high-definition televisions proliferate, the standard Full HD began to appear even in the most affordable media player models. So, with its low price (up to 5000 rubles), the media player Western digital TV plays video up to 1080p on your home TV, and additional features include access to popular online photo and video services, and connection to your home network. Outwardly, the device is large, but the presence of HDMI, S / PDIF, composite video and audio RCA allows you to connect WD TV to any TV. The number of supported formats is also impressive. In addition to the common ones, the list is supplemented by such formats as OGG and MKA (audio), TIFF (photo) and H.264 (video).
One of the most affordable media players (up to RUB 2,500), HDM33 HDMI, also supports high definition video. The model is made in a strict rectangular case, which contains USB connectors and a slot for memory cards. They are used to download media content. In addition to music and movies, the media player allows you to view photos in JPEG format with a resolution of up to 8 megapixels.
The FreeAgent Theater + media player has a good balance of price and features. The device provides video viewing on FullHD TVs and monitors, has Dolby Digital surround sound and is optionally equipped hard disk(250 or 500 GB). The drive is installed in a special docking station. In addition to the hard drive, you can use USB drives for storing content, which are connected to standard connectors. The device works with the popular MPEG-1, MPEG-2 (AVI / VOB / ISO) and MPEG-4 (AVI / DivX / XviD) formats with a maximum resolution of up to 1080p.

Balance of price and opportunity

Mid-range media players offer an extended list of supported audio and video formats, and sometimes features such as wireless connection to your home network (Internet) using Wi-Fi.
Balanced functionality and price concepts (up to 7000 rbl.) adhered to by the developers of the O! Play AIR HDP-R3 media player. This model supports all common video formats and is equipped with a rich set of connectors (eSATA, HDMI, USB 2.0), as well as a Wi-Fi (802.11n) wireless module and a built-in card reader (SD / MMC, MS / MS Duo, CF). This saves users from having to place a computer or external hard drive next to the TV. Please note that the model does not have an internal HDD slot.
For a similar price, you can purchase the N-1 media player that works with USB drives and memory cards. The model also lacks a hard disk, which has a positive effect on the size of the device: it is miniature and operates almost silently. The media player is housed in a durable and stylish metal body that combines plastic and aluminum. In addition to removable media, content can be downloaded from your home network by playing music and videos directly from home PCs or network drives. An Ethernet connector is provided for this.
According to the schedule, the HDR12L model is able to record video from external signal sources. The device uses an internal HDD to store content, allows you to connect two USB drives at once, an external eSATA hard drive and delete, copy or move files through the built-in file manager... Thanks to the built-in BitTorrent client, HDR12L can download videos directly from the Internet. The player supports almost all popular video formats (including the AVCHD format used in camcorders), as well as the uncompressed FLAC audio format. You can buy HDR12L for 6950 rubles.

Most equipped

Most advanced media players typically include a built-in hard drive of up to 1TB, a wide range of ports and connectors, and many additional features.
The M-7000 belongs to such models. It is a multi-format multimedia center based on a hard disk, which can be up to 2TB in size. The player is made in an unusual cylindrical design, which, as it were, indicates its central position in the home theater infrastructure. Information about the files being played and the state of the system is displayed on a special display located on the front panel. A rich set of connectors allows you to connect to the device not only memory cards, hard drives and flash drives, but also cameras and camcorders. The player does not have Wi-Fi, but there is an Ethernet port, which means the media player can be easily integrated into your home network. The cost of TViX-HD M-7000 is 11 690 rubles.
Egreat EG-M35A media player is three thousand cheaper. The model supports resolutions up to 1080p and allows you to access the Internet through your home network, working directly with the popular services YouTube, Google Video, iPodcast, Flickr. There is also the function of receiving Internet radio and IPTV. To store information, the player has a built-in HDD, the volume of which can be selected independently. In addition, it is possible to work with USB sticks. Like the TViX-HD M-7000, the Egreat media player is packaged in a stylish cylindrical body and features a text-to-character

Another advanced media player is Iconbit HD400DVD, which also supports playback of many audio and video formats, including high definition video (up to 1080p), and plays digital multi-channel audio. There are also analog connectors, which makes the media player universal. In addition to the hard disk, which the user can install in the player by himself, there is a DVD drive with a fashionable slot-loading discs on board. The cost of the model is 10,590 rubles.

conclusions

Considering the purchase of a media player is necessary in the context of the audio and video equipment you already have at home. First of all, the media player must match your TV, both in the connection method (connectors) and in the parameters. If your home has a good speaker system and a large TV screen, you should take a closer look at the rest of the parameters. A couple of terabytes of disk space, which at first seem like an overkill, can come in very handy after purchasing a 3D TV and movies that support the new standards.

Media players: why are they needed and how to use them?

What are media players? Why are they needed at all? What they can do, how to use them and what makes them MORE CONVENIENT and BETTER than anything else (BluRay, DVD, CD). - read about it further.

Media Player is a video, music and photo album (photo) player.

The media player plays files that contain video, music or photos. The better the player, the more different file formats it supports. Taking advantage of the best models you can completely forget about the word “format”: just select and start movies, music, photo albums using standard buttons on the remote control - just like on the usual BluRay, DVD, and CD players.

Why do you need a media player?
Because it is much MUCHER than anything else that came before it - CD players, DVD players and BluRay players.
What exactly is more convenient? Here's what:
1) It is much easier, faster and cheaper to replenish your media collection - a library of films, music and digital photos.
2) Cataloging and searching for works of the media collection is becoming much more convenient business... One or two HDDs with files are much more compact than racks and shelves. Finding and running the required file is much easier and faster than going through a disk archive for a long time. In addition, you can organize information according to any principle that is convenient for you.
3) Storing information in the form of files is more reliable than on disks.
4) Compared to similarly launching files on a computer, using the media player is much more comfortable! You use it like a traditional turntable - sitting on the couch in front of a large TV. Agree, SO movies are simply MORE HABITABLE AND MORE CONVENIENT to watch than at a desk in front of a small monitor, holding a mouse, or than watching from a computer on a large TV, each time coming to the keyboard with a mouse to control.

In addition, the player compared to the computer:
- quieter,
- more compact,
- has fewer wires,
- turns on faster,
- easily controlled by only one push-button remote control,
- hangs less often,
- has a friendly interface like a familiar player, and not like a computer - both a small child and an elderly person who grew up in the pre-computer era can easily learn to use it.

How to use the media player

It depends on the class (capabilities) of the media player you are using. Of all the variety that is now on the market, four classes of media players can be roughly distinguished.

1) Players with a USB port, no hard disk drive (HDD), no connection to local network(no network port).
This is the class of the simplest and most inexpensive models. At the same time, they can work perfectly at the level for which they are intended.

Using
The player is connected to the TV, media files are written to a USB flash drive (or USB disk), which is then inserted into the USB port on the player. We take the player's remote control, find it on the flash drive required files, run. We look, listen - that's actually all!

2) Players with the ability to embed a hard disk drive (HDD), without connecting to a local network (without a network port).
These models are slightly more expensive than previous diskless models. They are convenient in that files can be recorded and stored on the built-in HDD. If the capacity of the HDD allows, you can copy your entire old DVD collection, all music / movies / photos from your computer to it and use only the player. A DVD player with disc racks can be sent straight to the country house: where there is a media player, you will no longer need all this!

Using
To record movies / music / photo albums on the HDD of the player, just connect the player to the computer like a regular external USB drive and overwrite the necessary files. Then the player can be connected to TV - watch movies, listen to music, flip through photo albums.
In addition, these players, like the previous class of players, are equipped with an external USB port for connecting external USB to them. hard drives and flash drives from which players can play files. Many models have a background music function, that is, when viewing photos can be accompanied by music. The most advanced models of this class can perform operations with folders and files as on a computer - copy, move, delete, rename, create new folders - and all this is easy with the help of one remote control.

Note.
These players (described in points 1 and 2) can play both SD video (cheap models) and SD and HD video (more expensive models). However, almost all new SD models are equipped with an HDMI output and are capable of HD component and HDMI outputs, upscaling the SD picture to HD.
All media players of the following two classes (points 3 and 4) - support real (720p, 1080i / p) HD video.

3) Players with the ability to connect to a local network (network port), but without Internet access - both disk and diskless models.
The advantage of these players is that in addition to everything that the models of the two previous classes can, they can connect to a local network and play files from all available network sources - computers, network disk drives (NAS, Network Access Storage), other network players ( which has a built-in HDD).

Using
The player is connected with a network cable to a router (network router), video-audio outputs - to a TV. Next, you need to go to the player's setup (setup) in the network settings section and set the parameters corresponding to your local network. In most cases, the factory settings allow the player to automatically enter the network immediately upon turning on. Further, those disks / folders on computers and network storage devices (NAS), where the media files we need are located, need to be assigned a shared network access so that they are "visible" from any other network device, for example, from a media player. After that, the media player will "see" all network drives / folders and will be able to play the files recorded in them, and not only files from its local HDD or USB-drives. The obvious advantages of such a connection are that, firstly, the player has access to many more places where files are located, and, secondly, it is not necessary to copy files to the player (or connect external USB devices to it) - the entire media collection can be stored distributed on several network devices (or on one large network server). For example, if there are several rooms in an apartment or cottage, each of which is equipped with a TV and an audio system, it is enough to have only ONE network media server, where all films, TV programs (recorded by the TV receiver), music and a collection of photos will be stored. In each room, you can use your own network media player and watch something of your own - from the server over the network, without the need to first copy files.

4) Players with the ability to connect to a local network (network port), Internet access and the ability remote control(from a remote computer) - both disk and diskless.
This is the most advanced category of media players. They have many options for use, depending on the wishes of the user, the technology available to him and (often) the degree of familiarity with the topics "media players / computers / computer networks/ Internet ”, since a number of initial settings still presuppose some immersion in computer topics. But after the settings are made, the player can be used by anyone, regardless of the amount of knowledge and age. What can such players (in the most general terms):
- play files of almost any format (naturally heavy HD video files of tens of gigabytes);
- play files - from the internal HDD (if any), from external USB sources (disks, flash drives), from external eSATA drives (some models), network drives (within the same local network), from remote Web servers (via The Internet);
- download files (movies, music, photos) from the Internet (via the BitTorrent protocol);
- play TV channels IPTV and Internet TV;
- play the contents of popular Web-media resources (YouTube, Flickr, Picasa, Yahoo Weather, etc., up to viewing mailboxes Email);
- perform operations with files (copy, move, delete, etc.);
- have the ability to remotely control (over the network and via the Internet): manage settings, play files (select a file, remotely start, stop playback), turn on / off, download new files from the Internet, etc.;
- make it possible to install new software, including alternative, significantly expanding the range of player capabilities.

If there are several rooms (not necessarily located nearby), each of which is equipped with a TV with a media player and Internet access, then you can both autonomously run the media player in each room, and manage the entire system of media players from one computer. This computer can be either in the same local network with the players, or remotely and connect to each player via the Internet (see the figure below). Even a pocket communicator, such as an iPhone, is suitable as a computer. The players themselves can be either in the same local network or outside of a separate network.

From a remote computer, you can run files on each player, stop playback, change settings, turn on / off the player, etc. For example, you have a player at home (it is turned on and connected to the Internet), you are a guest, and your friends also there is a similar player (also with Internet access). You want to watch a movie or photo album, or listen to music recorded in your home. What is needed for this? Just connect to your home player and run files from it as from a remote Web resource. In this way, you can easily exchange files with other owners of players, while not overwriting files - just keep the players online (and know their IP addresses, of course).

How can you add content to your home media library? Here are some of the fastest, easiest, and most common methods.

1) Many ISPs have one or more FTP servers where thousands of video and music files are recorded. It is enough to download everything that the computer needs and dump it to the player's disk (if the player has a built-in disk), or to a network folder on the computer, or to a separate network drive. Such downloading is free, traffic within the provider's network is usually not charged.

2) Go to any of the Torrent trackers and just download what you are interested in. And it's completely free! Torrent tracker- Web-portal, which contains an extensive catalog of films / music / photos / software / games / etc., from where special<* .torren t> files, which, in turn, when they are opened by the program torrent client, allow you to easily and quickly download the necessary media files - movies / music / photos / games / software / etc. Popular torrent trackers contain a truly huge database - you can find and download almost any movie (from Hollywood novelties to classics and "art Hausa ") or music. The most popular torrent trackers:; http://torrents.ru http://tfile.ru; http://opensharing.ru.
The most advanced players (the category described in point 4) usually have a built-in torrent client. You can run<*.torrent>file directly on the player, and the player will start downloading on its own, without the help of a computer (of course, the player must be connected to a running router, and the router to the Internet).

3) Go to any movie or music Web-resource offering a download service (free or paid); files on such resources are often stored on the well-known file storage http://rapidshare.com (or similar ones) - from there you download them from the links indicated on the resource pages. If the download is paid, you are offered to pay via SMS. The amounts are usually funny.

The colossal convenience of media players, their capabilities and flexibility of settings are worthy of several separate articles. Short-term use of such a device is enough to understand that DVD and BluRay players are far from yesterday, if not the day before yesterday, and by and large they are not needed. What you REALLY NEED to have at home is the following:
- HD-TV (display, projector) + separate audio system (stereo or 5.1);
- a local network connected by a router with Internet access;
- at least one computer connected to the local network (for recording new media files);
- a network disk drive (NAS) for storing the entire collection of media files (the role of a NAS can be performed by the same computer or another computer);
- media player (disk or diskless); if it has the function of connecting to a local network, then there are much more possibilities;
- if you watch TV, then you will need another PVR receiver (satellite, cable or terrestrial, depending on what channels you want to watch), preferably connected to a local network.
On the media player you watch movies and photos, listen to music, watch IPTV and Internet TV channels, YouTube videos, etc. collection of files.

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Last update

Many modern TV models already have built-in devices for playing multimedia content, but their functionality may be lower than that of a separately installed media player for a TV. By connecting additional equipment, you can significantly expand the capabilities of your TV, get access to social networks and various Internet services, even from the screens of the simplest models. Therefore, many users are thinking about buying an additional TV set-top box.

Modern multimedia TV boxes have replaced VCRs and DVD / CD players. Today they:

  • read almost any video and audio format;
  • able to open any images;
  • reproduce information from a variety of sources (portable portable storage devices, mobile gadgets, etc.);
  • broadcast streaming video;
  • provide users with the opportunity to access the Internet through a browser, use a large number of entertainment services;
  • support uTorrent, 3D, Wi-Fi and gaming functions.

Specific functionality may vary depending on the model.

By appearance this is small devices with different ports and control panel. Latest Versions can have lcd display, user touch working tool. Connection to the TV is made via HDMI cable, wireless connection or component jack.

Some devices fit and to old CRT TV types... In this case, information transfer occurs via S-Video or composite slot. It should be understood that the functionality of such a pair will be limited. Since if the media player has any capabilities, then such a TV will not be able to reproduce, for example, the FullHD or 3D format. Of course, users of modern LED TV models have more options.

Composite video output RCA and S-Video

Should you buy a TV media player if you have a computer?

At first glance, it may seem that such a device is a waste of money when you have a PC or laptop. After all, the computer just performs these functions. But not every electronic computing device is capable of transmitting high quality picture and sound as a widescreen LED TV will do, especially in high definition HD and FullHD, as well as Blue Ray.

You can connect a laptop or system unit to a large screen via an HDMI cable, but this is not always convenient. In addition, you often have to rack your brains over setting up device synchronization, especially for streaming video or recording TV broadcasts to your computer's hard drive.

Another plus in favor of a separate set-top box - silent work... Since the computer is equipped with a cooling device, it generates a certain noise during operation. The advantages are obvious, so for connoisseurs of excellent video playback quality it is worth considering how to choose a media player for your TV.

Connection system unit computer to TV

What criteria should you pay attention to when choosing a modern TV set-top box

Today the market is represented by a wide model range digital players for TVs. To determine the choice of the most suitable device model for yourself, you should pay attention to the following criteria:

  • media player interface;
  • possible playback formats;
  • control system;
  • sources and carriers of content (support for Internet services);
  • additional functionality.

Media player interface

Even before sending to the store for a new device for your TV, you need to find out the presence of ports and connectors that are available on television equipment. This information is important for choosing the method of connecting the set-top box. The most optimal and popular option today isHDMI-cable, such a connection will provide high quality video and multi-channel audio transmission. This digital connector allows you to reproduce HD and FullHD resolutions available for modern LED TV models from LG, Samsung, Sony and other manufacturers.

In the case of earlier TV models, the set-top box may need to support the following types of connectors.

  1. Component output... Many well-known "tulips" are used for synchronization. A feature of such a connection is the transmission of individual video signal components through several cables, at the end of which there are three RCA connectors. In this case, only the image is transmitted, sound in stereo is connected separately.
  1. Composite output... The principle of video signal transmission is similar to the previous one, but the image quality is worse. If possible, it is better to use an analog interface.
  2. S— Video... Such a connector is rarely found even on CRT TVs, but in some models it is still present. The design feature and the quality of video signal transmission are slightly better than composite. It is based on two dividing lines that are used to transmit the luminance and chrominance signals of an image.

In addition to ports for connecting a media player to a TV, it must support and additional set of interfaces... Modern models, in addition to the obligatory HDMI and USB, may have an optical or card reader for connecting other storage media. Not all devices have a built-in HDD, but most of them allow you to connect a removable hard drive (for high-quality operation, you need two USB connectors).

It is important not only to think over the way to connect the set-top box to the TV, but also its synchronization with other devices. All required connectors must be present in technical characteristics devices. Also, if necessary, you should take care of purchasing additional adapters that are not included in the media player kit.

Possible playback formats

It is no exaggeration to say that modern multimedia TV-boxes reproduce almost all video and audio formats, as well as open any images. Even the most budget devices will play popular AVI, MKV, MP4. Therefore, through most consoles, you can watch movies in BDRip (-AVC) or DVDRip standards.

The entire list of readable formats is indicated in the technical specifications.

But many inexperienced users are mistaken, evaluating the device according to the list of supported formats, without considering the concept media containers and codecs equating them. Simply put, if the set-top box supports playback of the mp4 container, this does not mean that all files with this extension will play well. They can open, for example, without sound or with noise, if the audio track is not supported. Since the concepts of media container and codec have different definitions. In the first case, this is the file format, in the second, the stream format in it.

For those who want to watch movies on their home theater in high quality or format 3D, it is worth choosing extended reading formats. For example, it is not uncommon for movies with 3D graphics to have an ISO extension or several folders with files of different formats. And support for the ISO BD3D extension is not present in all models.

3D Media Player 3Q F370HW

Control system

In addition to supporting standard multimedia formats and optimal loading times, the media player should have Russian language menu with easy control and navigation are fundamental factors in the analysis of this criterion. Users have the ability to control the set-top box both from the device itself and from the remote control or through a mobile gadget. There are also models that support QWERTY keyboard and computer wireless mouse. These accessories will come in handy when working with social media or an Internet browser via the TV screen. For convenience, you can use a universal remote control that allows you to control both the set-top box and the TV at the same time.

Sources and carriers of content (support for Internet services)

The set-top box can play media content from various media.

  1. Built-in HDD. In this case, the size of the media will be important. A plus built-in hard drive- all multimedia content is stored in one place and is available at any time.
  2. A portable storage device (USB flash drive, external hard drive) connected via a USB connector.
  3. Memory cards for cameras, camcorders, mobile gadgets. Their connection is made either through a built-in or external card reader, or through a cable.
  4. Hard disks of devices connected to Wi-Fi (if there is a wireless connection).
  5. Online services such as You Tube, IVI, Google Video, Apple Trailers, Meta Cafe, etc. (if connected to the Internet).

The capabilities of media players are constantly expanding. Modern models allow you to read letters that arrived at e-mail, play online games, find out news and weather forecasts, watch new films that are just appearing in wide distribution, etc.

Media Player Zappiti Player 4K

Additional functionality

More advanced devices provide users with more options. Therefore, if the purpose of the purchase is to make Samsung TV or LG - Smart TV, it is better to give preference to set-top boxes with:

  • opportunity home network connection(via wireless connection or Ethernet cable);
  • Internet access to be able to use popular online services, social networks, IPTV;
  • modern operating system to be able to update it and install additional software.

The choice and purchase of a media player, even for modern TV models, will be very helpful. Especially for those users who appreciate high-quality picture and multi-channel sound. In addition, such a device is able to turn a simple TV into a Smart, and in models with such a function already built-in, it can significantly expand its capabilities. After all, even an expensive home theater may not have all the necessary functionality, and a properly selected multimedia TV set-top box can solve these problems.