Rating of media players -

Compared to the Internet, the standard features of television are clearly losing. Few people will be satisfied with the periodic viewing of television channels sitting on the couch. It is necessary to expand the capabilities of TV. One of these extensions are media players that connect directly to the TV. To choose the best media player, you first need to understand the basic functions of this equipment.

TV media player - what is it and what is it for

The media player is the same set-top box to the TV as DVD players or receivers. However, the functionality of these devices is limited by clearly defined tasks. The media center is trying to be universal.

They are equipped with hard drives to store their own files or have ports for connecting external drives. But the main advantage is the ability to connect to the Internet and use a bunch of media player + TV as a full-fledged computer for web surfing.

Set-top box

Key features and specifications of media players

The main function of the media center is the expansion of the functionality of the TV. Now many manufacturers are trying to integrate similar components into their TVs. However, the capabilities of a separate device are much greater. There are many models with different characteristics and a set of functions. All of them can play audio and video, display graphic content, etc.

Since the devices are considered types of computers, they must install the operating system. The most common are Android, tvOS, and Windows. Each operating system has its own advantages and disadvantages.

After the main functions are followed by additional, which form the basis of the competitiveness of the product. The best media players suggest:

• Internet connection;
• the ability to play videos in improved quality;
• support for various formats;
• the ability to install additional applications;
• wireless modules;
• the presence of artificial intelligence, etc.

Options for connecting a media player to a TV

HDMI

To understand which device is preferable, you need to pay attention to how to connect to a TV. Indeed, for most users, simplicity of connection plays an important role.

The overwhelming part is connected to the TV through special connectors. The first step is to pay attention to the HDMI connector. This connector has a characteristic appearance and has good transmitting capabilities. The set-top box must have a connecting cable. One end of the cable connects to the set-top box, and the other to the TV. The whole process takes a few seconds.

If the TV does not support this type of connection, you can use the analog interfaces. The most common are “tulips”. This connection involves connecting to a TV using several wires. It is the use of component ports that provides high-quality image and sound transmission.

Overview of major manufacturers of media players

Since media centers are a fairly popular product, the list of manufacturers is quite large. Moreover, it contains both global brands and little-known digital companies.

The leaders in this segment are Apple, Google, IconBIT, Dune HD, Nvidia. Some of them entered the market thanks to television set-top boxes, for others this is another additional area of ​​activity.

Chinese manufacturers also did not pass by. There are a huge number of Chinese brands producing set-top boxes for television. And even among them there are very good representatives.

Each manufacturer tries to highlight its product, so each console is characterized by a certain design and the presence of branded components.

The best models of media players

It is not easy to compile a single rating of media players, therefore it consists of sections, depending on the specific requirements of the buyer. But first, consider models that have proven themselves in all the main parameters.

NVIDIA SHIELD

NVIDIA SHIELD

The top opens with a powerful set-top box from a well-known company, equipped with advanced functionality. Wireless data modules are available. Voice control of device functions is available. The model can be used as a full-fledged game console. The delivery includes a gamepad with the ability to connect headphones.

Price: 16,000 - 18,000 rubles.

Rombica Smart Cast v02

Rombica Smart Cast v02

A very compact player that looks like a flash drive. Instead of a USB connector, there is HDMI directly connected to the TV. Functionally, the device is not very impressive, but this can be explained by the small size. Available playback in FullHD. It is possible to connect to Wi-Fi.

Price: 2,000 - 3,000 rubles.

The most popular Wi-Fi media player

The presence of a Wi-Fi adapter opens up a huge number of possibilities for using the console. In addition, there is no need to lay complicated paths for wires.

Google chromecast

Google chromecast

Small, convenient and very inexpensive device to expand the capabilities of the TV. Connection to the network is carried out using a high-speed Wi-Fi adapter. The device can be powered from the TV via a USB cable.The prefix supports signal reception from smartphones on popular OSs. You can install additional applications to expand the capabilities.

Price: 3 600 rubles.

Apple TV Gen4

Apple TV Gen4

A reliable device from a well-known brand that has all the advantages of branded products. The small size and ease of connection made the device popular. It syncs perfectly with other Apple devices.

The model provides high quality signal transmission. The set includes a control panel that allows you to control the functions of the console. A nice bonus is access to iTunes.

Price: 10,000 - 12,000 rubles.

The most popular 4k media player

If the user is interested in buying a 4k device, then he has already made sure that this format is supported by his TV. It is worth noting that most 4K TVs have a built-in media center. However, its functionality may not be enough for the full use of equipment. Then a decision is made on choosing an external console. Consider two popular models for this case.

IconBIT XDS94K

IconBIT XDS94K

A compact device with a powerful hardware that allows you to play video in 4K format. The device supports all popular file formats. If necessary, you can connect a smartphone to the device to control functions. The interface is equipped with Google Play services, which greatly expands the functionality. There is an IP TV function.

Internet connection can be made by wire or via Wi-Fi.

Price: 6,000 rubles.

Dune HD Solo 4K

Dune HD Solo 4K

The device stands out with its powerful processor and other components. The entire hardware component is aimed at working with complex video signals. A TV tuner is built into the console, and there is also a special place for installing a hard drive. The device is capable of playing files both from this disc and from the Internet. To ensure stable operation, there is active cooling of the components.

Price: 18 000 rubles.

Android Media Players

Android is taking over more industries. For consoles, this operating system was also very convenient.

Xiaomi Mi Box

Xiaomi Mi Box

A productive device that will suit most users. Support 4K. The device can play almost all existing video formats. A feature can be considered the ability to connect to an old TV through a composite connector. After all, not everyone still has HDMI. There are also popular wireless modules: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. If necessary, you can connect an external drive to the device. Manufacturers have provided 8 GB of internal memory, but this may not be enough.

Price: 5,000 - 6,000 rubles.

TvOs Media Players

Apple TV 4K

Apple TV 4K

Another company representative. Like the previous one, it works under the direction of TvOs. A small device that combines all the features of a full-fledged media center.All popular formats are available for playback. Included is a remote control. There is a voice assistant based on developments in the field of artificial intelligence.

Price: 13,000 - 15,000 rubles.

Media Players Full HD Resolution

Full HD is perhaps the most common format. A high-quality picture without claims to a very high resolution is also considered an excellent result. This format is actively used by many consoles, among which are already considered Apple TV Gen4 and Google Chromecast. You can add another model to this list.

Rombica WinStick v01

Rombica WinStick v01

A small box with the contents of a real computer. The device is running Windows 10. The functionality of the office computer allows you to play videos, listen to music and perform a number of other operations. The device is connected to the TV using an HDMI cable. There are slots for memory cards.

Price: 8,000 - 10,000 rubles.

Smartphone-controlled media players

Many manufacturers try to integrate the ability to control from a smartphone into their players. The article has already considered similar models. But one of the most prominent representatives is the following device.

Dune HD Neo 4K

Dune HD Neo 4K

A solid device equipped with all the necessary functions. Connecting to the Internet can be done either by wire or via Wi-Fi. It has its own browser, as well as the ability to use social networks. You can connect external drives and play files from them. 4K Ultra image format. To control the console, just connect a smartphone to it wirelessly and install a special application. Playback, album, etc. settings will be available.

Price: 6,000 - 7,000 rubles.