Review of the best media players

The possibilities of home TVs are expanding every day. Most of the models boast built-in media players, which greatly enhance the functionality of the device. However, for one reason or another, people still buy separate media players that have better functionality.

There are a huge number of models on the modern market, so it is quite difficult for a beginner to choose the optimal one. It is worth exploring many parameters in the process of choosing a device that will fit the characteristics of the TV.

If only 10 years ago only Chinese models were presented on the market, today even large corporations produce media players. Among them are products from Google and Apple, which pay close attention to functionality and quality. Such devices are capable of displaying high-definition video, provide the ability to install many applications, as well as connect various gadgets.

Chinese brands, including IconBIT, Invin and Xiaomi, offer good functionality. In terms of capabilities, such media players are in no way inferior to their American counterparts, and in some cases even surpass them. The main advantage of Chinese technology is its versatility: it is suitable for almost any TV.

The group of the most low-quality devices includes unpopular companies from the Middle Kingdom, including Evromedia, Espada and others. Such gadgets are not very expensive, but at the same time they cannot offer good image quality or many additional functions.

Good quality products are from companies such as Acer, Asus, Egreat, Philips and WD. Most media players are of high quality, great support and durability. Moreover, some companies have appeared on the market relatively recently, so they specialize only in the production of consoles.

High build quality, software reliability and good functionality make the devices from these brands the leaders. The only drawbacks are that the cost of such products is quite high, and it is difficult to purchase them on the domestic market.

There are a huge number of models on the modern market that differ in their functionality and cost.

Among the inexpensive models, several options are considered the most popular.

• Google chromecast - a device that is distinguished by its compact dimensions and good functionality. The connection to the TV is via the HDMI port. The set-top box boasts the ability to play videos in high definition and fast performance. You can control the gadget using special software.

• IconBIT XDS16. Among the main advantages of this model are the presence of a convenient remote control, an attractive design, and an automatic software update function. 2 GB of RAM is enough for stable and fast operation of the media player. The built-in memory is only 16 GB, but if necessary, it can be expanded using memory cards.

• Invin IPC002 - a device that does not have built-in data storage, so it can be used for undemanding tasks. The set-top box boasts a variety of codecs, reads any popular formats.Despite the presence of only 1 GB of RAM, the model works smartly and without any brakes.

In the middle price segment, devices are presented, the cost of which does not exceed 20,000 rubles. Let's list the most popular ones.

• Apple TV 4K - high-quality device from the company from Cupertino. The presence of a 3 GB RAM module ensures the performance of the model and allows it to cope with any tasks. Even while watching videos in 4K resolution, there will be no lag. But for data storage only 32 GB is provided, and there is no possibility to expand it using memory cards. A feature of the model is that it can be synchronized with other devices of the company, as a result of which a common media space is formed.

• Xiaomi Mi Box S Is a model that is capable of playing almost any video format. If you want to view a rare video format, then you will not need to carry out a preliminary conversion for this. The media player runs on Android, making it easy and intuitive to use. Local storage is limited to 8GB of internal storage, but it can be expanded with microSD cards if needed.

• Dune HD Pro 4K Is a reliable media player that boasts the ability to play videos in high definition. Among the main advantages of this model is the presence of an information display on the front panel, as well as an advanced remote control, which greatly simplifies the process of using the gadget.

In the expensive segment there are media players, the cost of which exceeds 20,000 rubles. Such devices boast impressive functionality as well as excellent performance. A number of devices can be distinguished among the most demanded models of the segment.

• Dune HD Max 4K - a fancy device that boasts a robust metal casing, as well as a high-quality display on the front panel. In addition, the media player has many settings and the ability to install additional hard drives. This model also features a separate audio output for the best sound on the market.

• Denon DNP-800NE Is an advanced network player that can play almost any format. A display is installed on the outside, where all the necessary information about the media file is displayed. In addition, the set includes a remote control, with which you can easily adjust various parameters of the device. The player provides the ability to play files directly from a phone or flash drive, and also allows you to listen to radio stations in real time.

• Zappiti MINI 4K HDR - a new model that appeared on the market relatively recently. A distinctive feature of the device lies in the support of the Google Play service, which greatly increases the functionality. The built-in memory of 8 GB is not enough for modern realities, but if desired, it can be increased using memory cards.

Special attention should be paid to media players, which are designed specifically for watching movies.

Some models deserve special attention.

• Dune Neo 4K Plus. This device is notable for the fact that it has the ability to connect a keyboard and mouse, as well as install any applications for the Android OS. In addition, the media player features good picture quality as well as a metal body. Dune Neo 4K Plus can play videos both from the Internet and the user's own media.

• Invin W6 2Gb / 16Gb - a multifunctional device designed for watching movies. The main advantage of the model is that it supports a number of popular online services, including Skype, YouTube and other social networks, as well as DLNA protocol.If necessary, the built-in memory can be expanded using microSD.

In order for the selected device to fully fulfill its obligations, it is worth paying close attention to the selection process. First of all, you need to study the type of device.

• Stationary options represent a monoblock, which is located next to the TV and is connected using cables. The presence of many connectors allows you to connect external hard drives, disk drives, and also realize some multimedia capabilities. It should be noted that stationary devices usually take up a lot of space, so you will need to allocate a separate shelf for them.

• Portable media players. The main advantage is that such models are more compact in size, but at the same time they cannot boast of huge functionality. Such devices are preferred if the conditions for installation are cramped.

• Smart Stick. By their appearance, they strongly resemble a USB flash drive and are connected to a TV using USB. The only task of such a device is to turn an ordinary TV into a “smart” one.

The second point that you should pay attention to when buying a device is the built-in hard drive. This is necessary if you plan to store data locally. Therefore, first you need to decide whether you need such a function, and how much data will be stored on the disks.

If you plan to use the device to view streaming video, then this parameter is not so important, but if you need to often play files from media, the format will play a decisive role.

Most of the media players on the market are distinguished by their network functions and the ability to connect to a computer. All of them boast the ability to go online, but the connection itself can be done in different ways. In addition, the players usually update the software on their own, thus fixing various errors and adding the ability to read new formats.

Among the possibilities provided by the support of Internet services are the following:

• access to photo and video services to view or download them;
• listening to online music, as well as watching streaming video;
• access to social networks;
• uploading files using a special manager.

If the device supports IPTV, then it will be possible to watch television, which is shown using the local network. It should be noted that this will not work without the appropriate service provider. And also it is worth noting such technologies that may be present in media players.

• Miracast - allows you to transmit a signal from one device to another using wireless technology. For example, it can broadcast an image from an iPhone to a TV without a local network. Technology is only present on top devices.

• AirPlay - does the same as the previous technology, but requires a local network.

As for the operating system, then most of the models on the market are equipped with Android OS... It is considered more advanced in terms of providing opportunities for expanding the functionality of the TV. Browsing the internet, downloading content and using social networks is easier.

In the selection process, you need to pay attention to the quality of video playback, the ability to connect media, as well as the supported formats.

See the video below for why you should buy a media player.