All about TV game consoles

Game consoles for TVs do not lose their popularity, despite the emergence of more and more smartphones and personal computers. In order to ensure yourself a pleasant pastime, choosing a TV console should take into account a number of specific factors.

TV game consoles are electronic devices that transmit an image of a game in progress on a large screen. The set-top box is controlled using joysticks, gamepads, keyboard, steering wheel, pistol or other gadgets.

The set-top box is a stand-alone console with its own individual characteristics... This means that different models of the same brand can be controlled differently, execute commands or convey an image.

In fact, the game console you can even call a computer with a narrow specialization, since this small box has a processor, a hard disk, and memory. Some modern models, in addition to games, allow you to interact with audio and video files, or even connect to the World Wide Web.

An overview of all available game consoles allows us to conclude that they are divided into two main varieties: portable and stationary... Just the same stationary ones are already designed to be connected to a TV. Besides, every year new types of consoles appear, equipped with modern gadgets: models with LCD gun, motion sensor, steering wheel or pedals. There are also separate attachments for digital television.

Portable consoles are not intended for use on a TV or computer. They are a separate gadget that does not require any additional devices.... Such a device has its own screen, speakers, and a built-in controller. If necessary, by the way, headphones are nevertheless connected to it. As a rule, the dimensions of the compact design even allow it to be stored in a pocket.

Stationary models of game consoles require a screen to display the image. It can be a TV, a computer monitor, or even a projector. The controllers of such devices are separate gadgets that can be either wired or wireless. The second option is more suitable for mobile players.

Usually, the leading positions in the rating of modern consoles are occupied by products from Sony, Nintendo, Microsoft and Nvidia. The top necessarily includes Sony Playstation 4, according to the majority of users, it is considered the best TV console of the latest generation. Compared to previous versions, it has improved not only hardware acceleration, but also appearance. The technology, co-created with software developer Bungie, closely resembles the hardware found on modern computers. The central processing unit consists of two Jaguar quad-core models, and the GPU has 18 chips, which allows 1.84 trillion operations in one second.

The hard disk capacity is 500 GB and the RAM capacity is 8 GB.The maximum RAM bandwidth is 176 GB / s, which is 16 times the PS3. The built-in Sony Playstation 4 audio module allows you to chat during the game, as well as receive other game audio streams.

The console has the ability to connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi as well as an Ethernet connection. It is also possible to create a Bluetooth connection. The device reads Blu-ray discs and is equipped with two USB 3.0 ports. Video output is via HDMI TV.

It is also necessary to add about the function of connecting the console to the PlayStation Network account, which allows you to download new games. The game console supports MP3 and JPEG formats. The touchpad controller has backlighting, vibration, headphone and microUSB jacks. A small drawback is the inability to play games released for previous versions on the console.

Another high quality set-top box is Xbox onedeveloped by Microsoft. New to this eighth generation model are social networking features and the ability to send videos or screenshots to streaming services. The device can connect to websites and video hosting. The central process is AMD Jaguar model equipped with two quad-core modulesclocked at 1.75 GHz. The GPU's twelve compute units generate peak power of 1.31 trillion operations per second.

The operating system employs 138 GB of the total hard disk space, while the rest is dedicated to storing games. The RAM capacity is 8 GB. Xbox One plays videos at 1080p and 720p. 4K format can be played, but the image will be scaled up to 1080p resolution. Game console internal control function is able to regulate the temperature of the device by accelerating or decelerating the fan speed. The disadvantage of the gaming device is the high price - from 22 to 40 thousand rubles. Licensed game discs are also expensive. Another disadvantage is the inability to connect the console to outdated TV models.

The Nintendo WII U model, released in 2012, does an excellent job of playing HD video. This console is recommended for family use, including children. TO advantages models include convenient joysticks, a simple interface and a built-in touch screen. The hardware display can be used on its own, making the set-top box portable, or in combination with a TV. The central process is developed by IBM.

The tri-core Power PC-750 is equipped with 3 MB of internal memory and the chip clock speed is 1.24 GHz. The graphics processor, which is developed by AMD, operates at a frequency of 550 MHz. The built-in memory of the game console only holds 8 GB. However, using an SD card, its volume can be increased up to 32 GB, and using external USB-drives - up to almost 2 TB. The RAM capacity is 2 GB and its maximum bandwidth is 12.8 GB / s. The latter figure is 20 times the capacity of the previous WII model. The console is equipped with 4 USB 2.0 ports as well as a memory card slot. The device supports Bluetooth connection. The image is displayed on the TV screen via an HDMI cable, but it is also possible to use the RGB SCART or S-Video SCART connectors. Internet access is not available for this set-top box.

The Nvidia Shield gaming console belongs to the eighth generation. Despite the fact that the set-top box can be portable, it is possible to connect it to the TV using an HDMI cable. The device is equipped with a Tegra 4 processor. The set includes two analog joysticks and a D-pad with control buttons.The advantage of the model is the ability to create, view and send streaming video. The clock speed of the ARM processor is 1.9 GHz. It is used in combination with a quad-core GPU.

The internal storage capacity is 16GB, plus there is 2GB of storage in SHIELD. The console's memory can be expanded with a microSD card up to 64GB. The built-in cooling system contributes to the economical use of energy. The console does not vibrate or make noise during operation. It is possible to use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections. The low cost of the set-top box is its big plus.

Of course, one cannot fail to mention the "nostalgic" prefixes Dandy and Sega... For example, it could be Dandy junior 2, which has built-in memory that can hold 195 games, and also allows you to purchase additional cartridges. Connection to the TV is carried out using an AV connector and an RCA cable. The bit depth of the device is 8 bits.

The Sega Retro Genesis Modern is affordable and fairly budgetary. The simple operation makes it easy to connect even to older TVs. However, you cannot connect it to a computer monitor. The disadvantages also include low-quality graphics, low hardware specifications and a rare appearance of new games. It should be added that Sega produces consoles in 8, 16, 32 and 128 bit.

To choose the right game console for your TV, it is necessary to understand by whom and to what extent it will be used. In addition, it should be borne in mind that game effects are reproduced most efficiently by expensive models, so for active games with maximum immersion, you will have to sacrifice a large amount. However, if a game console is purchased for children 3–6 years old, who will use it to study numbers, colors and shapes, then it is quite possible to limit ourselves to an inexpensive copy with minimal technical characteristics. If the children's console is intended for an older age, the quality of the graphics and sound should be at the best level.

In addition, it is necessary take into account the capacity of the hard disk, the amount of RAM and the parameters of the processor. Hard drive capacities range from 20GB to 1TB. The higher this indicator, the more difficult games the console will be able to cope with. If necessary, the hard drive capacity is expanded with additional external storage. The speed of the processed information will directly depend on the parameters of the processor.

As for the RAM, this indicator is responsible for the speed of task execution, as well as the overall performance of the set-top box. More RAM ensures better performance. The size of RAM in game consoles ranges from 1 to 12 GB. We must not forget that the set-top box should be purchased in accordance with the existing TV to which the device will be connected.

Children from 3 to 6 years old are recommended to choose such consoles as Dendy, Sega or Gameboy. In the case when it is important for the child not only to play, but also to learn, it is better to choose an analogue with a keyboard.

For a child from 6 to 14 years old, consoles are more suitable PSP, PlayStation Vita or Nintendo Wii... For an adult gamer, it is recommended to take Sony PlayStation 4 or Microsoft Xbox One... Suitable for a small budget Nvidia Shield.

It is worth adding a few words and about choosing a TV to use your game console. The larger the diagonal, the more realistic the immersion in the game will be. The optimal screen resolution is 1080p. It makes no sense to buy an expensive device with a resolution of 2160p, even when using Sony PlayStation 4 PRO.

Game console can be connected to TV wired and wireless ways. It depends, as a rule, on both the model and the year of manufacture.

The console is wired using HDMI, USB, AV, SCART or RCA wires... This method is selected when connecting to an old TV equipped with a tulip, bell or AV socket.

Using the HDMI connector allows you to transfer the highest quality image and is the most popular option, like a USB cable... To connect it, you just need to find suitable sockets and use a wire with the same ends.

AV cable also contributes to quality transmission. The cord has 5 inputs for connecting to a TV set, as well as one plug for “docking” with a set-top box. Make sure to connect the AV cable to match the colors of the jacks and plugs. Poor transmission quality ensures RCA cable. The cord is also connected so that the color of the plugs matches the color of the jacks. Another unfortunate option is to use SCART connections.

To turn on the console on the TV without using a wire, you must use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection. In this case, it becomes much more convenient to play, since the user can be located anywhere, regardless of the length of the wire.

Setting up a TV game console can be seen on the example of the Sony PlayStation 4. The console power button is located above the drive between two parts of the case: matte and glossy. Since the button is touch-sensitive, a light touch is enough to launch the set-top box. First, the Sony logo will appear on the screen, which then changes to a request to connect a controller. The first time you will have to do this using the USB cable. By pressing any button on the controller, you can see the language selection menu on the screen. The joystick can then be detached.

It should also be mentioned that If it stops working when you disconnect the controller from the console, it probably needs to be recharged. This is also done using a USB cable. Setting up your PlayStation starts with choosing your language. English is always selected by default. Further, the console offers to connect to the Internet, connect a PlayStation Camera and select a date with time.

Internet connection is provided by Lan-cable or using Wi-Fi. Most players prefer a wired connection, as it provides faster downloads and lower ping in multiplayer games. After selecting the connection type, enter a password if necessary. Next, you need to connect the camera, if any. If absent, simply select the "Skip" item.

Basic setting ends with a time zone selection. The clock setting will happen by itself when you connect to the Internet, but you can also do it by manually entering the data. To set up energy saving, you need to select a time interval after which the set-top box will turn off if not used. By configuring the USB power supply, you can recharge your joysticks even when the console is turned off. Once you have set up your Internet connection, you can download and install updates even in standby mode.

By allowing the PlayStation 4 to connect over the network, it will be possible to activate the console while physically located in a completely different place. Using the console in this case will be possible using streaming service. After completing the configuration, you must click the "Next" button and accept all license agreements. In addition, you should immediately download possible updates from the PlayStation Store and start installing them by clicking the "Update" button. The screen is likely to go dark at this point.

In the next video, you will find a detailed review of the Sony PlayStation 4 game console.