Overview Audirvana Plus - player for those who want a maximum (updated). Choose a universal media player for connecting to TV Form factor and network communications

Instead of entry, we would like to draw the attention of buyers to the cheapest and the progress of Smart TV systems over the past year. The ability to connect drives and wide support for all sorts of formats today is available even in the most inexpensive TVs. It's great, however, the functionality of "boxes" threatens media players initial level. Up to complete disappearance.

Players are different

"Injection" of multimedia features to the TV today are capable of performing several classes of devices: the followers of DVD players, computers and tablets are paveled.

The most time-consuming type of media players are models of the "Nettop" class. These avant-garde mini computers are impressive with their compactness and stability of work, and the quality of the components, the performance of ultra-low processors and the possibilities of desktop OS do not go to any comparison with the potential of other media players. All the power of computer browsers, programs for playing content and file sharing networks today can be obtained within a quiet and compact "box".

Nettoves: Media Players Outside - Computers inside

The problem is that the household exploitation of these, in fact, desktop computers It is difficult to compatible with the tasks of TV consoles. The choice and purchase of the remote control, the search for a suitable media stitch and the configuration of the DVB tuner will require serious patience, and therefore will turn the project in "long-term". We leave this method to experienced and decisive fans of the PC platform, and we offer to get acquainted with the world of Nettopov in numerous news and reviews on the site.

The next subspecies of the media player are devices on android database OS. Attempts to put TVs with the functionality of smartphones and tablets have become a trend of recent years: the usual and ready-to-use applications, adaptation of the OS to the high resolution of the display and inexpensive processors have a positive effect on the distribution of such devices. The disadvantage, as in the case of nettopes, is the mediocre adaptation of the system to new management bodies: manufacturers have to "invent" a new Android interface taking into account the absence sensory inputAnd users - to get used to the specifics of the use of "Lazy" AIR MOUSE.

A mansion among such media players is the mini-computers of the Android Stick format. These miniature (size with a large flash drive) devices are deprived digital tuner and have only hDMI connector. But they can boast affordable price and a powerful operating system.

HDMI Stick - Compact Media Players based on Android OS

The main role in the media player market is played by devices running Sigma Designs and RealTek platforms - direct descendants of hardware DVD and Blu-ray players. The loss of optical disk drive is compensated by the introduction of streaming services, "outerness" and, sometimes, a regular connector under HDD in the media player housing. Being rather a household than computer equipment, this class of devices rarely allows installation. third-party applications and services. Developer's efforts lie in the plane of the convenience of control and quality of the picture.

Classic IPTV-consoles are relevant today

Our guide will be devoted to the last two categories of devices.

In the dark forest characteristics

To buy a media player can be treated differently. Nothing prevents only the budget for the purchase of a device. And this approach is not necessarily crowned with disappointment, since the functionality of even the most budget models today satisfies the requests of the undemanding user. We will try to designate priorities for those who wish to get the maximum return from the media player with minimal investment.

Interfaces

A variety of interfaces in the digital broadcasting era comes to no, so the ideal candidate for connecting the media player will be the TV equipped with the HDMI input and the support for the resolution from HD Ready and above. The digital connector will ensure the maximum video quality and will significantly simplify the withdrawal of multichannel sound to the home theater. The HDMI specification allows you to transmit digital sound to acoustics unchanged (Bitstream technology), which makes it possible to use the full potential of a high-quality audio system on media players running Sigma and Realtek platforms. It is worse in the consoles on the basis of the ARM Cortex chipsets. In their case, the sound potential is most often limited to the transmission of the stereo stream (LPCM) on the TV.

When it comes to connecting the media player to an outdated TV, which the situation is multiplied by the situation. In the lack of HDMI connectors, you will have to choose from the following analog interfaces:

• Composite output. Distributed on devices as AV OUT or RCA. Uses familiar for the second decad of the years "Tulips" for the output of the video signal and stereo sound. The quality of sound and video with this connection method leaves much to be desired, and, if possible, we recommend using alternative connectors.

Composite interface

• Component output. Distributed on devices like YUV OUT or YPBPR. Based on all the same "tulips", but the transmission of the video signal comes immediately through several cables, and the final picture quality is the best among all available analog interfaces.

Component interface

• SCART. In fact, it is not an interface, but a "container" to transmit RGB images with low models of image quality. It is rarely found among the connectors of the media player and, as a rule, comes in the form of an adapter from a composite connector or an S-Video interface.

SCART

• S-Video. The least common interface in media players and TVs. Constructive S-VIDEO is a slightly higher-quality alternative to the composite connector. This development has not gained great popularity from the manufacturers of televisions, and today it becomes more often on the eyes among the connections of obsolete computer video inspeels.

S-VIDEO connector

Media players with analog tuner on board practically disappeared from retail, and the standard has come to their place digital television DVB-T2. The digital television network in Russia is rapidly expanding, but before the widespread spread of broadcasting in this standard is still far away. The presence of a digital signal in one way or another settlement It is necessary to pre-specify on the site of the operator of the All-Russian digital television broadcasting or local providers.

Form factor and network communications

The tremble-familiar trick with the definition of the flagship "on the eye" is no longer relevant. In the segment of media players, the cumbersome model does not always turn out to be the most productive. The dimensions of the new players are dictated only by the number of connections for connecting to the TV, as well as the presence of a hard disk compartment.

Celebrately give preference to media players with a connector for HDD too: in the absence of "home video", this function will soon cease to be demanded. Connecting a PC media player, a constant removal of the drive to record new files or painstaking work with the Torrent client web interface tires. But playing files from the local network will turn out faster and more efficient. In the case of a mini-pc based on Android optional The argument to such use is the characteristic deficit of ports for connecting drives: the only USB connector takes the wireless keyboard, and the weak current in the device does not allow you to connect USB HUB without power from the network.

Cream drive on board shelters any collection of media files

Breeding media players without supporting data exchange on the network today is rare. Even budget models are able to offer Ethernet connector or Wi-Fi support for content using a DLNA or SAMBA server. If possible, use the RJ-45 connector - 45 wireless playback Full HD video will require support for Wi-Fi 802.11n and the presence of a productive router in direct visibility.

An unequivocal advantage of Android media players is the support of social features: Facebook clients, VKontakte, Skype and other messengers work quickly and always updated to topical versions. Some media players are equipped with webcam support via USB-OTG, and the second half of 2014 was marked by the Android Stick output with a video camera and a microphone in the device itself. Alas, the power of the Wi-Fi transmitter from a mini-PC leaves much to be desired, and to play a video in 1080p format over the network, the USB adapter is most often required on Ethernet.

Reproduction formats

With some reservations, it can be said that "okay" modern media players reached almost peak values. Over the past few years, there are no models on the market, which would not be able to play video files in DivX / XVID formats, H.264 and MPEG 1/2. As for sound files, it is worth paying attention to the support of high-quality audio in DTS formats, Dolby Digital Plus. And Dolby Truehd. Some media players are deprived of sound support in this format (due to the lack of a license for a codec or constructive features Chipset), so avoid an unpleasant surprise in the form of "silent movies" is better in advance.

As for the containers, the popular AVI, MP4 and MKV are easily reproduced even in budget modelsAnd this means that to view movies in the DVDRip, BDRip, BDRip-AVC and BDREMUX standards, any modern model is suitable.

Problems with the selection of the media player are pursued only by lovers of "full-format" Blu-ray and voluminous video. 3D films are often distributed as images with ISO extension or as folders with files. For a truly convenient playback of such a video, only media players with support for the ISO BD3D standard can provide, but with the reservation that the movie navigation will be carried out by simplified BD Lite menu. Support for three-dimensional HD video in other media players will be limited to the "heuristic" launch of the M2TS file from the folder structure or the complete absence of standard support. Unfortunately, the support of the full Blu-ray specification has sunk in the fly with optical discs. This role was played by the aggressive lobbying of copy protection called Cinavia.

The mansion is the devices developed in close cooperation with the content providers - in pursuit of copyright and stimulate purchases in online cinemas media players receive a limited list of compatible codecs and / or streaming services, and currently relevant to a foreign audience.

Controls

The interface of the SIGMA SDK and Realtek SDK operating systems was developed taking into account the capabilities of the standard remote control: therefore, the management of such media players will not require additional skills from TV users or gaming console. Support for computer keyboards and mice is present in many models, but practical use does not represent - the multistage menu is easier and quickly mastered by means of the same console, rather than using the mouse cursor.

Comfort TV against computer functionality

Media Poles under android management Other extreme is accompanied: only multifunctional remote controls with a QWERTY keypad and AIR MOUSE mode can compensate for the lack of sensory input in these products, which are not particularly ergonomic. In the end, all android users Stick switch to control by means of a full-sized kit from a computer keyboard and mouse - control the media player from the sofa will always be not easy.

Performance and hardware platform

The confrontation of Sigma and Realtek chipsets to pain resembles a picture in the PC processor market. The Sigma Designs platform is usually accompanied by a thinner technological process and superiority in synthetic performance. The stability and speed of the SMP series chipsets are overwhelmed with a high cost of the platform for manufacturers - equal prices at the RealTek and Sigma media player will be different in functionality not in favor of the latter.

Realtek multimedia processors are characterized by much greater flexibility. Thanks to the loyal pricing policy, they got much wider distribution. As it often happens in budget products, a number of annoying flaws have long chased the RTD series platform - experienced users of the media player nodded towards well-known flaws, when video playback with a frequency of 23,976 frames / s was accompanied by permanent jerks. The next negative point occurred already due to the fault of the unrelated manufacturers of TV consoles: problems with ventilation in models equipped with an HDD slot led to overheating and unstable operation of a whole family of media player. Today, all these problems are eliminated, and the competition of two manufacturers of chipsets occurs on equal bases.

Comparison of the performance of these platforms can be performed "in the old manner", guided only by the processor frequencies, but the lion's share of the load in the SOC media player is to hardware decoders. Content reproduction efficiency for these devices is outside the competence of benchmarks.

However, the performance measurement in "Synthetics" remains the only possible method Classification SOC. Specialized multimedia processors and competing chips based on Arm Cortex architecture can be divided into five classes (as productivity decreases).

For buyers who are not ready to analyze the market in search of an ideal media player, we have prepared a list of current SMART TV systems for any wallet and need. Among these products will not necessarily appear market leaders, but the ratio of price and functionality allows us to confidently recommend these models to purchase.

UPVEL UM-521TV

The UM-521TV media player is the most fortunate candidate for reviving telecommunication with social networks, online entertainment and other applications for Google Platform. Quad-core processor, 2 GB random access memory And the stock Android Jelly Bean will ask to taste to buyers for which the timely acquaintance with the news ribbon and videos means much more than the painstaking selection of content for long-term viewing.

Tvzor tvz100zt.

The ideology of the TVZOR media player comes against the fashion - the model refers to a small class of devices developed in collaboration with content providers. On the russian market A limited choice of streaming services rarely boasts success from buyers, but TVZ100ZT has all the chances of reversing the situation. In just 3000 rubles, the buyer receives a media player with a rich configuration, a programmable remote control with a QWERTY keyboard, a DVB-T2 standard tuner, an online media library and a set of connections for connecting to the CRT or LCD TV.

Unfortunately, there is no trace from the Android system functionality, and access to files on the local network is closed. But 20 steadily working IPTV channels are complemented by a bundle of free TV series in the online store, and the support of formats for digital media is not inferior to "full" and more expensive competitors. In more detail with Tvzor TVZ100ZT

IconBit Movie3D IPTV.

IconBit Movie3D IPTV.

"Functionality above Performance" - Model MOVIE3D IPTV is based on the morally obsolete allwinner A20 chipset, and the company-adjacent branded shell leads to extremely unhurried navigation through the device menu. In contrast to these shortcomings, the player has a rich set of functions and a moderate price. Working with custom IPTV playlists, support for the stereo stamp of the BD3D ISO standard, numerous streaming services and access to the Google Play application store can not help any economical buyers. The newcomers will also have to taste an abundance of free content, and experienced Android users will appreciate access to root-rights and the ability to install third-party applications. In more detail with IconBit Movie3D IPTV you can get acquainted in our review.

ASUS O! Play Mini Plus

ASUS O! Play Mini Plus.

In the O! Play Mini Plus model, ASUS engineers prefer not to get involved in chasing the functions of smartphones. The lack of support for ISO images Blu-ray and the flawlessness of the online component will be accompanied by fair complaints of users. However, this model is aimed at practitioners and its main goal sets convenient reproduction of content from local and network drives. Gigabit Ethernet, card reader and ESATA connector allow you to take any video and music in "all-arms". The level of implementation of these functions does not directly speak about the quality of the media player. The presence of a composite output will allow you to play Full HD files even on old TVs. But among the enthusiasts o! Play Mini Plus, I do not have respect, since the media player is based on the notorious revision of the REALTEK MD-chipset, which means the complete close of the device for flashing at home.

Google Nexus Player.

Google Nexus Player.

Google has introduced its vision on the topic that the TV prefix should be based on the Android operating system. The model called Nexus Player, developed in collaboration with ASUS, finally went on sale. The interface and functionality of the basic Android were adapted for convenient use on the TV screen and streaming content. The media player supports Google Chromecast features, allowing you to broadcast video, music and photos from a computer, smartphone or tablet to the TV screen. A distinctive feature of the interface is automatic ranking applications and multimedia files according to user preferences.

The base kit includes a multifunctional remote control with an integrated microphone, and the game manipulator is available for an additional fee.

Nexus Player is based on a quad-core platform Intel Atom.Working on clock frequency 1.8 GHz. The graphic component is based on the video screen of Imagination PowerVR Series 6, and the memory subsystem has 1 GB of RAM and 8 GB on internal accumulator. Wireless communications are represented by Wi-Fi 802.11ac and Bluetooth 4.1, and there are HDMI and Micro-USB among communication connections. The cost of the novelty is 99 US dollars.

Actually, Windows Media Player, VLC, DivX Plus Player, Etc and Many Media Players with Certain Plugin Support DTS. But The Best Ones AS DTS Requires A Professional and Excellent DTS Player to Render The Most Touching Multi-Surround Sound At Home Just Like in the Theater. SO, HERE ARE TOP 3 DTS PLAYERS 2019 RECOMMEDED FOR YOU TO PLAY DTS.

No. 1 5KPlayer - Free DTS / Dolby Player for Mac / Windows

Without Any Third-Party Decoder Or Plugin, 5kPlayer Can Handle Any DTS File Well. No Need to Pay For a Ticket, You Can Now Watch Movies or TV showing Sounds At Home Just Like In the Theater. No Matter You Are Windows Users or Mac Lovers, You Can Use This DTS Player to Enjoy Any File Besides DTS Music On Computer:
Audio. - DTS, Dolby, MP3, AAC, Ogg, Wam, WMA, FLAC, ALAC, etc.
Video. - MP4, MKV, FLV, WMV, MOV, ASF, SWF, DAV, MPEG, H264, DivX, Xvid, etc.

No. 2 MediaPlayerLite - Open-Source DTS Player for Windows

MediaPlayerlite Is a Free and Open-Source Dts Player Based On Media Player Classic - Home Theater, Which Means It Has All The Features MPC-HC Have SO That You Can Not Only Use It to Play Dts Files, But Also Play Other Audio, Video And Image Formats Like WAV, WMV, WMA, JPEG, ASF, MP3, MP4, AVI, FLV, ETC. With GPU Assisted Acceleration and Enchancing, This Free DTS Player Comes As A Low-CPU Occupying Media Player to Smoothly Play H.264 and VC-1 with Hardly Any CPU Time Required. Besides, IT HAS A Batch-Conversion Functionality for Many Files to Be Converted.
HOWEVER, IT IS Only Designed to Open DTS Files on Windows XP, Vista & 7.

No. 3 VLC - Open-Source DTS File Player With Built-in Decoder

VLC IS A Well-Known Free Media Player Supporting Kinds of Video Audio Formats on Various Platforms. Along With Built-in Ac3Filter, VLC COMES TO BE A Good DTS Player for DTS-WAV Playback Wav Playback Wav. Just Click "Tools" icon on Main UI OF VLC -\u003e Preference -\u003e Choose Audio -\u003e Then Click "On" in the List of Dolby Sourround -\u003e Now You can play DTS File with Multi-Surround Sound Effect. Of Course, You Can Check Headphone Surround Effect To When You are Wearing You Earphones to Listen to Dts Music.

For most Music connoisseurs, the main stationary source of sound has long been a personal computer. The convenience of using the PC in this role is indisputable. Many fans of high-quality sound are not satisfied with the built-in sound chip and acquire external DACs. But even the most high-quality DAC need a program that will send him a signal (well, yes, I'm talking about player), and not all player programs are equally well coped with the task. Today I will tell about, perhaps the best software player for OS X - Audirvana Plus.

Actually, the main question that is interested in almost all is why the player needs a 74 dollar at the presence of free?

To begin with, a brief answer: he understands the maximum number of formats and displays them to the external DAC the shortest of possible paths.

Now about it in more detail.

Audirvana Pro understands, perhaps, all existing audio formats: Aiff, Wave, AAC, MP3, FLAC, Monkey Audio Ape, WavPack, Apple Lossless, DSD (DSDIFF including DST, DSF, and SACD ISO). At the same time, for supported DACs, the signal is displayed directly to the DSD, for the rest will be used high-quality conversion to PCM. Since DSD is gaining increasing popularity, supporting this format at the level of interaction with the DAC is a good step. Also Audirvana supports multi-channel music if you have the appropriate equipment.

The following (and, perhaps the most important) Audirvana skill is an opportunity to work with an external DAC, bypassing Core Audio, the OS X sound subsystem. The player receives a device for its exclusive control, reducing the number of unnecessary transformations. Moreover, if the DAC maintains an integer mode (Integer Mode), Audirvana will work in it, removing one more unnecessary conversion.

Also in this player implemented traditional for programs of this kind of full loading mode of the played track into memory, which avoids even the slightest delays in reading from the disk.

The player is based on perfectly proven professional technologies to work with Izotope audioodnes. Solutions of this company are used in a variety of programs, hardware solutions and games. Even such monsters market like Adobe Premiere., Avid Pro Tools and Sony Sound Forge, use the company's work. Audirvana uses SRC to change the sampling frequency with an accuracy of 64 bits (any options for the resampling are flexibly configured) and Mbit + for the volume software adjustment. The latter is especially important, since it is precisely the volume of volume that often worsens the digital sound. In addition to software, Audirvana supports and hardware adjustment of the volume if your DSA has such a function.

Also, from pleasant features, you can note the support of the Audio Unit plug-ins, with which you can add, for example, the equalizer.


The second version of the program recently pleased with the new interface with the music manager. Version 1. He with its stylization under the "real" player was still very archaic, in my opinion (although the nostalging software may include it in 2.x).

When you first start, Audirvana will ask which audio device you want to use and which of the modes is new or classic. After that, you will be asked to add folders with music to the library. The player automatically scatters them and add all supported files to its database. Unfortunately, in new version Removed the opportunity to add files to the library direct dragging from Finder, but I think in the following versions it will be returned, much people are asked about it.