Modern models of TVs are significantly superior in their functionality of predecessors. They can play video and audio from external media, access the Internet, record programs. All this thanks to the media center. It can be both installed by the manufacturer and purchased separately. Moreover, an independently purchased device, even from the simplest TV, can make an entertainment center.

What is a media player and what is it needed for what

Most recently, everyone used first by video recorders, and then DVD players. But technical progress does not stand still and the multimedia centers came to replace obsolete filiers. They are still playing and recorded files, like their predecessors. However, they have much more functions. These include:

1. The ability to play video and audio files of almost all existing formats.
2. Reading images of any format.
3. Playing information from various media: USB, external hard drives, smartphones and tablets and other devices.
4. The ability to access the Internet, which provides access to all available information and various entertainment portals. This feature is carried out using a built-in browser.
5. Support for various functions: 3D, Wi-Fi, gaming services.
6. Ability to save available information.

REFERENCE! Each multimedia console model has its own set of features, something is written in detail in the attached instructions.

Externally, they are a small box, some models can be equipped with a liquid crystal display. Connection to the TV console can be carried out in three ways: using a Wi-Fi wireless network, on a HDMI wire or via a component output.

REFERENCE! Some models of media players are suitable for old kinescopic TVs. However, due to the design restrictions of the TV receiver itself, not all functions will be available. For example, viewing video files in Full HD or 3D format will be unavailable.

Is it worth buying a media player

It would seem, with a computer or laptop, a multimedia prefix becomes unnecessary spending money. After all, they possess the same file transmission functions. However, not all computers or laptops are capable of transmitting video signals and high quality sound. Yes, and the connection of the laptop or computer is not always convenient, as well as sometimes there are various problems with synchronization of devices, which requires additional setting and takes a lot of time. Also, the multimedia prefix has a number of indisputable advantages. These include:

1. Practically silent work. Cooling the personal computer and laptop provide coolers that cannot work completely silently.
2. The prefix takes at very little space.
3. Loads much faster than a computer or laptop.
4. A small amount of wires needed to connect to the TV.
5. Very convenient and easy to use, which allows them to use them without any problems to pensioners or children. Yes, and browse movies and other content is much more familiar and more comfortable on the big TV screen, sitting in the chair.
6. All control is carried out from one console.
7. The enlightenment of the multimedia console occurs extremely rarely.

Thanks to the advantages, the question of buying is worth answering "yes."

There are several varieties of media players:

1. The simplest and inexpensive options without the possibility of connecting to the wireless network and without a hard disk.
2. Without connecting to the Internet, but with a built-in hard disk.
3. Media players connected over the local network to a computer or laptop. This allows you to play files available on your computer using a home network.
4. The most expensive models with a built-in hard disk, connecting to the local network and Internet access. These are modern models with the greatest set of functions, compared with the simpler players.

ATTENTION! Some users think that multimedia devices and satellite receiver are the same. However, the essential difference of media receivers from receiver is that the players allow you to view the necessary files, IPTV and access the Internet. While receivers broadcast satellite television channels and record.

What to pay attention to when choosing a media player

A few years, the range of media consoles was not very wide, as they did not enjoy great popularity. However, quite a bit of time passed and the consoles became in demand, and therefore the choice was much more. In order not to be confused when buying the desired multimedia console model, you need to pay attention to the following parameters:

1. Interface. When buying, you must learn which consoles have outputs for connecting to a TV. The most popular option is an HDMI cable, as it is capable of transmitting a high definition signal.
2. Supported formats. Modern models can play almost all currently existing video and audio standards. However, before buying, it is still worth examining the specifications of a particular model.
3. Control. The player must have a convenient menu in Russian.
4. Service support. You need to pay attention to which carriers the player can read the information, and whether it has access to the Internet.

Modern models have all available features, a convenient interface that is understood by the menu user updated by the operating system. This allows them to significantly supplement and expand the capabilities of the TV.

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

Modern multimedia TV consoles have replaced video recorders and DVD / CD players. Today they are:

• read almost any video and audio formats;
• able to open any images;
• reproduce information from a variety of sources (portable portable storage devices, mobile gadgets, etc.);
• broadcast streaming video;
• provide the ability to publish the Internet through the browser, enjoy a large number of entertainment services;
• support UTorrent, 3D, Wi-Fi and game functions.

Specific features of the functionality may differ depending on the models.

In appearance, these are small devices with different ports and the control panel. The latest versions may have an LCD display, a touch user tool. Connecting to TV is performed via HDMI cable, wireless connection or component connector.

Some devices are suitable and to old kinescopic types of TV. Information transmission in this case occurs through an S-Video or composite slot. It is worth understanding that the functionality of such a pair will be limited. Because if the media player has any opportunities, this TV will not be able to play, for example, FullHD or 3D format. Of course, more opportunities for users of modern LED TV models.

Composite video output RCA and S-Video

Is it worth buying a media player for a TV with a computer

At first glance, it may seem that such a device is an empty waste of money when there is a PC or laptop. After all, the computer just performs these functions. But not every electronic-combatant device can pass high quality image and soundHow to make widescreen LED TV, especially in high definition format HD and FullHD, as well as Blue Ray.

You can connect to the large laptop screen or system block via HDMI cable, but it is not always convenient. In addition, it is often necessary to break your head over the configuration of the device synchronization, especially to play streaming video or recording television to the hard disk of the computer.

Another plus in favor of a separate TV console - silent job. Since the computer is equipped with a cooling device, it creates a certain noise during operation. The advantages are obvious, so for connoisseurs of excellent quality video playback, you should think about how to choose a media player for the TV.

Connecting the system block of the computer to the TV

What criteria should pay attention when choosing a modern TV console

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

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

Media player interface

Even before sending to the store for a new device for its TV, it is necessary to find out the availability of ports and connectors that are available at television equipment. This information is important to select a method for connecting the console. The most optimal and popular option is the option -HDMI-Cabel, such a connection will provide high quality video transmission and multichannel sound. This digital connector allows you to play available for modern LED TV models LG, Samsung, Sony and other HD and FullHD permission manufacturers.

In the case of earlier TV models, it may be necessary to support the prefix of the following types of connectors.

1. Component output. For synchronization, many well-known "tulips" are used. A feature of such a connection is to transmit individual components of the video signal over several cables, at the end of which are three RCA connector. This transmits only the image, the sound in stereo format is connected separately.

1. Composite output. The principle of video 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 the kinescopic TVs, but in separate models it is still present. Constructive feature and quality of video signal transmission are somewhat better composite. It is based on two dividing lines that are used to transmit brightness and color image signals.

In addition to the ports for connecting the media player to the TV, it must support and additional interface set. Modern models, in addition to mandatory HDMI and USB, can have an Optical or a card reader to connect other media. Not all devices provide for the presence of an embedded HDD, but most of the way allows you to connect a removable hard disk (for high-quality operation you need two USB connector).

It is important not only to consider the method of connecting the console to the TV, but also it synchronization with other devices. All necessary connectors must be present in the specifications of the device. Also, if necessary, it is worth taking care of acquiring additional adapters that are not included in the media player.

Possible reproduction formats

Without exaggeration, we can say that modern multimedia TV consoles reproduce almost all video and audio formats, as well as open any images. Even the most budget devices will lose popular AVI, MKV, MP4. Therefore, through most consoles, you can watch movies in BDRip (-AVC) or DVDRip standards.

The entire list of read-reading formats is indicated in the specifications.

But many inexperienced users are mistaken, evaluating the device on the list of supported formats, not considering the concept mediconteners and codecs, equating them. Simply put, if the prefix supports the MP4 container playback, this does not mean that all files with this extension will be highly played. They can open, for example, without sound or with noise, if not supported by audio tracks. Since the concepts of the mediacontener and codec have a different definition. In the first case, this is a file format, in the second - the flow format in it.

For those who wish to watch movies on their home theater in high quality or format 3D.You have to choose extended reading formats. For example, often films with three-dimensional graphics have an extension of ISO or several folders with files of various formats. And the support for the extension of ISO BD3D is far from all models.

3D Media Player 3Q F370HW

Control system

In addition to supporting standard multimedia formats and optimal loading time, the media player must have russian-speaking menu With convenient control and navigation - these are fundamental factors when analyzing this criterion. Users have the ability to control the media design both from the device itself and with the remote control or through a mobile gadget. There are also models that provide support for QWERTY keyboard and computer wireless mouse. These accessories will be by the way when working with social networks or an Internet browser through teleexer. For convenience, you can use a universal remote control, allowing you to control both the prefix and a TV.

Sources and media of content (support for Internet services)

TV prefix can reproduce a media content from various carriers.

1. Built into it HDD. In this case, the size of the carrier will be important. A plus built-in hard disk - All multimedia content is stored in one place and available at any time.
2. Portable storage device (flash drive, external hard drive) connected via USB connector.
3. Camera memory cards, camcorders, mobile gadgets. Their connection is made either through the built-in or external card reader or through the cable.
4. Hard drives of devices connected to Wi-Fi (if possible wireless connections).
5. Online services, such as You Tube, Ivi, Google Video, Apple Trailers, Meta Cafe et al. (If you connect to the Internet).

The capabilities of the media player are constantly expanding. Modern models allow you to read emails that have come to an email, play online games, learn news and weather forecast, view new movies, which are still appearing in a wide box office, etc.

Media Player Zappiti Player 4K

Additional feature

More advanced devices provide users with more features. Therefore, if the purpose of the purchase is to make samsung or lg from your TV - smart TV, it is better to give preference to the filiers with:

• opportunity domestic connection (via a wireless connection or Ethernet cable);
• internet accessto be able to enjoy popular online services, social networks, IP television;
• modern operating systemTo be able to update it, and install additional software.

The choice and purchase of the media player even for modern models of TVs will be very by the way. Especially for those users who appreciate a high-quality image and multichannel sound. In addition, such a device is capable of turning a simple TV into a smart, and in models with the already built-in such function to significantly expand the possibilities. After all, even an expensive home theater may not have any necessary functionality, and the correctly selected multimedia TV prefix is \u200b\u200bcapable of solving these problems.

When using a compact media player, you can save space, expand the functionality of your TV and play a multimedia content from a computer, a network drive (home server) or from the Internet. Immediately note a couple of models, for those who wish to buy the best multimedia devices in their class: ASUS O! Play Air HDP-R3 and WD TV Live.

Network media players You can use for storing and playing homemade multimedia content in a pair with a TV (monitor) and an acoustic system. The media player is capable of optimal quality to transmit movies from PC, music and images directly to the TV screen, and the computer can be used to work at this time. Moreover, network player It can be equipped with a built-in hard disk or connect to an external medium. In this case, to view it is not necessary to even include a PC, especially since many players allow you to view web pages.

1.5 years earlier network media players Equipped with a built-in TV tuner, and also had the opportunity to install hard drives and optical drive, but now, choosing a media player such slots to expand the possibilities of the device - rarity. But in the models that are currently present in the market, the Wi-Fi module is set by default, which you will not say about their predecessors. True, to play Full HD video on a wireless network, you will need a modern Wi-Fi router so that you are not disappointed with cliffs when viewing. The network media player will especially be useful to users with old LCD TVs, as they can act as an alternative to the CO panel models. New media player models support a large number of Russian-speaking Internet services and allow you to view streaming video from the Internet.

Of course, the whole functionality multimedia player And even more, it is capable of replacing an inexpensive, or laptop, but the media player has more compact sizes, a low price and simplicity in circulation.

How to choose multimedia player? Criteria for selecting a network media player

The criteria for which should be paid first in the first place: Comfortable control, convenient menu navigation and Internet services support. Media player Western Digital TV Live Perfectly suitable as an optimal choice on the above characteristics: miniature case, full Russification of the menu, correctly displaying Russian names of files and tags. Yes, and the equipment of this player does not lame. For those who are often going to enter information on the TV screen, a model with a full-fledged QWERTY-keyboard (for example, ScreenPlay TV Link DX) is suitable.

Internet services of modern media players

Users who attract Smart TV should be supervised by the media player. LG ST600.supporting this service. Plus, you will receive in addition to the LG Apps application store, with which you can download the necessary programs + on board the LG browser with Flash support. Other media devices rarely boast of its presence in general. The device is controlled by remote control or the usual mouse from the PC via the USB port. And the "Smart Share" feature makes it possible to transfer content from tablets and smarttones immediately to the TV screen.

I consider a particularly important criterion when choosing a media player, supported by them a set of interfaces and ports. Mandatory HDMI and USB, always implement something else (Optical, card reader), for the reason that it will be possible to use media player In a bundle with various devices. On the interfaces that you need is needed better to think in advance, take into account all the subtleties during the purchase hard. Models with a built-in hard disk are becoming less and less, but the USB connector for connecting an external HDD is a standard. Some users will be needed to connect the player to TV, composite and component video outputs; Be careful, check their presence in the specifications of devices.

An important parameter is the "omnivore" of the media player. This is very important for those who store and reproduce various media files, neglecting Internet services. Such users will advise the media player. Inexperienced users even often evaluate devices according to the list of supported media content and codecs. In order not to mislead: the mediacontener is the format of the audio or video file, and the codec is the format of the audio or video stream in it. I will explain that the support for the MKV container does not mean that all files with the * MKV extension will be played on the device (for example, the audio track may not be supported). Do not forget about the release of new firmware for multimedia devices.

Who needs a full-fledged device with Blu-ray media, then look at NETGEAR NEOTV 550.with excellent performance (on board a high-performance processor Sigma Designs SMP8642.). The opponents will face the support of the ISO-image disks by the Blu-ray disks (you can add here). It is also possible to select the necessary M2TS file manually, for those who get rid of extra materials after downloading the image. Dear Blu-Ray Disc Fans, pay attention to the processor ...

Compact media players for home theater

Now let's consider compact Media Players Apple TV, Raspberry PI and IconBit Toucan Nano SX. You can purchase them at a price of 4,000 to 5,000 rubles. Multimedia data data will help solve the problem of the main media player as part of your home theater.

In order not to use your smart TVs only to view TV channels, you can expand their multimedia capabilities using a functional media player that will allow you to play the usual multimedia files on the large TV screen without problems, like AllShare, Home Media Server, etc.

Admit even an expensive TV with smart TV functionality cannot have all the necessary functionality: someone will not suit the browser, someone the console, and someone limited memory when watching online video. What is there to speak, often built into the TV multimedia player does not support any format, not to mention the application stores can offer an insufficient set of services for the full-featured use of your TV. Choosing compact media players solves the problem of lack of functionality.

Media player appletv

Immediately it is worth warming if you are not a user of devices from the company Apple TV., And more adhering to the use of PC, then Apple TV will wake up the side. But if you are the owner of the iPad or iPhone, then Apple TV is your device. The latest generation of Apple TV received support for the Full HD standard and a new user interface. We carefully examined this elegant little box.

Apple device, as always, demonstrates approximate ease of operation:

• we connect Apple TV to the mains
• connect the HDMI connectors on the TV and on the console
• and enter your apple id

As for the connection of the media player to the home network, the multimedia player supports the connection using LAN or Wi-Fi. As for the operating system, the fans of the "glands" from Steve Jobs will all be familiar. Media player control is carried out by the forces of a small remote control, or free app Remote App for iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch, which you can download on the App Store.

On Apple TV it is possible to rent a huge number of films in HD and SD quality from the iTunes Store. If you have a quick Internet, you can watch movies immediately after purchase. Slightly upsets the fact that in the HD section there is no choice between 1080p and 720p. Speaking of rental prices, then the average for watching the film in HD-quality is 299 rubles, for rental - 99 rubles, but the purchase of films not everyone will have to pocket.
You can transfer to the media player to the media player via a wireless network using Airplay - this function supports all devices with IOS version above 4.3. For those who are going to play movies from their network storage (NAS), it is worth considering that Apple TV supports far from all the codecs and formats of video containers, but the content downloaded from iTunes is played without overlays.

As online services, you can use the "cloud" icloud, which synchronizes the files stored on Apple devices. AppStore applications will expand the device functionality: YouTube, Vimeo, or Stream HD. By the way, the USB port on the AppleTV package is used for service purposes, to connect a USB hard disk to it will not be released.

Lovers digging in the technique and set everything manually, I will advise inexpensive Raspberry PIwhich is a small but full-fledged computer for 5000 rubles. Add a housing to it, power supply and 2 GB SD memory card, then in conjunction with Raspmbc or Openelec Rasberry PI you will get a great multimedia player.

With confidence I can say that this is a full-fledged media center for 5000 rubles. It is enough to use multimedia shell.
Raspberry PI is a small motherboard with the necessary interfaces and components. For full use, you will need a microSD memory card, a power supply with a Micro-USB connector and a compact case. The aforementioned amount includes all the necessary components. To connect to a wireless network, a USB module for WLAN is additionally purchased, which solves this problem. The portable assembly is satisfied is simple: it is only required to install a fee in the finished case. This is a device for enthusiasts, since its ability to directly depend on your desire to "tinker." That is why I think Raspberry PI In such an interesting solution as a media player.

First, set one of the programs based on XBMC - RaspBMC or OpenElec (I placed the links above). Media player management is provided with the usual keyboard and mouse. Alternatively, you can use the Special Raspberry Pi Remote Control application for smartphones and tablets on Android and iOS. The performance of the device is very worthy, it starts to slow down only when playing a video content with a 1080p resolution and a high bitrate (for those who are not clear, small DVDRip and BDRip will work without problems). The media player allows you to play files both over the network (through folders with shared access or UPNP AV server) and USB devices (flash drives and hard drives).

For XBMC and its modified options used in Raspberry PI, there are all sorts of expansions - addons. By the way, the Raspberry PI body is from 700 rubles.

For those who are interested in Raspberrypi will be interesting and mini Computer BeagleBone Black With a single-core TI Sitara AM335X (1 GHz), built on the basis of ARM Cortex-A8 microarchitecture. BeagleBone Black can also be installed on the XBMC-based shell.

IconBit Toucan Nano XS - Media Player on Androyd OS

I also want to draw the attention of the arrangements of the Multimedia players on iconBit Toucan Nano SXoperating on Android 4.0.4. This compact multimedia center will cost you less than 4,000 rubles, which is not limited to reproduction of movies, music and photos. Android owners of the devices know that any device running on this OS will help turn into a practically full-fledged PC online store Google Play.

Like all devices based on Android OS, when you first connect and configure, you should only select a language and link the device to your Google Account. The compact media player is connected to the home network via LAN or built-in Wi-Fi module, and the image and sound are transmitted to the TV through the HDMI cable. By itself, Toucan Nano XS is not a full-fledged media player, but the Google Play Store will correct this problem. Just download a software media player, I would advise XBMC for Android, or MX Player (the required codec is downloaded from the Internet when installed).

Control using the remote control requires addiction. When using a XBMC media player or VLC, you can use special application to manage IconBit Toucan Nano SX. Alternatively, you can purchase a wireless multimedia keyboard with an integrated mouse function that simplifies navigation on the Internet. Excellent performance, even the films with a resolution of 1080p in the MKV container are not inhibited. Let me remind you that there is a rental and purchase of HD and SD video at prices that are similar to the Apple iTunes Store.

I think the article will constantly update and supplement so that you can always get topical information when choosing a device. I will be glad to answer any questions when choosing a media player.

Network audio players came to replace CD players. In terms of sound quality, they are not only not inferior to the old disk players, but often exceed them, because they are able to reproduce music recorded with ultra-high resolution. If the audio CD sound is recorded with a resolution of 44 kHz / 16 bits, then new HD-audio formats use higher bitrates: 96 kHz / 24 bits and 192 kHz / 24 bits.

Some network player models can operate in a USB-DAC mode (connect to a USB computer) and in the preamp mode.

Formats

Many modern TVs (Smart TV) can independently play video files. However, by the number of supported formats, it is far to the best samples of stationary media players. For example, not every Smart TV boasts the M2TS format support and the ability to play ISO images Blu-ray or DVD. Many media players support lossless formats audio files (without loss of quality) - it is necessary if you plan to connect high-quality acoustics and amplifier to the player.

Additional functions

To view the 3D video content, via the media player requires support for the Blu-ray 3D image playback and the HDMI interface of the version is not below 4.0.

In some media player models, it is possible to work as a torrent client when it can download and save files from torrent trackers to the hard drive.

TV tuner with support for DVB-T2 in the media player will help go to the new digital standard of airtal television. DVB-T2 is defined as the standard of ground digital air television in Russia, but it is not supported in old TV models.

An alternative to TV tuner is IPTV - Internet TV. IPTV support media players allow you to watch television channels if the Internet provider provides such a service.