Media players at one time provoked the transformation of the TV from a regular television signal receiver into a home multimedia entertainment center. Although recently this role is increasingly being assigned to the software embedded in smart TVs, media players remain popular in the market due to their versatility and the ability to easily replace one device with another, more modern one. Our review will help to understand the trends in the development of this category of equipment and from the proposed range of player, the most suitable for solving specific problems.
Content:
Stationary media player which company to choose
1. Apple
The world-famous technology company, which entered the media player market in 2010. Products are characterized by an uncompromising build quality and user-friendly software shell.
2. Google
The Chromecast series of stationary devices uses the same software platform as the mobile device on the Android OS. These are affordable and functional devices that are popular all over the world.
3. IconBIT
New player in the market of household appliances. Provides a wide range of media players, including both affordable and technologically advanced models.
4. Dune hd
Veteran media player market, which appeared at the dawn of its formation. Delivers high-quality equipment for every taste.
The best media players with Wi-Fi support
The use of wireless technology eliminates the installation of a home Ethernet network and unites an unlimited number of devices. Media players with an antenna for receiving Wi-Fi can broadcast content to all TV sets that you have at home, which is certainly very convenient. However, it is worth paying attention to the quality of the implementation of the wireless subsystem, its ability to broadcast video in high resolution in uninterrupted mode.
Affordable and high-performance Wi-Fi media player
Features of Google Chromecast 2015 - compact size and low cost of the device. The media player provides all the basic features implemented on the Chrome OS software platform, and is equipped with a three-antenna Wi-Fi adapter and support for the latest high-speed wireless protocol 802.11ac.
Benefits:
- Compact size;
- The ability to provide power via USB-cable from the TV;
- Sure reception of a signal from any point in the apartment;
- Transfer broadcasts from any mobile device to Android or iOS;
- Broadcast video from any site (installation of third-party applications is required);
- Support for streaming services (Netflix, Hulu, Google Play Movies);
- A large number of additional programs in the Play Market;
- Affordable price.
Disadvantages:
- The quality of the broadcast sound;
- No internal memory;
- No additional USB connector;
- Some video formats are played with artifacts.
A large number of positive user reviews indicates that Google Chromecast 2015 is doing an excellent job with the task of a wireless repeater for Internet content.
The most popular Wi-Fi media player
The popularity of Apple technology has spread to its proprietary media player, Apple TV Gen4. The device has excellent functionality and is well integrated into the ecosystem of other Apple home equipment.
Benefits:
- Compact housing;
- The quality of video and audio playback;
- Easy setup and connection to the TV;
- Opportunities proprietary OS, designed to meet the specifics of media players;
- AirPlay broadcast function that supports all Apple devices;
- Convenient and functional control panel;
- Access to iTunes media library.
Disadvantages:
- In the presence of only hdmi interface;
- AirPlay is available for Apple devices only;
- Voice assistant is not available for the Russian language;
- Small amount of free content and programs.
User feedback has consistently noted the convenience of Apple TV Gen4 in general and embedded applications in particular. The manufacturer has thought through the implementation of the main functions of the media player in detail, so that everyone can cope with its configuration.
The most popular media players with IP TV technology
IP TV users can opt out of installing a satellite dish or connecting to cable television systems by watching TV channels over the Internet. Additional advantages of the technology include the functions of deferred viewing, setting a pause at any time, and many other interesting features not available for traditional television broadcasting.
Media player with the highest quality implementation of IP TV
Universal media player Dune HD Solo Lite, in addition to supporting IP TV, has many advantages. First of all, it is a qualitatively implemented software platform that supports compatibility with any devices on Android and iOS. The player is equipped with all popular interfaces and can be connected to new TVs, and to the old technology.
Benefits:
- Full "omnivorous" player plays files of any format;
- Ability to conveniently catalog the stored content;
- View digital TV channels on IP TV;
- Intuitive software interface;
- Full set of external interfaces (including composite and component outputs);
- Qualitatively implemented broadcast function via DLNA.
Disadvantages:
- Not very convenient remote included;
- Periodic interface hangs on older firmware versions;
- Heavy 4K video is sometimes played with brakes;
- The case is very hot after prolonged use.
Model Dune HD Solo Lite media player can be called a "workhorse" that can cope with any task. Custom reviews allow us to recommend this device for purchase.
The best media players that support 4K resolution
Most likely, your new 4K TV already has the Smart TV feature. But how comfortable is it to use? Is the TV equipped with all the necessary connectors, can it play and record content on an external storage medium? The ultra-high resolution video player eliminates the flaws of proprietary TV firmware and may be more interesting as a platform for a home multimedia center.
The most popular 4K media player
Small in size, but nevertheless highly productive media player brand iconBIT XDS94K allows you to enjoy video content in ultra-high resolution, in addition, it significantly expands the functionality of the TV.
Benefits:
- Very compact case size;
- Productive hardware platform;
- Ability to play video files of any format;
- IPhone support;
- Full implementation of Google Play services;
- Availability of a full set of wired and wireless interfaces;
- Availability of IP TV function;
- Convenient remote control;
- Low cost.
Disadvantages:
- Periodic software descriptions on older firmware versions;
- No new USB 3.0 interface;
- Problems with connecting large external hard drives.
Judging by the comments from the owners of iconBIT XDS94K, the device copes with 4K-video playback, has universal connectivity for both wired and wireless home network.
The best media player to watch videos in Ultra HD
Advanced modification Dune HD Solo 4K is equipped with a powerful processor that can cope with the most difficult video file.The device is built on a modern hardware platform and can fully interact with the latest models of 4K TVs.
Benefits:
- Can be mounted on the wall, control through a remote sensor;
- Full support for 4K video codecs;
- Reading images with movies over a network or from an external drive;
- Built-in TV tuner;
- DLNA and UPnP technology support;
- Active cooling;
- In the presence of a seat under the hard disk;
- Broad network capabilities (FTP, NAS).
Disadvantages:
- High price;
- A small number of additional software plug-ins;
- No USB 3.0;
- Difficult scheme of implementation settings.
In the Dune HD Solo 4K model, most modern multimedia technologies are implemented, the device will surely be liked by “advanced” users. The ratio of positive and negative feedback from owners indicates a high level of media player functionality.
Which stationary media player to buy
After analyzing the currently available offers of sellers and user reviews, we can draw the following conclusions:
1. In terms of price and functionality, the most profitable is the purchase of Google Chromecast 2015.
2. If the media player is purchased mainly for viewing IP TV, the best candidate is the Dune HD Solo Lite.
3. Maximum functionality is provided by Apple TV Gen4 and Dune HD Solo 4K. The choice between them is mainly due to whether you are an active user of Apple technology.
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