How to choose a media player for TV

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

What is a media player and what features it has

Modern multimedia set-top boxes have replaced VCRs and DVD / CD players. Today they are:

• read almost any video and audio formats;
• able to open any image;
• reproduce information from multiple sources (portable portable storage devices, mobile gadgets, etc.);
• broadcast streaming video;
• provide an opportunity for users to access the Internet through a browser, use a large number of entertainment services;
• Support uTorrent, 3D, Wi-Fi and gaming features.

Specific features of the functional depending on the models may vary.

In appearance, these are small devices with different ports and a control panel. Latest versions may have an LCD display, a touch working tool of the user. Connect to the TV via an HDMI cable, a wireless connection, or a component jack.

Some devices fit and to old kinescopic TV. The transfer of information in this case occurs through the S-Video or composite slot. It should be understood that the functionality of such a pair will be limited. Because if the media player has any features,then a similar TV will not be able to reproduce, for example, the format FullHD or 3D. Of course, more opportunities for users of modern models LED TV.

Composite RCA and S-Video output

Should I buy a media player for a TV with a computer?

At first glance it may seem that such a device is a waste of money when you have a PC or laptop. After all, the computer just performs these functions. But not every electronic testing device is capable of transmitting high image and sound qualityas it will make widescreen LED TV, especially in high definition HD and FullHD, as well as Blue Ray.

Can connect to a large laptop screen or system unit via an HDMI cable, but this is not always convenient. In addition, it is often necessary to break the head over setting up the synchronization of devices, especially for playing streaming video or recording broadcast on a hard disk of a computer.

Another plus in favor of a separate set-top box - silent operation. Since the computer is equipped with a cooling device, this creates a certain noise during operation. The advantages are obvious, so for connoisseurs of excellent video playback quality, it’s worth thinking how to choose a media player for the TV.

Connecting the computer system unit to the TV

What criteria should pay attention to when choosing a modern TV set-top box

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

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

Media Player Interface

Even before sending to the store for a new device for your TV, you must find out the presence of ports and connectors that are available from television equipment. This information is important for choosing how to connect the STB. The most optimal and popular option to date - HDMI-cable, such a connection will provide high quality video transmission and multi-channel audio. This digital connector allows you to play available for modern LED TV models LG, Samsung, Sony and other manufacturers of HD and FullHD resolutions.

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

1. Component output. For synchronization, many well-known "tulips" are used. A feature of this connection is the transmission of individual components of the video signal over several cables, at the end of which there are three RCA connectors. In this case, only the image is transmitted, the sound in stereo format is connected separately.

1. Composite output. The principle of video signal 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 can rarely be found even on kinescopic TVs, but it is still present in some models. The design feature and quality of video transmission is somewhat better than the composite one. It is based on two dividing lines that are used to transmit the luminance and chrominance signals of an image.

In addition to the ports for connecting the media player to the TV, it should support and additional set of interfaces. Modern models, in addition to the mandatory HDMI and USB, may have an optical or card reader for connecting other storage media. Not all devices provide for an integrated HDD, but most allow connect removable hard disk (for high-quality work, you need two USB connectors).

It is important not only to think about how to connect the set-top box to the TV, but also its sync with other devices. All the necessary connectors must necessarily be present in the technical characteristics of the device. Also, if necessary, you should take care of purchasing additional adapters that are not included in the media player kit.

Possible playback formats

Without exaggeration, we can say that modern multimedia TV set-top boxes reproduce almost all formats of video and audio, 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 the standards BDRip (-AVC) or DVDRip.

The entire list of formats available for reading is indicated in the technical specifications.

But many inexperienced users are mistaken in evaluating the device on the list of supported formats, not taking into account the concepts media containers and codecsequating them. Simply put, if the console supports playback of the mp4 container, this does not mean that all files with this extension will play properly.They can open, for example, without sound or with noise, if the audio track is not supported. Since the concepts of media container and codec have a different definition. In the first case, this is the file format, in the second, the stream format in it.

For those who want to watch movies on their home theater in high quality or 3 formatD, it is worth to choose advanced reading formats. For example, often films with three-dimensional graphics have an ISO extension or several folders with files of various formats. And the support for the expansion of ISO BD3D is not present in all models.

3D media player 3Q F370HW

Control system

In addition to supporting standard multimedia formats and optimal load times, the media player should have Russian-language menu convenient navigation and control are fundamental factors in analyzing this criterion. Users have the ability to control the extender both from the device itself and from the remote control or via a mobile gadget. There are also models that support the QWERTY-keyboard and computer wireless mouse. These accessories will be useful when working with social networks or an Internet browser through the TV screen. For convenience, you can use Universal remote, allowing you to control both the console and the TV at the same time.

Sources and media content (support for Internet services)

TV set-top box can play media content from various media.

1. Built-in HDD. In this case, the size of the carrier will be important. A plus internal hard drive - all multimedia content is stored in one place and is available at any time.
2. Portable storage device (USB flash drive, external hard drive) connected via USB connector.
3. Memory cards for cameras, camcorders, mobile gadgets. Their connection is made either through a built-in or external card reader, or through a cable.
4. Hard drives devices connected to Wi-Fi (in case of wireless connectivity).
5. Online services such as You Tube, IVI, Google Video, Apple Trailers, Meta Cafe, etc. (if connected to the Internet).

The possibilities of media players are constantly expanding. Modern models allow you to read letters that came to your inbox, play online games, find out news and weather, view new movies that are just appearing in a wide distribution, etc.

Zappiti Player 4K Media Player

Additional functionality

More advanced devices give users more options. Therefore, if the purpose of the purchase is to make Samsung or LG Smart TV out of your TV, it is better to give preference to prefixes with:

• opportunity connect to home network (via wireless connection or Ethernet cable);
• internet access, to be able to use popular online services, social networks, IP-TV;
• modern operating system, to be able to update it, and install additional software.

The choice and purchase of a media player, even for modern TV models will be very useful. Especially for those users who appreciate high-quality image and multi-channel sound. In addition, such a device can turn a simple TV into a Smart, and in models with such a feature already built in greatly expand opportunities. After all, even an expensive home theater may not have all the necessary functionality, and a properly selected multimedia TV set-top box can solve these problems.