Machinery

How to choose a media player for TV

July 18, 2020

Many modern TV models already have built-in devices for playing multimedia content, but their functionality may be lower, than a stand-alone media player for TV. By connecting additional equipment, you can significantly expand the capabilities of your TV, access 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 TV 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 many sources (portable portable storage devices, mobile gadgets, etc.);
  • broadcast streaming video;
  • allow users to access the Internet through a browser, enjoy a large number of entertainment services;
  • support uTorrent, 3D, Wi-Fi and gaming features.

The specific features of the functionality may differ depending on the models.

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

Some devices are suitable for older CRT TVs. The transmission of information in this case is via 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 capabilities, then such a TV will not be able to play, example, FullHD 3D format. Of course, users of modern LED TV models have more opportunities.

Composite video output RCA and S-Video

Should I buy a media player for my TV if I have a computer?

At first glance it may seem, what kind of equipment is a waste of money, when you have a PC or laptop. After all, the computer just performs these functions. But not every electronic computing device is able to transmit high quality images and sound, how will a widescreen LED TV do, especially in high definition HD and FullHD, as well as Blue Ray.

You can connect a laptop or system unit to the big screen via an HDMI cable, but this is not always convenient. Besides, you often have to worry about setting up device sync, especially for streaming video or recording a telecast to your computer's hard drive.

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

Connect the computer system unit to the TV

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

Today, the market is represented by a wide range of digital TV players. To decide on the choice of the most suitable device model, the following criteria should be noted:

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

Media player interface

Before you go to the store for a new device for your TV, you need to find out the availability of ports and connectors, which are available in television equipment. This information is important when choosing how to connect the set-top box. The most optimal and popular option today - HDMI-cable, such connection will provide high quality of transmission of a video signal and a multichannel sound. This digital connector allows you to play LG TVs available for modern LED models, Samsung, Sony and other manufacturers of HD and FullHD resolution.

In the case of earlier TV models, the following types of connectors may need to be supported by the set-top box.

  1. Component output. Many well-known "tulips" are used for synchronization.. A feature of this connection is the transmission of individual components of the video signal over several cables, at the end of which are three RCA connectors. Only the image is transmitted, stereo sound 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 rare even on CRT TVs, but in some models it is still present. The design feature and quality of video signal transmission is slightly better than composite. It is based on two dividing lines, which are used to transmit signals of brightness and color of the image.

In addition to the ports for connecting the media player to the TV, it must also support an additional set of interfaces. Modern models, in addition to the required HDMI and USB, may have an optical or card reader to connect other media. Not all devices have a built-in HDD, but most allow you to connect a removable hard drive (Two USB connectors are required for good performance).

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

Playback formats are possible

It is no exaggeration to say, that modern multimedia set-top boxes play almost all video and audio formats, and open any images. Even the most budget devices lose the popular AVI, MKV, MP4. Therefore, through most set-top boxes you can watch movies in BDRip standards (Stroke) or DVDRip.

The full list of readable formats is specified in the specifications.

But many inexperienced users are wrong, evaluating the device according to the list of supported formats, not taking into account the concept of media containers and codecs, equating them. Simply put, if the set-top box supports playback of the mp4 container, It does not mean, that all files with the extension will play well. They can open, example, without sound or with noise, if the audio track is not supported. Because the concepts of media container and codec have different definitions. In the first case it is a file format, in the second - the format of the stream in it.

For those who want to watch movies at your home theater in high quality or format 3D, you should choose advanced reading formats. Example, movies with 3D graphics often have ISO extensions or multiple folders with different file formats. And support for the ISO BD3D extension is not available on all models.

3D-media player 3Q F370HW

Management system

In addition to supporting standard media formats and optimal download times, media player should have a Russian-language menu with easy control and navigation - these are the fundamental factors in analyzing this criterion. Users can control the expander as the device itself, and from the remote control or through a mobile gadget. There are also models, supporting QWERTY keyboard and computer wireless mouse. These accessories will come in handy when working with social networks or an Internet browser via a TV screen. For convenience, you can use a universal remote control, which allows you to control the console at the same time, and TV.

Content sources and carriers (support for Internet services)

The set-top box can play media content from different media.

  1. Built-in HDD. In this case, the size of the media will be important. Plus a built-in hard drive - 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.
  3. Camera memory cards, video cameras, mobile gadgets. They can be connected either through a built-in or external card reader, or via cable.
  4. Hard disk drives, connected to Wi-Fi (if wireless is possible).
  5. Online services, for example You Tube, IVI, Google Video, Apple Trailers, Meta Cafe and others. (in the case of an Internet connection).

The capabilities of media players are constantly expanding. Modern models allow you to read letters, that came to the e-mail, play online games, learn news and weather forecast, watch new movies, which are just appearing in wide distribution, etc.. P.

Zappiti Player 4K media player

Additional functionality

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

  • the ability to connect to a home network (via a 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.

Choosing and buying a media player even for modern TV models will be very useful. Especially for those users, who appreciates high-quality images and multi-channel sound. exept this, such a device is able to turn a simple TV into a Smart, and in models with already built-in such function to expand possibilities considerably. 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.