Why do I need a media player for TV

Modern TV models are significantly superior in functionality to their predecessors. They can play video and audio from external media, go online, record programs. All this thanks to the media center. It can be either installed by the manufacturer or purchased separately. Moreover, a self-acquired device, even from the simplest TV, can make an entertainment center.

More recently, everyone used video recorders first, and then DVD players. But technological progress does not stand still and multimedia centers have replaced obsolete consoles. They still play and record files, like their predecessors. However, they have much more features. These include:

1. Ability to play video and audio files of almost all existing formats.
2. Reading images of any format.
3. Reproduction of 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 implemented using the built-in browser.
5. Support for various functions: 3D, Wi-fi, game services.
6. Ability to save existing information.

REFERENCE! Each model of a multimedia set-top box has its own set of capabilities, which is described in detail in the attached instructions.

Externally, they are a small box, some models can be equipped with a liquid crystal display. Connecting to a TV set-top box can be done in three ways: using a Wi-fi wireless network, via an HDMI wire or through a component output.

REFERENCE! Some media player models fit older CRT TVs. However, due to the design limitations of the TV receiver itself, not all functions will be available. For example, watching videos in Full HD or 3D will not be available.

It would seem that with a computer or laptop, a multimedia console becomes an unnecessary waste of money. After all, they have the same functions for transferring files. However, not all computers or laptops are capable of transmitting video and high quality sound. Yes, and connecting a laptop or computer is not always convenient, and sometimes there are various problems with synchronizing devices, which requires additional configuration and takes a lot of time. Also, the multimedia console has a number of undeniable advantages. These include:

1. Almost silent work. The cooling of a personal computer and laptop is provided by coolers that cannot operate completely silently.
2. The prefix takes up very little space.
3. It loads much faster than a computer or laptop.
4. A small number of wires are required to connect to the TV.
5. Very convenient and easy to use, which allows pensioners or children to use them without any problems. Yes, and watching movies and other content is much more familiar and more comfortable on a large TV screen, sitting in an armchair.
6. All control is carried out from one remote control.
7. Hangs on the multimedia console are extremely rare.

Due to the advantages, it’s worth answering “Yes” to the question about the purchase.

There are several types of media players:

1. The most simple and inexpensive options without the ability to connect to a wireless network and without a hard drive.
2. Without an internet connection, but with a built-in hard drive.
3. Media players connecting via local network to a computer or laptop. This allows you to play back files on your computer using your home network.
4. The most expensive models with built-in hard drive, LAN connection and Internet access. These are modern models with the greatest set of functions, compared to simpler players.

ATTENTION! Some users think that multimedia devices and satellite receivers are one and the same. However, a significant difference between the set-top boxes and receivers is that the players allow you to view the necessary files, IPTV and access the Internet. While the receivers broadcast satellite television channels and record.

What to look for when choosing a media player

For several years, the range of media consoles was not very wide, since they were not very popular. However, quite a bit of time passed and the consoles became in demand, which means that the choice has become much more. In order not to get confused when buying the right model of a multimedia set-top box, you need to pay attention to the following parameters:

1. Interface. When buying, you need to study which console has 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 reproduce almost all currently existing video and audio signal standards. However, before buying, you should still study the technical characteristics of a particular model.
3. Control. The player should have a convenient menu in Russian.
4. Service support. You need to pay attention to what media the player can read information from, and whether it has Internet access.

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