How to choose a media player

Which media player to choose - editorial advice

To select a suitable device, it is recommended to focus on the following criteria:

1. Network connection type . If you have a Wi-Fi router, you can purchase a wireless device. If you connect to the network using a cable, you can choose a player without Wi-Fi.
2. Maximum device resolution . The quality of the video depends on this. The best results are obtained with the Ultra-HD resolution type.
3. Operating system . In this case, it all depends on which option you are used to.
4. Availability of various connectors for connection . This will allow you to pair with any device.
5. Memory . The bigger it is, the better. This will allow you to play files of different sizes.
6. Possibility of connecting a memory card . This will compensate for the lack of memory.

Video - How to connect a media player to a TV

What to look for when choosing a media player

It is extremely important to approach your media player purchase accordingly. However, the specifics and selection criteria will largely depend on financial capabilities, as well as the characteristics of the use of equipment.

For example, some users do not want to overpay for additional functions, based primarily on budget. This is not the best way to choose a media player. Excessively cheap devices have a limited service life.

Pay attention to the number of available interfaces.

Connecting a media player via HDMI is the best way. This connector provides simultaneous transmission of sound and picture without loss of quality. It is very important that the player supports high resolution, at least HD Ready.

The HDMI interface allows you to achieve maximum quality during image transmission. The connector will also greatly simplify the output of multi-channel audio, provided that appropriate acoustics are used.

The size of the device cannot be ignored. Modern players are compact. However, the dimensions also largely depend on the number of available interfaces and the type of hard drive. For example, models with HDD support are gradually losing relevance. In the near future, such hard drives will be completely phased out. Owners of such media players have to constantly connect to the PC, having first disconnected the hard drive. All this takes up too much free time. The optimal method for playing content is synchronization over a local network.

Network media players for TV are quite common. Mostly all budget models support this function. Content is transferred via an Ethernet cable or wireless Wi-Fi technology. The second option is considered more convenient. Connecting your device to your home wireless network will allow you to play content without unnecessary difficulties.

A media player for a TV with Internet access running the Android operating system is the optimal solution. Such devices support the installation of various applications: social network clients, instant messengers, and even video games. You also always need to consider what formats the device reads. Basic requirements for image output for a modern model:

• Divx/Xvid;
• H.264;
• MPEG 1/2.

There are certain sound requirements. It is desirable that the player supports Dolby Digital or DTS technology.

Users who prefer to watch full-length videos face certain difficulties. It's extremely rare for 3D movies to have an ISO expansion. Therefore, you will have to choose a player with BD3D support. Special attention will have to be paid to navigating the film.

You can control media players in several ways: remote control, keyboard, mouse. Of course, the last two options require additional purchase of gadgets, since they are not included in the basic equipment package. To choose the right media player, consider the following criteria:

• available video formats and sound standards;
• hard drive type;
• number of interfaces;
• Internet connection support;
• specifics of navigation through the main menu;
• availability of Russian-language interface;
• player dimensions;
• budget.

The cooling system of the media player is another important point. Overheating of hardware modules will lead to premature failure of the equipment. An efficient cooling system also ensures high operating speed of the device.

Which desktop media player should I buy?

Which stationary player to buy depends on the purpose for which the device will be used:

• if you need the device to watch IP TV, it is best to opt for Dune HD Solo Lite;
• if you need the best price-quality ratio, then the Google Chromecast 2015 device is suitable;
• If you need the most functional device, Apple TV Gen4 is suitable.

A media player is a device that enhances the functionality of the TV. The main thing is to purchase the right model.

Android TV set-top box Beelink GS1 - a productive monster with 6K video support

Do not miss:

• Best Android Smart TV Boxes for TVs to Buy in 2019...
• Review of the best TV boxes based on Amlogic S905X: characteristics and reviews
• Review of the Z28 TV-box on Android 7.1: a worthy Smart TV option

The Beelink GS1 TV box is interesting because it runs on a quad-core Allwinner H6 processor. It can decode H265/HEVC videos in 4K at 60fps. But that's not all - support for 6K video format at 30 frames per second is announced.

Characteristics:

• model: Beelink GS1;

• processor: Allwinner H6, 4 cores;
• graphics accelerator: Mali-T720MP2;
• RAM: 2 GB DDR4;
• ROM: 16 GB;
• connectors and communications: DC Power Port, HDMI, RJ45, SPDIF, TF card, USB2.0, USB3.0, RJ45 Port;
• wireless communication: WI-FI, Bluetooth 4.1;
• operating system: Android 7.1.

The Allwinner H6 chipset coupled with 2 GB of RAM allows you to comfortably play modern Android games and watch videos in 4K format. The 16 GB drive can be expanded with a memory card, and if necessary, connect an external hard drive up to 4 TB to the device. Under significant load, the console heats up to 65 degrees, which is very good.

Best prices: Smart TV set-top box Beelink GS1 based on Android ★★★★☆

The remote control is comfortable, made in an interesting design with white buttons on a black background, with a numeric keypad and customizable keys.

WI-FI and Bluetooth work flawlessly. The first users of the set-top box noted a problem with WI-FI periodically disconnecting when using a wireless mouse. Later we found a solution to the problem - move the device in use to another USB port.

• Advantages : high build quality, USB 3.0, under high load the device heats up slightly. Very stable.
• Cons : No HDMI-CEC function.

Conclusion

Beelink GS1 is an Android TV set-top box with rich functionality and low cost.

Voting for the best media player

Which media player would you choose or recommend?

Dune HD Neo 4K

20.00 % ( 4 )

NVIDIA SHIELD

10.00 % ( 2 )

ZIDOO X9S

0.00 % ( 0 )

ROMBICA SMART CAST V02

0.00 % ( 0 )

ROMBICA CINEMA T2 V01

15.00 % ( 3 )

ESPADA DMP-4

0.00 % ( 0 )

Dune HD Solo Lite

0.00 % ( 0 )

Apple TV Gen 4

10.00 % ( 2 )

Google Chromecast 2015

0.00 % ( 0 )

Zappiti MINI 4K HDR

0.00 % ( 0 )

Denon DNP-800NE

5.00 % ( 1 )

Dune HD Max 4K

10.00 % ( 2 )

Dune HD Pro 4K

15.00 % ( 3 )

Xiaomi Mi Box S

0.00 % ( 0 )

Apple TV 4K 32GB

0.00 % ( 0 )

Invin IPC002

5.00 % ( 1 )

IconBIT XDS16

5.00 % ( 1 )

TV Box Z28 - inexpensive smart TV set-top box with a new processor

The Z28 TV box, released in 2021, quickly gained popularity among users. There are several reasons for this: the current version of the operating system (at the time the console was released), a new processor and the low price of the device. After the first buyers rated the console’s performance as “excellent,” demand for it grew. We'll tell you why it's good and whether it's worth the money.

Briefly about the “filling”:

• model: TV Box Z28;
• processor: quad-core RockChip RK3328 with Mali-450MP2 graphics;
• memory: 1/8 GB or 2/16 GB RAM and built-in;
• operating system: Android 7.1;
• connectors and communications: WiFi, LAN 100 Mbit, 2xUSB, slot for MicroSD, SPDIF, HDMI 2.0, Bluetooth 4.0.

The RockChip RK3328 chipset easily supports the functionality of the set-top box. The user can watch movies and videos in 4K format (using h.264 / h.265 and VP9 hardware decoding), run undemanding 3D games, use Android applications, and surf the web. If necessary, the internal memory can be expanded up to 64 GB using microSD.

One of the advantages of the Z28 is the ability to create a WiFi network using the device.

Best prices: Android TV set-top box Z28 ★★★★☆

The set-top box comes with a simple remote control equipped with standard control keys. It's not the most convenient to drive, but you get used to it pretty quickly.

The operating system works in conjunction with a standard launcher. The interface is simple: applications and programs are presented in the form of tiles. There are few pre-installed applications, which is not bad: there is no unnecessary junk software.

Now on Chinese online trading platforms, TV Box Z28 in a version with 2 GB RAM and 16 GB ROM can be purchased for 2300-2600 rubles.

• Pros : stable and fast operation of the operating system, small device size, low heating and low cost.
• Disadvantages : sometimes you have to “aim” the remote control at the TV for it to work; there is no HDMI CEC function.

Verdict

Z28 is a budget TV box with a new processor and the current OS version at the time of the console’s release. It works flawlessly and is very inexpensive.

Mecool M8s Pro L (Mecool M8s Pro +) - budget Android-TV set-top box with Root rights out of the box

Do not miss:

• Best Android Smart TV Boxes for TVs to Buy in 2019...
• Review of the best TV boxes based on Amlogic S905X: characteristics and reviews
• Review of the Z28 TV-box on Android 7.1: a worthy Smart TV option

The features of this media player are support for 5G WiFi and Android 7.1. Externally, the device compares favorably with other consoles, which for the most part look like small black plastic boxes. M8s Pro received a memorable design: the upper part of the device received a structure in the form of slightly curved lines. There are small slots around the perimeter of the case and at the bottom for cooling.

Characteristics:

• model: Mecool M8s Pro L;

• processor: Amlogic S912, 8 cores;
• GPU: ARM Mali-T820MP3;
• RAM: 3 GB DDR3;
• ROM: 16 GB (built-in memory can be expanded up to 32 GB);
• connectors and communications: HDMI, USB 2.0, LAN, AV, DC 5V;
• wireless connection: WiFi Dual Band, Bluetooth 4.0;
• HDMI CEC function;
• operating system: Android 7.1.

The budget AMLogic S912 chipset coupled with 3 GB of RAM ensures good performance of the TV box. It supports all new codecs and image profiles, and videos play without stuttering or lag. There are slight delays when playing 4K video, but they are hardly noticeable and not critical. Android toys the console handles everything, except for those that are particularly demanding of system resources.

Despite the presence of many holes for passive cooling, the set-top box gets very hot under high load. In game mode the temperature rises to 80 degrees.

The device is equipped with a proprietary launcher with a pleasant and intuitive interface. Everything is concise: there are several pre-installed applications (file manager, media player, browser, Play Market and others).

Best prices: Android TV box Mecool M8s Pro + ★★★★☆

Two USB ports are clearly not enough for active use of the set-top box. You can use Bluetooth to connect other devices.

The remote control that comes with the set-top box pleases with good functionality, excellent ergonomics and transmitter power. Reacts to pressing quickly. The set-top box supports the HDMI CEC function - you can simultaneously control the TV box and the TV using the latter’s remote control.

1. Pros : good performance, large amount of RAM, 4K video support, Root rights installed. Analog output for connecting to old TVs.
2. Cons : short HDMI cable, only two USB ports, heats up under heavy load, 4K video stutters and lack of a Reset button.

conclusions

Mecool M8s Pro L is an inexpensive Android TV set-top box with good performance, plenty of RAM and good functionality (ROOT installed, 4K support, current version of the operating system).

NEXBOX A95X - a budget set-top box with rich functionality

The NEXBOX A95X Android TV set-top box, although not a new product, is in demand in 2021 because it has proven itself in work very well.

Characteristics:

• model: NEXBOX A95X;

• processor: quad-core Amlogic S905;
• graphics: ARM Mali-450;
• RAM: 1/2 GB;
• ROM: 8/16 GB (storage can be expanded up to 32 GB);
• connectors and communications: AV, HDMI, SPDIF, USB 2.0 (2), microSD slot;
• wireless communications: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet;
• OS: Android 6.0.

The hardware basis is the Amlogic S905X processor, the most common in inexpensive Android-TV set-top boxes. It copes with undemanding games, stable operation of applications, and showing 4K movies without any complaints.

If the user plans to use the console to the maximum, we recommend taking a modification with 2 GB of RAM, since 1 GB of memory is no longer enough for modern games and applications. When loaded, the device heats up to 80 degrees. This is the problem with all budget Android TV set-top boxes.

The TV box is equipped with a minimum set of necessary connectors. Bluetooth, wired Internet and Wi-Fi work without problems.

Best prices: Smart TV set-top box TV-Box NEXBOX A95X ★★★★☆

Out of the box, the set-top box can come with the old version of Android 5.1. In this case, the operating system must be updated to Android 6.0 the first time you turn on the device. The default launcher has a nice and convenient tiled design. It is comfortable to work with him. Minus: a lot of garbage software. I'm glad that unnecessary applications can be removed, since the set-top box comes with Root rights installed.

NEXBOX A95X costs about 3,000 rubles. You can buy the set-top box on one of the Chinese online trading platforms.

• Pros : compact size, convenient and functional remote control, good build quality and materials.
• Cons: weak WiFi, which may lose the signal if the distance between the TV box and the router is more than 5 meters, rather strong heating of the device under increased loads and the lack of HDMI-CEC.

Verdict

NEXBOX A95X is a compact TV Box with rich functionality, compact size, convenient remote control with programmable buttons and low cost.

Xiaomi Mi TV Box Pro 3 Enhanced - a beautiful Android-TV set-top box with voice search on the remote control

Of the TV boxes considered in the review, the set-top box from Xiaomi stands out for its very pleasant and stylish design. The vast majority of TV Boxes are made in classic black and manufacturers don’t bother much with the design of these inexpensive devices.

A famous brand cannot afford to be careless even in small things. The Xiaomi Mi TV Box Pro 3 Enhanced is made in the form of a small square white box with slits along the perimeter. This is both beautiful and practical - the slots serve to passively cool the device.

The included remote control is also white. Functionally, it is limited to a few buttons and is equipped with a gyroscope and accelerometer, necessary for games. To fully work with the console, you will need a mouse, since the capabilities of the standard remote control are limited and not all applications are optimized for it.

Characteristics:

• model: Xiaomi Mi TV Box Pro 3 Enhanced;

• processor: Mediatek MT8693, 6 cores;
• graphics accelerator: Power VR GX6250;
• RAM: 2 GB DDR3;
• ROM: 8 GB;
• connectors and communications: HDMI 2.0, USB 2.0 (2);
• wireless communications: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1 + EDR, Ethernet;
• HDMI CEC;
• operating system: Android 5.1 with proprietary MIUI TV shell.

The hardware basis of the device is a powerful Mediatek MT8693 chipset, created specifically for media boxes. The processor gets very hot, so the set-top box is equipped with an active cooling system in the form of a cooler. The performance of the chipset is at a high level. The set-top box plays video and audio of all formats available today. Wireless interfaces work excellently and allow you to connect any type of device to the TV box.

TV Box Pro 3 Enhanced can easily replace a game console - almost all toys are a hit, except for the heaviest 3D games. In fact, many users buy the model as a game console.

Best prices: Android TV set-top box Xiaomi Mi TV Box Pro 3 Enhanced ★★★★☆

The model has a small amount of internal memory - 8 GB, of which about 4 GB is available to the user. This is not enough, the solution is to use an external drive with a capacity of up to 128 GB.

The disadvantage of the set-top box is that it is an outdated version of the operating system. TV Box Pro 3 Enhanced runs on Android 5.1 and the proprietary MIUI TV launcher.

• Pros : powerful hardware, high level of performance, stylish design, convenient controls. Separately, we note the built-in microphone on the remote control, which allows you to use voice search for films, TV series and TV channels. Very comfortably!
• Disadvantages : short HDMI cable, old version of the operating system without the ability to update, a lot of junk software that cannot be removed without ROOT rights, a lot of fiddling with the settings to bring the device to perfection.

Verdict

Xiaomi Mi TV Box Pro 3 Enhanced is one of the best Android TV set-top boxes on the market, offering the functionality of a full-fledged home computer. It has no analogues among devices from other manufacturers.

Beelink a1 - Android TV box with an impressive amount of RAM

A rare representative of TV boxes with a large amount of RAM. Another feature of the device was its stylish design, LED panel and the current version of Android at the time of the console’s release.

Briefly about the characteristics:

• model: Beelink a1;

• processor: Rockchip RK3328, 4 cores;
• graphics accelerator: Mali-450MP2;
• RAM: 4 GB DDR3;
• ROM: 16/32 GB;
• connectors and communications: HDMI, Ethernet, microSD, USB 2.0, USB 3.0;
• wireless communication: WI-FI, Bluetooth 4.0;
• HDMI SEC;
• operating system: Android 7.1.1.

The Rockchip RK3328 processor, announced in 2021, has performed well in various models of TV boxes. The set-top box shows a modest result in the AnTuTu test, but the performance of the chipset is at a good level and it copes with all tasks. The video plays without stuttering, except that in 4K format with 60 frames per second you can notice microlags.

The network capabilities of the set-top box please with excellent WiFi and Bluetooth performance.

Beelink a1 runs on Android 7.1.2 and a proprietary launcher. The interface of the latter is presented in the form of large buttons located on several desktops. There is a package of pre-installed applications: a browser, two file managers (why so many?), Google Play and others.

Best prices: Android TV set-top box BEELINK A1 ★★★★☆

The set-top box comes with a standard remote control, which looks a little unusual in appearance: the surface is black, the buttons are painted white. It works flawlessly and feels comfortable in the hand. The number buttons can be customized to perform specific functions and launch applications.

• Pros: small size, nice design, large supply of RAM, USB 3.0, convenient remote control, excellent Bluetooth and WiFi operation, Root rights.
• Cons : Only two USB ports.

Conclusion

Beelink A1 is a compact set-top box with a new powerful processor, a fresh version of the OS and an impressive amount of RAM.

Flash devices

Devices for playing media files transferred from external devices or memory cards. Can be combined into 2 conditional groups:

• mp3 players . Supports popular audio formats and is equipped with a small black-and-white display (may not be available in sports-type models or in the form of toys and souvenirs)
• mp4 players . In addition to supporting audio formats, they reproduce video and photos, and are equipped with a color display (up to 3 inches)

They are lighter in weight compared to CD devices and are more resistant to shocks. Some models are waterproof. Resistance to external influences depends on the quality of the polymers from which the body is made (often rubberized).

These devices are still popular today. They are developing towards smaller dimensions, efficient software, as well as the quality and amount of supported memory (internal and external in the form of various memory cards).

They are often equipped with additional functions: FM radio, voice recorder, built-in speaker, etc. Some models run on AAA batteries. Others have an internal Li-ion or Li-Pol battery. The approximate average operating time of both types of devices is from 4 to 20 hours of continuous music listening.

Zidoo X7 is a worthy TV Box from one of the leaders in the TV set-top box market

The devices of the Chinese company are distinguished by high quality workmanship and carefully developed software.

Zidoo X7 has an interesting appearance due to the black glossy case cover.

Characteristics:

• model: Zidoo X7;

• processor: ROCKCHIP RK3328, 4 cores;
• graphics accelerator: Mali-450MP2;
• RAM: 2 GB DDR3;
• ROM: 8 GB;
• connectors and communications: USB2.0 (2), USB3.0, HDMI, RJ45, TF card slot, AV port, DC jack, SPDIF;
• wireless communication: WI-FI, Bluetooth 4.1;
• operating system: Android 7.1.2.

The hardware basis of the model is the quad-core ROCKCHIP 3328 processor. It is quite new, so the manufacturer still needs to work on it so that the chipset fully performs the functions stated in it. RAM 2 GB, built-in 8 GB. As you can see, you can’t do without expanding the memory with external drives.

The processor performance is quite enough for watching movies, surfing the Internet, listening to music and running applications. 4K video plays without stuttering. The Zidoo X7 cannot be used as a full-fledged gaming console - it cannot handle productive games. However, that’s how it was intended. The main purpose of a TV box is to comfortably watch movies and TV channels on your TV.

The set-top box heats up to 75 degrees under increased loads - this is within normal limits.

Best prices: Android TV set-top box Zidoo X7 Android 7.1 ★★★★☆

Despite the antenna hidden in the case, the signal from the router located in another room is received well. Bluetooth and local connection work stably. The latter is limited to 100 Mbps.

The set-top box runs on Android 7.1.2 with the proprietary ZIUI launcher. Several applications are preinstalled out of the box: developer services, memory cleaning software.

The remote control that came with the TV box pleased me with its good ergonomics and functionality.

• Pros : high quality materials and workmanship, USB 3.0 port, current OS version, nice interface, good performance and easy-to-use remote control. Supports HDMI-CEC function.
• Cons : glossy cover quickly collects dust, no Root access.

Conclusion

Zidoo X7 is a good TV set-top box that guarantees high quality video resolution, but cannot be considered as a replacement for a game console. The Zidoo X7 copes very well with the main function of watching movies, TV series and videos on YouTube.

Android TV set-top box Beelink GT1 Ultimate - stylish design and large memory capacity

The device is an advanced modification of the Beelink GT1 set-top box. Its features: beautiful design, good amount of memory and a new remote control.

A powerful chipset and an impressive amount of RAM make the console productive. The device copes excellently with 4K video playback. Demanding games such as Asphalt 8 also run without lags or stutters. Under heavy loads, the temperature of the TV box increases slightly, up to 70 degrees.

The quality of the wireless connection is also good; signal reception is quite reliable.

Best prices: Beelink GT1 Ultimate TV set-top box ★★★★☆

Be careful when purchasing. In some stores, the console is sold with Android 6, while there is a model with Android 7.1 on the market. The launcher is standard, with a tiled design. There are not many pre-installed applications: there is a file manager, a browser, the Google application store, programs for playing videos and several games.

The remote control has a nice design and excellent ergonomics. Unlike its predecessor, it received more buttons.

Characteristics:

• model: Beelink GT1 Ultimate;
• processor: Amlogic S912;
• graphics accelerator: ARM Mali-T820MP3;
• RAM: 3 GB DDR4;
• ROM: 32 GB;
• connectors and communications: USB 2.0 (2), HDMI 2.0, S/PDIF;
• wireless communication: WI-FI, LAN;
• HDMI CEC function;
• operating system: Android 7.1.2.

Advantages:

• high performance,
• slight heating of the device,
• Availability of Root rights, convenient remote control.

Cons : Wi-Fi reception could be better.

Conclusion

Beelink GT1 Ultimate is an advanced version of the popular predecessor, the Beelink GT1 model, which has a large amount of memory and a powerful processor.

H96 Pro + - Android set-top box with a powerful chipset and good functionality

Characteristics:

• Model: H96 Pro+;

• processor: Amlogic S912;
• Graphics: Mali-T820MP3;
• RAM: 2/3 GB;
• permanent memory: 16/32 GB;
• connectors and communications: USB 2.0 (2), HDMI 2.0, S/PDIF;
• wireless communications: WI-FI, Bluetooth 4.1, LAN;
• HDMI-CEC;
• software: Android 6.0.1.

The hardware basis is the Amlogic S912 chipset, one of the most powerful in the line. The TV box is available in two versions: 2 GB RAM and 16 GB ROM and 3 GB RAM and 32 GB storage. The performance of the set-top box is at a high level - 4K video is played back without visible stuttering, applications launch quickly. The device will not replace a full-fledged game console, but many demanding games run at maximum settings.

A significant drawback of the device is heating up to 85 degrees under increased loads. This is a flaw of the manufacturer - such a powerful chipset requires an active cooling system.

There are no complaints about the quality of the wireless connection, the only thing is that for Internet surfing and communicating on social networks it is more convenient to use a keyboard and mouse.

Best prices: H96 PRO Android TV box Amlogic S912 Octa Core ★★★★☆

The remote control is simple, without programmable buttons. It fits comfortably in the hand and is easy to control.

The device runs on Android 6.0.1 with a standard launcher, fast and responsive. There is also a second launcher, adapted for mouse control.

• Pros : powerful chipset, large amount of memory in the version with 3 GB of RAM, HDMI-CEC and Root rights, beautiful appearance, fast shell.
• Cons : significant heating of the device under increased loads.

Conclusion

H96 Pro + - Android TV box with a nice design, a powerful processor and a good supply of RAM.