10 best media players

Audio and video equipment

Media players are a kind of connecting elements between a regular TV and the Internet, allowing you to display data from the World Wide Web directly on the screen of your media center. Despite the ability to connect to LT-TVs, the full potential of this system is revealed only when connected via HDMI to more modern TV models. Some individual models of media players have good gaming potential and can be used as portable stations for games.

Composition of media players:

frame;
chipset;
power unit.

We have selected for you the top 10 best media players with support for Full HD and 4K resolution.

Best HD Media Players

These are stationary media players that can work with content in HD and Full HD format. This is a high resolution that delivers crisp, detailed pictures even on a screen with a large number of inches diagonally. If your TV with a resolution of 1080p (i) or 720p does not have a built-in media player, or the built-in one does not suit for stability, the models from the list below will help you solve your problem.

5 ESPADA DMP-4

The main advantage of ESPADA DMP-4 is the automatic launch of content upon connection. This is really so, you just need to wait until the start menu is loaded and displayed, after which you insert the drive and the materials will be loaded automatically. By the way about the menu. Despite the minimalistic style, it looks pleasant both in appearance and in functionality.

According to customer reviews, it supports some 4K video files, although the technical documentation does not say this. It can be connected via VGA wire, which will allow you to watch movies on computer monitors. Copying from a flash drive to a memory card and vice versa is quick and painless. We recommend using it in dachas where there is a need for multimedia, but technical capabilities are limited. Note that it is better to buy a USB flash drive with a large amount of memory, since the built-in 4 GB is not enough by modern standards.

4 Rombica Cinema T2 v01

Compact device with support for recording and streaming digital TV. Standard cables are included, but HDMI is not included. But there is a remote control, more reminiscent of an option for controlling a TV. The attachment is completely made in black and a combination of matte and glossy plastic. Fits easily in the hand and can be placed almost anywhere.

All ports are located at the back and there are 7 of them. Owners of old LT-TVs will also be delighted, since there is an opportunity to connect them as well. The remote control has a convenient layout in Russian and several buttons for quick access to the main functions. The basic menu includes 7 tabs, which includes:

channel editor;
time setting;
TV calibration;
language parameters;
system components;
calibration.

We safely recommend this module for purchase, since at a relatively low price, the functionality and performance are simply excellent.

3 Apple TV Gen 4 32GB

Apple TV with a high rating became a personal initiative of Steve Jobs, and now the 4th generation of this device quickly conquered the market, despite even a very high price. It has become twice as thick, although the filling of a mobile smartphone is installed inside, but most likely this move is dictated by the need to improve the cooling system. An unfortunate difference from the previous generation is the lack of an Optical Audio connector, as the company considered the sound quality over HDMI to be quite acceptable. Instead of a service Micro-USB, there is a USB Type-C on the rear panel.

The hardware has also been updated. The A8 processor with 2 GB of RAM is installed in order to "drag" the updated operating system, which cannot be handled by the components of the previous generation. In general, the appearance remains the same, all the same 5 application icons on the top and a grid of small icons at the bottom. Conveniently implemented a remote control that can be controlled from anywhere in the house.The sensor is very sensitive and will take some getting used to. It is worth noting that the Siri search engine in Russian does not work entirely correctly and it is better to use the English version.

2 Rombica Smart Cast v02

A small-sized device, endowed with an external Wi-Fi antenna, high-quality images are transmitted to the TV screen from Youtube. There are no problems with sound either - the quality does not suffer. The device is connected directly to the HDMI connector of the TV like a USB flash drive. Among the functionality, there is the possibility of broadcasting the screen of the phone / tablet to the TV, and the set-top box copes with this perfectly. One caveat - communication is carried out using the Miracast protocol, which is disabled by default. Communication can be activated through the EZCast control program.

I am pleased with the possibility of creating a system of monitors - you can either duplicate the image from the screens, or use the TV as an additional screen and display part of the picture on it.

The main advantages of the model are low price compared to full-fledged versions and compact dimensions.

1 Google Chromecast 2018

The third revision took over after the first and second revisions of this device came out in 2013 and 2015. This is a standard set-top box that allows you to stream content in HD format. The package contains all supported platforms and streaming services, of which there are about 12 pieces. Streams can also be carried out from a laptop with a smartphone, as long as there is a Chrome browser. External devices cannot be connected here. For charging, there is a Micro-USB input, a single control button and an LED.

Charging at 1 Ampere, but there is a possibility of supplying power through the USB connector. In standby mode, it shows splash screens from the Google Chrome library. It is controlled by sound commands and you can navigate the menu while playing a movie or series. Excellent compatibility with any Micro-USB is observed. With streams from the browser, there is a delay per second, with other software this is not observed.

Best 4K media players

These are gadgets that can work with ultra-high definition content - 4K. They are more expensive than HD media players, but more than compensate for this disadvantage with the magical quality of the transmitted video. Before opting for a 4K media player, pay attention to the following points:

4K content is still small, so not all films can be seen in ultra format;
You can only enjoy the pleasures of 4K if your TV also supports this resolution.

5 Xiaomi Mi Box 4

A novelty from a popular Chinese company, which has won the hearts of customers with consistently pleasant prices and no less stable quality. The prefix supports 4K HDR (these three letters mean that the model transmits in detail even the highlights of the picture). Pleases shell Xiaomi PatchWall - it is a simple and intuitive interface based on artificial intelligence. It adapts to the user's requirements and helps him find suitable video content.

It has 2 GB of RAM, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1. 8 GB flash memory allows you to store your favorite movies or information with the need for quick access. Comfortable. From the connectors there is everything you need: HDMI, a USB 2.0 port and a 3.5mm headphone jack. There are no reviews for the new product yet, since it was only recently presented by the manufacturer.

4 ZIDOO X9S

A compact set-top box for playing 4K and HD content from the Internet without glitches, dancing with tambourines and long waiting times. Surprisingly, this humble Chinese brand has created a solid media player that can "rejuvenate" your TV. The prefix works on Android 6 and, surprisingly, to configure it you just need to give it access to the Internet and select a time zone - that's it! Next, the smart system will automatically install updates, reboot and give the user maximum freedom - surf the web, watch online videos, play. Google Play is supported. The media player easily connects to your smartphone and allows you to use the latter as a remote control or gamepad.

The outer shell pleases - the body is metal, the dimensions are compact (fits in the palm of your hand). The disadvantages are the short power cable and the location of the USB ports on the side.

3 Apple TV 4K 32GB

This is a set-top box that can rehabilitate your TV with a glitchy Smart TV system in your eyes. The media player works quickly, clearly and without a hint of stalled hardware. The internet picks up instantly and launches online movies without delay. Integration with a computer, tablet, smartphone works. The remote control deserves special attention - it is comfortable and very functional. To control the device from your smartphone, you just need to install and launch the Apple TV Remote.

The set-top box provides access to a huge number of applications that allow you to watch movies, listen to music, and play. It's a pity, voice dialing is only available in English, the Russian Siri was not brought up. The design, like everything "apple", delights. The packaging also looks festive and allows you to use the purchase as a gift.

2 Xiaomi Mi Box International Version

A set-top box with global firmware from a popular Chinese manufacturer. Pre-configuration takes about 10 minutes - everything is simple and clear and created with care for the user. Maximum comfort is achieved thanks to the specialized Android TV operating system, which supports the usual services and ensures their uninterrupted operation in a media player-TV connection. The OS has a special Live Channels application, which is especially convenient when switching channels and watching TV programs.

The remote control is endowed with special comfort - small, but terribly ergonomic. A well-thought-out arrangement of keys and general minimalism allow you to quickly get used to the device and operate the set-top box without looking at the keys. The owners of the Xiaomi Mi Box International Version complain exclusively about the high demands of the set-top box to the Internet speed: the device is “greedy” for megabits and absorbs them to a greater extent than a laptop while watching a movie online.

1 NVIDIA SHIELD

This is a media player that, in addition to basic functions, is endowed with powerful gaming potential. If desired, users can purchase a version with a gamepad and use the console as a game console.

The thing is expensive, but it justifies its price with uninterrupted operation and constant support from the manufacturer, which is expressed in the release of system updates (runs on Android 7.0). The performance here is amazing - 3GB of RAM, NVIDIA Tegra X1 processor. Flash memory is not provided, but there is a remote control. There is support for Google Play services, 4K content, a wide range of file formats. There is everything you need from the interfaces: from the Wi-Fi module to Bluetooth and third-generation USB. It is not necessary to enter queries in the search line by letter, the system recognizes a voice query as well.