Optical output
A variation of the SP/DIF audio interface that uses a TOSLINK fibre optic cable. Like the coaxial connector,
the optical output uses a digital data transfer format and can work with multi-channel audio. At the same time, optical fibre requires rather delicate handling, but it is absolutely insensitive to electrical interference.
CPU
The model of the CPU installed in the media player.
This information is mainly of reference value: the processor is selected in such a way as to provide certain practical characteristics (maximum resolution, support for certain standards, embedded applications, etc.). So when choosing, you should focus primarily on these specifications. However, if you wish, knowing the processor model, you can find detailed data on it and evaluate the capabilities of the media centre to work with resource-consuming applications. This can be useful, in particular, if you choose an Android model (see above) and plan to use additional software intensively — the set of applications for this OS is very extensive, and some of them are quite demanding on system resources.
Also note that CPU data is often specified for advertising purposes — to emphasize that the device has a fairly advanced chip from a well-known brand. Among the most common brands of such processors are
Allwinner,
Amlogic,
Rockchip,
Realtek.
CPU frequency
The clock speed of the CPU installed in the media centre.
On the technical side, the higher this indicator, the faster the processor works and the higher, accordingly, the overall system performance. At the same time, the CPU performance depends, in addition to the frequency itself, on a number of factors — architecture, number of cores, special design features, etc.; and the actual speed of the entire system is affected by performance of components other than the processor. In addition, manufacturers usually select processors in such a way that their computing power is guaranteed to be enough for all the features claimed for a media centre. Therefore, in this case, the CPU frequency is more of a reference parameter (and partly an advertising indicator that demonstrates the advanced specifications of the device), rather than practically significant for buyer.
Screen
The device has its own external screen. Such
a screen has a small size and performs an auxiliary role; various additional information can be displayed on it: operating mode, selected media, file name and location, playback time, etc.
Remote IR sensor connection
Possibility to connect an external IR sensor to the device.
Such a sensor plays the role of a receiver for commands from the remote control. It is useful in cases where the set-top box is difficult or impossible to install in a place convenient for remote control — in such a place you can place a remote receiver and use the remote control without any problems. Note that the sensor itself is usually not included into the package.
