Comparison media Players

— Media player. Smart set-top boxes with a pre-installed operating system for the "smart" component of the connected display, whether it's an old CRT TV or a computer monitor with a suitable set of interfaces. The media player transforms any ordinary TV into the category of "smart" and expands the range of possibilities of many modern smart TV models. The vast majority of set-top boxes for TV work under the control of the Android operating system and its modifications. As a result, a huge list of compatible applications has been released for devices of this kind, which provide access to network storage of films and series, are responsible for viewing streaming broadcasts, browser operation, social network clients, etc. Media players with powerful electronics support any type of content and pull quite resource-intensive games. Smart set-top boxes are available in form factors from small to large: some of them are indistinguishable from a standard USB flash drive, while others can be made in a rather large case with Wi-Fi antenna “horns”.

— TV tuner. A separate device for receiving TV broadcasts of the digital broadcasting network and transmitting them to the TV screen or any other suitable display via video and audio outputs. An external receiver will be useful for older TVs that do not have a built-in tuner, and if the TV does not support the desired TV broadcast format. Broadcasting programs in digital format is the main, but by...no means the only task of most TV receivers. A considerable proportion of them can record broadcasts to a USB flash drive, play audio and video files from it, and read common file formats from memory cards. Advanced TV tuners can connect to the Internet and be used to consume media content online.

— Tuner for PC. Devices for watching TV on a computer. Among them, two main varieties can be distinguished: external tuners for a PC connected via USB, and internal tuners installed in a PCI-E slot as an expansion card. The first option, usually, is characterized by a minimum of equipment, however, such devices can be used with almost any computer, from a powerful desktop workstation to an ultra-compact laptop. Internal tuners can have several inputs and outputs, while they are only suitable for desktop PCs, the case of which allows disassembly and installation of additional boards. Note that in both cases, the set of native functions of the tuner for PC, usually, is very limited. But this cannot be called a disadvantage: many additional features (for example, IPTV or video recording) are easier to implement directly through a computer.

— Tuner for a mobile phone. A rare category of devices for broadcasting TV programs of the digital broadcasting grid on the screen of mobile gadgets. TV tuners of this kind are connected to a smartphone or tablet via a microUSB or USB-C port. They often receive DVB-T2 broadcast signals. To display an image from the tuner, you will need to install the appropriate mobile application on your phone. Smartphone tuners have not received wide popularity.

— Video capture device. A type of specialized equipment for capturing audio and video streams through the appropriate connection interfaces and transferring it to a computer for recording or organizing streams. A video capture device will come in handy for creating live broadcasts on Twitch or recording let's plays on YouTube. Such equipment is rarely equipped with its own drives and slots for them — usually it is designed for video recording using computer resources.

— CAM. CAM is an abbreviation for "Conditional-access module". Such modules are used in the networks of cable and satellite digital television operators as an element of a coded broadcasting system: a smart card is installed in the CAM, issued to the subscriber by a cable or satellite service provider, and the module itself, together with the card, is connected to a TV tuner, most often by the PCMCIA standard. The subscriber gets the opportunity to watch certain channels, depending on the specific settings of the card. Devices of this type are not independent tuners — they are only additional accessories necessary for operation in some television networks. When buying, you need to take into account that modern CAMs use several different coding systems and not all such accessories allow reprogramming. It is best to choose a module for a specific smart card.

Digital TV broadcasting standards supported by the device.

Digital broadcasting has a number of advantages over analogue: it allows to transmit a high-resolution image and multi-channel sound, and also provides many additional features that are not available for analogue format. In addition, the signal level in the digital format almost does not affect the reception quality: the picture and sound are either in full quality, or (with a critical weakening of the signal) disappear altogether. The most relevant digital broadcasting standards today are terrestrial DVB-T and DVB-T2, cable DVB-C and satellite DVB-S and DVB-S2, here are their main features:

— DVB-T (terrestrial). The European standard of terrestrial television broadcasting. It is relatively rare due to the spread of the more advanced DVB-T2 standard. So it makes sense to buy a DVB-T tuner specifically if you are sure that there is such a broadcast in your region. Also note that DVB-T uses 2 terrestrial standards — MPEG-2 and MPEG-4; the compatibility of the tuner and the standard should also be clarified separately, otherwise there is a risk of being left without TV even in the digital broadcasting zone. However, many modern models are able to work with both options.

— DVB-T2 (terrestrial). The European broadcasting s...tandard, which replaced DVB-T. It provides higher bandwidth and is more resistant to interference; it is not compatible with the original DVB-T, but this is not a serious drawback: in most countries of Europe and the former Soviet Union, digital broadcasting is conducted precisely according to the DVB-T2 standard.

— DVB-C (cable). The European standard for digital broadcasting in cable networks. Despite the emergence of a more advanced DVB-C2 standard, it is still widely used by cable providers: DVB-C bandwidth allows you to transmit video in resolution up to Full HD and multi-channel audio, and equipment of this standard is relatively inexpensive.

— DVB-S, DVB-S2 (satellite). Standards for digital broadcasting via communication satellites; originally developed by European specialists, but are used worldwide. DVB-S2 is actually a development and improvement of DVB-S, DVB-S2 tuners can also work with the signal in the original DVB-S format. In light of this, modern TV tuners can provide both two separate satellite receivers and one module that supports both of these standards at once; before buying, this nuance should be clarified (especially if the characteristics of the type of satellite tuner is designated as "DVB-S/S2").

Wi-Fi is a technology used for wireless connection to computer networks and for direct connection between devices. In media players, tuners and video capture devices, it can be used both to access the Internet or "local area" through a wireless router, and to communicate with a smartphone, tablet, etc. The AirPlay, Chromecast and Miracast functions are also based on this technology. The specific set of Wi-Fi features should be clarified separately; here we note that in this paragraph the specific supported version of such a connection can also be specified. Here are the main current options:

• Wi-Fi 5(802.11ac). One of the newest (for 2020) standards. Uses the 5 GHz band (less crowded than used in earlier 2.4 GHz versions) for improved reliability and lower latency; and speeds can reach 6.77 Gbps with multiple antennas and 1.69 Gbps with a single antenna.
• Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n). The predecessor of the above Wi-Fi 5, the first standard in which the 5 GHz band was introduced — here it is used along with the traditional 2.4 GHz and is not supported by some devices with Wi-Fi 4. Data transfer rate — up to 600 Mbps.

Note that, in addition to the directly claimed Wi-Fi standard, the media centre, digital receivers and video capture devices usually provide support for earlier versions — for maximum compatibility with different devices.

IPTV service support — broadcasting by the IP protocol, using computer networks (including the Internet).

This feature should not be confused with online TV: in fact, IPTV is a type of cable television, where not an antenna cable is used to transmit the signal, but network equipment. Otherwise, IPTV and cable TV are completely similar: broadcasting is carried out through the operator; the choice of channels is limited by the assortment presented by the operator; and additional charges may apply for access. At the same time, the possibilities of IPTV are much wider than those of traditional cable broadcasting. Most specialized applications have a Time Shift feature (see below); any excerpt of a recently watched broadcast can be re-watched; in addition, it is often also possible to rewind the broadcast to a point in time before the start of viewing (if you turned on such a TV later than you planned). Other features may be provided for additional convenience, such as favorite channel lists, parental guaid, etc.

HDMI is the most common modern interface for working with HD content and multi-channel audio. Video and audio signals with this connection are transmitted over a single cable, and the bandwidth in the latest versions ( HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 2.1) is enough to work with UltraHD resolution and even higher. Almost any modern screen (TV, monitor, etc.) with HD support has at least one HDMI input, which is why most media players and TV receivers have outputs of this type. However, there are also models without HDMI — these are mostly outdated or the most inexpensive solutions that use only analogue video interfaces. There are also models for several HDMI and in most cases one of these ports is for the incoming signal, while the HDMI ports differ in versions.

— v 1.4. The version presented back in 2009, however, does not lose popularity to this day. Supports 4K (4096x2160) video at 24 fps and Full HD at 120 fps; the latter, among other things, allows you to transfer 3D video over this interface. In addition to the original v 1.4, there are also improved versions v 1.4a and v 1.4b, where the possibilities for working with 3D have been further expanded.

-v 2.0. Version released in 2013. Among other things, it introduced the ability to work with 4K video at speeds up to 60 fps, compatibility with ultra-wide format 21: 9, as well as support for up to 32 channels and 4...audio streams simultaneously. HDR support was not originally included in this release, but was introduced in v 2.0a and further enhanced in v 2.0b; media players from this category can support both the original version 2.0 and one of the improved ones.

— v 2.1. 2017 version, also known as HDMI Ultra High Speed. Indeed, it provides a very solid bandwidth, allowing you to work even with 10K video at a speed of 120 fps; in addition, a number of improvements have been made to HDR support. Note that the full use of HDMI v 2.1 is possible only with a special cable, but the functions of earlier versions remain available when using conventional wires.

— AV output. Analogue output for video and audio transferring. Previously, due to the large size of the equipment, it consisted of 3 RCA jacks and was connected to the TV accordingly. Now the devices have become more compact and don't have free space on the case. Therefore, the AV output is a single headphone jack, to which a tee cable is already connected (check availability in the package). Since all components of the video signal are on the same cable, the picture quality and immunity to interference are low.

Input for connecting an external antenna for receiving broadcasting. By default, it should be present in all TV tuners.

Remote control included with media center or TV tuner. In addition to the classic remote control with basic controls, there are manipulators with additional features.

— QWERTY keyboard. Such remotes, in addition to the standard set of keys for controlling the player (see above), have an alphabetic keyboard similar to a computer one. This is relevant primarily for media centers with support for social media and photo services — a keyboard with letters is needed at least to enter a login/password.

— With sensors. A kind of remote control that uses sensors instead of classic buttons. Such equipment is somewhat more expensive, on the other hand, the sensors give the remote control a stylish appearance, and in some cases they are more convenient than buttons.

— With voice control. A remote control equipped with a built-in microphone and capable of recognizing a specific set of voice commands. This control format is often more convenient than using buttons/sensors. At the same time, the set of supported commands can be different — sometimes it is quite limited compared to traditional remotes, sometimes vice versa (for example, it may be possible to type text using voice input); these nuances should be clarified separately. It also will be useful to find out the list of supported languages; note that English is almost guaranteed to be on this list, but Russian not always.

- Programmable. A universal rem...ote control that can be configured to work in conjunction with media players, TV tuners and other home electronics. By default, such remote controls are loaded with a database of signal codes for various types of equipment. To activate a specific device, they usually use a certain combination of button presses. Often programmable remote controls have teachable keys, a built-in gyroscope, an air mouse function and other similar options. The programmable buttons on these models are often dedicated to controlling the TV, eliminating the need for multiple remote controls. The service manual for them contains detailed programming instructions from the manufacturer.

— Programmable with voice control. An advanced type of programmable remote controls (see the corresponding paragraph) with a built-in microphone for issuing voice commands. Voice control is fully supported on set-top boxes running Android; together with conventional media players and TV tuners, you can make voice requests by speaking a phrase into the remote control. The exact implementation of voice control varies depending on the remote control model and the receiving device.

— Absent. The absence of a remote control is typical for network media players controlled from other devices — usually from a computer or from a mobile gadget through a special application.

The type of cooling system used in the device.

— Passive. Systems based on natural heat dissipation; usually, one or another type of radiators is used. Passive cooling is absolutely silent, does not require energy and is extremely reliable — roughly speaking, there is simply nothing to break in it. Its main disadvantage is its low efficiency; this is not critical for relatively simple and low-power devices, however, passive systems are not suitable for advanced models (although Android models are often an exception to this rule).

— Active. Cooling systems with forced heat removal; usually the presence of fans is assumed. Such cooling is extremely efficient, making it suitable for use even in the most powerful devices with intense heat dissipation. Its disadvantages are noise, increased power consumption, as well as the probability of failure (very low, but nonetheless existing).