When studying various media technologies, we rarely return to almost the same device. But rare circumstances, such as the long-term and confident popularity of the product and its development, force us to do this. The current review is dedicated to precisely this case: we have already reviewed the media player Rombica Cinema 4K, however, serious updates that have appeared, supported by the reputation and long-term recognition of the product, oblige us to resume studying the player. However, given the absence of fundamental changes in the design of the console (there is nothing to improve), we will focus on program changes, and we will also conduct new tests, using, accordingly, new tools. What if the results show something that we didn’t even know about before?

Completeness, design

For those who do not want to open a second tab in their browser, we will briefly list the main features of the player’s design.

The device comes in a fairly large box, on which information about its technical characteristics, interfaces, functions and pre-installed services is printed.

The package content remains the same, all the basic necessary accessories are included. It's a shame it's not free here hard drive. However, the current cost of these media can be several times higher than the price of even an expensive player.

  • AC power adapter
  • infrared remote control
  • HDMI cable
  • composite audio/video cable
  • USB 3.0 cable
  • detailed user manual in Russian

On the front panel there is a window, behind which there is an infrared sensor that picks up signals from the remote control; slightly to the side there is a power button for the device with a two-color LED indicator. Pressing the button turns the device on or off with complete boot cycles or system shutdown.

But what should be abandoned when releasing the next version of the device is the glossy case cover. Dust, fingerprints, easily formed scratches - this is the list of the player's closest visitors, unless, of course, it is hidden in some protective niche.

However, this particular player can be hidden. Typically, it is not recommended to install media equipment in close proximity to a wall or shelf. And even more so, it is not recommended to cover the body with anything. Simply put, air access must be free to prevent critical overheating. However, our player is unlikely to be afraid of high temperatures. Thanks to a well-thought-out ventilation system, the device can also work in confined spaces that are not well ventilated. Thus, after five hours of continuous playback of “heavy” 4K content, individual parts of the player heat up to only 32°C. The following thermal images were taken at room temperature around 25 °C.

View from aboveBottom viewBack view

It should be taken into account that playback was carried out from a hard drive installed in the player with a capacity of one terabyte, old and high-speed (7200 rpm). If the player is equipped with a cooler and quieter drive, then, most likely, the temperatures will be even lower than in our photographs.

Speaking of disks. A new version firmware of the device made it possible to support almost all existing file systems, including even drives with HFS+ (fans of Apple products will certainly appreciate this). By the way, the card reader in the player supports SD memory cards of absolutely all currently existing varieties of this format, including SDXC Class10 U3 with a capacity of 256 GB, we specifically tested this using.

Right side The case contains the mentioned slot for a memory card in MMC, SD/SDHC/SDXC format, two USB 2.0 ports for connecting external drives or peripherals, including control, as well as one USB 3.0 port for connecting high-speed USB drives.

On the back panel of the player, service connectors are located in the following order:

  • digital audio output S/PDIF (optical)
  • USB 3.0 port for connecting to a PC as an external USB drive
  • port local network
  • HDMI input
  • analog composite audio/video output (4-pin 3.5 mm jack)
  • HDMI output
  • AC adapter connector
  • blower fan
  • rotating Wi-Fi antenna

On the left side of the case there is a removable cover secured with a latch. Hidden under this cover is a slot for a hard drive. SATA drive 3.5″. There is an ejection spring inside the socket, and the disc is inserted without special effort and is secured with an internal latch.

There are no additional mounts for the disk, and they are of no use - the HDD is held quite rigidly inside the case. The absence of additional metal parts of the housing that could touch each other eliminates vibration and rattling when work hard disk.

In addition to the Realtek RTD1195 processor covered with a heatsink, the following electronic components can be seen on the main board:

  • USB controller GL850G from Genesys Logic
  • two four-gigabyte DDR3 memory chips Nanya NT5CB256M16CP
  • Wi-Fi/Bluetooth module Realtek RTL8723BS

The included remote control is lightweight and tiny, with rubber buttons that give a distinct but silent response when pressed. At the top of the remote control there is a block of trainable buttons on which you can assign commands to absolutely any household appliance that receives infrared commands, from a TV and audio receiver to a humidifier or air conditioner. Several more buttons are programmed to quick start YouTube, Kodi, UltraHD player, music player, SourceIn and settings menu. An additional button switches the remote control to mouse mode, and a cursor appears on the screen, which can be moved using the joystick-shaped block of arrow buttons on the remote control.

CPURealtek RTD1195
RAM1 GB
ROM memory8 GB
operating systemAndroid 4.4.4
Interfaces
Video inputs
  • HDMI 1.4
Video outputs
  • HDMI 1.4 to Ultra HD 4K (3840×2160) 24–30 Hz
Audio outputs
  • HDMI 1.4
  • analog stereo output
  • S/PDIF optical
Net
  • Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n (2.4 GHz)
  • Ethernet (RJ45) 100/1000 Mbit/s
  • Bluetooth v4.0+EDR
Other
  • USB 2.0 (2 pcs.) for connecting storage devices and peripheral devices
  • USB 3.0 (1 pc.) for connecting storage devices and peripheral devices
  • USB 3.0 (1 pc.) for connecting to PC
  • bay for SATA HDD 3.5″ up to 8 TB
  • memory card slot MMC, SD/SDHC/SDXC up to 256 GB
Data sources
  • Internet
  • the local network
  • hard drives up to 8 TB (EXT3, EXT4, FAT, FAT32, exFAT (FAT64), NTFS, HFS+)
  • USB 2.0/3.0 drives
  • MMC, SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards up to 256 GB
Other characteristics
User Interface
  • Rombica multimedia shell
  • standard Android interface
  • Kodi media center
Built-in Internet servicesNemo TV, Ivi, Megogo, TVZavr, Youtube, etc.
Support
  • hardware decoder Ultra HD 4K up to 30 fps: HEVC (H.265)
  • Full HD hardware decoder up to 60 fps: HEVC (H.265), AVCHD (H.264), MVC (BD 3D ISO), H.263, MPEG4 SP/ASP, Xvid, MPEG2 MP/HL, MPEG1, RealVideo , AVS, VC-1, WMV, M-JPEG, WEBM(VP8)
  • 3D Video: Full HD 1080p H.264: Side-by-side, Top-to-bottom, MVC (BD 3D ISO)
  • file systems: EXT3, EXT4, FAT, FAT32, exFAT (FAT64), NTFS, HFS+
  • cloud services: Dropbox, Google Drive, SkyDrive, Yandex Disk and others
  • automatic switching of output frequencies: 24 Hz, 50 Hz, 60 Hz
  • network protocols: SMB client, NFS client, FTP client, UPnP client, IPTV
Displayno, only operating mode indicator
Coolingactive, built-in fan
power unitexternal
Price
average priceT-12824250
Retail offersL-12824250-10

Settings, performance, operation

Information about the composition and characteristics of the player remains the same, despite the updated firmware. Even the display size is the same, uncorrected. Claiming that screen resolution of this device is 1280x720.

But the player doesn’t have any display! More precisely, there is no constant, and there cannot be. Whichever video output you connect to, that will be the resolution. It is precisely in order to prevent collisions that developers use a trick, forcibly introducing information about a certain virtual display into the device’s firmware. This information, which often does not correspond to reality, does not in any way affect the performance of the device. Perhaps, only in one case do the numbers specified by the developer somehow manifest themselves: when testing using test applications. Which launch this or that task based on system information. For example, the 3D accelerator testing package activates the test with a resolution of exactly 1280x720, and not with the one that the TV connected to the player has. Otherwise these technical information will not be related to the operation of the player.

Checking the speed of network connections did not bring any new results - the previous ones obtained during the study of the same player, albeit with an earlier firmware version, were just completely confirmed. This means that the firmware does not play a role in operation network adapters, from which, apparently, all available potential has been squeezed out. This also means (to the author’s great joy) that no negative changes have occurred in his local network over the past time. All that remains is to give the speed values ​​that are obtained when copying from the player’s HDD to network storage and vice versa.

And just as before, the player can easily play 100-megabit videos from network storage devices, shot with 4K video cameras and cameras, including those with the HEVC codec.

Now we will touch more closely on the issue of reproduction, but this time we will dwell in more detail on formats. There is a famous Antutu test suite that is known as a universal test app for Android devices. For some time now, a branch of this package has appeared - a program designed to test support for video formats. Wisely, correctly, it’s high time! Of course, this program was immediately installed on our player and a video playback test, simply called Video Test, was launched.

Based on the testing results, the program rendered the following verdict:

It follows from it that the player fully supports 24 formats, partially coped with four formats, and two formats were too tough for the player.

Here you need to digress a little in order to broaden your horizons. So, when we use the word “format,” we mean a combination of several parameters of a video file: container + video codec + audio codec. Anyone with an imagination can easily guess how many “formats” can be obtained by mixing these three main factors in their various variations. More precisely, this way: he will guess that it is impossible to calculate the exact number of combinations. After all, there are dozens and dozens of containers and codecs alone. The Antutu developers thought about the same thing, limiting themselves to a set of 22 options for what they consider to be the most common codecs and containers.

Relatively detailed transcript formats for which the player has been tested for playback are listed in separate tables:

Full supportPartial supportLack of support

For convenience and clarity, we list these problematic formats, for the reproduction of which the player received average and unsatisfactory ratings. Partially supported formats that are played with some deviations from the norm (no picture or smooth playback) are the following:

One could agree with all this if one is accustomed to blindly trusting what has an official appearance. However, trust - but verify. Let's check it out.

First of all, the very test files with which the application makes its measurements were found - they are stored in working folder programs in the player's memory. These videos are short segments from a cartoon, which, in our opinion, are not very suitable for determining the “smoothness” of playback. Guided by the parameters of these files, we produced our own test files, which repeated the desired combinations of containers and codecs. All that remains is to start playing the resulting set and try to fix the shortcomings with your own eyes.

Well, it worked! It was possible to record that the last two formats, which the player could not cope with at all, also turned out to be inedible for it. He simply failed to open them, as was briefly reported on the screen. But with the first four formats, which allegedly played poorly, there is a big question. We didn't see any shortcomings. Moreover, when playing the TS file, the picture was quite present, as well as the sound.

Well, let the final results remain the responsibility of the inspection program. In any case, the player in question scored enough conditional points to get close to the top ten - as many as 737 “parrots”!


What else, besides playing an existing video, might you need a media player for? Why was it called universal? Yes, at least because HDD, which is installed in the device, can - and should - be used not only for storing a media library. But also to replenish it. No matter how indignant the holders of countless copyrights may be, the very possibility of quickly obtaining the necessary content cannot be prohibited. We are, of course, talking about the notorious torrents. The torrent application built into the firmware is not much different from a regular PC client. Here, in the same way, you can manage downloads remotely, and the exchange speed was not just surprising - it was amazing. In fact, at the limit of the channel provided by the provider.

The content obtained in this way is automatically indexed and subsequently displayed in the built-in file browser. Which, it should be noted, constantly but quietly scans available drives for the presence of media content, after which the selected content opens in the built-in player or graphic viewer.

Of course, there is still one more way to brighten up your leisure time and keep your player busy. These are streaming Internet media resources. Probably, first of all, Internet TV should be classified as such. Such television is broadcast different ways, separate TV channels They even release their own apps that allow you to watch live broadcasts. A considerable part of TV applications are paid or shareware. The most preferable option for watching TV seems to be a method based on the same technologies as a torrent client. Here, in the Peers.TV application pre-installed on the player, the user will find an almost unlimited list of TV channels for every taste.

But torrents and watching videos/TV are banal. But, for example, there is a task that usually requires expensive specialized equipment - video surveillance. Those who are “in the know” probably know the secret of how an ordinary smartphone can be turned into a DVR with a camera. However, a smartphone is not a very reliable device; you cannot trust it to work around the clock with recording, much less continuous broadcasting of a video stream. Unlike a smartphone, a media player on Android based will cope with such a task much more successfully. Moreover, if you have a capacious - up to 8 TB - hard drive and without the risk of overheating. You just need to connect any webcam to the player and install one of the many applications that help implement the video surveillance task. True, not every program/service is free and reliable or skillful enough. Unlike simple in appearance, but powerful in functionality, free program domestic developer of IP Webcam.

General settings with camera selectionRecording settingsActive mode

Perhaps the most important function of this application is the ability to work in background, almost invisible to the user.

Finally, such a hardware-implemented feature as creating a constantly working Wi-Fi access point in the presence of a wired network will allow you to create a second Wi-Fi network in the place where the player is installed. A great chance to expand Wi-Fi coverage in a multi-room apartment.

However, a significant part of users can go much further in their fantasies. What is noteworthy is that the only thing that can hinder the implementation of their tricks is their own laziness. Well, as a last resort, there is no need for this or that technology or function. For example, if there is no more than one TV in a house or apartment, then a DLNA server is not needed at all. If you have a second or more TV with the Smart function, on which you also sometimes need to view local content, then it is not at all necessary to buy an additional player for each TV. It is enough to install a simple application on your existing Android set-top box that implements technology that allows you to transmit and receive a variety of media content over a local network, displaying it in real time.

One of the simplest such applications can be considered My DLNA server . There are no settings in it as a class - this is so as not to get scared. And three huge buttons - so as not to miss.

Once you press the main Start button, the application will begin indexing any media content available within local reach ( inner memory, connected disk and other media), and the Smart TV, when selecting a source, will see our player under the modest name Local Media. By selecting this source, the user will see the contents of the player on the TV screen and will be able to view any supported content.

Of course, there are more advanced applications for such tasks, where you can not only set a different name for the DLNA server, but also select folders for indexing or set precise network settings.

In the same way, you can install a SAMBA server to “share” all the contents of the player and media connected to it over the local network, as a result of which the player becomes a regular network storage accessible from any computer. If it is necessary to carry out remote access to files and folders of the player - the user has an FTP server at his disposal, which will work no less successfully than the network add-ons listed above.

Finally, the universal player in question can perform one more function, which is usually implemented by special gadgets, USB dongles, which connect directly to the HDMI input of the TV. We are talking about technology (in our case, EzCast), which is based on direct Wi-Fi connection between two devices, for example a player and a smartphone. Obviously, an intermediate link in the form of a router with its Wi-Fi point is superfluous here, since communication is carried out directly between devices. This connection allows you to transmit any multimedia signal from one device to another in real time. To implement this function, you will need to install the EzCast application of the same name on your smartphone, and then launch the EzCast Screen application installed on the player. Connecting two devices is extremely easy - just one touch on your smartphone.

After instantly connecting the devices, the TV to which the player is connected will duplicate the display of the smartphone, displaying everything that is displayed on it. Thus, while in the company of friends, you can demonstrate the content stored in your smartphone on the big screen - photos, videos, etc. without tedious preliminary copying or a wired connection. If you think about it wireless transmission The video signal can be used for more specific purposes, even for work purposes. For example, to display presentation slides, diagrams, drawings and graphs on a large TV screen. And this technology looks absolutely priceless if you mobile device there is no video output, but there is a vital need to transmit to big screen or to a card to capture live video from a smartphone display. For example, from a thermal imager connected to a smartphone.

To view in a larger size, click the Original size button

Perhaps, it would be possible to give a dozen more examples of using a universal stationary Android set-top box, but the imagination of millions of users will certainly be richer.

conclusions

Among the disadvantages of the design, we can only remember the obsessive quibble regarding the glossy finish of the lid. Unfortunately, there is nothing more to complain about. All other features cannot be called disadvantages, but they are clear advantages:

  • hardware decoding of all common formats, including Ultra HD 4K HEVC (H.265)
  • support for 3D video in Side-by-side, Top-to-bottom, MVC (BD 3D ISO) formats
  • Automatic frame rate switching when playing various video content
  • multi-channel audio output Dolby Digital, DTS, Dolby True HD, DTS HD
  • gigabit ethernet
  • USB 3.0 ports supporting storage devices and various peripherals
  • support hard drives up to 8 TB capacity with any file systems
  • programmable remote control
  • good cooling system

The cost of the device is not negligible, but it is strictly proportional to its functionality, and among devices of a similar class you are unlikely to find a cheaper offer. The considered media player has been popular for a long time and deservedly so, because it was developed with a serious functional reserve. Thanks to this reserve, the player is destined to constantly develop along with the Android application market. And this development can only be stopped by the probable, but very slow, obsolescence of the version of the operating system on which the set-top box runs.

What is a media player for a TV? Probably everyone has a vague idea of ​​what kind of device this is. Multimedia technology has been and will be associated with watching films, TV series, and listening to your favorite music. When media players appeared on the electronics market, they provoked the transformation of televisions from ordinary television signal receivers into home multimedia entertainment centers. At the same time, this function is often assigned to the built-in smart TV software. At the same time, media players are popular on the market because they are universal and allow you to replace them with a more modern model.

Not only a CD, a flash drive, which is familiar to most users, can be used as a storage medium, with the help of which multimedia content is played. Modern devices work with Internet access due to support Wi-Fi technology. Therefore, they provide the opportunity to watch TV series and movies on large Smart TVs. Media players provide users with the opportunity to enjoy high-quality images.

Previously, the number of media players and the number of manufacturers was insignificant. It is easier for a modern user to get confused by the abundance of both companies and the number of available models. TV set-top box making the right choice will be easy to use and multitasking.

Plasma TVs are available with a built-in player, but you need to understand that their functionality is lower than that of a device purchased separately.

There are different approaches to purchasing any equipment. Someone takes into account the available budget. But this option for choosing a device is not always successful, since the functionality of inexpensive models leaves much to be desired. Next, we will consider the key points that you need to pay attention to when choosing a media player.

The range of available interfaces during the period of digital broadcasting is gradually losing its position; TVs that have an HDMI input and support resolutions from HD Ready and higher are considered candidates for connecting a media player.

The connector will allow you to receive maximum quality in the process of transmitting a video signal, which helps simplify the output of multi-channel audio to a home theater. Digital audio can be transmitted to acoustics in a modified format - this is a characteristic feature of HDMI.

If you look at the question of how to choose a media player, you need to focus on the size of the device. The dimensions of the new models depend solely on the number of connectors for connecting to the TV and the compartment for the hard drive.

There is no need to choose a model with only a HDD connector, since this option may no longer be in demand in the near future. Constant need connecting the media player to the computer, removing the drive to transfer new content, working with torrents - all this takes a lot of time. Playing content over a local network is one of the fastest ways.

Players without the function of supporting data exchange over the network are very rare. Even inexpensive models can offer their future owners an Ethernet connector or Wi-Fi support. When you have Wi-Fi at home, it is logical to immediately purchase a model with the option of accessing home network storage.

A media player with Internet access based on Android is additional support different functions: client of Facebook, VK, Skype and various instant messengers.

Let's move on to the supported formats. Over the past few years, devices have appeared that support formats such as:

  • Divx/Xvid;
  • H.264;
  • MPEG 1/2.

In terms of sound, there are also high-quality audio formats: DTS, Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby TrueHD.

Fans of “full-length and voluminous video” may encounter problems. Since films supporting 3D are rare in quality ISO extensions or as a folder with files. In this case, you will have to select media player models that support standards such as ISO BD3D, and navigation through the film should be carried out using Lite.

Control methods in most cases are presented: remote control, computer keyboard, mouse (in some models). The last two options make switching the TV comfortable.

To choose a media player wisely, you need to consider the following criteria:

  • formats the device works with;
  • hard disk memory;
  • number and types of connectors;
  • availability of support for Internet services;
  • menu navigation;
  • Russian-language interface;
  • budget size.

Options for connecting a media player to a TV

For those who prefer ease of use, it is better to opt for Full HD media players. Most models connect to the Internet via Wi-Fi. The device is connected to the TV using special interfaces.

If we are talking about connecting the player to an outdated TV model, the situation becomes more complicated. Because due to the lack of HDMI in the old TV, you have to choose one of the analog interfaces:

  1. Composite output, or "tulip". For over ten years it has been used to output video signals and stereo sound. The sound quality is significantly reduced, it is better to stick to alternative options.
  2. Component output. It also uses several cables or “tulips”, which improves image quality and is considered the best among the available options.
  3. SCART. To a greater extent, this is not an interface, but "container" to transmit an RGB image. IN modern devices is rare.
  4. S-Video. This connector is typical for outdated computer video cards. Rarely used by TV manufacturers.

Also used for HDMI connection. It is standard and identical for all equipment. When HDMI is not available, you can use “tulips”.

The best media player models

When choosing which media player to buy, everyone initially pays attention to the company that produces this product. Previously, the number of manufacturers was insignificant, today the number of brands is huge, so those who are faced with the purchase of such equipment for the first time may be confused. The most popular brands are: Apple, Nvidia, Xiaomi, Google, Pioneer, Dune, Rombica. And here are only the most important representatives of this industry.

Each brand has its own characteristics, style, features, specifications. Next, we will look at the rating of media players 2019.

Apple TV 4K 32GB

This is one of the best media players for TVs from the global brand Apple. The design is discreet, in black. The dimensions of the box are small, the edges are rounded. There are no unnecessary decorative elements. Maximum resolution – 4K.

The player also supports formats such as: MOV and MP4. If we talk about sound and graphic formats, the device supports all known options. Connection to TV is carried out using a digital HDMI 2.0 channel. Additionally, you can use Wi-Fi. As alternative options connections can be considered Bluetooth and Ethernet.

For those who use another Apple products, you can use AirPlay technology. This greatly simplifies the work with all devices due to fast file transfer.

High performance is ensured by a proprietary processor – Apple A10X Fusion. RAM – 3 GB, built-in memory – 32 GB. Passive type of cooling is used. But you have to pay for this functionality.

Nvidia Shield TV

It should be noted that this hardware is available in two versions. The characteristic differences are the size of the built-in memory and the dimensions of the device.

A multifunctional player presented by the legendary GPU manufacturer. Maximum resolution – 4K. Supported video formats include: MKV, AVI, M2TS, MP4 and others. Sound files everything is read.

To connect you will need to use HDMI 2.0. Additional interfaces are also presented in a wide range from Wi-Fi to Ethernet.

Personally produced processor – Nvidia Tegra X1. 3 GB – random access memory. OS – Android 7.0. Users can download required applications With Google Play. The main menu is easy to use; to use the joystick you need to synchronize the console with your Nvidia account.

The design of the player deserves special attention. Indeed, the manufacturer relied not only on the functionality of the device, but also on the original appearance.

Dune HD TV 102W

We can say that this is a little-known brand that specializes in the production of digital media players. Despite the insignificant experience in this sector, its products are actively purchased both in Russia and in the territory foreign countries. TV-102W is a junior model, provides high speed and stable work.

The processor works with current video and audio formats. Thanks to streaming services, the set-top box is practical to use. Users will be able to enjoy working with web browsers, free online cinemas, and an expanded media player OS. Also available social media, supports working with files in local space. Suitable for Smart TV.


Among the disadvantages, we can note the lack of support for 3D video and sound in DTS format. But this is more of a drawback for those who love rich pictures. You can also note the low power of the Wi-Fi transmitter.

The device catches digital channels IPTV. You can control it using remote control management. If you install special software on a gadget (cell phone, tablet), you can control the media player. The option of data exchange via iOS and Android is available.

The Russian-language menu is simple, all plugins are presented on one screen. The user can immediately select the section he needs: browser, virtual keyboard, radio. The advantage of this model is the stable firmware update; it can be downloaded from the manufacturer’s official website.

Xiaomi Mi Box 4K

The Xiaomi brand is extremely famous in Russia and other countries. The company specializes in the production of various equipment. Xiaomi in particular is famous for its stylish, functional smartphones. Not the last place in the production process is occupied by media players.

Here is one of the most interesting and reliable models. In general, the technical characteristics are decent for such a price. Maximum video playback format is 4K. Connection methods are presented:

  • HDMI;
  • stereo jack;
  • "tulips";
  • Audio-video connectors.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless interfaces are also available. You can connect a hard drive or flash drive via the USB connector.

The Amlogic S905 chipset powers the player. The available operating memory is slightly less than that of previously presented options, 2 GB. A passive cooling method is also used.

Apple NV Gen 4 32GB

Here is a video player model that was presented by a global brand quite a long time ago. The latest updated version of Apple TV 4th Generation 32GB was slightly changed by the manufacturer, namely the company relied on applications, now the set-top box supports the most popular programs from App Store.

The model runs on the tvOS user interface. The connection can be made using an HDMI cable; a wireless Wi-Fi or wired Ethernet interface is also available.

It should be noted that the kit includes a smart remote control equipped with a microphone. Also for game lovers, there is a built-in motion sensor to work as a game controller.

Rombica Smart Box Ultra HD V003

This media player works with different video formats up to 4K. Runs on Android OS, it is possible to install applications from Google Play or APK applications of the operating system. Built-in Internet services and clients for various social networks simplify working with the player.

Supports 3D. 8 GB of internal memory. Three additional USB ports are available. You can also connect a wireless keyboard or mouse for comfortable operation of the device.

The appearance is unremarkable, reminiscent of a router. The design is laconic, compact, without unnecessary elements, and the matte finish does not leave fingerprints. The player is equipped with feet, which improves air circulation. The advantage is the connection to older TV models.

As for cooling, this model has a reshaped bottom cover, which creates additional ventilation.

Iconbit XDS94K

The square box is made of plastic and has a metal edging. The disadvantage is that all fingerprints remain on the player.

The device works with the following interfaces:

  • USB ports (4 pieces);
  • HDMI cable and Ethernet;
  • power cable;
  • S/P-DIF;
  • MicroSD slot.

The player menu is simple, there are no unnecessary elements that distract users. It is also worth saying that the remote control small sizes, for the most common functions, the corresponding buttons are located on the remote control.

Working with the remote control, you can open all sections of interest and configure the device. A virtual mouse mode is also available here. If desired, the user can connect a wireless keyboard and mouse.

The remote control supports the HDMI CEC protocol, which ensures synchronization between the player and the TV. For budget devices, such a solution is rare, but here, as we see, the manufacturer decided to please its users.

The media player can be used as a commercial video player. The equipment can work 24/7, seven days a week, and special applications can play files without interruptions and without returning to the main menu. Additionally, each owner of this device can activate the auto shutdown function using a timer. This option is also available for instant launch. the desired file after turning on the TV.

Amibox X96

Completes the list of some of the best consoles X96 Mini. Thanks to the ability to purchase players and choose the most suitable ones depending on your goals and preferences, there is no need to constantly purchase new TVs.

This device is easy to connect. You can use cords, or use Internet technologies.

The player is functioning in the operating room Android system TV. This opens up the opportunity to watch videos, browse social networks, and additionally download applications from the store. For more comfortable use, you can purchase and connect a wireless keyboard or mouse. But in general, you can switch, work with menus, and scroll through social networks using the remote control. The remote control contains buttons to perform basic functions.

The manufacturer equipped the device with a powerful Amlogic S905W 64 bit Cortex-A53 processor with a frequency of up to 2.0 GHz. The model is equipped with 4 cores. 2 GB – RAM. The model is not equipped with Bluetooth. Supports UHD 4K.

Note.

Not all television devices can be called “smart”. Smart TV technology is gaining popularity, but what about those who have older TV models? Fortunately, you don’t have to spend money on a modern model - there are special consoles. With the help of this article, you can choose the best media player for your TV. With such a set-top box, the possibilities of Smart TV no longer seem so far away.

NVIDIA SHIELD + Okko


  • good speed
  • powerful tv box
  • opportunity to play computer games
  • regular updates
  • reduced play market

The advantage of this device is the incredible level of detail when watching movies and TV series. Sports matches are reproduced in a way that creates a sense of presence. 4K support with HDR. Included is a six-month subscription that gives access to films from the OKKO cinema.

Dune HD Pro 4K Plus


  • metal case
  • Supports all popular video formats
  • control from smartphone
  • one pair of batteries included
  • HDMI cable quality
  • overpriced

Technical testing of Dune HD Neo 4K was successful. In general, this model has few flaws, but these can also be explained by the features of the Realtek platform and firmware flaws. Suitable for tandem connoisseurs " home server and normal content" as well as for "dune fans". On this moment The Dune HD system is much more powerful than its competitors. That's why the price is quite high.

Selenga A4


  • 3 USB port 2.0
  • support for popular formats
  • lightweight console
  • convenient remote control
  • not identified

This smart set-top box based on Android 7.1.2 contains 16 GB of internal memory, as well as 2 GB of RAM. With Selenga's superior multimedia center, TVs, monitors or projectors turn into full-fledged computers. It is possible to install applications, watch movies and TV online. Access to games and various widgets is provided.

On other OS

Apple TV 4K 32GB


  • ability to install software from the App Store
  • design
  • quality
  • comfort
  • can be played with joystick
  • defective remote control
  • few applications

Apple TV 4K is presented as a mini PC. After all powerful processor A10X Fusion and 32 GB of memory are no joke. Movies and TV series are broadcast with the latest special effects for the 4K HDR format. High Dynamic Range is a technology that provides the most realistic color reproduction and small parts. You can use Apple TV 4K as a universal media player, with the ability to install applications from the App Store. Various devices iOS can be “friends” with the console. For example, with a slight movement of your fingers iPhone hands turns into a remote control.

MiraScreen G2 WiFi Display Dongle


  • comfortable
  • powerful
  • sometimes the signal drops out
  • requires reboot

Individual interesting design The MiraScreen G2 dongle will distract you from everyday life. Suitable for use at home or on the go. The player features: high-definition images, wide compatibility with various operating systems, as well as easy connection. The toggle button changes Airplay to Miracast modes.

AnyCast M4 Plus


  • easy connection
  • video hangs
  • maximum – 1080p

Miracast (Anycast) M4 is a wireless device that allows you to play content from your smartphone or tablet on your TV. Connects via HDMI connector, as well as via WiFi. Suitable only for broadcasting static images, the video hangs on it.

Inexpensive models (up to 3000 rub.)

Google Chromecast 2013


  • quality
  • speed
  • ease of use
  • there are interruptions in work
  • a small set of supported services

There were no comments regarding the design or hardware configuration of the player. The device responds quite quickly to user actions. The real picture quality is expressed by limiting the format to 720p. Therefore, you can’t count on greater clarity on a monitor with a large diagonal. The sound is only stereo. Live streaming of content from a smartphone is not possible.