Ivan Laichtman
At the beginning of the year, Samsung solemnly demonstrated to the public the HomeSync television set-top box running Android OS. The device duplicates the functionality of an Apple set-top box, allowing you to broadcast digital content - photos, videos and applications - from mobile devices to the TV. The difference from Apple TV is that the Korean device has a built-in hard drive 1 TB, allowing you to store and synchronize data between devices.
According to the Korean giant's plans, the console was supposed to go on sale in April. But not everything worked out here: the launch of HomeSync was postponed indefinitely, and it seemed to be forgotten about.
The difficulties that arose relatively recently were overcome, and the new product went on sale first in the USA, and is now available for purchase in Russian stores.
Sales of HomeSync began in Samsung branded stores at a retail price of 10,000 rubles.
HomeSync is built on a dual-core Exynos 5250 processor with a frequency of 1.7 GHz, 1 GB random access memory and has an Ethernet connector, Wi-Fi modules, Bluetooth 4.0, two USB ports 3.0, HDMI, microUSB 2.0 port, optical audio jack and Android platform. Using the latter, among other things, means that HomeSync can be used to watch videos from YouTube, as well as access the store Google Play behind additional applications like Netflix or Vudu, which turn the set-top box into a TV media center. The player built into the device supports many video formats: H.264, H.263, MPEG-4, VC-1, WMV7/8, DivX, MP3, AAC, WMA, FLAC and others.
The smartphone can be made to act as a navigation remote control to control the picture on the TV: either by moving it in space or by moving your finger across the display. If desired, the function of automatically uploading all content to HomeSync is activated: photos and videos taken by the smartphone will be available for everyone to view.
At the same time, Samsung HomeSync's capabilities are not limited to local content. Thanks to the use Android platforms Jelly Bean can always be downloaded from the web for various entertainment and educational content from Google Play Store or from the Samsung Apps online store.
In addition, if you wish, you can even put it on guard for your home while you are away: just connect an IP camera (sold separately) to the set-top box, and you will be able to monitor the situation in your home from your smartphone. If something suspicious is detected in the room, the device will immediately send a warning signal.
At the end of October, Apple will launch a new generation of Apple TV set-top boxes. The new product is not cheap - $149–$199. In fact, this is the highest price in the set-top box market. That's why we've compiled a list of gadgets that could compete with Apple's new product.
Amazon Fire TV
Following Apple, the American corporation Amazon introduced updated version Fire TV. The set-top box is already very popular in the United States and is one of the TOP 3 best-selling television set-top boxes.
The main difference that all reviewers immediately noticed is support for 4K video format. Apple TV 4 doesn't have this. In addition, the set-top box not only supports connecting devices via USB, but also has a slot for microSD cards. There is support for its own voice assistant called Alexa, which was previously announced in the Echo speaker. Parents will also like separate profiles for children.
Not going to lose sight of Amazon and the market mobile games. A special Gaming Edition was introduced, which comes with a controller, two games and a 32 GB memory card. The gamepad will cost $50 separately. It is worth noting that the Amazon branded joystick is better suited for games than remote controls from other companies - it will be more convenient for them to play. Another plus of Fire TV is the presence of a large number of games, since the gaming direction was introduced a year ago.
The new Fire TV will also begin shipping in October. Price regular version- $99, and the Gaming Edition will cost $139.
Chromecast
The Google gadget, which looks more like a flash drive, was introduced about two years ago and gained great popularity among users. The main reason, of course, is the price: Chromecast costs only 2,290 rubles in Russia and $35 in the USA. 
For the money, Chromecast works great: both Android and iOS devices can connect to it. A large number of services have already been adapted to work with the gadget. It's great for broadcasting presentations to big screen any TV that has USB.
But the console also has its disadvantages. Firstly, for full-fledged work it is required good wifi, otherwise the signal may be interrupted. Secondly, without a smartphone or tablet, Chromecast is just a flash drive sticking out of the TV and cannot provide anything to the user.
If you decide to buy, wait a few weeks: there is a rumor that Google will introduce a new generation at the end of this month.
Nexus Player
Another option from Google — set-top box Nexus Player. The gadget runs on the recently introduced operating system Android system TV and can compete with Apple TV.
Nexus Player also has voice search, which helps you search for movies and TV series, as well as other content. Everything works in a single Google ecosystem, so the TV with set-top box will become an extension of your Android smartphone or tablet, if you use one. This, by the way, is a big plus: you can start watching movies on your smartphone, and at home switch it to the console in one motion. Comfortable.
As is the case with other consoles, Google offers users a special game controller. True, this is not our own development, but a gadget from Asus. Inside Nexus Player - Intel processor Atom with a frequency of 1.8 GHz, which will help cope with all serious games.
The Nexus Player, like the Chromecast, is not very expensive: the original price was $99, but even the official Google website offers a $20 discount. You can buy it for ten cheaper on Amazon. In addition, in addition to Google, set-top boxes on Android based TV is also offered by other companies (Sony, Nvidia, Philips), Nexus Player is not the only option.
Roku
Roku currently leads the set-top box market for several reasons. Firstly, the price is relatively affordable: the third generation will cost $90, and the second - only $70. Secondly, the user has access to all well-known services from one device: there are both videos from Amazon and music from Spotify. Roku is considered to have the largest database of channels and content sources available. 
The control panel also acts as a controller for simple games. Not only the wrist strap, but also the headphones are attached directly to it. An unusual solution. However, this does not save the device, which looks much worse than all other competitors.
Apple TV 3
During the September event, we were told that Apple will still sell the previous generation Apple TV. At the same price of $69, which is half the price of the new item. Today this is an excellent budget option that allows you to watch movies/TV series/shows, listen to music, and also play some games via AirPlay. The console does not have a voice assistant or support for serious games, although this is not important for everyone.
Apple TV 4
This is the most advanced set-top box today Apple. There is a Siri voice assistant, an updated game console, a new tvOS operating system and 32/64 GB storage. Apple managed to make an impressive presentation and amaze the audience with conversations with Siri and a demonstration of a couple of toys. The interface also turned out to be good, clearly outperforming its competitors in beauty, but not in the range of features. Still, this may not be enough for sales. Today, everything depends on whether Apple will be able to lure developers and interest them in the tvOS platform. If this happens, then Apple will again be able to regain its place in the TOP 3 suppliers of game consoles. In the meantime, she ranks fourth.
As you can see, there is no ideal console. Each of the models presented above corresponds to the price/quality rule, and they are all designed for different audiences. For some, a cheap Chromecast will be enough, but for gamers, Apple TV 4 will not be enough. Make your choice according to your needs.
At first glance, Chromecast is a MiniPC with an HDMI input for a TV, but in fact, this thing doesn’t reach the level of a full-fledged Android computer, and besides, it doesn’t need it.
Chromecast allows you to cast web pages from your computer and play YouTube videos in high resolution. And, it would seem, nothing special... but how it’s done!
Google Chromecast kit: box, Chromecast, MicroUSB cable, US plug, instructions.
Chromecast connects to TV with using HDMI, but for this it needs power, so on the reverse side it has an input for a MicroUSB cable. To get started, you need to connect the wire to the “cast” and the TV, if it has power. If not, then take a plug and plug it into the socket.
After turning it on for the first time, you will need to configure Chromecast. This can be done both from a computer and from a phone (iOS, Android). I did it using my laptop. By the address google.com/chromecast/setup you need to download a special application for Mac or PC. When you first launch the program, it will immediately see the Chromecast over Wi-FI and ask you to confirm the code, after which you can give the device a name and connect it to the same Wi-Fi network to which your computer (or phone) is connected. What’s noteworthy is that Chromecast only supports networks at a frequency of 2.4 GHz; Google’s new product does not accept 5 GHz.
Once the program is installed and Chromecast is configured, you can broadcast. The computer has a special button in the form of an extension.
On your phone, this button appears automatically if your Wi-Fi networks Chromecast is located. (I'm, of course, talking about the YouTube app on iOS)
In Android the situation is similar.
The most interesting thing is that you can turn on the video and minimize the application or turn it off altogether.
Things are no less interesting with web pages. Using the extension, you can broadcast any site, any window to your TV. In my case, this is useful when a new series of Interns has been released on RuTube, and I want to watch it on TV. This is where Chromecast comes in handy.
Moreover, the sound that is inside the page remains on the TV, and you can listen to music from Vkontakte on your laptop in the next window. This is smart.
A streaming button also appears in the YouTube player, and in this case the page can also be closed, and the TV will continue to show the video. It’s also great that you can queue videos.
Chromecast is worth buying if you have fast Internet, because with a stable speed - even at 5 Mbps, the device will take up everything, even in idle mode.
Chromecast costs $35 in the US, and the first customers also received 4 months of free subscription to Netflix. In Russia the price for this moment no less than 4500 rubles, which is too much.
I forgot to talk about the ergonomics of the device: it’s really top level and the Chrome logo gives confidence, but in reality this thing will stick out from the back of your TV, so I don't see the point in discussing it. The box is cool too.
Returning to the question about Apple TV, I think it’s not fair to compare these set-top boxes. Apple TV has more functionality than Chromecast. For example, AirPlay broadcasts not only video, but also everything that happens on a Mac, iPhone or iPad. She has her own movie store and other benefits. But there are no disadvantages here: firstly, the price is $100, secondly, it is irrelevant for Russia, and thirdly, with using Android or Chrome cannot be controlled by Apple TV.
But, as usual, since Western journalists called it a rival to Apple TV, people will choose... between a stove and a refrigerator. In addition, prices in Russia are now approximately the same.
P.S. They gave me a Chromecast to test, but I liked it so much that I’ll buy it for myself. For $35, of course.
Equipment from a famous American brand is always in demand, which is not surprising. After all, it combines original design and an unlimited range of functionality. Now let’s figure out what Apple TV is and how it works. As a result, each user will understand whether it makes sense to spend money on purchasing this gadget.
What is Apple TV
In short, Apple TV is a device designed to broadcast media content from the iTunes Store and other online services to the TV screen. Why do users buy this gadget? Apple TV will turn the most ordinary TV into a smart device. Additional functionality, which will be available to the user immediately after connecting:
- access to a library of high-quality video content, which is stored on special resources;
- broadcasting multimedia content to the TV screen from smartphones, tablets, players, and other devices running operating systems Windows systems and Mac OS;
- access to an impressive repository of audio tracks, podcasts, images, video games.
The Apple TV set-top box works on the principle of streaming media content. The latest models of devices of this type have a limited amount of built-in memory. Therefore, content must be stored in the cloud or on removable media information: flash drives, external hard disks.
To watch a movie or TV series, you don't have to buy the content. Users have access to the “Rent” function. Therefore, your balance will be charged solely for viewing. This is a good way to save money.
The gadget is equipped with a built-in adapter for wireless connection to the Internet. Therefore, after connecting the set-top box, the user will be able to connect the TV to a wireless home network, even if it didn't natively support Wi-Fi. No additional wires, adapters or adapters are required to set up the connection.
Apple integrates many useful technologies into its devices. For example, AirPlay, with which you can quickly set up synchronization between your TV and your computer or laptop. Management will be carried out remote control, which is included in the basic package of the console. The remote control can also be used as a computer mouse.
Analyzing Apple features TV can't ignore performance. UHD and Full HD content plays without any delay. Multichannel sound will make watching movies even more rich. An 8 GB flash memory serves as a streaming data buffer. The devices in question are equipped powerful processor Apple A5.
Connection process
Modern TV models are equipped with an HDMI interface, through which a set-top box is connected. The cord is not included in the basic package of the Apple TV. Exists alternative way equipment connections - component cable.
Connect the set-top box to a power outlet using the power cable, and then connect it to a component TV or HDMI wire. Initial setup synchronization is carried out by remote control remote control. Connect to your home Wi-Fi network to sign in to iCloud. If you have not previously created a profile, register a new account.
Subsequent setup is carried out according to the same principle as in the case of other gadgets from Apple. You can achieve the clearest sound possible while watching movies or listening to music by connecting an audio system. The acoustics are connected via a fiber optic cable. Insert the plug into the interface marked "Toslink".
Use as a TV set-top box
The device operates under control operating system iOS. The desktop of the console is practically no different from the iPod or iPhone. Practice shows that users have no problems with an intuitive interface. All desktop icons are labeled. The only inconvenience is entering text from the remote control. It does not have a keyboard. Therefore, typing is carried out by selecting letters on the joystick; the keyboard is displayed on the screen.
There are several ways to solve the problem described above. You can connect to the set-top box wireless keyboard or smartphone. You must first install the Remote application on your iPhone or iPad. You can download this program from the Apple Store. What else can this application be used for? In addition to entering text, you can use your smartphone as a gaming joystick.
Films music and photos
Advanced functionality is a significant advantage, but most often the Apple TV set-top box is used to listen to music and watch movies from the iTunes Store, Apple Music, and other services. Owners of this device have access to a store with Russian-language films. The interface automatically adjusts according to the TV diagonal.
As mentioned earlier, users will be able to purchase films and also rent them (viewing will be available for 2 days). Rent – optimal solution, allowing you to watch new films in excellent quality online at an affordable price. By activating the Family Sharing feature, you will have access to content that was purchased by your family members.
You can download online cinema apps from the Apple Store to watch movies completely free. Music tracks are played from the iTunes library. Activate the " General access"to use iTunes on your laptop, tablet, smartphone and TV simultaneously.
The Apple Music service allows you to transform your set-top box into a player with a multimillion-dollar library of music tracks. Users will be able to collect their own collection of hits. The set-top box can also be used to listen to the radio. In total, more than 200 radio stations are available, including Apple's signature frequency - Beats 1. Broadcasting in 24/7 format, tracks from the best DJs, current music, expert opinion when choosing songs - this is not a complete list of the advantages of this radio station.
The Apple set-top box allows you to watch movies, photos and home videos from cloud storage iCloud. Subscribe to updates from other users to see the latest photos of your friends and acquaintances.
Why Apple TV is better than its analogues
If we compare Apple TV with gadgets, set-top boxes and game consoles, then all of these devices provide a narrower range of functionality. Convenient Touchpad provides access to proprietary Apple services, which contribute to the maximum expansion of the set of options.
Many people are interested in whether Apple TV is really much more efficient than Smart TV? In terms of functionality, the set-top box is slightly inferior to smart TVs. However, if you evaluate the price/quality ratio, then Apple TV is the undisputed winner. It is cheaper to purchase a set-top box and connect it to the TV than to upgrade and buy new equipment. We are talking about savings of 20-30 thousand rubles.
Many providers offer their customers their own set-top boxes, which provide access to exclusive content and also expand the functionality of the TV. A 1-month subscription will cost much more than the price for a specific movie or series. Consider this feature as it is a great opportunity to save money. There will be no charge for inactivity.
An additional advantage will be the availability of other equipment from Apple: iPhone, iPad, iPod, etc. Convenient Wi-Fi synchronization makes sharing files between all devices even easier. No additional wires or cables are required. It is also worth noting that games are available on Apple TV. A tablet or smartphone can act as a joystick.
Note.
At first glance, Chromecast is a MiniPC with an HDMI input for a TV, but in fact, this thing doesn’t reach the level of a full-fledged Android computer, and besides, it doesn’t need it.
Chromecast allows you to stream web pages from your computer and play YouTube videos in high definition. And, it would seem, nothing special... but how it’s done!
Google Chromecast kit: box, Chromecast, MicroUSB cable, US plug, instructions.
Chromecast connects to your TV using HDMI, but it needs power to do this, so it has an input for a MicroUSB cable on the back. To get started, you need to connect the wire to the “cast” and the TV, if it has power. If not, then take a plug and plug it into the socket.
After turning it on for the first time, you will need to configure Chromecast. This can be done both from a computer and from a phone (iOS, Android). I did it using my laptop. By the address google.com/chromecast/setup you need to download a special application for Mac or PC. When you first launch the program, it will immediately see the Chromecast over Wi-FI and ask you to confirm the code, after which you can give the device a name and connect it to the same Wi-Fi network to which your computer (or phone) is connected. What’s noteworthy is that Chromecast only supports networks at a frequency of 2.4 GHz; Google’s new product does not accept 5 GHz.
Once the program is installed and Chromecast is configured, you can broadcast. The computer has a special button in the form of an extension.
On your phone, this button appears automatically if there is a Chromecast on your Wi-Fi network. (I'm, of course, talking about the YouTube app on iOS)
In Android the situation is similar.
The most interesting thing is that you can turn on the video and minimize the application or turn it off altogether.
Things are no less interesting with web pages. Using the extension, you can broadcast any site, any window to your TV. In my case, this is useful when a new series of Interns has been released on RuTube, and I want to watch it on TV. This is where Chromecast comes in handy.
Moreover, the sound that is inside the page remains on the TV, and you can listen to music from Vkontakte on your laptop in the next window. This is smart.
A streaming button also appears in the YouTube player, and in this case the page can also be closed, and the TV will continue to show the video. It’s also great that you can queue videos.
Chromecast is worth buying if you have fast Internet, because with a stable speed - even at 5 Mbps, the device will take up everything, even in idle mode.
Chromecast costs $35 in the US, and the first customers also received 4 months of free subscription to Netflix. In Russia, the price at the moment is not lower than 4,500 rubles, which is too much.
I forgot to talk about the ergonomics of the device: it is really top notch and the Chrome logo gives confidence, but in reality this thing will stick out from the back of your TV, so I don’t see the point in discussing it. The box is cool too.
Returning to the question about Apple TV, I think it’s not fair to compare these set-top boxes. Apple TV has more functionality than Chromecast. For example, AirPlay broadcasts not only video, but also everything that happens on a Mac, iPhone or iPad. She has her own movie store and other benefits. But there are no disadvantages here: firstly, the price is $100, secondly, it is irrelevant for Russia, and thirdly, you cannot control Apple TV using Android or Chrome.
But, as usual, since Western journalists called it a rival to Apple TV, people will choose... between a stove and a refrigerator. In addition, prices in Russia are now approximately the same.
P.S. They gave me a Chromecast to test, but I liked it so much that I’ll buy it for myself. For $35, of course.
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