Today, there are a huge number of different media players, streamers and other devices that are designed to output streaming video from online services to TV, as well as media files stored locally on the computer. Streamers are very convenient devices, and the first step in choosing them is to determine the purpose of use. What will the streamer be used for? For streaming video or music from the web? Or to use online services? Or maybe the user has a huge collection of multimedia files on a computer that they would like to view on a large TV screen?
Definition of media players
Many confuse players and streamers and believe that this is one and the same. What are the differences? Media players connect to your home network. They are designed to play movies that are stored on a computer. Players work according to a standard that allows devices to receive and transmit media content over the home network.
Defining streamers
Streamer is a device for connecting to online services. Some models can play back saved files. They have a program in the firmware that connects to the library on the local computer or other network attached storage. But often streamers are devices that do not have a certificate that allows you to work according to the same standard as a media player.
Then which device is better for watching movies and TV shows, as well as listening to music from online sources or local storage? What to choose? Some factors need to be considered.
Ease of use and a wide range of features
If you need to focus on family members who are afraid of any technical difficulties, there are simple streamers. These are devices that have a very easy menu, and the control panel is elementary in use. The Roku Box is probably the easiest streamer to navigate and configure. Its price starts at $ 40. It has large icons and a very convenient menu that will be clear to any novice user. Older people say this model is easy to master.
Other models are more functional, and to use them you need to have certain skills. One good model is the Boxee. Very convenient streamer. Reviews about him are mostly positive. This model has extensive search capabilities. With it, you can share your recommendations with other users, as well as receive a feedback. A large number of applications and channels are available. Despite the extensive capabilities, such a device can scare an insecure user or beginner.
Stream media or a local library?
In the event that the user's main interest is related to services that provide online access to television shows or online music playback, it is necessary to consider buying a streamer that works with the services of interest. From some manufacturers you can hear other names of online streaming services: channels, applications. A list of such services is always indicated on the box, but over time, thanks to updates, new ones appear. You need to regularly check the manufacturer’s website if the necessary service is not located.
The Roku Box model is great for streaming video, but a computer requires special media server software. You can also use a USB connection to play pre-downloaded files.
What is a WD TV Live streamer? This is the golden mean. The model is able to transfer media from popular services, play home files and slide shows from photos. What is this streamer in control? The photo of the remote control indicates that everything is very simple, since there are few buttons.
Boxee can search for files on the home network, sort them. In addition, for them you can choose a cover. It supports a large number of online services.
Data storage
If the user has run out of media storage space and wants to move the libraries from the computer, preference should be given to streamers with built-in memory or to those models to which hard drives can be connected via USB. When transferring files to the hard drive or to the memory of the tape drive, the need to turn on the computer to access multimedia disappears. In addition, there will be no dependence on interference in the Internet connection, and problems with stops and stream buffering will be eliminated.
The WD TV Live streamer model with the Hub prefix contains a hard drive on which you can copy files in order to save information in a centralized storage. From there, all computers connected to the home network will have access to it.
Compatible with media formats
Streamers are devices that can handle a huge range of different formats of video files and music. Before buying, it is necessary to check the specification to make sure the device’s ability to play the files available to the user. Experienced users who want to play formats such as MKV can be advised by the Netgear streamer.
Apple tv
If the user has a laptop, smartphone or tablet from Apple, you can think about purchasing a media drive from the same company. It is easily mastered by users of the "apple" technology. As long as streaming services are dependent on purchases from the iTunes store, there are many options for playing from a smartphone or tablet.
There is an interesting opportunity to create a “mirror” effect when what the user sees on the iPad display is transferred to the streamer. But I must say that the files go through the compression process, and they will not be displayed on a large TV in the same quality as on a small tablet screen.
Streamers embedded in the TV, or stand-alone?
Modern “smart” TVs and set-top boxes are capable of playing streaming and local media files. Do I need to buy such a TV or set-top box where the streamer is built-in or is it better to opt for a standalone player?
All-in-one systems have their advantages. So, the video does not go through an extra step that degrades the quality. Modern technology receives an increasing number of applications. But on the other hand, autonomous streamers are so small that they can be carried and even taken on trips. In addition, if you already have a TV, then buying a tape drive will be much cheaper.
Of course, the final decision is made by the user. It is only necessary to study the information in advance so as not to make a mistake with the choice. Fortunately, the market is saturated with models for a wide variety of preferences and financial opportunities.