Today, there are a huge number of different media players, streamers and other devices that are designed to display streaming video from online services, as well as media files stored locally on a computer, on a TV. Streamers are very handy devices, and the first step in choosing them is to determine the purpose of use. What will the streamer be used for? To get streaming video or music from the web? Or to use online services? Or maybe the user has a huge collection of multimedia files on their computer that they would like to view on a big TV screen?
Define media players
Many people confuse players and streamers and think they are 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 your computer. Players work according to a standard that allows devices to receive and transmit media content over a home network.
Define streamers
Streamer is a device for connecting toonline services. Some models are capable of playing saved files. They have a program in the firmware that connects to the library on the local computer or other network storages. But often streamers are devices that do not have a certificate that allows them to work to the same standard as a media player.
Then what is the best device for watching movies and series, as well as listening to music from online sources or local storage? What to choose? There are some factors to consider.
Easy to use and feature rich
If you need to target 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 to use. Roku Box is probably the easiest streamer to navigate and set up. Its price starts at $40. It has large icons and a very convenient menu that any novice user will understand. Elderly people say that this model is easy to master.
Other models are more functional and require some skill to use. One of the good models is the Boxee. Very handy streamer. Reviews about him are mostly positive. This model has a wide search capabilities. With it, you can share your recommendations with other users, as well as receive feedback. A large number of applications and channels are available. Despite the vast possibilities, thisthe device can scare an insecure user or a novice.
Streaming media or local library?
If the main interest of the user is related to services that provide online access to television shows or online music playback, it is necessary to consider purchasing a streamer that works specifically with the services of interest. From some manufacturers, you can hear other names for online streaming services: channels, applications. The box always indicates a list of such services, but over time, thanks to updates, new ones appear. You need to check the manufacturer's website regularly if the required service is not found.
The Roku Box is great for video streaming, but requires dedicated media server software on your computer. 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 the management of this streamer? The remote control photo says that everything is very simple, since there are few buttons.
Boxee can search for files on the home network and sort them. In addition, you can choose a cover for them. Supports a large number of online services.
Information storage
If the user has run out of media storage space and wants to movelibraries from a computer, preference should be given to streamers with built-in memory or those models to which hard drives can be connected via USB. By transferring files to the hard drive or memory of the tape drive, there is no need to turn on the computer to access multimedia. In addition, there will be no dependence on interference in the Internet connection, and problems with stops and stream buffering will be excluded.
The WD TV Live Streamer Hub model includes a hard drive to which you can copy files to store information centrally. From there, all computers connected to the home network will have access to it.
Compatibility with media file formats
Streamers are devices capable of handling a huge range of different video and music file formats. Before buying, be sure to check the specification to make sure the device is able to play the files the user has. For advanced users who want to play formats such as MKV, Netgear's streamer is recommended.
Apple TV
If the user has a laptop, smartphone or tablet from Apple, you can consider purchasing a media streamer from the same company. It is easily mastered by users of "apple" technology. As long as streaming services are reliant on iTunes store purchases, there are plenty of options to play from your smartphone or tablet.
There is an interesting opportunitycreating a "mirror" effect, when what the user sees on the iPad display is transmitted to the streamer. But I must say that the files go through a compression process, and they will not be displayed on a large TV in the same quality as on a small tablet screen.
Streamers built into the TV or standalone?
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, standalone 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 streamer will cost much less.
Of course, the final decision is made by the user. You just need 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 variety of preferences and financial possibilities.
