Streamers - what is this? Streamer: reviews, photos and price of the device

To date, there are a lot of different media players, streamers and other devices that are designed to output streaming video from online services to the 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? To get streaming video or music from the web? Or for using online services? Or maybe the user has a huge collection of multimedia files on the computer that I would like to see on the big screen of the TV?

Definition of media players

Many people confuse players and streamers and believe that this is the same thing. What are the differences? Media players connect to the home network. They are designed to play movies that are stored on a computer. Players operate on a standard that allows devices to receive and transmit media content over their home network.

Determination of streamers

A tape drive is a device for connecting to online services. Some models can play back saved files. They have in the firmware program that connects to the library on the local computer or other network storage. But often tape drives are devices that do not have a certificate that allows you to work on the same standard as a media player.

Then which device is best for watching movies and serials, as well as listening to music from online sources or local storage? On what to stop the choice? It is necessary to take into account some factors.

Easy to use and great 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 light menu, and the control panel is elementary in use. Roku Box is probably the easiest to navigate and configure a tape drive. Its price starts at $ 40. It has large icons and a very convenient menu, which will be understandable to any novice user. Older people say that this model is easy to master.

Other models are more functional, and for their use you need to have certain skills. One of the good models is the Boxee. Very convenient streamer. Reviews about it are mostly positive. This model has a wide search capabilities. With its help, you can share your recommendations with other users, as well as receive a return response. A large number of applications and channels are available. Despite the vast possibilities, such a device can frighten an unsure user or novice.

Stream media files or local library?

In the event that the main interest of the user is connected with services providing online access to television shows or with online music playback, it is necessary to consider options for buying a streamer that works with the services of interest. From some vendors you can hear other names of streaming online services: channels, applications. The box always indicates a list of such services, but with time, thanks to updates, new ones appear. It is necessary to regularly check the manufacturer's website if the required service is not located.

The Roku Box model is great for streaming video, but the computer needs 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 the management of this streamer? The photo of the console says that everything is very simple, because there are not enough buttons.

Boxee prefix can search files in the home network, sort them. In addition, you can choose a cover for them. Supports a large number of online services.

Data storage

If the user has run out of space for storing media and wants to move libraries from the computer, preference should be given to streamers that have built-in memory or those models to which hard drives can be connected via USB. When transferring files to the hard disk or to the tape drive's memory, it becomes unnecessary to turn on the computer to access multimedia. In addition, there will be no dependence on interference in the Internet connection, and problems with stopping and buffering of the stream will be eliminated.

The WD TV Live tape drive model with the Hub prefix contains a hard drive to which you can copy files in order to store information in a centralized repository. From there, all computers connected to the home network will have access to it.

Compatible with media file formats

Streamers are devices capable of processing a huge range of different formats of video files and music. Before buying, you must always check the specification to make sure the device can play the user's existing files. 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-timer from the same company. It is easily mastered by users of "apple" technology. As long as streaming services are dependent on purchases in the iTunes store, there are many options for playing from a smartphone or tablet.

There is an interesting possibility of creating a "mirror" effect, when what the user sees on the iPad display is transmitted to the streamer. But it must be said that the files go through the process of compression, and on a large TV they will not be output in the same quality as on a small screen of the tablet.

Streamers built into the TV, or stand-alone?

Modern "smart" TVs and consoles are able to reproduce streaming and local media files. Do I need to buy such a TV or set-top box, where the tape drive is built-in, or is it better to stop the selection on the standalone player?

All-in-one systems have their advantages. So, the video does not go through an extra stage, which worsens the quality. Modern technology is receiving an increasing number of applications. But on the other hand, offline tape drives are so small that they can be carried and even taken on trips. In addition, if the TV is already there, then the purchase of a streamer 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 variety of preferences and financial opportunities.