Believe it or not, even the smallest and most modest looking media player is much more functional than all the BluRay, DVD, and CD players we are used to. Modern home media players can play video, photo and audio of all known formats. In addition, most models have a Wi-Fi module, which allows you to network them with other devices, as well as view content from the Internet.
Today we offer home media player rating, including five models in the price range up to 5 thousand rubles.
5. Asus O! Play Mini
A very small player based on the Realtek 1055 chipset, it can play all the most popular formats today, has a card reader, a USB 2.0 port through which you can connect either an external drive or a flash drive. The player connects to modern TVs via HDMI 1.3, and if necessary, you can use the analog composite output. The lack of Wi-Fi is a major drawback. However, the word “mini” in the name itself indirectly indicates that there is no need to expect something special.
4. Western Digital WD TV Live Streaming (Wi-Fi)
It is also a very compact model, but already based on the Sigma 8670 chipset, its "omnivorousness" is slightly worse, but it has several other useful functions. There are already 2 USB 2.0 ports, 100 Mbit LAN and Wi-Fi. After connecting to the home network, the player can access network resources and servers, both in Windows and Linux. The network storage (NAS) mode is also supported - you can access drives connected via USB over the network. Connection to TV is via HDMI or composite output.
3. Digma HDMP-311
Digma HDMP-311 has a SATA interface hidden behind a rubber plug on the left side of the device. It can be used to connect conventional hard drives 2.5 or 3.5 inches. There is also support for network attached storage (NAS) and torrent client. With two USB 2.0 ports and a memory card reader, you can play files from almost any storage device. For integration into a home network, LAN and Wi-Fi are provided. Connection to a TV is standard: via HDMI 1.3, component or composite output.
2. IconBIT XDS8003D
This model boasts Blu-ray 3D support and Android dual boot. In addition, there are as many as four USB 2.0 ports, one USB 3.0 port, an SD / SDHC card reader, a remote control with a learning function and support for a SATA interface for connecting a hard drive, although there is no fan inside. On the one hand, this has a positive effect on the noise level, on the other, it is necessary to carefully choose the HDD so as not to turn the player into a red-hot oven. The HDMI output is already version 1.4. There is no Wi-Fi, but you can buy an additional adapter and donate one of the 4 USB ports.
1. IconBIT Toucan Smart
This is the second version of the player based on Android, which allows you to significantly expand the capabilities of the device by installing applications for this platform. The leader of our rating of media players supports the fashionable 3D format. Interfaces for connecting to a TV - HDMI 1.4 and composite. For older receivers, sound can be fed through the optical output. The presence of a Wi-Fi module and a 100 Mbit network adapter will make it easy to connect the device to your home network. In addition, there are three USB 2.0 ports and a card reader.