How to Choose a Music Network Player: Market Overview and Product Reviews

The network music player is a device related to the list of home electronics. It is the connecting element between a conventional TV and the Internet. In order to manage it, it is enough to take the remote control in hands.

The player allows you to view any video, image or listen to music without using a laptop. The purchase of such a device will satisfy those who do not want to engage in permanent tuning of programs on the laptop, and wants to watch the favorite movie on the big screen without any problems. Network player has one main disadvantage - to play a game or watch news in text mode via the Internet will not work.

It is important to remember that the reputation of the manufacturer significantly affects the price of the device. Below we will review models of different brands, consider their pros and cons.

Player functions

The device is connected to absolutely any TV (CRT is no exception). In order to enjoy all the delights of this technique, it is recommended to use Full HD screens. Plays the player any formats that are related to HD. In fact, if you take into account this particular nuance, then we can say that the network player is analog Blu-Ray. The essential difference between them is that the view is not through disks, but through the Internet.

In the market you can find models that support the option of storing and sharing files. There is also a function to create a personal library of music.

Inexpensive WD TV Live

Even with the fact that the platform for the player costs about 70-80 $, the network player itself has a price of 3 thousand rubles. It has a nice design, enhanced functionality, miniature size. But what made the manufacturer lower the cost? Firstly, although it looks like a luring player, the design itself is modest: the dominant color is gray, and the main material is plastic.

The external panel is equipped with several connectors and indicators, and there is also a company logo. There are no mechanical and touch buttons here, therefore the control must be carried out only with the help of the remote control.

NETGEAR NeoTV 550

In comparison with the previous one, this network player costs a little more - from 5 to 6 thousand rubles. However, it is included in the list of the best players, according to customers, so its price fully justifies.

The design is minimalistic and quite inconspicuous - the body is black, there are no bright elements. He will not distract the attention of the viewer from the film or family video, because due to his coloring, he will hide behind larger interior objects.

The front side is equipped with a power button, several connectors, including for microSD. The main ports are located on the side of the case.

Average cost iconBIT XDS7GL

In the "Best Network Players" list there will always be an ideal combination of the price and the functionality of the iconBIT XDS7GL device.

This model works quickly enough, it has many options, which not every machine can boast of. It improves the image and allows you to watch heavy video from the Internet and from the disk.

Appearance is aesthetic and immediately attracts attention. The body is made of aluminum, the shape is oval. The external side of the player has a mechanical button for turning the device on and off, it also has a dim illumination, there are indicators and connectors. The technician should be controlled using the remote control.

Appearance of eGreat EG-M31B

When choosing a suitable player for buyers at first glance is unlikely to be interested in the network audio player eGreat EG-M31B. It is inconspicuous, from afar it looks like a black glossy box. Has several connectors for connectors, indicators and cooler. On the one hand, the design of the device is too simple, but on the other - because of this, it will fit into absolutely any room. The weight of the player is 1.5 kg, dimensions are also small - 160x160x58 mm. By these parameters it becomes clear that the device is several times more compact in the length of the DVD player, so it will take much less space.

The downside of the device can be called a noisy cooler. Excessive sound from it is explained by its small size and high speed.

EGreat EG-M31B

Network media players of this company are equipped on the front of the case with two ports and indicators for correct operation. One of the connectors is necessary for the cord from the laptop computer, the second for the HDD. There you can also find a button for turning on and off, as well as a place for a USB cable.

The total number of connectors is suitable for connection of any AV equipment. There is not much space between them, but this is a conventional stationary device, which is necessary for a one-time connection, so this problem is not a serious disadvantage. The device is easily connected to the TV.

Working with eGreat EG-M31B

Network media players need to set the standard settings for the first time, and the eGreat model EG-M31B is no exception. It is necessary to choose the language of the interface, subtitles, image format, disks and other parameters. For the "arrangement" of the menu it will not be necessary and 10 minutes, since the functions are banal, and there is no need to devote too much time to them.

The most important thing when connecting is adding content to the player. It supports files from various external disks (flash-memory) and network, as well as from the Internet. When you connect any drives you do not have to wait, but if there are too many files on the disk, you will have to do your own business for a while - it may hang. In practice, the first "familiarity" of the player with other devices did not last more than 30 minutes.

Operation of eGreat EG-M31B player with online services

The player is able to work not only with "its" sources of content, but also connect to online libraries. The main portal to which the device offers to connect is the MSP Community. In addition, you can download materials from video sharing sites, music sites, access to both radio sites and television. However, the list of allowed sites is limited. But it should also be understood that most servers require registration, authorization, so in some cases it's easier to download videos using a computer. However, a huge plus in the operation - high speed connection.

About Yamaha NP-S2000

Network player Yamaha NP-S2000 is difficult to put with something in comparison, even if you only take into account the pricing. It differs in that it does not have a hard drive built into the case. However, when considering more detailed elements of the device, you can safely put it in the list of Hi-End techniques. The maximum capacity of this model is very impressive, so with a small budget, you can afford to shell out for it.

The device has no complaints about the sound and quality of the image, the speed of work and the load of Internet connections. The whole problem is ergonomics, so it is the only thing that the manufacturer needs to correct.

Yamaha NP-S2000 sound

In order for the network player to produce a very decent sound, it is necessary to take care of setting the necessary parameters. With the right approach to this issue, you can achieve an impressive result. In principle, this player is able to sound no worse than a high-quality CD-ROM. And the usual music lover will not notice the substitution, and not every professional will understand what is used during playback.

The manufacturer is located in the land of the rising sun, so their products are characterized by a calm, anemic and simplistic sound, which is so characteristic of the Japanese people. There is no such traditional nature. To experience the sound of each part of yourself, enjoy the vocals and melody, you need to buy an amplifier or speakers.

Pioneer N-50-K Player

Pioneer has a rich and interesting biography. She began her journey with a workshop repairing conventional radios, and now she is the largest manufacturer of electronic equipment. For a long time, since the last century, the corporation has become popular as a new "inventor". She always represented the devices in the form in which they saw their designers and developers, which set new bars in production. Since the company's opening, it has managed to release more than a dozen electronics, including audio players with Internet connection.

Network players Pioneer are in great demand. The popular model is N-50-K. It is one of the best among other variants from different manufacturers. Design, assembly, sound and compactness - something that was appreciated. The device software supports playback from the Internet, from CDs, flash drives. In addition, you can connect the player directly to the computer itself or to it, but over the network or via Bluetooth. The player is able to reproduce HD-audio and video in excellent quality. There are several USB-outlets, digital and optical connectors.

Player Denon DNP-720 AE

The technical characteristics of this device are somewhat similar to a similar device from Marantz. Explicit differences between them - the price, bundling, functionality. Network players Denon hardly win popularity, however at detailed consideration of models it is possible to tell that this manufacturer develops more powerful production. It is unlikely that such a variant with an attractive Hi-Fi design at a low price can be found in the world market.

The best sound can be seen in the players Sonos, easy to use offers Logitech. There is a 43 cm panel, an iPod connector and the ability to play video and music directly from an Apple device. Of course, it is worthwhile to clarify the very authority of the firm, which, although it is not the most popular, but always pleases its visions with certain devices.

One of the popular functions in network players is the continuous playback of tunes, which also does not exist in this model. In order to establish a "full" sound, you will have to use Airplay, connecting your device with any technique Apple or iTunes.

IPod, iPad and other devices are easily connected to the player using a USB cable, which not only allows you to synchronize all media files, but also to charge the device. Unlike the Marantz models, Denon does not have additional digital connectors, headphone output, or tuners. An important feature of this player is support for Wi-Fi.

Results

Networking media players correctly pick up is not so already and easy, so the choice must be taken with full seriousness. First, to have a figurative idea of what kind of design it should be will not be enough. It is necessary to fully imagine what functionality is expected from the player. There is an opportunity to purchase an inexpensive model of the player, but if there is insufficient power and a small number of options it will be necessary to reflash it, and this procedure is dangerous.

Considering the best network players, it is worthwhile to dwell on the NetGear NeoTV 550 model. It supports the Internet connection and Blu-Ray, and is also capable of playing heavy video clips.