Important Considerations When Getting A Media Box For Streaming
A few years ago, everyone was using discs as the source of their movies in their den. But DVDs, Blu Ray and UHD discs are now the preserve of collectors and enthusiasts. Many now rely on a set top media box or just rely on the inbuilt apps in their smart TVs to stream movies. Let's consider some important points:
If your viewing diet consist of the mainstream ones like Netflix, Disney+, Prime etc, then see if your smart TV will support them. However some budget TVs use an operating system that is laggy and the system is subject to crashes. Other TVs cannot support the apps you like and all these are easily sorted by adding a streaming device.
Budget
For under 100 dollars, you have many choices already, so see what are the important aspects that really matter and are they worth paying for.
Remote:
A necessity in my opinion, even if there may be apps for your handphone. Backlighting will be a nice touch, and if the remote uses proper AA or AAA batteries, I find it superior to the button type batteries which cost more. Some offer a rechargeable in built battery, but replacing it will cost a lot more.
Processor:
The brains behind the media box will determine it's responsiveness, how laggy the apps are, and the video processor plays a role in the picture quality.
Memory:
The RAM and even the storage space is important especially if you wish to open many apps or download videos.
Ports:
As a standard, the media box should support HDMI 2.0, and HDCDP 2.2. There should be a few USB ports if you intend to hook up a hard disk for playback, but basic ones simply have a single HDMI output that connects to the TV HDMI input. Others have their own HDMI inputs to connect other devices. What version are the USB ports? Ideally they should be 3.0
Ports:
As a standard, the media box should support HDMI 2.0, and HDCDP 2.2. There should be a few USB ports if you intend to hook up a hard disk for playback, but basic ones simply have a single HDMI output that connects to the TV HDMI input. Others have their own HDMI inputs to connect other devices. What version are the USB ports? Ideally they should be 3.0
LAN and Wifi:
Is it a 100 mp or a gigabit port? What bandwidth and wifi protocols does the device support?
Software and operating system:
This is often even more important than the processor, and one should pay attention to this. The Andriod platform is often used, and allow you access to many apps outside of the main few. Access to Google Play is useful especially if you like to install new apps.
This is often even more important than the processor, and one should pay attention to this. The Andriod platform is often used, and allow you access to many apps outside of the main few. Access to Google Play is useful especially if you like to install new apps.
Service Support:
There are many companies who will sell you a box for not much, and it seems to be fine initially but ultimately the firmware updates stop and you're left with a clunky and obsolete box, so choose wisely, check the reviews.
BlueTooth, Airplay and more:
Does this device support wireless playback from a source, such as your phone or your home music streaming?
The modern TV from the mainstream companies can be powerful enough for most movie streaming, so begin from there, then see what's lacking.
I use an Apple TV in my den with a Sony Z9D, but in my other room, I have the Sony X85J and the internal apps coupled with a good processor are sufficient to do without the extra box.
Finally, some boxes offer free access to many sites that require a subscription. Many of such devices aren't legal so choose wisely..
I have no financial interest or other interests in any of the items / events I write about.
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