Smart TV tuners are significantly different in functionality and price. When choosing a set-top box, you should focus on your needs. If you need a minimum set of features (cinema, YouTube), then you can take an inexpensive model. If you need more advanced features, convenient management, it is worth considering consoles more expensive. There are certain types of tuners designed for gamers. I figured out the nuances and features of the models, studied customer reviews and collected the TOP 10 best tuners for year.
HARPER ABX-210
All consoles are small in size. The HARPER ABX-210 media player of the usual rectangular shape (9.6 × 1.6 × 9.6 cm) weighs just 160 g. The case is made of high-quality plastic with a matte surface that does not leave any marks. Stable legs are located below so that the tuner does not slide on the surface. On the side there are two USB ports and a slot for a memory card (microSD and microSDHC). On the narrow back panel are all other outputs (audio, coaxial, composite, HDMI). Works on Android 7.1 OS. It supports a large number of files and codecs: you can play movies, music, view photos, launch games, etc. HARPER ABX-210 is compatible with any TVs, it can also function as a router and game console. The size of RAM is 2 GB. Flash memory - 8 GB. Internet connection - via wire or Wi-Fi. Powered by an external unit. There is passive cooling, as in most rating models. It is controlled remotely (remote control).
Benefits:
- Beautiful view.
- Compact.
- Supports many video formats.
- Many connectors for connection.
- Good Android system.
- Video playback quality is normal.
- Good functionality.
Disadvantage:
- Not very convenient remote.
HARPER ABX-210 - a stylish inexpensive prefix for, which allows you to turn a regular television with on-air broadcasting into "Smart". It provides a convenient Internet connection, has sufficient memory, wide functionality and good quality work. 89% of users recommend a product for purchase.
Google Chromecast 2018
The original prefix in the form of a disk with a diameter of 5.2 cm (thickness - 1.4 cm), easily fits in the palm of your hand. Ultra-light weight - 40 g. It is connected only through the HDMI connector, located on the side. On the other hand, there is a USB port for charging, and next to it is a small button with which you can reset the settings. The prefix via the smartphone is turned on after installing the application (Google Home), and through it the control takes place. Internet connection - via Wi-Fi. Plays video in Full HD. Supports all major video formats. Media player without a built-in drive. It receives power through an external unit from the network or via USB.
Benefits:
- Interesting performance.
- Easy to connect to any device.
- No wires, remotes needed.
- Can be powered from the TV via USB.
- Management from a smartphone.
- Stable internet connection.
- Great functionality.
Disadvantages:
- No 4K.
- No drive.
- You cannot select a resolution (the player determines the mode itself).
- Not all applications are supported.
Media Player Google Chromecast 2018 Behind - an innovative replacement for a stationary player. It differs from HARPER ABX-210 in the way of connection and control (from a smartphone, PC). 92% of buyers consider the model to be an ideal solution with little or no Smart TV.
Selenga A4
The Selenga A4 prefix of a standard form is similar in some technical characteristics to the HARPER ABX-210. It differs from it by the presence of a display, support for 4K. Powered by Amlogic S905W processor. Provides three USB ports, a card reader, and instead of a coaxial output, it has an optical one. The RAM is the same, but the built-in memory is larger (16 GB). Bluetooth connection possible. Has more opportunities, among them: Internet radio, IPTV, DLNA communication. A remote control is used for control.
Benefits:
- Pleasant appearance.
- Fast and stable Wi-Fi connection.
- It does not slow down.
- Reads all formats, shows 4K.
- Acceptable price.
Disadvantage:
- There are cases of "freezing". According to reviews, this is due to overheating (a normal restart saves).
Selenga A4 price -... In terms of capabilities, the model surpasses the HARPER ABX-210. It differs from the more expensive Invin W6 in the presence of a display and a large number of USB ports. The attachment works flawlessly. Compared to the built-in Smart TV, it does not slow down. Considering the functionality and quality of work, price, 83% of users recommend this model.
Invin W6 2Gb / 16Gb
The media player of this brand is almost identical to the previous model. Differs in two (instead of three) USB-connectors, no display. There is no Bluetooth connection, but it supports some 3G modems. The advantage is that there is a voice control (the remote control supports voice search).
Benefits:
- Compactness.
- Build quality.
- Remote with voice control.
- Smooth internet connection.
- Good quality of work.
Disadvantages:
- Lack of Bluetooth communication.
- Some are not satisfied with the capabilities of the Play Market.
- There are cases when films slow down, IVI does not work, voice search (single reviews).
Invin W6 2Gb / 16Gb for - beautiful functional player. Convenient voice control function on the remote makes it easier to operate. Some buyers are not entirely satisfied with the extreme heat build-up during operation. But 78% of users like the player's functionality.
Xiaomi Mi Box International Version
Stationary set-top box with support for wireless data transmission Xiaomi Mi Box International Version (10.1 × 2 × 10.1 cm) streamlined with rounded corners. Its characteristics are similar to Invin W6 2Gb / 16Gb, it supports 4K UHD. It differs in the operating system - Android 7.1. Xiaomi has only one USB port. But there is Bluetooth: you can connect other wireless devices, such as headphones or speakers. Supports data transmission technology Miracast, AirPiay. The built-in memory is smaller than that of Invin - 8 GB. Bluetooth remote with microphone - you can control your voice.
Benefits:
- Stylish, compact.
- High-quality assembly.
- Convenient remote control with voice control.
- Ability to control from a smartphone.
- Good sound and image.
- Normal functionality.
Disadvantages:
- Only one USB port (no LAN, Ethernet ports).
- Network connection - Wi-Fi only.
- There are problems with the playback of some formats.
Price Xiaomi Mi Box International Version -... The set-top box has wide functionality, plays video of different formats. Invin W6 and Selenga A4 are inferior in terms of the number of connectors, but there is a Bluetooth connection. In general, the model is decent. 82% of users rate the work of the console positively.
Xiaomi Mi Box S
The Xiaomi Mi Box S media player is made in a standard design and is almost identical in size to the Xiaomi Mi Box International Version. The OS differs from it - Android 8.1 (Oreo). Connectors HDMI, USB 2.0 are located on the back. In terms of functionality, the player can be compared to a smartphone: viewing any kind of files, support for codecs, Google Play. Supports DTS, Dolby audio formats, providing three-dimensional surround sound. Can work in the "Smart Home" system. The memory is the same as in Mi Box International Version. Internet access is via Wi-Fi.Control - a Bluetooth remote control with buttons for launching video services (Netflix, Live TV), it is possible to use Google Assistant to control the set-top box using voice commands.
Benefits:
- Stylish design.
- Workmanship.
- Convenient management.
- The presence of a voice assistant, integration into the "Smart Home".
- Stability of work.
- Hardware support for all known video codecs and audio formats.
- Great functionality.
Disadvantages:
- No programmable buttons.
- One USB port.
- There is no SD card slot.
- A small amount of internal memory.
Price Xiaomi Mi Box S -... The model surpasses Mi Box International Version in features and functionality. It differs from all the described models in DTS and Dolby support, which improves the quality of the reproduced sound. 87% of buyers praised the work of the console.
Dune Neo 4K Plus
Dune Neo 4K Plus is similar in design and equipment to Xiaomi Mi Box S, but there are still a number of differences. Operating system - Android 6.0. A wired Ethernet connection becomes possible. Dune has more connectors: 2 USB, stereo audio, composite audio, composite video. It is possible to use an SD card. The remote control is ordinary, without a voice assistant.
Benefits:
- Reliable assembly.
- Metal case.
- Great equipment.
- Convenient location of all ports.
- The ability to install a large number of applications.
- Supports almost all video formats.
Disadvantages:
- Not very convenient controls.
- The "damp" firmware.
- Poor music player.
Price Dune Neo 4K Plus - ... The model is inferior to the Xiaomi Mi Box S operating system, although this practically does not affect the quality of work. Outperforms the build quality reported by 84% of buyers. The main disadvantage is the operation of the remote control (it must be clearly directed to the console). In this aspect, Xiaomi's Bluetooth remote is a big plus.
Apple TV 4K 32GB
It differs from Dune Neo 4K Plus in the operating system - tvOS, support for Air Play, Dolby Vision and HDR 10 for full-fledged reproduction of high-quality images with good sound detail, color and excellent dynamic range. AppStore available. Reproduces branded services Apple and iTunes, can work in the ecosystem of Apple. The prefix has a larger amount of operational (3 GB) and high-speed built-in NAND memory (32 GB). Network connection - via Wi-Fi, Ethernet LAN. Unlike Dune, it has an HDMI connector. The difference from the competitive models is the touch control panel with Siri voice assistant and an installed gyroscope that allows you to find it. There is no integration with Android gadgets, the set-top box in the community works only with the iPhone. Differs significantly higher weight than other models - 425 g.
Benefits:
- Elegant design.
- High-quality assembly.
- Internal power supply
- Work speed.
- Functional control panel.
- Excellent picture and sound quality.
- Sufficient feature set.
Disadvantages:
- No Russian Siri.
- Playback - only two formats.
- Integration - only with iPhone.
- No HDMI cable included.
- High price.
Prefix Apple TV 4K 32GB for belongs to the high price segment. It is distinguished by good technical equipment, high-quality reproduces the image with a juicy realistic picture with excellent sound. The Dune HD Pro 4K is slightly inferior in the number of connectors, but it has a large memory and a convenient touch panel. 93% of users are satisfied with its work.
Dune HD Pro 4K
Dune HD Pro 4K, equipped with a display, with dimensions of 18.8 × 2.7 × 12.8 cm, with a significant number of connectors (in addition to others - also USB 3.0 and two USB 2.0). Allows playback from a Flash-HDD or SSD. OS - Android 6.0. Standard memory - 2 GB, built-in - 16 GB. Internet access - wirelessly via a dual-band Wi-Fi module or wired via a Gigabit Ethernet LAN channel. It is controlled by a remote control with programmable keys and backlight or from a smartphone. There is Bluetooth.
Benefits:
- Beautiful design.
- Informative display.
- Large ergonomic remote control. There are buttons to control other devices.
- Support for almost all formats.
- Lots of settings.
Disadvantages:
- The quality of the supplied HDMI cable is poor.
- There is no second HDMI out.
- According to reviews, the firmware is damp.
- Some users indicate that the Bluetooth connection is unstable (for example, when connecting wireless headphones).
Dune HD Pro 4K costs ... The player supports all kinds of formats, plays 4K perfectly. It provides several control options, separately, buyers note the convenience of the remote control. But due to the high price, user requirements are overstated, so many are not completely satisfied with the quality of the software. 74% of buyers have no complaints about his work.
NVIDIA SHIELD
The NVIDIA SHIELD prefix is designed specifically for gamers, so a gamepad is included. It has the functions of a game console and a media player, it differs in its original appearance, in large dimensions. Powered by Chromecast technology on Android 7.0. The RAM is slightly more than that of the Dune HD Pro 4K - 3 GB. It can be expanded by connecting a memory card or USB drive through one of the USB 3.0 connectors. Connects to the Internet via Wi-Fi. There is Bluetooth. The only model in the rating with active cooling. Requires a paid NVIDIA GeForce Now subscription to play games, and purchase a remote to play movies.
Benefits:
- Great design.
- High quality materials.
- Powerful hardware platform.
- Good speed.
- Gamepad included.
- 4K video support.
- Those. the support is great.
- Nvidia adjusts image quality based on bandwidth.
- Great performance. No lags, freezes.
Disadvantages:
- High price.
- No HDMI cable included.
- Not many games, many without Russian.
- There is no on / off button on the remote control (you can turn it off by a combination of buttons on the joystick).
NVIDIA SHIELD Worth ... Pre-installed programs do not cover all the functionality. You will need to install it yourself. Although some of them are enough. You can control the settings from the remote control or from the gamepad. The latter can be connected to headphones via Bluetooth. The model outperforms many gaming counterparts, and is worth the money, according to 82% of buyers.
