Miracast
A wireless technology that allows you to directly broadcast video and audio from one device to another directly over a Wi-Fi connection. At the same time, unlike AirPlay, transmission does not require a router and building a local network — it is enough that the receiver and transmitter are compatible with Miracast. One of the most popular ways to use this technology is to output a “picture” from a smartphone / tablet screen to a TV, and vice versa.
A media centre or TV receiver with Miracast is useful if the TV itself does not support this function.
IPTV support
IPTV service support — broadcasting by the IP protocol, using computer networks (including the Internet).
This feature should not be confused with online TV: in fact, IPTV is a type of cable television, where not an antenna cable is used to transmit the signal, but network equipment. Otherwise, IPTV and cable TV are completely similar: broadcasting is carried out through the operator; the choice of channels is limited by the assortment presented by the operator; and additional charges may apply for access. At the same time, the possibilities of IPTV are much wider than those of traditional cable broadcasting. Most specialized applications have a Time Shift feature (see below); any excerpt of a recently watched broadcast can be re-watched; in addition, it is often also possible to rewind the broadcast to a point in time before the start of viewing (if you turned on such a TV later than you planned). Other features may be provided for additional convenience, such as favorite channel lists, parental guaid, etc.
Video decoders
Codec — from the phrase "Encoder-DECoder" — in this case is the format used for encoding digital video during storage/transmission and decoding during playback (without encoding, video data would take up an unjustifiably large amount of space). Do not confuse this parameter with the format of video files: different files of the same format can be encoded with different codecs, and if the corresponding codec is not supported by the player, video playback will be impossible, even if the file format itself corresponds to the capabilities of the device. And in models with online TV support (see "Features") this nuance also determines compatibility with a specific broadcast: the general format of the broadcast is indicated by the codec used for this.
In general, modern devices usually have quite extensive sets of codecs (one of the most advanced for 2021 is
H.265), and there are usually no problems with video playback; in extreme cases, you can use special programs for transcoding files. As for specific codecs, detailed data on them can be found in special sources, but with standard use of media players, such details are not needed.
Screen
The device has its own external screen. Such
a screen has a small size and performs an auxiliary role; various additional information can be displayed on it: operating mode, selected media, file name and location, playback time, etc.
Remote control
Remote control included with media center or TV tuner. In addition to the classic remote control with basic controls, there are manipulators with additional features.
— QWERTY keyboard. Such remotes, in addition to the standard set of keys for controlling the player (see above), have an alphabetic keyboard similar to a computer one. This is relevant primarily for media centers with support for social media and photo services — a keyboard with letters is needed at least to enter a login/password.
— With sensors. A kind of remote control that uses sensors instead of classic buttons. Such equipment is somewhat more expensive, on the other hand, the sensors give the remote control a stylish appearance, and in some cases they are more convenient than buttons.
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With voice control. A remote control equipped with a built-in microphone and capable of recognizing a specific set of voice commands. This control format is often more convenient than using buttons/sensors. At the same time, the set of supported commands can be different — sometimes it is quite limited compared to traditional remotes, sometimes vice versa (for example, it may be possible to type text using voice input); these nuances should be clarified separately. It also will be useful to find out the list of supported languages; note that English is almost guaranteed to be on this list, but Russian not always.
- Programmable. A universal rem
...ote control that can be configured to work in conjunction with media players, TV tuners and other home electronics. By default, such remote controls are loaded with a database of signal codes for various types of equipment. To activate a specific device, they usually use a certain combination of button presses. Often programmable remote controls have teachable keys, a built-in gyroscope, an air mouse function and other similar options. The programmable buttons on these models are often dedicated to controlling the TV, eliminating the need for multiple remote controls. The service manual for them contains detailed programming instructions from the manufacturer.
— Programmable with voice control. An advanced type of programmable remote controls (see the corresponding paragraph) with a built-in microphone for issuing voice commands. Voice control is fully supported on set-top boxes running Android; together with conventional media players and TV tuners, you can make voice requests by speaking a phrase into the remote control. The exact implementation of voice control varies depending on the remote control model and the receiving device.
— Absent. The absence of a remote control is typical for network media players controlled from other devices — usually from a computer or from a mobile gadget through a special application.
