Comparison Android TV Box X96 Max Plus 32 Gb vs Tanix TX6S 32Gb

HDMI is the most common modern interface for working with HD content and multi-channel audio. Video and audio signals with this connection are transmitted over a single cable, and the bandwidth in the latest versions ( HDMI 2.0 and HDMI 2.1) is enough to work with UltraHD resolution and even higher. Almost any modern screen (TV, monitor, etc.) with HD support has at least one HDMI input, which is why most media players and TV receivers have outputs of this type. However, there are also models without HDMI — these are mostly outdated or the most inexpensive solutions that use only analogue video interfaces. There are also models for several HDMI and in most cases one of these ports is for the incoming signal, while the HDMI ports differ in versions.

— v 1.4. The version presented back in 2009, however, does not lose popularity to this day. Supports 4K (4096x2160) video at 24 fps and Full HD at 120 fps; the latter, among other things, allows you to transfer 3D video over this interface. In addition to the original v 1.4, there are also improved versions v 1.4a and v 1.4b, where the possibilities for working with 3D have been further expanded.

-v 2.0. Version released in 2013. Among other things, it introduced the ability to work with 4K video at speeds up to 60 fps, compatibility with ultra-wide format 21: 9, as well as support for up to 32 channels and 4...audio streams simultaneously. HDR support was not originally included in this release, but was introduced in v 2.0a and further enhanced in v 2.0b; media players from this category can support both the original version 2.0 and one of the improved ones.

— v 2.1. 2017 version, also known as HDMI Ultra High Speed. Indeed, it provides a very solid bandwidth, allowing you to work even with 10K video at a speed of 120 fps; in addition, a number of improvements have been made to HDR support. Note that the full use of HDMI v 2.1 is possible only with a special cable, but the functions of earlier versions remain available when using conventional wires.

— AV output. Analogue output for video and audio transferring. Previously, due to the large size of the equipment, it consisted of 3 RCA jacks and was connected to the TV accordingly. Now the devices have become more compact and don't have free space on the case. Therefore, the AV output is a single headphone jack, to which a tee cable is already connected (check availability in the package). Since all components of the video signal are on the same cable, the picture quality and immunity to interference are low.

In this case, the term coaxial refers to a type of SP/DIF interface that uses an electrical cable with an RCA connector. This interface provides sound transmission, including multichannel, in digital format; at the same time, the electrical cable is more susceptible to interference than the optical one, but is not as fragile.

A variation of the SP/DIF audio interface that uses a TOSLINK fibre optic cable. Like the coaxial connector, the optical output uses a digital data transfer format and can work with multi-channel audio. At the same time, optical fibre requires rather delicate handling, but it is absolutely insensitive to electrical interference.

The model of the CPU installed in the media player.

This information is mainly of reference value: the processor is selected in such a way as to provide certain practical characteristics (maximum resolution, support for certain standards, embedded applications, etc.). So when choosing, you should focus primarily on these specifications. However, if you wish, knowing the processor model, you can find detailed data on it and evaluate the capabilities of the media centre to work with resource-consuming applications. This can be useful, in particular, if you choose an Android model (see above) and plan to use additional software intensively — the set of applications for this OS is very extensive, and some of them are quite demanding on system resources.

Also note that CPU data is often specified for advertising purposes — to emphasize that the device has a fairly advanced chip from a well-known brand. Among the most common brands of such processors are Allwinner, Amlogic, Rockchip, Realtek.

The clock speed of the CPU installed in the media centre.

On the technical side, the higher this indicator, the faster the processor works and the higher, accordingly, the overall system performance. At the same time, the CPU performance depends, in addition to the frequency itself, on a number of factors — architecture, number of cores, special design features, etc.; and the actual speed of the entire system is affected by performance of components other than the processor. In addition, manufacturers usually select processors in such a way that their computing power is guaranteed to be enough for all the features claimed for a media centre. Therefore, in this case, the CPU frequency is more of a reference parameter (and partly an advertising indicator that demonstrates the advanced specifications of the device), rather than practically significant for buyer.

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.

— 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.