What is a media player?
A media player is a standalone TV box or streaming device that turns almost any television into a smart TV, or makes your existing smart TV feel faster and more up to date again. You usually connect it to your TV with an HDMI cable, link it to the internet via wifi or ethernet, and then use apps to stream media or play files. This means you don't have to rely on the built-in TV platform, which on older televisions often becomes slow or gets fewer apps and updates.
What you can actually do with it depends on the type of media player, but at its core you get your own interface with access to streaming services, search functions and often voice control too. Many modern models run on a TV operating system like Google TV or Android TV, so you can install apps through an app store and easily switch between series, films, music and live TV apps.
The best-selling media players
Types of media players for TV
There are different types of media players, and the difference lies mainly in how you play content and where you get that content from. A popular choice is a compact streaming box or dongle designed mainly for streaming, think of apps like NPO Start, Videoland, NLZIET, Ziggo Go or KPN TV. In that case you mainly use wifi or ethernet for stable internet access, and you download apps via the app store.
In addition, there are media players with built-in storage space or support for external storage, such as USB storage or, for example, a media player with a hard drive. That's handy if you also want to manage and play local files, like your own videos, music collection or photos, without always having to stream. If you're looking for maximum flexibility, there are also more powerful models that are more like a small computer, where performance, codecs and extensive connections become extra important.
Key features of a media player
The best media player for your TV is above all the media player that suits your viewing habits, your TV and your network. Pay attention to picture and sound, ease of use, connectivity and support for the apps you actually use. Below are the most important features that will help you make a reliable choice.
- Picture quality and support: choose a model that supports 4K HDR if your TV can handle it too, so your movies and series are displayed sharply and in a modern way.
- Sound and audio formats: look for support for Dolby Atmos and other audio formats, so you get an immersive experience with a soundbar or receiver too.
- Performance: a powerful processor ensures fast menus, smooth navigation and quick switching between different apps, without stuttering.
- App support: check whether your streaming service is available and well supported, and whether you can easily install and update via the app store.
- Connectivity: wifi is handy and wireless, ethernet is often more stable, especially if you stream or download in high quality.
- Connections: HDMI is standard, but extra options like USB and bluetooth make it easier to pair accessories, such as a controller, keyboard or headphones.
- Cast and share: features like Chromecast and AirPlay make it seamless to cast video or music from your phone or tablet to your TV.
- Ease of operation: an intuitive remote control, voice control and HDMI CEC let you control things quickly, adjust the volume and need fewer remotes.
- Privacy and security: look for transparent settings, a secure software foundation and options like parental controls to limit content for children.
When you weigh up these points, it becomes a lot easier to choose the right media player. That way you can be sure that you'll not only be able to watch, but also really comfortably control, connect and enjoy stable performance.
Controlling media players
The way you control media players varies by platform, and that determines how you navigate, install apps and manage updates. Many models run on Android TV, a user-friendly TV OS where you move through tiles and menus with a remote, install apps via the Play Store, and easily search for content. Thanks to bluetooth and wifi, you can often also pair your phone and use it as an extra remote, for example to enter text faster or use voice control.
There are also media players that run on Windows, often in the form of a mini PC. These work just like a computer: you manage programs, open browsers or apps, and you can customize more to your own preferences. That's flexible and handy if you want to use specific software, manage local files extensively or need a broader set of codecs, although it usually takes a bit more know-how than a purely TV-focused media player.
Connectivity options of a media player
Connecting a media player is usually simple: you plug it into your TV via HDMI and then choose how to set up internet access. Wireless connecting via wifi is popular and convenient, especially if you'd rather not run cables. For those looking for maximum stability, ethernet is often the best choice, particularly with 4K HDR streaming or when multiple devices use the network at the same time.
On top of that, you can often pair with other devices and accessories. With bluetooth you can connect, for example, a headphone, speaker, game controller or keyboard. With Chromecast or AirPlay you can cast content from your smartphone, tablet or laptop. HDMI CEC can make a difference too: it lets your TV remote control basic functions of the media player, such as on and off, volume and source selection, so everything works together seamlessly.
Buying a media player at TechPunt
Whether it's a compact media player for everyday streaming, or a powerful model with extra storage space and extensive support, at TechPunt you'll find a selection of media players that bring your TV right up to date.
You benefit from our lowest-price guarantee, fast delivery and expert service from Barneveld, and you can choose from a wide range, including official Xiaomi models. View the media players on this page, compare what matters to you, and order your new media player directly at TechPunt.
FAQ about media players
What does a media player do?
What does a media player do?
A media player lets you play videos, music and photos on your TV. You can stream over the internet, install apps for a streaming service, and often also play local files from storage or a connected hard drive. With a remote control or an app on your phone, you can easily control everything, so you can watch and search in no time.
What are the best media players?
What are the best media players?
The best media players are the models that match your TV, your network and the apps you use. Pay attention to reliable performance, a powerful processor, stable Wi-Fi or ethernet, and support for popular features like Chromecast or AirPlay. User-friendliness, regular updates and solid support for picture and sound, such as 4K HDR and Dolby Atmos, often make the difference in everyday use too.
Which files can a media player play?
Which files can a media player play?
That varies by model and depends on the supported codecs and apps. Many media players handle common video, audio and photo formats, and through apps you can also stream from various services. If you have a lot of your own files, it's smart to go for a media player with broad codec support and enough storage or options to connect external storage.
How many types of media players are there?
How many types of media players are there?
There are roughly streaming-focused media players, media players with extra storage options, and powerful variants that lean more toward a mini PC. Within those groups you'll find differences in the operating system, such as Android TV or Windows, and in connections, such as Wi-Fi only or also ethernet and extra ports. Which type is best for you depends on how you watch and what you want to connect.
How much does a media player cost?
How much does a media player cost?
The price of a media player varies, depending on performance, support and features. An entry-level model is often already suitable for basic streaming, while more extensive models with more powerful hardware, more storage space, better connectivity and extra audio and video support are usually more expensive. At TechPunt you'll find various price ranges, so you can choose a media player that fits your budget and needs.
