Multimedia players add streaming and smart features to a television, hi-fi system or display. Our range has over 25 models: streaming boxes and sticks for video, network music streamers, and professional players for screens. Amazon, WiiM, Google and Apple have the most models.
How to choose a multimedia player
Purpose. Decide first what the player will do. Films and series call for a video streamer, music through an existing amplifier or active speakers suits a network audio streamer, and a shop or office screen needs a digital signage player.
Picture and sound formats. If your television is 4K, choose a player with 4K and HDR support, and look for Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos when your TV or sound system can use them. A pricier 4K model gives an older Full HD television no extra benefit. For music, check whether the player handles lossless files such as FLAC.
Ecosystem and apps. Amazon Fire TV, Google TV and Apple tvOS each have their own app stores and ways of controlling the device. Make sure the services you use are available, and if you own an iPhone or Android phone, check that the player supports AirPlay or Google Cast.
Connections. A video player needs a free HDMI port on the television. For a network audio streamer, look at the outputs: analogue, optical or coaxial. An Ethernet port alongside Wi-Fi helps keep the connection stable.
Control and where it will be used. At home, a remote with voice search or a phone app is the most convenient. Businesses care more about central content management and round-the-clock operation, so screens in a shop or office are better served by a professional player than a consumer one.
Brands in our range
- Amazon: Fire TV players are known for Alexa voice control and Prime Video integration.
- WiiM: specialises in network audio streamers that turn an existing amplifier or speakers into a multiroom music system, and many of them support AirPlay 2 and Google Cast.
- Google: develops the Google TV platform and the Google Cast standard, which sends content from a phone or browser to a television.
- Apple: Apple TV runs tvOS and is closely tied to the iPhone, AirPlay and the Apple home ecosystem.
- BrightSign: known for digital signage players built for continuous operation on screens in shops, restaurants and offices.
Also in our range: Xiaomi, Philips, Hisense, Magnat, Yealink, Allnet and Elo Touch.
Frequently asked questions
How is a multimedia player different from a smart TV?
A multimedia player is a separate device that connects to a television by HDMI and provides apps and streaming content. It helps when a television's own system is old, slow or no longer updated. Replacing the player means you do not have to replace the television.
Will a multimedia player work with an old television?
Yes, as long as the television has an HDMI port. A set with only SCART or analogue inputs would need a converter, and picture quality would be limited. A 4K player will work with a Full HD television, but it will output a lower resolution.
What is the difference between a streaming player and a network audio streamer?
A streaming player shows picture and sound on a television, while a network audio streamer is made for music and connects to an amplifier or active speakers. Audio streamers usually have no video output and are controlled from a phone app. Choose according to whether you will use films or music more often.
Does a multimedia player need an internet connection?
Streaming services such as Netflix or Spotify need an internet connection over Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable. Some players can also play files from a home network or a USB drive without internet, but this depends on the model. The first setup usually needs a connection in any case.
