Electronics

Best Network Media Players and Media Streamers

Great Products That Let You Stream or Download from the Internet to Your TV

By Robert Silva, About.com Guide

As a result of increased convergence of the PC and Home Theater, a type of product has emerged, the Network Media Player, Media Extender, Media Streamer. These products allow access to PC media content or the streaming/downloading of audio, video, and still image content directly from the internet that can be played on your TV or home theater system. In addition to standalone devices, Media Player/Extender capability is also being built into other products, such as Blu-ray Disc players and even TVs. For a look at Media Player/Extender/Streamers that might work well with your home theater, check out my top picks.

NOTE: The product entries for Network Media Players and Media Streamers are updated on a continuous basis with new units and reviews to keep them current.

1. WD TV Live Hub by Western Digital

Photo (c) Barb Gonzalez - Licensed to About.com

It's about time that we have a network media player to rival the picture and sound quality of a Blu-ray Disc. The WD TV Live Hub is a stunning performer that comes close. The newest media player in Western Digital's WD TV Live line has been named the Live "Hub" because it is more than a network media player. It is also a media server with an internal 1TB hard drive. You can use the WD TV Live Hub as a dumping ground to store media, rather than using network attached storage (NAS) or an external hard drive for your network's central media library.
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2. Western Digital WD TV Live Streaming Media Player

WD TV Live Streaming Media Player - Photo of Front View with Included Accessories

Photo (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com

The Western Digital WD TV Live is a network media player that provides a great way stream both online and network-based digital content to you TV and home theater system. The WD TV Live, via either wired or WiFi connection, provides convenient access to HuluPlus, Netflix, Spotify, Blockbuster On Demand, CinemaNow, and Pandora, as well as to digital media content stored on PCs and media servers. The WD TV Live also provides 1080p video output resolution via HDMI connection.
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3. Sony SMP-N200 Streaming Player

Building on its previous SMP-N100 media player platform (Read our review), Sony has introduced its second-generation network media player (which Sony refers to as a Streaming Player), the SMP-N200.

The SMP-N200 provides easy connection to a home network and the internet by either wired Ethernet or WiFi options. The SMP-N200 can access an abundance of internet-based audio and video content from the Sony Entertainment Network, which includes services, such as Netflix, Hulus Plus, Pandora, Crackle, and more, and delivers to your TV or home theater system. In addition, the SMP-N200 also has a USB port for accessing content stored on compatible devices, such as Flash Drives.

The SMP-N200 features 1080p and 3D video output capability via HDMI. However, for older TVs, the SMP-N200 also provides a set of standard Composite video and analog stereo audio outputs.

The SMP-N200 comes with a wireless remote, but can also be controlled by either an iOS or Android device. In addition, DLNA compatibility is provided which allows the SMP-N200 to access content from your PC or other compatible devices, as well as Sony's HomeShare system.
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4. Vizio Co-Star with Google TV Stream Player

Video Co-Star Streaming Player with Google TV - Photo of Front View with Included Accessories

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The Vizio Co-Star is a media streaming player that provides an easy way to find, organize, and access content for viewing on your TV and home theater system. The Co-Star, via either wired or WiFi connection, provides convenient access to Netflix, Pandora, and many other internet streaming services. The Co-Star also provides 1080p video output resolution via its HDMI output.
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5. AppleTV

The iPod may be the most successful portable entertainment device ever, including the creation of a whole industry just devoted to iPod accessories, but that isn't all that Steve Jobs has up his entertainment sleeve. AppleTV is definitely a serious contender world of network media players. The AppleTV allows you either wired or wireless connection to your home network, access to iTunes music and both SD and HD video content directly from the internet. You can also store purchased content in the Apple iCloud for later viewing. For all the details, check out the AppleTV Product and Specifications pages.
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6. Roku Digital Video Player

Photo (c) Roku, Inc.

The Roku Digital Video Player is a compact unit that, when connected to the internet, allows streaming of movies and programs from Netflix, Amazon Video-on-Demand, MLB TV and more, for viewing on any TV with Composite, S-Video, Component, or HDMI inputs. However, the HD output resolution of the Roku box does not look that great, especially when compared to HDTV broadcasts, Blu-ray Discs, or even upscaled DVD. The Roku offers both wired and wireless internet connection options. However, although the Roku box connects to the internet via a home network, it does not access content stored on your PC or MAC, or portable USB devices. For more details on the features and operation of the Roku Player, check out the Official Roku Product Page.
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In addition, Compare Prices on a wider selection of Roku Boxes.

7. Netgear NeoTV NTV200 Media Streamer

Photo (c) Netgear

The Netgear NeoTV NTV200 is a very compact and affordable media streamer, that can connect to the internet via Ethernet or WiFi (make sure your router also has this option). To connect NeoTV NTV200 TV you must have an HDMI connection.

Some of the content providers available with the Netgear NeoTV NTV200 include CinemaNow, HuluPlus,Netflix, Vudu, YouTube, Pandora, Picasa, Facebook, and Twitter. However, the NTV200 does not have the ability to access content stored on your PC or other devices connected within your home network.

The NTV200 has the ability to output up to1080p video resolution and also Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus audio format compatible.

A wireless remote is also included as well as access to free downloadable remote control apps for iPhone or Android phones.

8. D-Link MovieNite DSM-310 Media Streamer

Image (c) D-Link

The D-Link MovieNite DSM-310 is a basic media streamer, similar to the Roku box, that provides access Netflix, Vudu, YouTube, and Pandora, as well as access to photo sharing via Picasa.

The DSM-310 features both Ethernet and WiFi connectivity options, and also has HDMI and AV (3.5mm) outputs for connection to both HDTVs and older analog TVs.

DSM-310 is priced at $59 and is available through Walmart (compare prices). For more details, check out the Official D-Link DSM-310 product page.

9. NuVo Whole Home Audio System

NuVo Whole Home Audio System - Packaging

The NuVo Whole Home Audio System can access streaming music services from the internet, music content stored on PCs or USB flash drives, Bluetooth devices, as well as enabling you to plug in your CD player or audio cassette deck.

At its core, the Nuvo System consists of Gateway Router than connects to your own home broadband router. The Gateway serves as the wireless access point for the NuVo system wireless audio players (the P200 or P100) and control system (an app that you download directly a compatible iOS or Android device). The Nuvo can send music from any of the compatible online, network, or connected sources to any room in the house where a compatible player is located (up to 16 can be accommodated).

The system is easy to set up and use, and the players provided strong audio output from their built-in two channel amplifiers. Also, an audio output connection is provided on each player that can be used to plug in a set of headphones, or, if desired, a powered subwoofer.
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10. Sony NAS-SV20i Network Audio System/Server

Sony NAS-SV20i Network Audio System/Server - Photo of Front View with Included Accessories

Photo (c) Robert Silva - Licensed to About.com

The Sony NAS-SV20i is a very practical table-top music system that combines the functions of a digital media player, renderer, and server in one compact unit. The NAS-SV20i features an iPod docking station, internet radio tuner with access to music streaming from Qriocity, Slacker, vTuner. In addition, via wired or wireless network whole house music distribution is possible by utilizing Sony's HomeShare system.
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