In the world of streaming movies or TV programs, Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, the network media player has turned out to be a very handy tool. It gives out a home entertainment vibe where you can kick back on your armchair, watch movies or share photos on your big screen. To narrow it down, the sole function of a network media player is streaming movies, music, and photos on your TV screen. The media player box can connect to your TV, home network, and other entertainment components.
Examples of Network Media Player include your PC or laptop as well as Sony PS3/4, Xbox 360, NVidia Shield, and Shield Pro.
Network Media Player and Media Streamer – are they the same?
One might think that Network Media Player and Media Streamer (Roku box, Fire TV, Google Chromecast, etc.) are the same things. Why not, since they can both stream content from local devices such as computers, smartphones, etc., and also from the internet.
But Network Media Player has more features than the Media Streamer. Most players have a USB port to connect with a USB flash drive or other external hard drives. They may also have a built-in hard drive.
Things you need for playing Media on Network Media Player
Besides the Network Media Player, there are other things that you need to play your media content.
Media Content
Before you have your connection set up with the Network Media Player, you need to know what kind of content you will be playing on your TV screen. The content can be in any form such as
- photos and movies that are downloaded from your digital camera, smartphone, or digital video recorder
- music files bought from Apple iTunes, Spotify, etc., copied from CD, recorded from vinyl record albums
- downloaded movies from DVD/Blur-ray discs
- streaming movies from Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and other streaming services
- downloaded photos from web browsers, social media platforms, or simply through email
The Internet
If you are planning on streaming media content on your Network Media Player, then the internet is a must-have.
Anyone with a fast enough internet connection can stream high-definition media content. Since streaming is a continuous transmission of video content from the server to the client, you need an internet connection that stays consistent throughout the whole process. The minimum requirement for streaming high-definition videos is at least 5 Mbps, and Ultra HD requires around 25 Mbps.
- If you have a router, you can connect to the computer and your media playback devices that will all be included in your home network. A router can create a path for your computer or devices to communicate with each other. The connections on a router can either be wired or wireless.
- With the help of a modem, you will get access to an internet connection so you can stream media content. Whatever internet service you sign up for, you will be provided a modem with it so you can receive an internet connection from your ISP.
You must sign up for an internet service that will fulfill the demands of network media player streaming along with your other online browsing needs. One option is to subscribe to Xfinity internet packages. Xfinity subscribers are provided with reliable and fast internet. An added bonus of subscribing to Xfinity Internet is that you get a free Xfinity Flex, which is a 4K streaming box to watch your media content on, though that is only limited to streaming video content.
USB Flash Drive
There is also a USB port in your Network Media Player for you to connect to your TV. In this case, you do not need an internet connection. You can simply attach the USB, which contains video or image content, or you can attach your smart devices or laptop to the Network Media Player to stream media content onto your TV.
Some Network Media Player does not have ports for router or modem, but you can still stream your content through the USB flash drive or other hardware devices that can be connected to the same USB port.
Conclusion
A Network Media Player is a great idea to scroll through to stream media content on your TV screen when you don’t want your computer screen crowded with too many programs. Or if you don’t prefer watching on smaller screens of your smart devices.
