Key takeaways
- A media streamer allows you to connect to your favourite streaming apps and a local home network NAS drive
- It’s the perfect media solution for both cinephiles and audiophiles alike.
- With a plethora of combinations, you should decide whether you require high-performance streaming, NAS drive connectivity, or a combination configuration
What is a media streamer?
In its simplest form, a media streamer accesses data from an external source and converts that signal into either music or video, which you can then enjoy through your TV or hi-fi setup.
All HDMI media streamers are backwards compatible, meaning they automatically tailor their output to match your TV’s screen resolution. This allows you to enjoy the best possible picture quality your TV can support, regardless of its age.
Some media streamers look like simple USB sticks with an HDMI connection that plugs directly into your TV. Others, such as the Dorpo Digital X3, take a different approach, which is what we’re going to focus on here.
These devices can access uncompressed movies and music at the highest resolutions currently available, all neatly organised into their own media library through a NAS drive or other storage solution.
They offer everything that makes simple streaming devices appealing, but they operate on an entirely different level. Think of them like a sports car — when you tap the throttle and access uncompressed audio and video formats, the difference in picture and sound quality can be striking. In some cases, they can even outperform Blu-ray players without the same level of hassle.
Should I use a media streamer?
If you enjoy movies and music, you should absolutely use a media streamer. If you own a cinema system or music hi-fi setup that you’re proud of, the real question is, why don’t you already own one?
Spending your hard-earned money on a home cinema or hi-fi system, only to pair it with something like an Amazon Fire TV Stick, doesn’t necessarily guarantee a level of quality that matches the equipment you already own.
Many people don’t realise that brands often create closed ecosystems designed to keep you within their own platforms. The downside is that, in some regions, streaming services reduce bitrate quality or make it more difficult to access content you already own, such as media stored on a NAS drive at home.
This can result in a less vibrant and less impactful viewing experience, even though you know your system is capable of much more, especially if you’ve previously experienced the quality of Blu-ray. If you want to bring that level of performance back into your setup, it’s important to avoid cutting corners.
These lesser-known media streamers have also been around for much longer than many people realise, with brands such as DORPO Digital and FiiO offering some of the most popular solutions among enthusiasts.
The best media streamers
1. Dorpo UHP-30018k Smart Media Player
Key features
- Bitstream Audio Output
- 1a HDMI Certified for 8k Playback
- Android 11 OS using Amlogic S928X-K processing
Pros
- 12v trigger system connectivity for rack mounting
- Analogue output for stereo connectivity
- Removable drive slot
Cons
- The setup options feel like they’re infinite. This is a good thing, but it can feel a little overwhelming!
The Dorpo Digital UHP-300 8K Smart Media Player is seen as an unmatched media streamer on the market, powered by the Amlogic S928X-K five-core 64-bit processor at its heart.
As you’d expect from such a powerful media steamer, Dolby Vision and HDR10+ are standard, as is Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio playback thanks to the AKM4432 built within.
If you want to store music and movies without relying on an external NAS drive, the UHP-300 supports up to 24TB of local storage capacity. DORPO Digital’s FunPlayUI 2.0 software also organises your movies and music into a comprehensive media library that’s easy for anyone to navigate.
And if you want some pedigree behind the Dorpo Digital name, all you really need to know is that the team behind the brand previously worked on the legendary Oppo Blu-ray players.
2. Panasonic DP-UB820EB Smart 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
Key features
- HCX Processor for 4K HDR content
- Analogue audio output
- Multiple What Hi-Fi Product of the Year awards
Pros
- Dual HDMI enables connectivity to older AV receivers
- Can double up as a good CD and music player
- Enhancing engine interpolates 4:2:0 into 4:4:4 colour signals
Cons
- Requires compatible NAS software for full functionality
The Panasonic DP-UB820ES Smart 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Player might seem like a surprise in this dedicated media streamer line-up. However, its budget-friendly price point and HDR Optimizer software make it a strong option.
3. Dorpo Digital X3 8K Smart Media Player
Key features
- True 8K playback to compatible devices
- Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support
- Studio-grade audio passthrough system
Pros
- Aluminium chassis has a premium feel
- Presets available for 24fps playback
- HDMI outputs 12-bit colour depth
Cons
- Requires some setup knowledge to achieve the best performance
The Dorpo Digital X3 8K Smart Media Player is a premium-built device capable of playing BDMV, ISO, MKV, and M2TS video formats. If you’re building a dedicated media server setup, its price point helps set it apart from many alternatives on the market, while also avoiding some of the common limitations associated with popular subscription-based streaming services.
It still features the class-leading Amlogic S928X-K chipset found in its larger siblings. Plus, that same FunPlayUI 2.0 software also brings the benefits of Android 11, while keeping your movie and music libraries neatly organised and easy to navigate.
As you would expect, the X3 supports 4K Dolby Vision and HDR10+, along with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio, all delivered through its certified HDMI output. In fact, the X3 is capable of outputting up to 8K at 60Hz or 4K at 120Hz. Once you’ve taken the time to configure it correctly for your own setup, the performance can surpass that of almost any typical media streamer currently available at this price point.
4. FiiO R9 Desktop Media Player
Key features
- All-in-one streamer
- RCA and XLR analogue stereo outputs
- Dual Sabre Technologies ES9038PRO DACs
Pros
- HDMI input
- Switchable power supply setup
- Doubles up as a headphone amplifier
Cons
- Initial setup isn’t as straightforward as the plug-and-play experience offered by some other DACs
If you’re a music aficionado, the FiiO R9 Desktop Media Player is for you. This “do-it-all” streamer houses one of the industry’s most highly regarded DAC configurations, featuring a pair of Sabre Technologies ES9038PRO DACs built directly into the unit.
It also brings a plethora of inputs and outputs, with digital HDMI, optical, and coaxial connections all included. There are also dedicated hi-fi-grade RCA and XLR outputs. For headphones, the R9 even includes the THX768+ amp chipset and 4.4mm balanced headphone outputs.
With Android OS onboard, you can download a wide range of free and subscription-based TV streaming services directly to the FiiO R9 and output them through its HDMI ARC connection to your big-screen TV. That means it’s far more than just a hi-fi component.
5. Dorpo Digital X300 8K Smart Media Player
Key features
- Built-in SATA Bay for solid-state or hard disk drive expansion
- Wi-Fi 6 and Gigabit LAN network connectivity
- Amlogic S928X-K Processor
Pros
- Android software allows a plethora of streaming apps
- HDR10+ and Dolby Vision ready
- Comprehensive library creator
Cons
- Navigating through the setup menus can be a little daunting
The final of our favourite five media streamers is the Dorpo Digital X300 8K Smart Media Player. In many ways, this streamer is similar to the FiiO R9, although without the large six-inch touchscreen display. It also features a high-quality DAC in the form of the stereo AKM AK4432, which is well known for its smooth and velvety sound signature.
Just like the other Dorpo Digital smart media players, the X300 also features the class-leading Amlogic S928X-K processor. This means it fully supports formats such as Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, HDR10+, and DTS:X, just like its fellow Dorpo Digital models.
Other features that help this media player stand out include HDMI 2.1a certification, USB 3.0 connectivity and Wi-Fi 6 support. It also includes digital coaxial and optical Toslink outputs, alongside a dedicated stereo RCA analogue output, so you can fully benefit from the AK4432 DAC.
How to choose the right media streamer for you
So, you’ve decided that a dedicated media streamer is the right choice for you. While there may not be a huge number of options available, there are several key areas to focus on when choosing the right media streamer for your particular needs.
Any of the media streamers listed above would be well-suited to streaming duties, thanks to the higher-quality components built into each device. They all offer the ability to output both movies and music once the appropriate apps have been installed.
For those with a large Blu-ray collection who don’t want to rely on storage solutions, a dedicated Blu-ray player can still be an excellent option. These players already include superior hardware and software, which can help deliver better performance from your streaming services. However, it’s worth noting that many don’t offer particularly user-friendly media library systems.
If you’d prefer to separate your Blu-ray player from your streaming services, which is often the best approach for creating a simpler experience for the whole family, a dedicated media streaming device makes much more sense. Some of these devices also allow you to install solid-state or hard disk drives internally, while also supporting external NAS drives over your home network, alongside access to both free and subscription-based streaming services online.
If music playback is more of a priority, then there are two particularly important areas to consider: the DAC and overall ease of use. This may include features such as a digital display, intuitive navigation controls, smartphone app support and a well-designed user interface.
Whichever option best suits your requirements, one thing is clear: these carefully selected media streamers offer everything needed to enjoy high-quality movie and music streaming at home.
FAQs
What is a media streamer used for?
In a nutshell, a media streamer is designed to stream local, free, and subscription-based content, including TV, movies, and music, through a single device connected to your TV, AV receiver, or hi-fi system using either digital or analogue connections where supported.
What is the best media streamer?
In our opinion, the best media streamer is the Dorpo Digital UHP-300, thanks to its remarkable ability to get the very best out of virtually anything you choose to watch through your home cinema system.
Can I use TV streamers on any TV?
You can use TV streamers with virtually any TV, provided it has an HDMI connection, as all modern media streamers use HDMI for connectivity. HDCP restrictions may limit access to certain resolutions or protected content, but because HDMI is backwards compatible, the streamer will still operate within the capabilities of your TV.
Final thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a streaming device and wondering what a media streamer actually is, we hope we’ve answered your questions and shown that not all streaming devices are equal in what they’re capable of delivering.
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