This article will talk about new AV receiver features and how can it be used in a home multimedia network... Earlier I already wrote about such a class of devices as, but with the advent, development and many other trends, I decided to "refresh" the material. A few years earlier, these devices were not aimed at a wide group of consumers, but now those who want to build a home theater based on a receiver have increased significantly, there would have been more of them, but not everyone knows about these devices.
AV receivers - the type of device, which is the communication "heart" (node) when building a home theater. Speaking simple language, you connect all your multimedia equipment to the receiver: Blu-ray player, game console, Set-top box (IPTV or media player), CD player, even vinyl player father can be connected to the AV receiver. A modern receiver has plenty of all kinds of connectors and interfaces. In addition to audio sources, all video sources are also connected to the AV receiver. Such sources can be game consoles, satellite receivers, DVD or Blu-ray player, etc. devices. By connecting all your multimedia equipment to the receiver, you can receive a processed signal from all these sources: it will upscale to FullHD due to the low quality of the source, activate the necessary decoder when switching audio tracks, amplify the audio signal, highlight the voice, etc.). Thus, you bring high-quality multimedia content to your TV / projector and speakers. As a result, you connected all your devices to the TV with one HDMI cable, which already goes from the receiver to the TV.
Home theater based on AV receiver allows you to organize clear communication of multimedia devices with an abundance of ports for connection. The home theater will be systematized, you can easily switch between the signals of active devices, which comes from different sources.
The widest range of capabilities that AV receivers can offer are related to audio processing:
- improving the quality of the input signal
- sound decomposition for listening on 5.1 or 7.1 systems
- sound distribution in two independent zones
- all kinds of "enhancers" and sound models for different sound sources
I am absolutely certain that it is impossible to build a full-fledged home multimedia system without an AV receiver.
Modern AV receivers have new possibilities for communicating with devices on the home multimedia network. Some AV Receiver models support work with modern mobile devices based on iOS and Android... The interaction boils down to the fact that the owners of mobile gadgets on iOS and Android have the ability to transfer content from their device to the receiver, which, in turn, sends this content to the home multimedia system. Thus, you can play content from your smartphone or tablet without additional wires and additional problems... Data transfer from a smartphone / tablet to the receiver is carried out by a special application, which you can download for free from Google PlayMarket or App Store... The content broadcast on the TV screen is a photo or video from the gallery mobile device, as well as the music collection that you will listen to on the speakers connected to the receiver. Connecting a mobile device to the receiver is carried out via Wi-Fi and requires minimum settings from the user.
Another new feature that a modern receiver has - WiFi-Direct, is a technology that allows without participation wireless equipment, transmit image and sound directly from a smartphone or tablet. WiFi-Direct is present in the functionality of most modern smartphones.
The latest multimedia trends have brought a USB port to AV receivers for playing MP3 / WMA / ACC music files or connecting music player, and the HDMI interface got the ARC function, which I wrote about in. Modern network technologiessuch as LAN, Internet Radio and Media Server... And of course, it was not without support for digital video streams in resolution (Ultra HD), which are supported by the latest models.
I will not mention the main functions, since they are also in the previous article on AV-receivers. For example, surround decoders that support modern HD Audio formats (Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD, etc.) are already standard among mid-range receivers and higher, as well as support automatic tuning using a special service microphone or 3D functionality.
Summing up, I would like to note that there are plenty of various brands that provide high-quality and modern AV-receivers: Yamaha, Pioneer, Onkyo, Sony, etc. So there are enough options for getting a modern AV-receiver with support for the vast majority of audio and video formats and excellent performance quality. If you have any difficulties when choosing an AV receiver, then ask questions in the comments.
Recent events with television in our homeland made us think about alternative options. Who does not know, on New Year, on the night from December 31 to January 1, almost all Ukrainian TV channels were turned off (this applies only to Ukraine). That is, the channels that usually broadcast all New Year's shows, films, etc. were completely turned off. After a while, providers began to restore access, but in most cases this is the same iptv in the window. All channels are trumpeting to switch to digital, buy tuners and other delights " modern life". Having rummaged around the bottom of the barrel, I found an old stick on the android, as well as an 8-inch tablet lying idle. Everything would be fine, but out of knowledge and impulse at the time I bought hDMI cable-RCA and thought that I was the king of the hill, now I will connect any devices to old TVs ... but it was not there. In general, I had to buy a converter, which in turn made me very happy with the quality and price.
I chose the cheapest at that time and with good reviews... The seller sent the goods the next day by Estonian post. The product, taking into account the holidays, arrived to me in 3 weeks.
The set includes the device itself, a mini-usb cable and instructions, with the indicated operating modes 
The device is made to last. No glue, crevices or plastic pieces. All connectors are firmly attached, and overall the device is pleasant to hold in your hand. 
The device works in one direction (if you need the opposite direction, the seller has such models). Ie I only needed HDMI input and RCA output. There is also a switch between pAL formats and NTSC. 
So, what I needed to connect:
1) The stick itself on android or any other device that has hDMI out (mini, macro ... everything can be connected via adapters)
2) HDMI cable. In this case, when connecting a stick, I do not need a cable. But if a tablet is connected, it is definitely needed
3) Adapter for powering the converter (it is not included in the kit and I advise you not to take those that come in sets, they are either completely not working, or low-power) ... you will also need an adapter for powering the stick (included). The converter has no power supply to the connected devices. I took the adapter supposedly for 2A, but in fact there is 0.7-0.8A. This is enough for normal work converter
4) RCA cables ... in common people tulips 
I must say right away that people who do not like to bother with commutations, wires ... the option disappears. There will be many cables, but they are easily hidden behind old tv... The only thing you need is a slightly peeping stick with a keyboard and mouse connected to it (2in1). 
When switching on the device between PAL-NTSC, the device displays it on the TV and shows the resolution. In my case, in PAL mode, the picture is displayed normally, when switching to NTSC, the picture is stretched and the controls go out of frame 
As a result, after watching iptv all day, the converter never crashed or freezes. The heating temperature is within normal limits (for example, the stick heats up much more). Therefore, for this money I consider it an excellent solution to my problem and I can recommend the seller and the product, everything is done with high quality and the price does not bite. Thank you all for your attention
I plan to buy +73 Add to favourites Review liked +51 +101Modern technologies do not stand still, constantly developing. Relatively recently, citizens rejoiced at the appearance of a TV remote control, which made it possible to seriously simplify and increase a comfortable pastime in front of the TV. Then, modern technologies made people happy with the appearance of modern mobile phones... Now, phones can not only be used for their intended purpose, but also connected to a modern TV.
Modern TV models are equipped with unique, external interfaces that allow you to connect flash drives, video players, tuners, etc. In addition, TVs today are capable of producing Internet access, which allows you to connect not only simple phones, but also modern smartphones, in order to transfer images and video to the screen.
The principle of connecting a phone to a TV:
To view image files on TV, simply connect your phone to the TV. But few people know that with the help of a TV you can access the median data stored on the phone.
To do this, you need to use the algorithm to connect your phone to the TV:
Before connecting, you must make sure that the TV has a special output that can read information from a flash drive. In other words, is it possible to install a USB flash drive into the TV.
Next, you need to have a memory card in the phone and whether it can work.
Further, it is necessary to clarify whether the phone can support the “Mass Storage” mode; this mode will allow when connecting a memory card to a computer to show that a USB flash drive is connected in the form of a removable disk.
Next, you need to pick up a USB cable from the phone, which is usually included with the phone.
Now it's worth making a connection using the supplied cable.
When the equipment is connected to each other, it is worth switching the TV to viewing mode with a file from the TV. To do this, sometimes you can simply use the appropriate buttons, namely, press the button that switches between AV and TV. This transition can be done both with the TV remote control and with the buttons located on the TV itself.
In the event that during the connection process the TV offers several connection modes, then you must select one of them. You must select a mode that implies connection to " external storage". Sometimes TVs do not provide a connection method in Russian. Then this mode is called "Mass Storage".
If the connection and connection was successful, then the screen should display everything that is stored on the memory card. And these are just files or folders with the same files, which can be viewed in the future.
This method is great when you need to use the phone as a flash drive or external drive with data. For example, if you need to demonstrate something at a presentation, then the phone will certainly help. This is especially convenient when you urgently need to download something from the Internet and show it to the audience. Everything is quite simple and in most cases the question is: how to connect the phone to the TV does not raise serious questions. But there is one thing, but. Thus, you can view those files that are located in the folder, i.e. in the archive, but it is not possible to view the files directly from the gadget screen. Also, modern phones do not have the ability to work with direct access to the memory card.
Let's consider how to connect a phone toiOS or onAndroid to TV:
In the event that there is a Smart TV with Wi-Fi modern type, then the connection process will not cause any serious complications. The connection process is as follows:
Initially, without which further connection does not make sense, it is necessary to create a connection of both the phone and the TV itself to one wi-Fi networks... To do this, most likely, you will need to use the TV settings, as well as use the instructions that come with the TV model.
On a device that runs on android, you need to install special program... Such a program allows you to have access to file system through local network... Without such a program, nothing will work. As the most common and popular program is ES Explorer. In order to get such a program, it is enough to go to the play market and install it on your device for further work without any problems.
Next, we go to the program settings, in which we set the ability to display the entire contents of the device's memory card.
Next, go to the menu section on the TV model. You need to find the appropriate section that is responsible for working with the local network.
Next, in it we find our device connected to Android and open it.
In general, that's all. In order to connect a device that runs on iOS, you need to use a special set-top box, which must be purchased in advance. Such a set-top box will allow you to quickly connect a mobile device, as well as easily connect an iPad to a TV, even if you use a regular video output.
Many people know that in most cases, you can display an image with personal computer or laptop to a TV using a video cable, similar to the one through which a monitor is connected to your computer. But not many people know how to connect a phone to a TV, and in this article we will look at 6 ways to display an image from a phone to a TV.
This method is analogous to connecting a PC to a TV, but there is a caveat: most smartphones, if not all, do not have a micro HDMI port. And, by the way, there are not many tablets that have it.
In this case, an adapter from Micro USB to HDMI can come to our aid, but this makes sense only if the device supports the OTG function. An important factor here is the length of the HDMI cable. If the length is too short and the distance to the TV is too far, this will limit your position in relation to the TV.
As we can see, there is nothing complicated in this method, however, it sets itself many nuances and limitations for comfortable use.
Connect using a mobile app
Many do not know that in the open spaces Play Market there are many applications available that allow you to duplicate an image from an Android device to a TV screen using screen mirroring technology, or in other words, Screen Mirroring. You can activate it by downloading special applications such as MirrorOp or iMediaShare.
To output, you need an Android device with one of the programs preinstalled and the TV itself with support Wi-Fi module or the ability to connect an HDMI cable. Thus, you can watch photos and videos, if you have a browser, surf the Internet, and enjoy other content on your TV screen using your Android device.
However, there are also disadvantages to this connection method. If you play games or watch streaming video on the Internet, then in this case it is important to have a stable high speed internet, and even better and unlimited. Some TV models may also have problems pairing the phone with the TV, because some applications simply do not see them.
MHL adapter
MHL (Mobile High-Definition Link) adapter is a kind of active analogue of HDMI, and is also one of the universal wired solutions. With it you can connect to your phone wireless keyboard, gamepad and other devices, allowing you to use your phone effectively as a console. Externally, the MHL adapter is similar to an adapter with micro USB to HDMI, but unlike a conventional adapter, it allows you to transmit Full HD video at 60 frames per second, and has support for wide-channel audio. Everything will depend on the capabilities of your phone.
It is also worth noting that the MHL adapter requires an external 1A power supply at 5V or more.
The advantage of this connection is that it allows you to charge your smartphone when connected to the MHL adapter. The main disadvantage is that not all TVs have MHL support. This point needs to be clarified when buying if you plan to use this technology. Also, your phone must support data transmission via MHL
Tv receiver
TV receiver or, in other words, a TV set-top box that can be used when connected to cable TV. Key feature this method is that you can connect your phone to your TV via Wi-Fi using Screen Mirroring technology. In this case, the TV with the phone must be within the same Wi-Fi network. In this case, you can also enjoy surround sound and HD images. It is also worth noting that some manufacturers of such consoles have their own own applications to display the image from the phone screen to the TV.
One of these companies is Xiaomi, which allows you to control your TV using the Mi Box set-top box using your standard application... It is noteworthy that Google has already done software platform for this kind of set-top box called Google TV, which also has an open sourcewhich allows developers to create their own widgets for TV platforms.
The undoubted advantage of this type of connection is the elimination of cables. We also note that, unlike the method with HDMI, here you are not tied to a location relative to the TV, because data transfer occurs via a Wi-Fi connection.
Portable electronic module
This device It is very similar to a USB stick and has several types of data exchange, like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It works according to the same principle as a TV receiver, except that you get rid of not only wires, but also devices that take up extra space.
By simply connecting such a device to the HDMI port of the TV, it will not take up extra space, which is one of its advantages. The device is controlled by a special mobile application, one of which is Google Home.
Miracast
Miracast is the standard wireless, based on wi-Fi technologies Mirroring, which was approved in 2012. The main advantage of this technology is the absence of a connecting element between the TV and the smartphone. This technology is easy to set up, because to use it, you will need two compatible devices, where one of them plays the role of a transmitter and the other as a receiver. As in the case of MHL, Miracast is able to broadcast video in full format HD and transmit multi-channel sound in Audio 5.1 mode.
To display an image on a TV screen, you must have a phone or tablet with Android 4.2 or higher. Screen Mirroring must be activated on the device using mobile application... Then, in the settings, select the Wireless screen item, and find the TV that you want to connect to in the list. Also, this mode must first be activated on your TV.
Modern mobile devices are suitable for watching movies and videos from YouTube, but they have one significant drawback: the screen diagonal is too small. The displays of even the largest smartphones and phablets are no match for television screens.
Fortunately, transferring an image from a mobile device to a TV screen is now easier than ever, and this article will tell you about the most common methods.
Connecting a smartphone to a TV via HDMI is the most popular option. Many people prefer HDMI, because high data transfer rates and high-quality picture are guaranteed. However, the connection is possible only if the Android smartphone itself has a corresponding connector - usually it is located next to the micro-USB.
Note that a special HDMI cable is required: one end must have a standard Type A connector, the other a Type D connector that looks like a charger connector.
HDMI A-D cable
If you find cable A-D fails, you can use a special MHL to HDMI adapter, which is usually put in a TV set.
MHL to HDMI adapter
Having connected two devices via a cable, on the TV itself, you need to select HDMI as the signal source, after which the same image will appear on the screen as on the smartphone display. If there is no image, it is worth adjusting the settings on the gadget (path "Settings" "HDMI format").
Connect via USB
The method of connecting a gadget to a TV via USB is suitable if the TV itself is equipped with a corresponding connector. You will need a USB-micro-USB cable, which you can find with almost any smartphone.
USB-micro-USB cable
It will not be possible to duplicate the picture from the display of the gadget on the TV, but the smartphone with this connection can be considered as a USB drive. Data management is carried out through the TV interface. Modern TV devices can play not only clips and films of certain formats, but also text documents and presentations.
Pay attention to this connection feature: both devices must be turned on - if the gadget is off, the TV does not recognize it as a drive.
We connect via Wi-Fi
You can connect your phone to the TV without cables - just use one of the software products manufacturing companies. For example, many of Samsung's models have AllShare, which allows you to connect to a TV of a similar brand in a couple of clicks. To use this function, you need:
- Activate your home Wi-Fi network.
- Connect both devices (TV and Samsung phone) to Wi-Fi.
- Activate AllShare.
Other major manufacturers have an AllShare counterpart. offers to use Smart Share, through which the smartphone connects to the TV in much the same way as through Samsung technology. Apple devices can be connected via AirPlay, however, you will have to additionally buy a special set-top box.
The listed methods have a common disadvantage: you can connect the gadget only to TVs of the same brand. Therefore, the question that owners of TV of rare brands will surely ask is reasonable: is it possible to connect a smartphone via Wi-Fi bypassing branded applications?
We use Wi-Fi Direct
The advantage of this technology is that setting home network Wi-Fi and registration of both devices in it are not required - the gadget connects directly to the TV via Wi-Fi. The important thing is that both devices must support this function. "Connect" happens like this:
- Wi-Fi Direct runs on the gadget. The user needs to follow the path "Settings" " Wireless network and Connections "" Wi-Fi Direct ". Click “Activate” or “Ok” (depending on the model).
- The function runs on TV. You need to go to the menu, select "Network" and find Wi-Fi Direct in the list of options. After activating the function, a list of devices available for connection appears - select the previously configured smartphone in the list.
- The smartphone receives a request to confirm the connection. Just click "Yes" and enjoy Wi-Fi Direct.
other methods
You can connect devices differently:
Via Miracast technology... The technology developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance is similar to Wi-Fi Direct — the connection is also direct and does not require an additional router. This ensures a high connection speed. There is one difference from Direct: Miracast can be used even if the TV does not support this function or does not have a wireless module at all. To connect in such cases, you need an external unit (for example, Prestigio Multiscreen) - a device that looks similar to a USB flash drive.
External unit Prestigio Multiscreen for Miracast connection
Miracast also has a disadvantage: only latest models TVs and smartphones. Miracast is supported by Android smartphones with Jelly Bean OS (4.2) and higher.
Through a Chromecast device... Such a device is an innovation google –Inserted into the HDMI connector of the TV and streams content from the smartphone to it.
Google Chromecast device
Chromecast has a significant advantage over other connection methods: this equipment works not only with Androids, but also with gadgets on Windows and iOS.
Through device xBounds... IPhone owners will be disappointed, but xBounds only works with Android. The principle of operation is the same as that of Chromecast, and even software appearance these devices are similar.
XBounds device
Interestingly, when connecting via xBounds, even low-resolution videos will appear on the TV screen in high quality.
Conclusion
If a user plans to connect a smartphone to a TV, he should think about this point even before buying devices. To avoid connecting via a cable and not feeling tied by wires, it is better to include the presence of Miracast technology (or Wi-Fi Direct) in the list of mandatory requirements for the purchased gadget.
