Media Player vs Simple Flash Disk

[suleman]

Hi Guys

I need some advice on a media player. I source my own content and prefer to watch in on my TV which has wireless capability and the ability to read flash disks.

Is there any specific advantage of getting a dedicated media player with a built in hard drive or is it cheaper to just get a flash disk with sufficient capacity?

Getting a flash disk would eliminate the need for an extra remote and clutter.

Also, are there flash disks with wireless connectivity so I can leave it plugged into the TV and transfer content wirelessly. Incidentally the TV does have wireless capability should that make a difference.

Thanks in advance.

 

[buyeye]

There are wireless hard drives.

 

[CamiKaze]

Not much of a difference in my opinion.
The only thing that might be a problem is the codecs.

 

[CamiKaze]

Also, are there flash disks with wireless connectivity so I can leave it plugged into the TV and transfer content wirelessly. Incidentally the TV does have wireless capability should that make a difference.

Thanks in advance.

If your phone and TV supports DLNA then you can stream content to your tv.

 

[DrJohnZoidberg]

Not much of a difference in my opinion.
The only thing that might be a problem is the codecs.

Yep, the codecs thing and bandwidth limitations. You are going to struggle with higher bitrate media over wifi.

 

[Ecco]

Not all tv's play all formats of video - probably the only issue.

 

[InTheCube]

A media player will allow you to stream content from online streaming services like Netflix, Hulu Plus and Amazon Instant Video. Some Smart TV's will have these apps built in already. Or you could access them via a gaming console.

I personally gave up on Flash disks and external drives, and purchased a Roku 3 streaming media player. It allows you to stream content from all the major streaming providers in the world. You will have to do some trickery though, to bypass the Geographical restrictions on the Roku, and on the various streaming services.

You can then also install Plex Media Server (PMS) on a PC, and dump all your downloaded content there, as well as home videos, pictures, etc. You then connect your Roku to PMS via the Plex app on the Roku, and stream your content over your local network (wired of wireless) from the PMS PC to your TV via the Roku.

Obviously, the above is a full blown setup, required uncapped internet and a dedicated PC to use as a media server, which you might not need or want, but its good to know about it for the future.