If you have an older “dumb” TV or monitor, Laser’s new Android media player is an inexpensive way to add all the smarts you could ever want.
Technically it is called the Android Media Player Streaming TV Box with Wi-Fi, 4K, HDR, 3D, BT, 1Gb, 2/8GB, LAN but the secret is in its simplicity – connect one end to the router via Wi-Fi AC or Ethernet cable and the other to the TV via HDMI, or AV RCA, or Miracast/Apple Airplay and instantly you add Android functionality.
Android is the secret sauce – via the Google Play Store you can access millions of apps: games, video players, web browsers, utilities, and DLNA server. In effect, you are turning your TV into a giant Android tablet.
It comes preloaded with Kodi XBMC, the world’s leading media centre software, subscription apps from Netflix and Stan, free content from YouTube and catch up free-to-air stations, and will play HD and 4K HDR movies and music in most formats from the internet, USB flash drive or microSD card.
{loadposition ray}Sound wise it supports Dolby Audio 2.0 to 7.1 and there is an optical output if you want to use a separate AV amp and speaker system.
Remote control is via a wireless “air mouse” that places a cursor on the screen to access menus and a mini-keyboard – it has a mini USB dongle and 3 USB ports. You can also connect a Bluetooth or Wired keyboard and mouse such as the Logitech K830 illuminated living room keyboard and trackpad.
Easy to use
First off you don’t need to be a rocket scientist to connect two cables and turn it on. It comes with an HDMI Cable, Air Mouse with USB Dongle, 3.5mm to RCA Cable, power supply, and a concise user manual. The menus are clear and easy to use.
You will need a Netflix or Stan (or other subscription) to access paid content otherwise the remainder is free.
It does not have a TV tuner and personal video recorder functions but you can use it to access content and direct it to an external DLNA device.
But the best thing about this product is that it is from Laser, a leading and trusted Australian accessory supplier with extremely good after sales support as well as backing from major retailers.
The ability to connect to the home network via Wi-Fi/Ethernet and DLNA allows users to share content between products such as PCs, notebooks and smartphones, while Miracast allows users to play directly to their TV without cables.
“We have received extensive feedback from our customers, who have told us that they are seeking a user-friendly player that delivers smooth playback of 4K content at an affordable price point,” says Chris Lau, managing director of Laser Corporation.
“The MMC-X40 continues our focus on delivering technology in an accessible and intuitive way that doesn’t break the bank. For those who are very happy with their existing non-Smart TV, it also provides a really easy step-up to access the streaming services that continue to permeate the Australian market.”
Price
$249.95 from leading retailers or online.
