Appearing about fifteen years ago, multimedia hubs have an obsolete side. At the time of smart tv state-of-the-art, these “wifi keys” or “multimedia boxes” which provide access to streamingto tons of games and apps… may seem outdated.
However, we all have at home an old unconnected screen serving as an extra television, an older generation television that no longer benefits from updates but that we do not want to resolve to replace. Even a simple computer monitor that we would like to transform into smart tv. To give them a real facelift, “20 Minutes” has selected six of these “gateways”, from the basic Full HD to the most advanced in 4K.
The basic: Google Chromecast
The latest version of Google Chromecast is only 1080p. Installed in one minute using the QR Code that will be displayed on the screen (if you already have a Google account), the device offers access to countless applications, streaming platforms, games… customizable with the PlayStore of the manufacturer. 5 GB of on-board memory allows you to store games, films and series for your travels. 31 euros (also available in 4K version at 55 euros).
Our opinion : Tested with a small extra TV, in a bedroom, this dongle ready to use is very practical. The Google TV interface is very fluid and can be personalized. The user-friendly remote control has two dedicated buttons: Netflix and YouTube. Ideal for giving an old Full HD TV a facelift!
Ergonomics: Nokia Streaming Stick 800
Only Full HD, the key Streaming Stick 800 runs on Android TV and offers access to more than 7,000 applications. The discreet appendage of 3.44 x 9.3 x 1.2 cm houses most video and audio streaming platforms, thousands of games, etc. It is supplied with a simplified remote control which makes its use very ergonomic. Nokia offers alongside this key a Streaming Box 8000, it is 4K compatible. 59 euros.
Our opinion : This key of streaming entry level is Nokia in name only. The legendary brand evolves here under license for the firm Streamview… The device does not distinguish itself from the many competitors in the place, but takes advantage of its remote control, the only one which is backlit in this family of products.
The Vocal: Amazon’s Fire Stick 4K Max
40% more powerful than its predecessor, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max is HDR, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision (and Dolby Atmos in Audio) compatible. The support of Wifi 6 (with compatible box) offers for its part a streaming much more fluid, especially when several devices are connected to the network in the household. Prime video, Netflix, Twitch… everything is there – or almost –, integration with Alexa-compatible devices for the connected home being optimized. And good point for the search for films: the Stick will flush out those you are looking for and will offer you to watch them according to the platforms you have. 64 euros.
Our opinion : Offering a very convincing experience (especially using voice search), this latest version of the dongle from Amazon stands out with its applications opening faster, its more fluid navigation, the direct access keys of its remote control to Alexa, prime video, Netflix, Disney + and Amazon Music. Too bad, however, that it is impossible to increase the 8GB memory of this Stick!
The trendy: Thomson THA100
Easy to use, supplied with its universal remote control with microphone, 4K HDR compatible, the small box Thomson HAT (11 x 11 x 2.2cm) is Android TV. It is distinguished by its impressive connectivity. HDMI (cable is supplied) and optical sockets; 100 Mb Ethernet port, and even an AV socket to connect a television without an HDMI socket answer the call. In addition, Thomson has equipped its case with two USB ports (USB 2 and USB 3), as well as a microSD port. Chromescast compatible, you can also use it to display content from your smartphone on your TV. 79 euros.
Our opinion : The somewhat old version 10 of Android TV animates this small box which remains suitable for a very large majority of screens. An update allowsupdater. The somewhat cramped internal storage space (5 GB available) finds its salvation with the possibility of memory expansion. Good point: the device can do without an Internet connection to play content outside streaming : you can take it anywhere!
The glitch-free: Apple TV 4K
The apple firm optimizes its ecosystem. This Apple TV 4K ultra fast thanks to the help of the manufacturer’s A15 Bionic chip offers access to all its services (and those of competitors, such as Netflix or Prime Video). From Apple TV+ to Apple Music, to the service of gaming Apple Arcade, your photo albums stored on iCloud, Apple Home to control your connected home, and Apple Fitness +, if you want to do sports in front of your TV, nothing is missing! Bonus, 4K images in HDR10 +, Dolby Atmos sound, but also compatibility with Apple AirPods 3 and Pro headphones. 169 euros (64 GB); 189 euros (128 GB).
Our opinion : Complete, with exemplary ergonomics and fluidity, this box will primarily appeal to Apple fans who will find in it a real hub for all their entertainment. If the services of competitors are present, Apple takes care not to highlight them…
The gamer: Nvidia’s Shield TV Pro
the hub Shield TV Pro from graphics card manufacturer Nvidia maintains its good reputation with updates. Under Android TV there is 4K, HDR, Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. If, like its rivals, it offers access to tons of services, there is one that is exclusive to it: GeForce Now. This service of cloud gaming 4K HDR makes it possible to play classic PC games directly on the living room TV without a computer. You can also pair the box with any Bluetooth controller, such as the joysticks of new generation game consoles. 219 euros.
Our opinion : Supercharged, but aging (its latest version dates from 2019), the Nvidia case offers excellent quality of streaming and can still claim to be the best Android box. Its 16 GB will quickly be saturated, but a simple USB key can increase the memory.