You can connect to a personal computer, mobile device or the Web and retrieve digital files for playback, making it an effective addition to your home entertainment system. Samsung offers an Android-based option with its Samsung HomeSync device. Similar non-Samsung options include the Google Chromecast Dongle and an Android Mini PC. All of these provide access to a variety of streamed and stored media content. including music, video, games, books and learning materials.
How a Media Hub Works
In order to facilitate a connection and view media content over your television, you will need an adequate Wi-Fi signal in the room where you will implement the device setup. In addition, you will need the appropriate input port available on the display -- the HomeSync device, for example, requires an HDMI port and the Chromecast requires a USB port on the display. Connection needs vary depending on the Android Mini PC device you purchase -- some rely on a USB port, others connect using HDMI.
Samsung HomeSync
The Samsung HomeSync device functions mainly as your own personal cloud storage -- it holds up to 1T of content -- for files and other downloaded media. In addition, the device runs the Android 4.2 Jelly Bean operating system, can be controlled with any Android device and it natively features both YouTube and the Google Play Store -- which includes access to hundreds of other media-streaming apps. The device offers multiple, separate profiles, helping you and the rest of your family differentiate between individual system preferences and stored content.
Google Chromecast
The Google Chromecast dongle, while similar in concept, is not quite as fully featured as its Samsung HomeSync counterpart. Instead of storing media, this device focuses more on interacting with and displaying content from nearby Android devices and computers sporting the Chrome browser. Supported services include Netflix, YouTube, Google Play Movies and Music, Hulu Plus and Chrome -- though you may be able to also share media files that are beamed from your computer's Chrome browser. Limitations are to be expected on this new device, however, and Google regularly releases updates, adding new content.
Android Mini PC
An Android Mini PC -- there are several on the market -- is a USB or HDMI dongle that turns your television screen into an oversized Android device. You can typically do everything that you can do from your mobile Android -- including accessing and downloading apps from the Google Play Store. You can also stream video content from YouTube and Netflix, or open files from cloud apps like Dropbox and Google Drive. Control it with another Android mobile device or connect an external controller, like a Bluetooth keyboard or tracking pad, for easier navigation during use.