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Be sure it has USB connection(s).

A network media player with a USB port is versatile. The USB connection can be used to play media from a connected camera, camcorder, external hard drive or even a flash drive. Most players allow you to connect a USB keyboard to use so you don't have to use the online virtual keyboard, making it easier enter search words or log into online accounts or network servers or enter search words.


Players without wifi capabilities can connect to a USB wifi dongle--a device that lets you connect to your home network wirelessly.

Do you want to stream media from your smartphone or tablet device?

Imagine coming home from an event and playing your photos and movies on your TV as you walk in the door. Or perhaps you started watching a movie on your iPad when you were away from home and now want to finish watching it on your TV. There are smartphone apps that will stream your media to your network media player; but some network media players have this feature built-in.

Apple TV's Airplay feature lets you stream movies, music and slideshows from your iPad, iPod or iPhone with the iOS 4.2 operating system. Samsung's network TVs, Blu-ray Disc players and home theater systems have All Share, which will stream media directly from certain Samsung smartphones.

Would you like your network media player to help you with other tasks?

Some network media players and network home theaters include apps--games and useful applications to manage your life and home entertainment.

Apps can include a number of useful tools such as cooking recipes or wedding planning. In the same way that apps revolutionized the way we use our phones, they are poised to change the way we use our TVs. Samsung has a variety of apps on its home theater components. Google TV is poised to offer Android apps like those found on Android phones. However, be aware that the first generation of Google TV cannot accomplish many of the above features.

It's a good idea to read reviews of the network media players that interest you, to be sure that the network media player you choose is easy enough for everyone in your household to use.

When shopping for a network media player, remember that these devices are the bridge between computers and home theater. When in a retail store, you may find media players in the computer department or the home theater department. Occasionally you will find some brands in one department and more in the other. It helps to do some online shopping first, to know what players you might be interested in.