Best Media Streamer or player for mkv files

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zod96

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Looking to get a media player that can either play mkv files by just plugging them into the device or streaming them to my HDTV. I saw the Boxee but that is a bit too much I'm looking for something around $100-120 or so...

Thanks
 
+1

I'm looking for this as well... netflix compatible would be awesome but the Roku player can't do mkv's...

Be advised, you might want to highly look into using a wired connection. Makes a big difference and there are some instances where you can't do 1080p mkv's wirelessly in a reliable, consistent fashion.
 
Pretty sure you're looking for the WD TV Live Plus version # WDBABX0000NBK-NESN. I'd check the owner's thread discussion i linked below to be sure though.

It also has Netflix built-in.

Prices: http://www.google.com/products/cata...6118505&sa=button&ved=0CAsQgggwADgA#scoring=p <-- some good prices, both new and refurb.

Owner's thread discussion: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1255347

Main media streamer forum: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=39

The new Asus O!Play HD2 is about to be released, not sure of it's price or capability though.
 
I bought the WD TV Live Plus from bestbuy to try it out and returned it the next day.
The WDTV makes you remove all security from your PC and share all of your media with "Everyone".
Once your media collection reaches 50+ files, it's almost impossible to scroll with the small remote control.

Menu system and ability to select the movie you want is bad.

Plugging a PC with an ATI HD 5XXX video card into my TV was the best thing ever. I'll never try one of the small (apple,WD,Seagate,popcornHour) TV things again. Boot the PC in seconds and double click on the MKV file you want to watch, can't beat that.
 
Best Media Streamer and $100 don't exactly mesh. Thread title is a bit misleading... I'd second using a PC instead of one of those small TV things. Media Browser from within 7MC is the best setup/interface for my situation, hands down, to get my video library on my main PC to my HDTV in the living room. Your situation may be different. But of course, that is a bit more than $100, unless you already have a PC and Win7 license to work with.
 
Patriot Box Office

As low as $35 after mail in rebate. Plays (so far) anything I throw at it, 1080p included.
Stream over network, or internal 2.5" HDD, or usb.

Only downfall is the UI is not as eye catching as I'd like (think xbmc) though with enough time and effort it can still look really nice.

If you're in Canada:
http://forums.redflagdeals.com/patr...als-thread-45-mir-nov-29-35-60-wifi-n-904509/

Even if you're not, there's some great info there.
 
nicholasfarmer said:
I bought the WD TV Live Plus from bestbuy to try it out and returned it the next day.
The WDTV makes you remove all security from your PC and share all of your media with "Everyone".
Once your media collection reaches 50+ files, it's almost impossible to scroll with the small remote control.

Menu system and ability to select the movie you want is bad.

Plugging a PC with an ATI HD 5XXX video card into my TV was the best thing ever. I'll never try one of the small (apple,WD,Seagate,popcornHour) TV things again. Boot the PC in seconds and double click on the MKV file you want to watch, can't beat that.
Click to expand...

WDTV is designed to be used with a UPnP share. Besides samba shares aren't designed for media streaming.
 
I bought the WDTV Live when it came out late last year. I can't say that I'd recommend it. The UI is horrible and sluggish, and they've made some very questionable decisions when it comes to things like thumbnails. Also the aforementioned network shares security thing.

What really turned me off is the fact that they released a new model of the hardware less than six months after releasing the WDTV Live in order to support Netflix streaming. No upgrade offer or anything from Western Digital. Kinda shitty if you ask me.
 
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