HD Media Player - Plays hi-def MKV format!!!! Now, I'm at peace..

For almost a year, I've been hunting for a hd media player that would play mkv hidef files, without using my HTPC. My wish has been answered, in the form of a media player, via USB storage!

Western Digital - WD TV HD Media Player http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8993217&type=product&id=1218008588808

Yes, it plays ALL THE POPULAR video/audio formats, including PHOTO slideshows.
Yes, it's equipped with both COMPOSITE & HDMI output.
Yes, it's equipped with spdif optical output.
Yes, the menu looks a lot like a CHEAP version of the PSP/PS3 xmb (but works flawless).
Yes, it includes TWO USB ports, to plug in your usb drives.
Yes, it plays BOTH USB hard drives, and USB thumb drives.

BEST OF ALL: YES, IT PLAYS HI-DEFINITION MKV files, in FULL HI DEFINITION format.

No, I will not replace my htpc (with a BLU-RAY player attached) with this VERY COOL GADGET. It will become a SECONDAY HI-DEF / all-purpose player, for my other two rooms, equipped with HDTV's.

I'll play with this puppy during the weekend & see if it's worth keeping. So far, it has played every format I've thrown at it, and played them ALL without any kinks.

... to be continued.

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[Post edited by xplaytendo on Nov 7, 2008 - CST 7:04 PM]

xplaytendo, this sounds great to own, I consider myself up to date on all video and audio formats, but I must admit that I'm not familiar with the MKV format. I have a remote controlled HP Multi-media HTPC (M7750N) that has a 400 gig HDD and a three partitioned 120 gig HDD. All of which is connected with a DVI-I cable to my 1080p TV.

What would be the advantage of your new device besides the MKV playback over your HTPC? Does it have Windows Media Center Extender capabilities like another PC or an XBOX 360?

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[Post edited by tony1569 on Nov 7, 2008 - CST 10:08 PM]

OK, I think I get it now, correct me if I'm wrong. This just plays plug n play media via compact memory or attached USB HDD. So it's more in line with a DVD or Blu-ray player, you just provide the external media and it plays it.

Yes. Correct on all counts. External media players, as I'm sure you already know, has been around for years. The current flavors play dvd, wmv, mov, avi... & other video files, including DIVX- via storage media (besides the dvd platter). But, until recently (as this month), you can't buy a standalone external media player, that plays hi-definition videos- without the help of a computer attached to your hdtv -a full blown HTPC- or buying a blu-ray (or hd-dvd) player. All three options are a bit expensive if you have multiple hdtv's around the house.

Then comes this little machine that plays these hi def formats: AVI, MOV, MKV, WMV, h264, XVID, & AVC - all in one little box. Not to mention the other formats it supports, that are standard definition, including the popular AUDIO formats PLUS the picture formats. I've been searching the net for this EXACT device, since I have a AVCHD camcorder, that relies on playing my movies DIRECTLY from the camcorder or computer. This solves the problem, including my ability to convert my other tivo'd (via HTPC) hdtv programs to any of the above hidef formats- which I can then play on a separated HDTV without relying on my one htpc.

The resolution transfer is EXCEPTIONAL, up to 1080p I just got done watching a 30min hidef home video, & some sample 1080P WMV promotional short videos floating around the net. And since your source file is hi-def, the output is ALSO hi-def. No upconversion tricks or "Toshiba XDE" gimmicks.

For $100, it's a great bargain.

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[Post edited by xplaytendo on Nov 8, 2008 - CST 12:51 AM]

It could be better if it wa an extender...

Looks cool but it seems that it has "AAC/Dolby Digital decodes in 2 channel output only"

I missed the boat on this one. It's back to $130 at BB. Other forums has also mentioned that this can also play "m2ts" files. For those who know what this means... IT'S GOLDEN. For those who don't... nevermind.

I may end up buying this one at amazon, if I can't buy it at any of my local store. Of course, if POPCORN HOUR ever gets released in mass production... I'd get that first!

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[Post edited by tylerdurden on Nov 10, 2008 - CST 10:14 AM]

hey x, have u tried this yet?

i have a xbox downstairs which i currently play my hd movies in mp4 format. i download them in mkv and then have to convert them to mp4 play on the xbox.

im moving the xbox back into my bedroom and therefore the rest of the family will be left with no movies haha

so i was wondering if i can attach any hardrive to this? or does it have to be the wd passport?

thankyou

It doesn't have to be a wd passport. I've attached other external drives to it, including thumbdrives. The WD HD Play recognized them all, & played all the formats advertised.

excellent, so just to clarify, it recognizes anythiing, even if its not western digital.

what would u recomend?