Best way to play MKV and MP4 files?

BogManInc · 17-12-2013 10:43PM #1

I normally play AVI and DIVX files via a USB memory stick plugged into my Bluray player, however I find that it can't handle the likes of MKV and MP4 files - they simply don't show up at all on the menu so I'm looking to get something that can handle playing the likes of MKV and MP4 files (legally sourced FYI).

What would be the cheapest way / device of playing these files on my TV?

Im not looking to spend big bucks on equipment at the moment so just something fairly handy and cheap would be great.

Im not too wised up on technology so looking for some suggestions, thanks

BogManInc · 17-12-2013 10:47PM

oh i forgot to add, i dont have a decent bb connection, so i wouldnt be streaming or need internet on the device or anything like that - just something simple i can plug into the tv to play the aforementioned files. Anyone got any ideas? thanks

18-12-2013 11:26AM

WDTV Live or similar.

BogManInc · 18-12-2013 12:43PM

Thanks, i just found this WDTV Live player here for £32.99 http://www.amazon.co.uk/WD-TV-Play-Media-Player/dp/B00CL61A5A/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1387366854&sr=8-2&keywords=wdtv+live+hub

Would it be much better than these two?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/IncrediSonic-Ultra-Play-IMP150-Flashdrives/dp/B006FNCWSY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1387366911&sr=8-1&keywords=media+player

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sumvision-Cyclone-Micro-Media-Player/dp/B0073DN8HE/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1387366911&sr=8-6&keywords=media+player

I'm not looking to spend a whole lot on this, just something basic, don't need all bells and whistles

thanks for advise!

BogManInc · 18-12-2013 12:54PM

Would there be any way I could use the Roku LT / Sky Now box to play MKS and MP4s etc..?

https://shop.nowtv.com/?DCMP=AFC_jan13_nowtv_affiliate_all_wk29

I see it's only a tenner - does it have usb ports or slots for sd cards?

Anyway I could play my files on this? Bearing in mind i dont have a decent bb connection, just mobile bb which is capped every month so i wouldn't be able to stream or watch netflix really giving i have to mind my useage every month. thanks

18-12-2013 06:22PM

BogManInc wrote: »

Thanks, i just found this WDTV Live player here for £32.99 http://www.amazon.co.uk/WD-TV-Play-Media-Player/dp/B00CL61A5A/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1387366854&sr=8-2&keywords=wdtv+live+hub

That's WDTV Play, not WDTV Live. It's their cheapest player and supports less codecs than the WDTV Live.

There is a lot more to a file than simply being MVK or MP4. You need to know your requirements in terms of video codecs, audio codecs, subtitles etc. Use mediainfo to check the files you have.

Johnboy1951 · 19-12-2013 01:50AM

Have you considered re-encoding the MKV & MP4 files to something you can play presently?

Probably not a viable proposition if you have a lot of files ... but it is an option.

fl4pj4ck · 24-12-2013 02:41AM

BogManInc wrote: »

Would there be any way I could use the Roku LT / Sky Now box to play MKS and MP4s etc..?

https://shop.nowtv.com/?DCMP=AFC_jan13_nowtv_affiliate_all_wk29

I see it's only a tenner - does it have usb ports or slots for sd cards?

Anyway I could play my files on this? Bearing in mind i dont have a decent bb connection, just mobile bb which is capped every month so i wouldn't be able to stream or watch netflix really giving i have to mind my useage every month. thanks

that's what I do, but you need a PC on when you're watching anything. works perfect upto 720p

Best way to play MKV and MP4 files?

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