.avi & .mkv compatible alternative to AppleTV [Archive]

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m021478

Mar 28, 2009, 11:55 PM

For quite some time now, I've been downloading movies online, which usually come in .avi or .mkv format, and I've been using VisualHub to convert them to .mp4 with H.264 encoding for playback on my AppleTV.

The whole process is long and tedious and is really starting to wear on my nerves, and I was hoping someone might be able to suggest an alternative to my Apple TV that would be capable of playing back .avi & .mkv files on my TV without the need for any additional conversion, transcoding, resizing, resampling, compatibili-fying or any kind...

I am hoping to find a piece of hardware capable of 'plug-and-play'-esque ease of use and simplicity.

Any suggestions?

Sky Blue

Mar 29, 2009, 12:07 AM

I agree, I like my Apple TV, but I'm looking at a refurb Mini and Plex.

Donar

Mar 29, 2009, 04:00 PM

Have a look at the Popcornhour NMT A110 (http://www.popcornhour.com/onlinestore/index.php?pluginoption=catalog&task=info&item_id=6&main_id=0&category_id=).

Maybe installing Boxee in the ATV would do the trick also.

entatlrg

Mar 30, 2009, 08:21 PM

you're basically looking to play back .avi files, right?

I'm new to ATV too, but here's a link I found for engadget. That may do the trick?

http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/10/how-to-play-divx-and-xvid-on-your-apple-tv/

mastershakess

Mar 31, 2009, 03:17 PM

Sell ATV -> Buy PS3

Dimwhit

Mar 31, 2009, 03:25 PM

mastershakess

Mar 31, 2009, 03:31 PM

A question that might be related - Does Apple TV have the same playback abilities as Front Row on a Mac? I know the interface is the same. Because I can play mkv and avi files fine on Front Row. Don't have an Apple TV, though, so I don't know if it goes both ways.

Its more of a hardware issue than a software issue when its comes to .mkv, your computer has the hardware to play it and the ATV is kinda lacking

cleric

Apr 1, 2009, 06:42 AM

m021478

Apr 3, 2009, 11:29 PM

Thanks for recommending the Popcorn Hour A-110... I'd honestly never even heard of this device, but based on this (http://reviews.cnet.co.uk/accessories/0,39100117,49298605-1,00.htm) Cnet UK video review/demo, as well as on your recommendations of course, I think I just might have to pick myself up one of these bad boys!!

Do you know if you can connect external storage to the A-110? How about playing back VIDEO_TS rips? Can it playback those?

Thanks!

Donar

Apr 4, 2009, 09:02 AM

Do you know if you can connect external storage to the A-110? How about playing back VIDEO_TS rips? Can it playback those?
It should play back VIDEO_TS but i never tried. For external storage you can plug a usb thumb drive or HDD to the USB ports. Personally i stream from my Synology NAS over ethernet as i like to have everything in one place.

dhd

Apr 4, 2009, 09:38 AM

I think that you don't need to re-encode avi's to mp4, as they're already in mp4 video format. You will only loose more quality (the avi's you download are already compressed). If I were you I'll download mpeg stremclip, open the avi in question with it, go to File and Save as..., in the dialog box select MOV, once the file is saved you change the extension of that MOV to mp4 if you wish.

Kind Regards

Tenorsaw

Apr 4, 2009, 04:01 PM

I second the Popcorn Hour. It plays just about anything you throw at it. I'm seriously considering selling my AppleTV and getting a Mini instead.

michael.lauden

Apr 4, 2009, 04:34 PM

I second the Popcorn Hour. It plays just about anything you throw at it. I'm seriously considering selling my AppleTV and getting a Mini instead.

you'll be happy you did :)

just watch processor usage/heat with loong 1080p videos :)

gerabbi

Apr 4, 2009, 04:46 PM

The usb patchstick should allow for more playback of differing video. If I'm not mistaken my son patched his ATV and can now play .avi and .mkv format video. Might be worth investigating.

Tenorsaw

Apr 4, 2009, 05:21 PM

you'll be happy you did :)

just watch processor usage/heat with loong 1080p videos :)

Yeah. I already have the Popcorn Hour and use it for watching high-def.

The AppleTV chokes when I try to play .mkv files using XBMC.

mfillhart

Apr 4, 2009, 06:48 PM

just install boxee and everything will play for ya, that's how it works for me anyways

m021478

Apr 5, 2009, 02:10 AM

I've tried XMBC & Boxee via atvflash and I always ran into issues with skipping and stuttering...

I'll most likely give popcorn hour a shot and hopefully that will solve all my problems!

RealEvil

Apr 7, 2009, 11:09 AM

I've tried XMBC & Boxee via atvflash and I always ran into issues with skipping and stuttering...

I'll most likely give popcorn hour a shot and hopefully that will solve all my problems!

Agreed - MKVs dont play properly on a hacked Apple TV.

Also, saving a MKV as a MOV gave me issues too... I am currently using Handbrake/VH to convert them. Pain.