Playing mkv files
I also have a 1st gen Apple TV (enhanced with ATVflash) and could not play mkv files. I tried Handbrake, Visual Hub, Subler etc and had mixed success. I tried using my laptop connected to the TV and that worked, I also connected my ipad to the tv and used AVplayerHD to play the mkv files. This also worked. Both these methods work but are a bit of a nuisance to set up and use.
Then , last week I got a new DLNA compliant TV (Sony EX645 series ) which plays mkv files. Now I can either load the mkv files onto a USB key ( or external USB hard drive ), connect the key to the TV and the files play and look great. Or I can use EyeConnect to turn my Mac into a media server and stream mkv files directly from the Mac to the TV where again they play beautifully. The TV can also, play music and show photos using these methods.
I had been waiting for Firecore to break the Apple TV 3 but now that is not necessary. I do not need an AppleTV. The interface on the Sony is not up to Apple standards but it works. so check your TV manual, you may be able to use this method.
I think some blueray players can also play mkv files from a USB key.
Edit: I now use an external hard drive instead of a USB key. A local dealer had a good price on a 128 gig SSD and this works very well. I connect the SSD to my Mac, load it with mkvs, then connect the SSD to the TV. For the streaming option I find the PS3mediaserver works better than Eyeconnect.
I also have a 1st gen Apple TV (enhanced with ATVflash) and could not play mkv files. I tried Handbrake, Visual Hub, Subler etc and had mixed success. I tried using my laptop connected to the TV and that worked, I also connected my ipad to the tv and used AVplayerHD to play the mkv files. This also worked. Both these methods work but are a bit of a nuisance to set up and use.
Then , last week I got a new DLNA compliant TV (Sony EX645 series ) which plays mkv files. Now I can either load the mkv files onto a USB key ( or external USB hard drive ), connect the key to the TV and the files play and look great. Or I can use EyeConnect to turn my Mac into a media server and stream mkv files directly from the Mac to the TV where again they play beautifully. The TV can also, play music and show photos using these methods.
I had been waiting for Firecore to break the Apple TV 3 but now that is not necessary. I do not need an AppleTV. The interface on the Sony is not up to Apple standards but it works. so check your TV manual, you may be able to use this method.
I think some blueray players can also play mkv files from a USB key.
Edit: I now use an external hard drive instead of a USB key. A local dealer had a good price on a 128 gig SSD and this works very well. I connect the SSD to my Mac, load it with mkvs, then connect the SSD to the TV. For the streaming option I find the PS3mediaserver works better than Eyeconnect.
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