Rodney Campbell's Blog

In January of this year a number of work colleagues were looking at network media players which supported high definition material and specifically ones which supported material in MKV (Matroska) containers.

I did a little reasearch at that time and…

• it appears there are a number of players based on the Sigma 862X series chips – most of which don’t support mkv but some apparently do.
• there is a new Sigma 863X series chips which do support HD up to 1080p with mkv support.

DVICO TViX currently has the PVR M-4130SH and PVR M-5130SH (both available in Aus) which use the EM8623 but they state they have mkv support. It’s a PVR as it also has a HD tuner in it. They are also bringing out their new M6500-A with the SMP8635 which definitely supports mkv’s and other good stuff.

Popcorn Hour have their Networked Media Tank A-100 (only available in limited qty online) also based on SMP8635 which on paper looked absolutely awesome featurewise (esp for price). A good review is available here.

Tomacro limHD200i HD media player indicates support for MKV’s and perhaps uses the SMP8634? The huge AVS thread though indicated that some people are having general issues with this player.

Mvix currently only have players based on the older chipset but rumours are it will have a newer player soon.

Same for Ziova.

The Popcorn Hour Networked Media Tank A-100

Back in January I signed up on the Popcorn Hour “waiting list” and about a month ago my number came up and I ordered one of these online – it cost me just over $240 Australian delivered.

Apparently this wasn’t some elaborate online scam and a week or two later my shiny new NMT A-100 arrived.

In my next post I’ll talk about my experience with the unit and my view of it’s positives and negatives.