It probably doesn’t get much simpler than this when it comes to getting video files onto your TV. Here’s a USB hard drive dock that’s got an HDMI output on the back of it and includes a remote control.
Of course you’d have to plug it into your computer, dump files onto the drive, then unplug it and set it back up next to your TV, which makes for a cumbersome process. Or you could just move your TV right next to your computer, in which case you could just run cables straight from your computer to your TV.
Whatever the case, the dock costs $79, which seems pricey. If you’re still interested, it’ll play back up to 1080i resolution files in the following formats: MPEG-1/2/4, DivX, XviD, and VOB. The back of the dock features HDMI, component, and composite outputs and the unit accepts 3.5- and 2.5-inch SATA hard drives, along with SD cards.
SATA HDD Multimedia Dock II (HDMI) [Brando]
I want 1080p damnit!
Are there any devices out there that are like this, but aren’t SATA? I have a bunch of USB external hard drives with non-removable drives, but this product doesn’t have any usb ports to plug into…
Not really well thought out…. really should support 1080p output. But the real problem is that few households are gonna want to see an exposed bare drive next to their fancy HDTV setup. Now if this thing had an attractive HD enclosure…
Here’s a GREAT device that’s only $ 99 or so that allows you to connect an external hard drive and supports 1080. I have it and LOVE it. Very easy to set-up and use:
http://www.wdc.com/en/products/products.asp?DriveID=572
It’s wonderful that they allow you to use component cables for output as opposed to HDMI cables. I know this is output, but everybody should still avoid HDMI wherever possible in protest of the DRM built into the standard.