take note ac ryan currently has 4 models:
1. pohd2 (there was old pohd)
2. pohd mini2 (there was old mini)
3. essential
4. veleo

the mini2 is powerful, good enough all round. pohd2 same as mini2 but has built in hdd option.
both pohd2 and mini2 have pre-programmed internet access to some features only - youtube, podcasts, news, weather, radio but not www access. has bittorrent download feature.
essential is cheap but does not have lan-nas functions - a pure playback model.
veleo is new and smart (I'm considering), has better internet access via keyboard but does not have dts hdma audio found in pohd2 and mini2. supposedly can stream video direct from www, dunno at what video resolution and audio.

you can post questions for our inhouse specialist boxb at ac ryan thread; don't want to hijack this thread!

I went and check them out but in the end I still end up with the old trusty WDTV Live @RM256

why u choose WDTV instead of AC RYAN?

which brand/model/thread should i check for something basic? thanks!

. play mkv, avi, rmvb, flac
. hd output, comes with hdmi cable
. compact box, no int hdd
. no lan or nas connections

have seen one veli cheap but no hdmi output, i.e. component video and stereo only.

I'm looking for a player that can support all video formast.

I bought a home theater system but the player cant play certain video format.

My TV and the player already have internet connection.

any advice?