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Mvix Ultio 1080p Linux HD Media Player Happy to Play Torrents and Just About Any Other Digital Video You Can Throw at It

July 13th, 2009 by: Technabob


This nifty little media player claims it can play just about any video format you can throw at it. The Mvix Ultio 1080p Media Center not only can play a ton of codecs, but can stream video from many web-based video services as well.

mvix ultio hd media player

The compact box can play full high-def (1920 x 1080) files in popular formats such as MP4, H.264, DivX HD, MOV, VC-1, FLV, VOB, WMV and AVI as well as less common formats like MKV, AVC-HD, RMVB and Minus VR. Of course, it can also play a variety of audio formats like AAC, WMA, OGG, MP3, and M4A with aplomb.There’s even support for subtitle formats including Advance Substation Alpha – which has the best file extension ever – .ASS . (There’s a full list of supported formats and codecs here).

mvix ultio

In addition, the Ultio can connect to the Internet via a built-in Ethernet port or through a Wi-Fi network (if you plug in an optional USB networking dongle). Once connected, you can download media files using the system’s built-in BitTorrent client. Since it has an integrated Samba server and UPnP, you can use services like PlayOn or Tversity to stream video from Netflix, Hulu, YouTube and other web-based video services.

mvix ultio back

The Ultio has a nice array of video outputs, including HDMI 1.3, component video, optical audio, analog audio (yuck) and composite video (double yuck).

Keep in mind that the Ultio doesn’t come with any built-in storage. For best performance, you’ll need to drop in a 3.5-inch SATA hard drive (up to 1.5 TB). Otherwise, you can play files from a USB 2.0 hard drive or a flash drive. You can also stream media stored on your PC if you’d rather store files there. And the guys over at Mvix are even encouraging users to download all of the system’s open source and GPL sourcecode to see what else they can do with this little box.

You can find the Mvix Ultio over at ThinkGeek for just $169.99 (USD). The 802.11N Wi-fi dongle will set you back another $39.99. BYO hard drive.


Comments (13):

  1. YOUJUSTLOSTTHEGAME says:

    WANT

  2. maj says:

    Can you post some screen shots of the device’s interface?

    All the formats in the world won’t help if the UI sucks.

  3. maj says:

    BTW, no contact info on the manufacturer’s website. Buyer beware.

  4. georgieboy says:

    : What is “Ultio”? Who is making it? A: Mvix Ultio is a 1080p-capable, HDD-based media player which supports hundreds of formats allowing users to have a digital video library in their living rooms. It is made by renowned developers in partnership with Mvix(USA), Inc. a US-corporation, based near Washington DC. MvixUSA has been the pioneer of Mvix HDD-based Media Centers and a producer of well-known brand across the world.

    Q: Will “Ultio” be sold worldwide? Who will support it?
    A: Yes, Mvix Ultio is being introduced for worldwide distribution. It will be sold across the world through am established network of distributors and resellers. MvixUSA will also ship directly to its international customers via its online store.

    MvixUSA provides a comprehensive support from its SUPPORT CENTER to all its customers, worldwide. It offers three-pronged support: via a direct dial toll-free number, Online support via ticketing system and a very comprehensive Knowledge base article database. MvixUSA stands behind its products and has a 100% satisfaction guarantee for its worldwide customers.

    Q: Who owns the “Mvix” Brand?
    A: “Mvix” is a registered US Patent and Trademark office in 2006 and it continues to be a significant part of MvixUSA’s marketing operation. For the past several years, MvixUSA continues to invest in building this brand and making it the symbol of quality as it stands today. MvixUSA will continue to build its network of resellers and distributors to support its customers.

  5. lovely_me says:

    Just loving and enjoying my Ultio every day as I discover different unique features of it. I was amazed by the flawless video quality and plays MKV and H.264 format. It it indeed very silent and relatively warm to touch even using it for as long as 24 hours. (I do forgot to turn it off one time.;p)It’s makes me excited every time I’m playing it knowing the surprises it may offer for me.

  6. pitimini says:

    I got my Mivx Ultio with a built-in 1-TB HDD for only $269. I think the price is not bad at all since I am enjoying watching my videos direct from the HDD. Mvix Ultio can do MKV, and its built-in BitTorrent client can download videos faster than my PC.

    I don’t think I will need to purchase a 802.11N Wi-fi dongle unless I plan to use it outside my home. I was able to hook up device to my wireless router without a sweat.

  7. carlisle says:

    With my friends unsatisfied experience with WDTV, I decided to purchase Mvix Ultio instead. The package includes the HDMI cable and able me to save as much as $30 because other products will cause you additional expense for it. With my DTS capable receiver, I can play DTS formats on it and even other audio codec simply by setting the Mvix to RAW(audio)set up. Another unique feature Mvix offered me. You may not even realize these without experiencing it.

  8. hik says:

    MvixUSA did a great job for creating such product as Mvix Ultio 1080p. From its internet capabilities up to its ability to read different file format. This Mvix Ultio is an ideal purchase of an HD.

  9. japgee says:

    I have purchased a Mvix Ultio and I have to tell that this product really has an outstanding capabilities. The product has the ability to connect on the internet and allows you access to the wide range of streaming videos online. It can also play different file format that gives you the ease of converting files.

    Additionally, you can install a external hard drive for additional memory.

    The Mvix Ultio is a great HD creation.

  10. Michael D says:

    I’ve had product for over a month now. Good product but there are issues with it. I made a quick forum for just this product. Visit me and hopefully we’ll get some good conversation about the Ultio. Yes, I love it but I wish the problems I have were worked out. Been through the tech support route, tickets, etc…

    http://ultio800.diggsnet.com

  11. Harry says:

    Shopping around for these at the moment. Looks very similar to the new WDTV one at http://1080pmediaplayer.co.uk but cheaper (£99 on amazon). Is there anything I need to know before purchasing one of these instead of the western digital offering?! Thanks :)

  12. SC says:

    I recently bought one of these because of the reviews about its codec support. I bought it with the mini 802.11N dongle. Even though the advertising says it supports N, it’s doesn’t – it’s still under development. In fact, it will only support usb adapters using the RTL8187B chipset which has been a nightmare to find a quality one. Just another buyer beware.

    It is an open source project so I’ll try to get support for that N adapter as my first project with this new toy.

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