Western Digital WD TV Mini Media Player

When Western Digital output of its media player first, the WD TV HD Media Player, calling us pleasantly surprised was an understatement. It is fair to say that the little black box of the company has changed the playing field for media players, with the support of all music and most video formats to 1080p no less – a rarity in the units its sub-£ 100 price point – all packaged in a neat little box with a cleaner interface. While we look forward to continued rumors, WD has launched an alternative that complements the two so-called his players home and future, called WD TV Mini.

As its name suggests, this is a device much smaller, measuring a diminutive 91 x 91 x 22mm. In fact, it’s smaller than the accompanying remote, which is the same model under-supplied with the TV original WD. The good news is that the Mini is also less expensive than its siblings larger, but the bad news is that to achieve this goal several formats have been discontinued because they have digital video output, and the Mini can only decode H.264. On the other hand, it now supports RMVB, a codec that is missing in most TV WD.

In terms of design, the new Mini is a triumph. This is not only more attractive but also more sensitive than its big sister, thanks to its top and bottom sports a textured matt finish rather than scratches and fingerprints found on original glossiness love. The walls are still thin piano black to add a touch of glamor, and bring out the blue backlight and power discrete activity icons well. Build quality is also top notch, with strong plastics used throughout.

As already mentioned the remote control remains essentially unchanged, except that finish also – reasonably – went from brilliant to dull. It uses two AAA batteries and those who care about the environment can use rechargeable ones. It’s solid and comfortable, and although its buttons do not feel particularly pleasant, they are well defined and clearly labeled making it easy to use. [via trustedreviews]

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