Best current hardware media player?

[FurtiveFreddy]

Looking at this:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Android-TV-Box-Boxsets-Qu...

for connecting HDMI to a TV to play ripped DVDs from.

Any other boxes I should be considering? Only needs local playback from a USB memory stick or HDD. Streaming not important.

[FurtiveFreddy]

Ah yes, I know that's the best but it does waaaay too much for this application.

I just need something to play .mkv files I've ripped from DVDs into the HDMI port of a TV...

[FurtiveFreddy]

I'm doing this for a technically challenged friend of mine who's mum has dementia, so I'm trying to get the most reliable and easy to use method.

They have a Panasonic Viera TV but a bit of searching makes me wonder if it can cope with all video formats. I want to rip the DVDs to mkv if possible and test the setup here before sending it to them, hence that's why i ruled out a USB stick direct into the TV.

I've got a couple of those WD media players here but I thought there might be something else out there now more suitable. looks like the Android box could be the best bet for a new purchase in that case.

[FurtiveFreddy]

Good point, I may very well shift my old WD onto them...