Some players have USB ports that will play AVI and MKV files. This is kind of like getting a BluRay player and a media player in one box. I was looking at the LG at BB that had this and was on sale for $129.99 CAD. I know Samsung has one out too for a little more.

Don't know if you will see or hear a difference between players at this price range.

paul

Axiom M80, VP180, Qs8, EP500
Epson 3020
Rotel RB-880
Denon AVR-990