Performance issues streaming MKV files

[dizaster]

So, currently I'm streaming hd video mostly MKV files straight from a western digital externall HDD, connected via USB, to my Samsung LN40B750, which supports that format. Now I've noticed the picture will occasionally "stutter" just a bit for a minute or so, here and there. Also if I have the refresh rate set to "smooth" aka 240hz, there will occasionally be some "blurring" during fast moving scenes. My questions are:
1: Is the problem being caused by my TV, or by the external hard drive?
2: If I get a media player (popcorn for example), and play the files through it, will it improve the picture quality?
3: Would getting a newer external HDD, with 3.0 USB, be any better?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated, especially before I spend any $. I'm just not sure what's the culprit behind these minor
quality issues.

[redwudz]

That drive and USB should be fast enough for video. I have a 2.5" WD Passport drive that easily handles my MKV HD videos over USB 2.0. And it's likely a 5400 RPM HDD.

But not all video devices can manage HD. My laptop has too slow a processor and video chip to handle MKV HD.

Something like the WDTV or similar that directly outputs the video may be the best choice if the USB/TV interface is the problem.

And welcome to our forums.

[dizaster]

Yeah, I haven't really looked too much at some of the newer media players etc... since I was lucky enough to have a TV that handled MKV's. I will probably be looking for one soon though (popcorn maybe?). Thanks for the input, and the welcome....