| An MKV file is an audio / video container. It's | | | | enough. When looking for players, just look for |
| similar to AVI and others but it has some other | | | | the supported formats. If it's listed, you won't |
| features. Before you use it, you should | | | | have to look for a codec. |
| understand what it is. | | | | Codec Packs |
| What is an Audio Video Container? | | | | You can download codec packs. As the name |
| A container is a format that can store audio or | | | | suggests, it's a collection of codecs. With this in |
| video files. Using the format, a user can burn | | | | your system, you won't have any problems |
| (record) a movie onto a disc. This isn't the same | | | | playing back any file format. |
| thing as a codec. A codec is used by the video | | | | There are potential problems here though. These |
| formats to play back videos. | | | | packs come with scores of codecs. If there are |
| Features | | | | too many, the player might get shaky. The packs |
| The format supports chapter entries and subtitle | | | | also don't have the latest versions. If you install an |
| streams. It's extendable (in modular terms) and | | | | old codec, it might not be able to play back the |
| lets you choose audio streams. The MKV file also | | | | file. For some, it's better to just download the one |
| supports Web streaming. Using this format you | | | | that is needed. |
| can watch streaming video or audio. It also has a | | | | DirectShow Players |
| menu feature similar to what you see on DVDs. | | | | You can play MKV files on DirectShow based |
| Open Standard | | | | apps if the right codes are used. If it doesn't play, |
| This means the format can be used by anyone | | | | you need to download the proper codec. If you |
| free of charge. It means that development by | | | | use Windows' built in media player, remember that |
| any person is allowed. Vendors that want to use | | | | it is DirectShow based. If the file has RealVdieo |
| it on their products can do so. The parsing is free. | | | | components, it won't play on a DirectShow player. |
| In other words, it is a free and cross platform | | | | In this case you will have to download the player |
| container. Being open source, it can be an | | | | for RealVideo. |
| alternative to existing systems being used today. | | | | Things to Keep in Mind |
| Playing the File | | | | Sooner or later you will come across a file that |
| Anytime you play back video with a player, it has | | | | just won't play. If that's the case, try updating the |
| to be decoded. In the case of an MKV file, the | | | | player. If that doesn't work, just download |
| decoder might not be on your PC. If it isn't there, | | | | another one. Most of them are freely available, so |
| the file won't play. You need a codec. | | | | you have nothing to lose. Just make sure that the |
| However there are now video players online that | | | | format is supported. |
| support this format. Figuring this out is easy | | | | |