Most users, mostly newbies, in various forums ask the same question: “How to open this or that file”. In this article we will consider the question of how to open the mkv file format (extension). But before talking about which programs can open this format, you need to know what kind of format (extension) it is and what it is intended for, since knowing this, we reveal the half of the question.
What is mkv format and what is it for?
MKV (Matroska Video Format) Is an extension of an open cross-platform (including hardware platforms) special media container with a huge set of libraries and software for working with information in this format (extensions). In other, more understandable words, we can say that mkv is a video format. This format allows you to store a very large number of streams. Some modern films use this format for saving and are subsequently played by various video players. The main conveniences of MKV extension are that during viewing it is possible to rewind quite fast, dividing one file into fragments, a colorful menu both on DVD and audio and video streams. Streaming over the Internet is also possible, the ability to expand the format by means of additional modules has been introduced, the highest resistance to errors, the ability to switch audio tracks and subtitles during playback, and so on. The most important plus in this is that it is completely free, since all information about this file is available. It is a direct alternative to such well-known extensions as “AVI”, “MOV”, “WMV”, “MPG”, “MP4”.
How to play mkv file?
You can play MKV file by means of many programs, but we will tell about the most famous players: “Windows Media Player”, “”, “” player and “HQ Player”. It is recommended to use the standard player that appears when you boot the operating system, since it is configured for almost all formats. In order to view a file with this extension, you just need to double-click on it and the file will open. If you do not have an installed program that can play this file, or your computer for some reason does not see it, then specify the path to it yourself by clicking the “Browse” button, then specify the path. After that, the file will be played.
MKV files are video files. Most often, they record videos and feature films. To understand what kind of format it is, how to play MKV, what programs are suitable for this, an article was written.
MKV - history of origin and characteristics of the format
Files in MKV format are multimedia containers of an open large project called Matroska video. was developed by domestic programmers to compete with the most widespread AVI video format. The format was named "Matryoshka" because, like a Russian traditional toy, it has a similar structure with attachments. In fact, MKV is a container, that is, a package that contains analog information converted into digital format using codecs. That is, the MKV container, as an archiver, contains video and audio tracks (of which there can be several), service information and subtitles.
MKV has gained popularity in the anime community. Typically, MKV files are high quality video. The format is very convenient and has a lot of useful functions. Such, for example, as audio tracks that can be switched. Possibility of broadcasting via the Internet, fast rewinding of video, breaking into chapters of the file MKV supports subtitles and several kinds of video and audio codecs. MKV is easy to edit. It is convenient to work with subtitles that are switched literally "on the fly". If you do not know how to play MKV, it is better to turn to multimedia players that support various and video files.
Video player programs
A large number of video players are suitable for playing MKV files. Some of the most popular programs include Media Player Classic, Light Alloy, VLC, CyberLink PowerDVD, KMPlayer and others. So the question of how to play MKV can find a fairly simple solution.
Media Player Classic is a media player that supports all the most famous audio and video formats, as well as graphic files. CyberLink PowerDVD is a multimedia player adapted to play DVDs. CyberLink PowerDVD is one of the best among all-in-one media players. It plays formats from home videos to HD movies with equally good quality. The player is fully adapted to the latest technologies and any formats. This is how it plays Blu-ray, DVDs and CDs. Choosing how to play MKV, you can opt for the video and audio player Media Player Classic, which is distributed free for Windows. The program supports formats such as MKV (for storing vector graphics and video), avi (the most common video format). VLC is a simple and very user-friendly player. It plays audio and video files of any format, including MKV. There is a version of this program for the Linux operating system. In addition to all of the above, there is another program that can open files in MKV format. This is the Nero program. It is a versatile tool specially designed for copying, creating and burning DVDs and CDs.
The only problem that anyone who wants to watch the video will face is the lack of the necessary codecs. The need for them may arise if old players are installed on the computer, which are not suitable for playing the MKV format. The way out of this situation can be as follows: download codecs to your computer or install free multimedia players that can play MKV and other common video file formats. When choosing the necessary codecs for the MKV format, you need to think about what format features you will need. Restricted to playing files only, you can install Matroska Splitter. In order to take advantage of all the advantages provided by the format, you must have the entire set of codecs, which is called Matroska USSR. If your goal is not only to purchase codecs to solve the problem, than to play MKV, but also other formats, then K-Lite Codec Pack will be optimal.
MKV-player is a utility for playing files in MKV format. Supports other video and audio extensions as well. There is a familiar timeline and control keys that do not look like symbols, but are replaced by characteristic labels.
Features of MKV-player
While playing audio or video files, the program allows you to slow down or speed up playback and adjust subtitles: change their size and tempo, or edit the text itself.
There is an opportunity to change file associations; there is a search for the necessary files in the program playlist. Support for "hot keys" speeds up the work with the utility, you can view them in the "Keyboard Help" menu.
Utility functions
Allows you to run very high quality videos. If the player cannot play a clip or music recording, it is possible to download other codecs. There is a useful function for recovering damaged media files, which most other players lack.
Benefits
- the presence of many built-in codecs, which eliminates the need for a long program setup;
- allows you to take screenshots;
- you can watch DVD videos;
- clear and simple interface;
- the ability to change subtitles while playing a file;
- built-in equalizer for fine-tuning the sound;
- very low system requirements - single core processor 900 megahertz and 256 megabytes of RAM;
- plays streaming video;
- many playlists can be created.
disadvantages
- during installation, programs are loaded that can negatively affect the speed of the entire system.
- MKV-player insists on SMS activation, this can be ignored;
- slow speed of work;
- availability of worthy alternatives on the market;
- sometimes high decoding files are delayed.
The mkv or Matroska format is a container format for multimedia data. A container in the mkv format can contain video and sound encoded by various codecs, as well as subtitles.
At the moment, the mkv format has gained immense popularity. Most of the video materials that are now published on the network are enclosed in mkv files. Therefore, users are often interested in how to open mkv. In this article we will try to figure out the easiest way to open mkv by looking at the most popular players for the Windows operating system.
VLC media player
VLC media player is one of the most famous media players and continues to gain popularity rapidly. The main advantages of VLC media player over competitors are its simple interface, a large number of functions and frequent updates. By installing this program, you will no longer have questions about how to open a mkv or other multimedia file. Everything will open in one program, quickly and conveniently.
Let's consider other features of the VLC media player program:
- Support for almost all modern operating systems. There are versions of VLC media player for Windows, Linux, Android, Mac OS X, Apple iOS, BSD, Solaris and other Unix-like systems.
- Support for a huge variety of media formats. There is simply no point in listing the formats, VLC media player can play almost everything.
- Built-in set of codecs. the user does not need to install additional codecs to watch the video.
- VLC media player is equipped with a wide range of functions for working with streaming video. With it, you can view and create your own online broadcasts.
- The program allows you to capture and encode streaming video.
- Russian-language interface;
Gom player
GOM Player is a free player for working with popular media formats, developed by Gretech Corporation. GOM Player has a Russian-language interface and allows you to open mkv files without any problems. GOM Player allows you to play videos without the need to install third party codecs.
Let's take a look at other features of the GOM Player:
- Plays all popular video formats. Built-in set of codecs.
- The ability to play damaged or not fully downloaded video files.
- Subtitle management. The user has the ability to change the size, position, font and color of titles.
- High-quality video playback on slower computers.
- Complete work with DVD discs.
- Separate operating modes for different types of screens: monitor, projector, TV.
- Bookmarks, favorites, playlists.
- Normalization of the volume level and the imposition of special audio effects.
- Support for DSP modules from Winamp.
The KMPlayer
The KMPlayer is an omnivorous multimedia player from Kang. This player is similar to the GOM Player in appearance and feature set. Like previous players, The KMPlayer is equipped with built-in codecs and opens mkv files without any problems.
Let's consider other features of The KMPlayer:
- Support for all popular media formats. Built-in codecs.
- Play streaming video and audio.
- Ability to play damaged video files.
- The program can work in portable mode.
- Subtitle support. The program has a built-in subtitle editor.
- Ability to play video with an external audio track.
- Capture video.
- Volume normalization.
- Image settings. The user can specify the level of sharpness or blur.
- Possibility of fast playback.
BS.Player
BS.Player is a media player developed by the Slovenian company Webteh. A very old program that has now lost most of its users. However, the program is updated. With BS.Player, you can easily open any mkv, as well as a number of other popular media formats. The program is distributed in Free and Pro versions.
Choose and install one of these media players, and you will no longer wonder what to watch mkv or another popular format.
Features of MKV format
So, we have considered a number of popular programs for viewing mkv files. In conclusion, a short summary of the MKV format itself. As we said, the full name of the format is Matroska. This format is an open project based on the MCF project.
When developing this format, the task was to create a universal, maximally flexible and cross-platform media container format. As conceived by the developers, files in this format should be played without problems on any device.
This format was built using the binary EBML file format. EBML is the binary analogue of XML. Currently, EBML is used in MKV and WebM. Using EBML in MKV format allows you to make changes to the format without losing compatibility with already created programs.
The Matroska format includes three file extensions: mkv for video, mka for audio, and mks for subtitles. At the same time, video, audio and subtitles can be stored in the mkv file at the same time.
The most common problem that users cannot open this file is an incorrectly assigned program. To fix this in Windows you need to right-click on the file, in the context menu, point to the "Open with" item, and select the "Select program ..." item in the drop-down menu. As a result, you will see a list of installed programs on your computer, and you can choose the appropriate one. We also recommend that you check the box next to "Use this app for all MKV files".
Another problem that our users also encounter quite often is that the MKV file is damaged. This situation can arise in many cases. For example: the file was downloaded incompletely as a result of a server error, the file was damaged initially, etc. To fix this problem, use one of the recommendations:
- Try to find the desired file in another source on the Internet. You may be lucky enough to find a more suitable version. An example of a Google search: "File filetype: MKV". Just replace the word "file" with the name you want;
- Ask to send you the original file again, it may have been damaged in transit;