What are MKV files? Here is a list of programs that can open .mkv files

We have many different video file formats and the MKV file format happens to be one of them. Faced with this file format and wondering which software or application can open it? Read on to find out more.

MKV (Matroska Video) is a popular video file format that has gained widespread popularity in recent years due to its ability to store high-quality video, audio, and subtitle tracks in a single file. MKV is an open standard free container format that can hold an unlimited number of tracks, making it ideal for storing movies or TV shows with different language tracks. Additionally, MKV supports high-quality video and audio codecs like H.264, HEVC, and Dolby Atmos, which allows for high-quality playback on a wide range of devices. Despite its many advantages, however, MKV does have some limitations and drawbacks, including compatibility issues with some older media players and larger file sizes due to the ability to hold multiple tracks. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the pros and cons of the MKV format and explore some of the best programs for opening and playing MKV files.

What programs can open .mkv files?

There are many programs that can open and play MKV files on a Windows, Mac, or Linux computer. Here are some popular options:

1. VLC media player: VLC is a free and open-source multimedia player that can play most multimedia files, including MKV.
2. Windows Media Player: The default media player on Windows can also play MKV files with the help of additional codec packs.
3. 5KPlayer: A free media player that supports a wide range of video formats, including MKV.
4. Kodi: A popular media center application that can play various video and audio formats, including MKV.
5. DivX Player: A media player that specializes in high-quality video playback, including MKV files.
6. PotPlayer: A free media player that supports a wide range of video formats, including MKV.
7. MPC-HC: A lightweight media player that supports MKV files and many other formats.
8. MPlayerX: A media player for Mac computers that can play MKV files and many other video formats.

These are just a few examples of the many media players that can open and play MKV files

Why is it that not all media players support mkv files?

Not all media players support MKV files because the format uses advanced features that some media players may not be able to handle. MKV is a highly versatile container format that can hold multiple video, audio, and subtitle tracks in a single file, as well as advanced features such as chapter markers, menu systems, and metadata.

However, some media players may not support these advanced features or the video and audio codecs used in the MKV file, resulting in playback issues or errors. Additionally, some media players may not have the necessary codecs installed to play the file, requiring users to install additional codecs or use a different media player.

Another factor that may contribute to the lack of support for MKV files is licensing and patent issues. Some video and audio codecs used in the MKV format may be proprietary and require a license to use, which can be a barrier for some media player developers.

What are the pros and cons of MKV compared to other video file formats?

Here are some pros and cons of the MKV format compared to other video file formats:

Pros:

1. Versatile: MKV can hold an unlimited number of video, audio, and subtitle tracks in a single file, making it ideal for storing movies or TV shows with different language tracks.
2. High-quality codecs: MKV supports high-quality video and audio codecs like H.264, HEVC, and Dolby Atmos, allowing for high-quality video and audio playback.
3. Open standard: MKV is an open standard free container format, which means it is not owned or controlled by any particular company or organization.
4. Metadata support: MKV can store metadata information such as chapter information, title information, and thumbnail images, making it easy to organize and search for media files.

Cons:

1. Compatibility: Some older media players may not support the MKV format natively, in which case users may need to use a media player with built-in codec support or install additional codecs on their system to play the file.
2. Large file sizes: Due to the ability to hold multiple audio and subtitle tracks, MKV files can sometimes be larger than other video file formats, which can be an issue for users with limited storage space.
3. Limited hardware support: Some hardware devices such as DVD players or some TVs may not support MKV playback, which can be an issue for users who want to play their MKV files on those devices.
4. Limited editing support: Some video editing software may not support editing MKV files directly, requiring users to convert the files to another format first.

Overall, MKV is a versatile and high-quality video file format that is ideal for storing and playing media files with multiple audio and subtitle tracks. However, its compatibility and file size may be issued for some users, and it may not be the best option for video editing or playback on certain hardware devices.