A MKV file is one of the several popular file formats used to deliver video content on computers. MKV stands for Matroska Video and is an alternative to the three other major video formats, Microsoft?s .AVI, Apple?s .MOV QuickTime, and the mpeg standards. It is important to know how it works, the development of .mkv, how to create and use .mkv and its benefits.

How it works

Matroska Video files are what are known as container formats. Digital video is stored in separate data streams (audio and video)and are synchronized for playback on a computer. Instead of two individual files (one audio or the other video), container formats combine both for ease of delivery and playback. The contents of the container file is encoded in whatever format deemed necessary, at which point, the. MKV uses the stored audio/video compressor/decompressor (codec) to play both synchronized streams. The container format is also able to store other data such as subtitles and advanced control methods.

Development of MKV

As the demands of video content users increased so did the need to have a format that could handle all the modern functions which users and developers expected as standard. Microsoft?s .AVI format suffered from several major limitations including the fact that it is proprietary. This means it cannot be fully modified without the consent of Microsoft. MKV takes the open-source route. Created in the Extensible Binary Meta Language (EBML), it allows its source code to be readily available to anyone with the ability to make changes or additions and not just the Matroska development team. This base gives Matrsoka Video files expandability that is not available in most of its rivals.

Benefits of mkv

• MKV files have overcome all the shortcomings of the .AVI format. It has the ability to handle modern features like VBR (Variable Bitrate audio encoding) and VFR (Variable Framerate video encoding).
• MKV files allow fast seeking within the files via chapter markers like DVDs and through metatags embedded by the content creator.
• Users have fully selectable video/audio streams as well as subtitles.
• Robust error correction even when damaged.
• MKV files can be easily streamed over the Internet and any other IP based network.
• As an expandable container format, it will support whatever new codecs are employed in the future.
• It’s a free format not requiring any licensing fees.

How to create and use. MKV files

MKV files can be created from a variety of applications. Direct sources such as DVDs and CDs require a program like VirtualdubMod. Media already in other formats can be re-encoded by FFmpeg, the command-line based Mkvmerger, and Handbrake. Conversion from other container formats is usually lossless while the direct method will require users to set the output conversion attributes.

Even though. MKV files are cross platform, playing them back requires the correct codecs to be installed on the system being used. For PCs, DirectShow is necessary to allow Windows Mediaplayer to display .mkv files. VLC Player has built in. MKV support on whatever system version is being used. MacOSX users may be required to install Perian for playback in Quicktime.