So if you wish to play videos on multiple devices, here’s how to convert the video format. However, unlike MKV, MP4 has better performance, and most importantly, is widely supported and compatible. Further, MKV is a flexible, open-standard video file format and is widely used for HD videos.

MKV stands for Matroska, and both MKV and MP4 (MPEG-4) are container formats to store audio and video. PLEX is a good solution and it works with Windows and Mac and has apps available on several devices.But first, let’s understand the MKV and MP4 formats a little. There are workarounds that allow you to view and stream MKV files around your network. In this example, I am streaming it to my Xbox 360 to watch on my HDTV.ĭownload Handbrake for Windows, Mac, or Linux

The amount of time it takes will vary depending on the size of the video, your computer hardware, and quality settings.Īfter conversion is finished, go to the directory or the Output file and you’ll be able to watch it where you want. While the video conversion is taking place, you can monitor it on the lower left side of the Handbrake screen. To make it easy, just pick on of the presets from the right column. Then you can tweak the quality and size of the final file too. Select an output destination for the file as for the Output Settings, set the Container to MP4. Launch Handbrake and click Source > Open File and browse to the MKV file you want to convert. Handbrake is arguably the best and most popular free software for converting video file types. Even if you’re invested in an Apple ecosystem with Apple TV and Mac, MKV file formats aren’t easily supported. Xbox Video player in Windows 8, and WMP in previous versions doesn’t natively support playback of MKV files. But my home theater system is integrated deeply in Microsoft products.

I usually convert DVDs and Blu-ray to MKV format.

Handbrake convert mkv to mp4