What Is an MKV File?

What if your MKV file reader still doesn't recognize MKV files even after downloading and installing the appropriate codecs? The problem could be your device, which may be lacking the requisite resources needed to render MKV file formats. One way to solve this problem would be converting the MKV files to a format supported by the hardware and software available in your system.

One easy way to convert an MKV file to another format friendly with your device is to use a free video file converter. You may want to use the online version of some converters to save space on your device, but it shouldn't be your first choice since video files are pretty large and could take ages to upload, convert and download the converted file.

It would be a nice idea to use offline video converters if your device has ample storage space. If it doesn't, you could consider using external storage media, such as thumb drives or external hard drives. Offline converters have the advantage of being relatively fast and cost-effective since you won't have to worry about bandwidth costs. You can check out Movavi Video Converter – a simple and effective tool for switching between video, audio, and image formats.

Converting MKV files is easy with Movavi Video Converter, just check the steps below.

1. Install and launch the Movavi converter.
2. Add your MKV file to the program. Movavi Video Converter also supports batch conversion, so you can transform several files at once.
3. Choose the target format for converting.
4. Click Convert and wait for the process to finish.

If your default media player can't handle MKV file format, try looking for alternative players on the web. A simple Google search should haul up hundreds, if not thousands of third-party apps supporting MKV files. However, you need to exercise caution since malicious characters out there are disguising malware as useful apps in an attempt to infiltrate your computer system.

You may not have the patience to wallow through the labyrinth, looking for the best MKV file viewer, so you could try VLC, one of the most popular media players you can ever find. It is lightweight, and can play almost any file format you toss its way.

Other apps that can open and play MKV files include:

• MPC-HC

• MPV

• DivX Player

• MKV File Player

• KMPlayer

• The Core Media Player

It is possible to enjoy MKV videos and audios while on the move, courtesy of your mobile device. If you are on iOS platform, you can watch these videos directly from the iPhone, iPad and iPod via the native PlayerXtreme media Player. But on the Android platform, you will need to download and install the mobile version of VLC, or the Simple MP4 Video Player. Though an MP4 player, Simple MP4 Player has a reader for other video formats, such as MKV.

The media player on your device may not succeed at opening video files with an MKV extension because it lacks the necessary codecs for decoding this file type. Codecs are a viable option because they give your media player the ability to decompress and play the MKV files it does not natively support.

It is a great way to easily turn any media player into an MKV file player, but can also be dangerous to your computer. You need to ensure you download codecs, or any other necessary software, from recommended sites. Some sites hide crapware in popular software; thus, putting the security of your system at risk.

If you are unsure where to start, head to Niite, a great place for lots of clean and useful apps for your device. This site provides free downloads devoid of any bloatware. Once at Niite, search for a codec pack named Combined Community Codec Pack (CCCP) which offers a variety of codecs that support multiple file formats.

On the Niite landing page, select the CCCP option and click "Get Your Niite". The file will begin to download, and once finished, run to install the codecs. While at it, you may choose other apps you may fancy from the site, and install them as well. To effect the changes, you may have to restart your computer, though in most cases, your MKV files should start playing promptly.

Like any other file type, MKV files can also be edited to apply various changes you may wish to achieve. You can add and delete chapters, and subtitles. You can also change the start and end points of the video by trimming off unwanted parts.

When looking for a good video editor, start with the free versions first. No need to pay for a software when its free counterpart can accomplish just as much. You can try MKVToolNix, a free program available for Windows, Mac and Linux.

However, most free video editors suffer significant limitations, and you may not be able to enjoy all the features. It may force you to go for the best premium software, one that does what it says it can do. You have a quite a variety to choose from, but certain factors should inform your choice:

• Cost: whether it's subscription-based or on a one-off payment

• File formats: whether it supports all the popular file formats

• User friendliness: its ease of use

• Support materials: availability of useful materials to help you edit a project

Having answered the question: what is an MKV file, and having learned the various ways of opening and playing this file format, it is important to note that cases may arise requiring you to convert MKV format files to other versions so you can play them on particular devices. Many converters are at your disposal, and you need the ability to identify one that meets your needs. If you are wondering which converter to choose, consider downloading and installing Movavi Video Converter on your Windows or Mac computer.