Which player supports the mkv format. What program can open a file with the MKV extension?

Greetings to all readers! Wondering regarding video formats? Mkv format, what is it and what to do with it? Do you want to finally understand this format? That is why I pay special attention to this issue; later you will understand why.

Are you a big connoisseur of good cinema? This one - with cool sound, clear and realistic image on big screen and with something tasty to taste. This is possible with video in mkv. Now I will tell you what this format is, how and where to download movies with this extension, how to open them and many other subtleties. On the Internet you can download all this for free and relax for your own pleasure. So, let's go!

What is MKV - a short excursion.

Not long ago, one team of programmers came together to implement one complex but very necessary task - to develop a free, convenient and multi-platform extension for files that would serve as a storage for media files. If you haven't guessed yet, I'm talking about major project, which is called Matroska or translated as Matryoshka. After some time, the idea came to life, and we were presented with a completely innovative wide-profile media container. It supports formats such as: mkv – responsible for video files, mks – responsible for subtitles and mka – audio. Now I hope it's a little clearer for you?

In other words, the Matroska container includes in its workload three tracks at once with the above extension, implying video, sound and subtitles, as well as a whole range of information that makes it possible to create a menu similar to the one you saw in DVD films, manage time, quickly move from one segment of a film to another.
Now, every time you watch a movie and are completely unaware of the processes taking place, know that now a container with a huge amount of information is “working” for you. It is mkv that allows you to play incredibly high-quality movies on the appropriate player, but more about them later.

Especially if at your home huge TV With cool acoustics 5.1 or even 7.1, it’s simply incomprehensible how you still watched movies in other formats?

Of course, now you, like any normal person, have a question: where can you get films in the MKV extension?

There are plenty of them on torrent trackers. Register on any of your favorite resources where you can download movies via torrent, for example, RuTrekker.

Install the player you need for movies with the μV extension, download and enjoy amazing movie shows.

How to work with this format?

How to open movies and mkv files? To view such files, you first need to install special codecs on your laptop or PC. Having done all this, you can start a movie show using any modern player, for example, Windows Media Player, VLC, GOM and so on.

But to view and play separate files, you will need Matroska splitter, or another special codec. But to fully enjoy the high quality of both sound and video, I recommend installing the K-lite Codeck Pack. It includes all the necessary gadgets to play high-quality films.

I would like to note that it also includes a very well-thought-out and already quite common player, which allows you to play the MKV format without any problems - this is Media Player Classic. Conveniently, it includes everything you need to enjoy your movie as smoothly as possible.
And finally, what is the difference between MKV and AVI.

The most important difference between MKV and the avi format you are used to is that it is much more convenient control when viewing, there is a navigation function among the chapters of video tracks, it is possible to change the playback language, as well as text accompaniment. The MKV format is fully adapted to the high-tech times in which we live; it is increasingly gaining recognition among connoisseurs of good content, high quality, as well as experienced users.

Let's look, as they say, under a microscope:

Files with the μv extension include different languages audio tracks, which cannot be said about AVI.
The storage contains data about menu chapters, subtitles and many other DVD options, but Avi is once again a loser.
The Matryoshka format is more advanced; it avoids slow loading and freezing of large-sized films.
Unlike Avi, MKV can be easily edited without using special programs. We need to get video or audio out of it - yes, please.
The MV container can contain MPEG1, MPEG2, H264, WMV, AVC1 and AAC audio.

I hope I helped you understand this “wild” of the mkv format. Subscribe to updates, share with friends on social networks and learn more new things. See you again!

You probably noticed that many of them have the extension ".mkv". Unfortunately, built into the operating system Windows player Media does not have codecs capable of reading this type of file. Therefore, there are two options left:

The first thing is to install an additional program mkv player files to your computer.
Or second, download and install a small codec for Windows Media Player, which will help it open files with the mkv extension.

In the first, I don’t see the need for the reason that Windows has an excellent built-in . Among other things, such codecs are suitable for any utility for playing content. Read on to learn how to open the mkv file, where to download it, and also about the process of installing and configuring this codec.

Opening a mkv file using codecs from Shark007

The first thing to do is download mkv codec for Windows Media Player or another video player from the manufacturer’s website, here is the link shark007.net. After you follow the link, you need to click on the inscription “SETUP AND USAGE”, which is located a little lower.

On next page Click on the line "Download the STANDARD Codecs" with your mouse. Also on this page there will be a link to the advanced software package (Download the ADVANCED Codecs), I don’t see the point of being quite standard in it.

The manufacturer also does not recommend installing two packages together, because Then Windows Media Player may malfunction. On next page In order to start downloading the file, you will need to click on one of the three links on the right (Download Locations, Download@MajorGeeks).

After the codec has been downloaded, we begin its installation by double-clicking on it with the left mouse button. And we continue as normal - we agree to the license, indicate the path to the folder for the program files, select the desired language, etc. After which you will be asked to select the type of installation; you can leave the default one. If you want to see which codecs will be installed on your computer, or want to correct the program folder path, then select the custom installation type.

At the end, two windows will appear with codec settings: 32-bit and 64-bit. You need one that will match the bit size of your OS, the second one can be closed. Bottom right, set Windows bit rate Media player to do this the program must be run as administrator. Leave the rest of the settings as they are by default. Those who wish can play around with the settings, just first remember what and how to do in order to return everything to initial state. When finished, press the "EXIT" button, which is located at the bottom right.

By default, two versions of codecs will be installed (x32, x64). In the "Applications and Features" window, which is located in Windows settings 10 hotkeys Win+I (Settings - Applications - Applications and features), you can remove an unnecessary release in the usual way. Now your Windows Media Player will safely open files with the MKV extension.

Play mkv files using K-Lite Codec Pack

Your own universal set for mkv playback, as well as other rarely seen video content offered by K-Lite Codec Pack. The set includes a lot of different software for working with video and audio files. Of course, the main advantage is that it is free, here is a link to the download page of the official website www.codecguide.com/download_kl.htm. There are four packages, all of which include a codec for playing files with the mkv extension:

Basic - contains only the most necessary software for and video.
Standard - in addition to the above, it includes several additional utilities, among which is.
Full (Full) - contains everything that is the previous two, plus additional programs to decode, track, create and test the content being discussed.
Mega (Mega) - the name speaks for itself, this package will satisfy the requirements of the most avid fans of playing video and audio content.

For example, such software can help during and further debugging. The software is also used for subsequent related actions. It is best to install Standard or Full. Once you find yourself on the page, you need to click on the line with the word “Download + Package Name” on the right.

On the next page, select one of the download links (Mirror 1 or Mirror 2). At your discretion, as for me they are the same. Once downloaded, begin installation as usual.

Due to the fact that explanations of the installation can be included in a separate article, below I will describe only some of the nuances. To check and install only necessary software in the first window you need to select advanced mode (Advanced).

If you do not want to install another one, then in the next window you need to uncheck all the boxes, and in the “Preferred video player” field put something else “Something else”. Then click on the "Next" button.

Then you should go down to the bottom of the window to select the programs that you want to install on your computer (this means everything that goes below after the Tools item). I also recommend clearing almost all the checkboxes here. So that in the future you can install an update and all that, leave a tick on “Codec Tweak Tool”. As in the illustration below.

Leave everything else as it is by default and continue the installation until the end, monitoring the checkboxes. If you have any questions, you can always write to me in the comments, or go to the "Contacts" tab, fill out and send the form.

VLC media player

VLC media player– one of the most famous media players, which continues to rapidly gain popularity. The main advantages of VLC media player over its competitors are its simple interface, large number functions and frequent updates. Having installed this program you will no longer have questions about how to open mkv or other multimedia file. Everything will open in one program, quickly and conveniently.

Let's look at other features of the VLC media player program:

Supports 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.
Supports a huge variety of media formats. There is simply no point in listing formats; VLC media player can play almost everything.
Built-in set of codecs. the user does not need to install additional codecs to watch videos.
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 – free player for working with popular media formats, developed by Gretech Corporation. GOM Player has 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 look at other features of the GOM Player program:

Plays all popular video formats. Built-in set of codecs.
Ability to play damaged or incompletely downloaded video files.
Subtitle management. The user has the ability to change the size, position, font and color of the titles.
High-quality video playback on weak computers.
Full work with DVD discs.
Separate operating modes for various types screens: monitor, projector, TV.
Bookmarks, favorites, playlists.
Normalize the volume level and apply special audio effects.
Support for DSP modules from Winamp.

The KMPlayer

The KMPlayer is an omnivorous multimedia player from Kang. In appearance and set of functions, this player is similar to GOM Player. Like previous players, The KMPlayer is equipped with built-in codecs and opens mkv files without any problems.

Let's consider other possibilities The KMPlayer:

Supports 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.
Video capture.
Volume level normalization.
Image settings. The user can specify the level of sharpness or blur.
Possibility of accelerated playback.

BS.Player

BS.Player is a media player developed by the Slovenian company Webteh. Very old program, which has now lost most of its users. However, the program is being 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 other popular format.

Features of the MKV format

So we looked at a number popular programs to view mkv files. In conclusion, a short reference to the MKV format itself. As we have already said, the full name of the format is Matroska. This format is an open project built on the basis of the MCF project.

When developing this format, the task was set to create a universal, most flexible and cross-platform media container format. According to the developers, the files in this format should be played without problems on any device.

This format was built using the EBML binary file format. The EBML format is a binary analogue of the language XML markup. Currently, the EBML format is used in MKV and WebM. Using EBML in the 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, a mkv file can store video, audio and subtitles simultaneously.

MKV is a multifunctional video file format included in a project called "Matroska" (Russian for "Matryoshka"). The project appeared on December 6, 2002 in France.

In fact, the MKV extension is not a format, but a multimedia container. It separately stores video and audio tracks, subtitles and other technical specifications file. Due to this, files with MKV extension have quite useful features. For example, the file has an on-screen menu in which you can switch tracks, set subtitles, stream over the Internet, etc. If the video file has the MKV extension, it can be divided into chapters and is resistant to drops.

Multimedia project "Matroska" is an open software, which means that files with the MKV extension can be freely distributed, created and used by any program to open and edit them. No one can stop you from picking up convenient program To view the file, you can convert it to or make subtitles for the video yourself.

So, have you come across a video file on your way that has a multifunctional file extension? Standard video players recommended by the creators of the "Matroska" project themselves:

VLC is a good fast and powerful multimedia player that works on any operating system. Plays a large number of video and audio files, rarely requiring the installation of additional codecs.
Mplayer is a player that was originally written for the Linux OS, but can be played on almost any system. Supports a very large number of audio and video file extensions, codecs are built into the player itself.
The KMPlayer - the player was written for Windows, it has a very flexible interface in which you can configure almost everything - from skin to panning. The player has a large number a variety of functions:

support for subtitles (choice from several presented, the ability to turn them on and off at any time);
playback of streaming audio and video;
playback of “broken” or incompletely downloaded files;
support for compressed albums;
playing a specific section of a file (the initial and final time period is specified);
audio signal smoothing and normalization;
screenshot support.

This is far from full list functions of The KMPlayer player, however, you can see that such a player is a very useful thing in computers.

Video files with the MKV extension can even be run with “native” Media, you just need to install a special codec package. There is also special utility"Matroska splitter", it contains all the tools for playing audio and subtitles for MKV files and will open them in any player. Of course, it’s easier to install some external multimedia player with a full set of all codecs and not bother yourself anymore with searching necessary additions for every standard player.

I would like to add that video files with the MKV extension can be viewed and have been released by LG and BBK with support for this function.

The familiar AVI video format has been on the market long enough to achieve cult status. It was developed by the guys from Microsoft, pursuing purely commercial interests. Things were going great until they announced blu-ray with incredible picture quality and more.

Attempts to compress the original data from the “blue” ones into AVI were made more than once, only the output was not a high-quality BD-rip, but a mediocre fake:

terrible resolution;
you can't add subtitles;
Possibility to sew up only 1 language.

In an attempt to develop a universal container for video files, domestic developers came up with the now familiar Matryoshka (Matroska video - mkv). The product's capabilities are head and shoulders above those of AVI, but the distribution is much smaller, so some users may have problems opening it.

How to open a mkv file?

Modern players for Windows 7 and Windows 10 are capable of playing almost any format. Most home HD players support Matryoshka by default. But let’s look at ways to view it on a computer:

GOM Player;

Why these programs? They are free, have wide functionality, are easy to use and are popular with everyone. Why use an unknown player if you can download one of the popular ones.

The player is systematically confused with Windows Media due to its name. Yes, the product is very similar to the 6.4 version of the “windowed” player, but that’s all. Software-wise, these are completely different products, and only one developer worked on MPC.

Officially, the program plays VCD, AudioCD and DVD, not counting similar formats. Support for digital media can be found on the official portal, but the list of supported extensions is impressive. It is noteworthy that MKV is not announced, but MPC supports version 7 of DivX, so there will be no problems opening it.

As for the shortcomings. The player does not implement automatic contrast and brightness settings. Not critical, but I would like it. Also, the tool works correctly only on relatively new PCs that support SSE instructions.

The well-known “cone” is a trouble-free workhorse that can be fed to any extension without worrying at all about the problem of incompatibility and unsupported codecs. It is not surprising that the software has been downloaded by more than 500 million users over the entire history of the player.

The key feature of the project is cross-platform. It works on Mac, Android, Windows, Linux. Yes, the versions are different, but the attention of developers to different operating systems is surprising. Also implemented is working with a keyboard shortcut, which is practically not found anywhere else. Take a screenshot, adjust settings, add brightness and playback speed without using a mouse.

Release 2.0 pleased users with skins that completely change appearance player almost beyond recognition. The function is already outdated, but fans of customization will appreciate it.

VLC has no disadvantages as such. It is simple, easy to navigate, omnivorous, with cross-platform support. An ideal choice if you want to watch movies on your TV.

Do not confuse the regular KMPlayer and our representative with the prefix “The” - these are fundamentally different products. The latter was created for Windows and Android, while the former was developed for the KDE environment.

A distinctive feature of the player is its incredible omnivorousness. Among the popular ones, it easily opens mkv, flv, avi, wmv and even QuickTime. Add to this support for a huge number of modern audio/video codecs and you get modern product to view multimedia.

Among the undeniable advantages, we note the ability to play even broken and incompletely downloaded files (except DVDs).

GOM Player

Another interesting product for reading mkv on PC. It also opens broken movies with ease. Just be prepared that the final picture may suffer, as well as the sound track.

On the other hand, no one is stopping you from recording own sound and subtitles using the player. Not every product is capable of this. The product is good for new and old cars, even 10-12 years old. Post-processing is implemented so well that even on weak hardware you won’t feel any stutters, stutters or stutters when watching HD content.

The only annoying thing is the built-in advertising, which cannot be removed due to the closed source code. And she's pretty annoying.

The name of the player speaks for itself. Although the program is primitive in terms of capabilities and interface, it copes with the key task perfectly. It also easily opens files like AVI, WMV and more. Outwardly similar to WM player version 7, only the buttons here are implemented with text labels, and not in the form of icons.

But the functionality is meager: only adjusting the playback speed and turning on subtitles. Nothing more. Suitable for getting acquainted with the track, but comfortable viewing there is no question. Moreover, the player doesn’t even really read the MKV format. It only works if you do not touch the rewind.

If the file is slow

Methods MKV opening known. But what should you do if the playback is choppy, jerky and periodically slows down? We will try to resolve the problem as quickly as possible. Remember that the format transmits an HD picture, which indicates a high requirement for the PC in terms of hardware characteristics. If the computer is old, or runs on a video core built into the processor, then there can be no talk of any smoothness.

First, close all programs that are not needed during the viewing process, but can heavily load the processor (browsers, skype, running torrent, etc.). Also unload the video card (rendering, games). Additionally, make sure that the disk subsystem is not distracted by things that are irrelevant at the moment (copying files, writing, deleting, defragmenting).

It wouldn’t hurt to upgrade the system’s native codecs by installing new ones (try K-Lite Codec Pack).

The last moment is decisive. Run the file that is slowing down and open the task manager (Ctrl+Alt+Del). If you see that the CPU load in front of the player exceeds 80-85%, then there can be no talk of any smoothness.