Anyone know of free software to convert MKV files to MP4? To play on the surface

[Philip Hamm]

The native video app was updated to play MKV files a few months back.

 

[onlysublime]

People suggesting Handbrake need to clarify that what Handbrake does is takes a video and transcodes it to a new video file. It's literally creating a brand new video which can take quite awhile (depending on the speed of the encoding machine and the length of the video).

A better way to do lots of videos is to use AVIdemux. What that does is leave the video and audio intact and just changes the container from MKV to MP4. Remember, most videos are actually h.264 or x.264 encoded and then placed within a container like MKV or MP4. So by just changing the container, it only takes seconds (under 2 minutes for an entire 2 hour movie) to convert MKV to MP4.

Of course, if the original video uses nonstandard settings (or aggressive settings), you'll have to re-encode to more standards-compliant settings which means for those videos, you might as well use Handbrake which will re-encode the video entirely. So the best way is to try out AVIdemux, test if the video works, and if not, then go to Handbrake.

I never go to Handbrake first unless I have a lot of time on my hands or only have a couple videos to convert. Also, if people are converting things with exotic content like multiple audio tracks, custom subtitles, etc., MP4 is far more inflexible than MKV so you'll have problems converting these.

 

[PratikMade]

Or use total video converter. It has all type of conversion extensions.

 

[brad63]

I use Gom player from the store to watch mkv files. No conversion required

 

[Jen Carlson]

Hi! I also used Handbrake till I found WALTR. I recommend using WALTR both for windows&Mac to import MKV to iPhone? it just requires you to drag and drop your MKV. Super easy&fast! Sure you'll like it!

 

[D M C]

VLC is the best player. It's fast, fluid and stable.

 

[Inna Zuieva]

Vote for WALTR In my opinion, it's the fastest and the most efficient.. I use it to convert AVI to MP4. It converts all the craziest formats as well (MKV, AVI, FLAC, ALAC etc.) in a matter of seconds. For those who need some info how to use it - visit softorino web-site)

 

[Julia Softorino]

Format Factory sucks really
Handbrake is better
But the best one is WALTR, we`re working on it and it is the quickest of all

 

[AlexDovz]

Actually, WALTR is great. I've used it to convert MKV for iPad. First - it took a few seconds to both convert & copy the movie. Second - the sound & video quality were just super-great as for converted file. Perfect tool.

 

[xandros9]

Thread closed.