Video file formats have come a long way over the years, and today we have numerous options, including MP4 and MKV. While both formats have pros and cons, users often face issues playing MKV videos on their devices. In this guide, we'll explore the differences between MP4 and MKV formats, the issues with playing MKV videos, and various solutions to play and convert MKV videos. We'll also discuss tips for playing and converting video files and how to download MP4 instead of MKV with IDM.
Differences between MP4 and MKV Formats
MP4 and MKV are both digital video file formats, but they have some key differences. Here are some of the main differences:
Compatibility: MP4 is widely supported by many devices and software applications, making it a popular choice for video files. On the other hand, MKV is less widely supported and may require additional codecs or software to play.
File size: MKV files tend to be larger than MP4 files, as MKV files can store more information and metadata.
Features: MKV supports more features than MP4, including multiple video/audio/subtitle tracks, chapters, and menus. MP4, on the other hand, is a more basic format with fewer features.
Quality: Both formats can support high-quality video, but MKV has the potential to provide higher quality due to its ability to support more video/audio codecs.
Editing: MP4 is a more commonly used format for editing video files, as it is supported by many video editing software applications. MKV, on the other hand, may require additional steps to convert or extract the video for editing purposes.
Pros and Cons of MKV and MP4 Formats
MKV Pros:
- Support for multiple audio and subtitle tracks.
- Support for chapter markers and menus.
- Flexible and can store different types of video and audio codecs.
- High-quality video with smaller compression compared to other formats.
MKV Cons:
- Compatibility issues with some devices and media players.
- Larger file size compared to other formats.
- Not as widely supported as other formats.
MP4 Pros:
- Widely supported by devices and media players.
- Smaller file size compared to MKV.
- Suitable for online streaming and sharing.
- Easy to edit and work with in video editing software.
MP4 Cons:
- Limited support for multiple audio and subtitle tracks.
- Limited support for advanced features like chapters and menus.
- The lower quality video compared to MKV with similar file size.
- It's important to note that the pros and cons of each format can vary depending on the user's specific use case and requirements.
Issues with Playing MKV Videos
MKV is a popular format for high-quality video files, but it can sometimes cause issues when playing on certain media players. Some common issues with playing MKV videos include:
No sound: Sometimes, the MKV file may play without sound, even though the video is playing correctly. This issue can be caused by incompatible audio codecs or outdated media players.
Video stuttering or buffering: MKV files can be large, and some media players may struggle to play them smoothly. This can result in stuttering or buffering issues, making the video playback choppy or laggy.
Video not playing: Sometimes, the MKV file may not play, or the media player may show an error message. This can be caused by corrupted or incomplete video files or unsupported codecs.
Subtitle issues: If the MKV file includes subtitles, some media players may have trouble displaying them correctly. This can result in subtitles that are out of sync with the video or not displayed.
Solutions for Playing and Converting MKV Videos
Method 1: Use a Different Web Browser
A different web browser can be a simple solution to download MP4 instead of MKV files. Some websites may send videos in MKV format only to specific browsers, so trying a different browser can help you download the video in another format. Here's how to do it:
- Open the website in a different browser like Firefox or Safari.
- Find the video you want, download and start playing it.
Using a different web browser can be a quick and easy solution, but it may not always work. Some websites may only provide videos in MKV format, so you may need to try other methods to download an MP4 file.
Method 2: Install an MKV Codec Pack
To play MKV videos correctly on your computer, you may need to install a codec pack that supports the MKV format. Here are some popular MKV codec packs you can download:
Once you have downloaded and installed the codec pack, your computer should be able to play MKV videos without any issues. However, keep in mind that some older or less common codecs may not be supported by these packs. In such cases, you may need to try a different pack or look for individual codec installations.
It's important to note that installing multiple codec packs simultaneously can cause conflicts and may not be necessary. It's recommended to choose one reliable and up-to-date codec pack and stick with it.
Method 3: Convert MKV to MP4 using Video Conversion Software
If you are having issues with playing MKV videos and don't want to install codec packs or switch web browsers, another option is to convert the MKV video file to MP4 using video conversion software. Here's how you can do it:
- Download and install video conversion software like HandBrake, Freemake, or Any Video Converter. (You can Download Any Video Converter Ultimate 7.1.7 Free from Turbobit, Oxy.Cloud, Fikper)
- Open the video conversion software and import the MKV file you want to convert.
- Select the output format as MP4.
- Choose the desired video and audio quality settings. It's recommended to keep the original quality settings for the best results.
- Click on the convert button to start the conversion process.
- Once the conversion is complete, you can play the MP4 file without issues.
Remember that the conversion process may take some time, depending on the MKV file size and your computer's processing power. Also, converting a video file may result in some loss of quality, so it's recommended to keep a backup of the original MKV file if needed.
Method 4: Use a Media Player with Built-in Codecs
If you're having trouble playing MKV videos on your computer, a media player with built-in codecs may help. GOM Player Plus is a media player with a wide range of codecs that allow it to play a variety of video and audio formats, including MKV. Here's how to use GOM Player Plus to play your MKV videos:
GOM Player Plus should automatically recognize and play the MKV video file without issues.
Using GOM Player Plus is a convenient and easy way to play MKV videos on your computer without worrying about installing additional codecs.
Tips for Playing and Converting Video Files
Here are some tips for playing and converting video files:
- Use a high-quality media player with built-in codecs, such as GOM Player Plus or VLC media player, to ensure compatibility with various video formats. (You can read above to see Download Links for Free GOM Player Plus)
- Always download and install codecs from trusted sources to avoid any potential viruses or malware.
- Before converting a video file, choose the appropriate output format for your needs.
- Optimize your video conversion settings to achieve the desired output quality.
- If you are experiencing playback issues with a video file, try updating your media player or installing a codec pack.
- Consider using a dedicated video conversion software to take advantage of additional features and options, such as batch conversion or video editing capabilities.
- Keep your media player and video conversion software up-to-date to ensure compatibility with the latest video formats and technologies.
How to Download MP4 Instead of MKV with IDM?
If you prefer to download MP4 instead of MKV files using Internet Download Manager (IDM), you can follow these steps:
- Open the Internet Download Manager application on your computer.
- Click on the "Options" button at the window's top.
- In the "Options" window, select the "File Types" tab.
- Under the "Automatically start downloading the following file types" section, look for the "MKV" file type.
- Uncheck the box next to the "MKV" file type to prevent IDM from downloading MKV files automatically.
- Click the "Add" button next to the "Automatically start downloading the following file types" section.
- In the "Add download dialog" window, type ".mp4" (without the quotes) in the "Extension" field.
- Click on the "OK" button to save the changes.
Now, downloading a video file with IDM will automatically prompt you to download it in MP4 format.
If you want to manually download a video file in MP4 format, right-click on the video link and select "Download with IDM" from the context menu. IDM will then prompt you to download the file in MP4 format.
Following these steps, you can configure IDM to automatically download MP4 files instead of MKV files. This can be helpful if you prefer to work with MP4 files or encounter compatibility issues with MKV files.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding the differences between MKV and MP4 formats, as well as the pros and cons of each, can help you make informed decisions when downloading and playing video files. If you are experiencing issues with playing MKV files, there are several methods you can try, such as using a different web browser, installing a codec pack, converting the file to another format, or using a media player with built-in codecs. By following these tips and best practices, you can ensure a seamless video playback and conversion experience.