Apple TV: play MKV videos - how it works
If you want to play an MKV video on your Apple TV, you won't be able to do it without further help. We'll show you how to get the videos up and running.
Apple TV: Stream MKV videos
If you have a device with OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion in addition to the Apple TV, you can stream the MKV files directly.
- Connect your Mac or MacBook and your Apple TV to the same WiFi network.
- On the Mac, the AirPlay icon now appears in the menu bar at the top right.
- Select the Apple TV and start the desired video. You can do this with the free VLC player, for example.
- If you start the full-screen mode by double-clicking on the image, the MKV video is easily streamed to the Apple TV.
Apple TV: convert and play MKV videos
Since the Apple TV does not support the MKV format, the videos can alternatively be converted into a compatible format. Depending on the hardware, this process only takes a few minutes.
- Download a conversion software for the video files. Handbrake for Windows and Handbrake for Mac OS are suitable for this.
- Click on "Source" at the top left and select the MKV file from your computer.
- Select the "MP4" format under "Output Settings" and click on the "Start" button at the top.
- The video is then converted from MKV to MP4. If you wish, you can make further settings on the video beforehand.
- Then you can transfer the files to the Apple TV and play them as usual.
