What is an MKV file? Easily explained

You can only open an MKV file with a suitable program. In our practical tip, we will tell you what an MKV file is and how you can open it.

MKV file: what is it?

• MKV stands for the audio and video container format Matroska. It is used for high resolution videos.
• The term matroska is derived from the Russian word matryoshka.
• The format contains various video and audio codecs. For example MPEG-4 or H2.64 (video) and MP3 or AAC (audio).
• MKV files can also contain additional information such as subtitles, additional audio tracks, chapter divisions and menus as with DVDs.

Play MKV file

• In order to play MKV files smoothly, you need a computer with a current graphics card that is able to process the high-resolution videos.
• If the video is playing slowly or stalls, it may also be due to insufficient memory.
• One program that you can use to play MKV files is the free VLC player.

In the next practical tip, we will show you how to burn an MKV file to DVD or convert it to an AVI file.