Are cues in mkvmerge is what i think they are?

[pras92]

In mkvmerge, under extra options, there's this option called cue.
The tool tip says:

Does it mean that, it creates indexes throughout the timeline, so that the video lands smoothly whenever we jump over the timeline? Like when playing in vlc and using shift+arrow keys.

Because, i have an mkv(encoded in Handbrake ) which goes crazy whenever i jump through the timeline. This file is more or less okay when shifting backwards. The video goes 4 or 5 seconds behind as it should. But when shifting forward, it seems like its moving, but plays back from the frame where i was when shifting forward.
Thought that i could use this cue feature to fix it, but it didn't help, rather made worse.

[El Heggunte]

The term "cues" in the Matroska terminology means the same as the term "index" in the AVI terminology. For video streams, the default setting means "create a list containing only the keyframes". And yes, the goal is make seeking easier.

NOTICE: if you have an MKV file created with the option "generate cues for ALL frames", and try to fix it with mkvmerge, the trick will not work (according to the documentation, at least) --- you would have to first demux the input file to *elementary streams*, so that mkvmerge can generate a proper index this time.

[yoda313]

just thought I'd mention that if you start tweaking video files more and more from the "standard" you'll start to run into compatibility issues. I'm sure there are some changes that will be recognized universally but not all players and devices that read video in a mkv file will cooperate with every tweak you give it.

Just an fyi before you start tinkering with lots of "optional" settings.

I can't tell you what will and won't break a video for a given device. I am just here to offer the notion that less is more in terms of device compatibility. Keep it as plain vanilla as you can to ensure compatibility.

If this is only intended for a computer environment than tweak to your hearts content. Just be warned if you take it to the tablet world or settop devices things could get messy.

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Regarding your seeking issue - how are you watching the video? If you are streaming over a wifi connection or even a lan seeking can be temperemental on a network. Does it seek ok when you have the actual file on the playback device?

[pras92]

you would have to first demux the input file to *elementary streams*, so that mkvmerge can generate a proper index this time.

You mean i have to input only the video track? And then what? Should i use "only for I frames" option?

Regarding your seeking issue - how are you watching the video?

I'm using it in computer only.