Problems with converting MKV to AVI

[Sayuri]

Hey guys

I'd like to sub some animes, but somehow it just won't work and I'm getting really desperate.
I use Aegisub for the subs and mkvmerge GUI to make the mkv-file. So far so good, even KMPlayer shows it correctly (thanks to VSFilter).
But when I try and convert it to .avi, the subs aren't there, just the blank video. I tried many converters and none of them will work properly. SUPER and Fomat Factory do show the subs, but they're pretty messed up.. wrong font, size, position, etc.
Also, I'm quite a noob at such things, so I don't know what to do anymore <.<

Can anyone help?

[mistycat]

This any good to you: http://alltoavi.sourceforge.net/

[Ai Haibara]

Don't try to convert the subtitles with the video.

Aegisub should allow you to save the subtitles as a standalone .ass file (or demux the subtitles from the .mkv). I believe you can convert the .mkv to .avi and then mux the .ass file as a subtitle stream into the .avi. Not sure how well that'll work, though, since you can't mux in extra files, like the fonts that may be needed.

You may prefer to just hardsub the subtitles in the AVI version, instead. One way of doing it is to use AVIDemux (though that program takes a bit of getting used to), add the .ASS Subtitles filter (if I remember the name correctly) and load your external .ass file from there, then go back to the main window (making sure everything's how you want the resulting video to be), and save the video.

[creamyhorror]

Why not just leave it as MKV? Are you releasing this?

[Sayuri]

@ mistycat
I already tried that, but it didn't work properly

@ Ai Haibara
Thank you!!! This looks much better! Finally a subbed .avi video =)
Just the quality is rather low. Do you know how I could improve it?

@ creamyhorror
Yup, that's what I'd like to do

[creamyhorror]

Release as MKV, it's better. Anime in AVI is crap ^_________________^

[Ai Haibara]

The quality of what? The output AVI, or the subtitles? (I don't know which of the methods I mentioned you chose. )

This page from the Aegisub documentation may also be of some help.

[Sayuri]

I used the method with Avidemux^^ The subtitles are rather blurred and it's a bit hard to read them.
But I guess if I want to upload them on youtube I have to hardsub it, right?

[creamyhorror]

If this is primarily for uploading to Youtube, then you should use high bitrates.

The subtitles should not be blurred, though. What bitrate and settings are you using in AVIDemux?

[Shilar]

Release as MKV, it's better. Anime in AVI is crap ^_________________^

MKV can't play on much of anything outside of a PC, and even then subs can get lost. Also, even with all the converters out there, very few can convert mkv to a workable format with subs. As far as quality, it just depends on the computer and the software. So, unless you plan to carry your desktop and monitor with you, AVI is the more versatile, and sometimes prettier (I saw an H.264 MKV that was atrocious compared to the AVI and MP4 versions). MP4 works great too (the Mac/Sony version of AVI), as does .divx (Divx's answer to MKV, but playable on many newer players).

[creamyhorror]

MKV can't play on much of anything outside of a PC, and even then subs can get lost.

MKVs play on affordable modern standalone players like the WD TV Live, Asus O!Play, etc. All future DivX-certified devices will play H.264 MKVs too; there are already a few TV and Bluray players out that do.

Also, even with all the converters out there, very few can convert mkv to a workable format with subs.

Workable? MKV is a playback, delivery format, and it works just fine.

As far as quality, it just depends on the computer and the software. So, unless you plan to carry your desktop and monitor with you, AVI is the more versatile, and sometimes prettier (I saw an H.264 MKV that was atrocious compared to the AVI and MP4 versions).

"versatile": If I'm playing video on my PC, HTPC, or MKV-capable console player, I don't see why I should convert to AVI. AVI is a dinosaur container format without the capabilities and versatility of more modern formats (like containing softsubs, chapters, editions, multiple audio and subtitles tracks, etc.).

"prettier": "Atrocious" quality? MKV is a media container; it has nothing to do with the quality of the H.264 video contained within. The same video in an MP4 can be put in an MKV too, with absolutely no difference in playback. Get your video knowledge straight.

MP4 works great too (the Mac/Sony version of AVI)

MP4 and MKV are modern formats intended for storing modern H.264/AVC video. MP4 dates from 2001, and MKV from 2002. AVI is an ancient format from 1992, and was never intended to contain H.264 video. It doesn't have the ability to contain softsubs at all. MP4 is certainly not the "Mac/Sony version of AVI".

MP4 is a less flexible container than MKV; up till a year or two ago many playback devices didn't even support AC3 in MP4. MKV allows you to put in DVD subtitles (vobsubs) and ASS softsubs, while MP4 doesn't. Plus it's an open standard format, unlike MP4.

as does .divx (Divx's answer to MKV, but playable on many newer players).

Lolwut. .divx is an extension of AVI, and can't contain H.264 video or SRT/ASS subs either. DivX's format for H.264 is MKV.

You are pretty misinformed. If you want to watch MKVs, watch them on your computer, or buy a player that plays them. It's not subbers' fault if you insist on using your old DVD player to play your anime.


[edit] I see the guide linked in your signature has the same misconceptions about what a 'container' is. I suggest you get a full understanding of why MKV is used in anime fansubbing and fix your page.

[Shilar]

MKV can't play on much of anything outside of a PC, and even then subs can get lost.

MKVs play on affordable modern standalone players like the WD TV Live, Asus O!Play, etc. All future DivX-certified devices will play H.264 MKVs too; there are already a few TV and Bluray players out that do.

Lessee... can it play on a 2 YEAR OLD Phillips DVD player? Can it play on a PSP? Which PMPs support all MKV formats? What consoles support it? Please inform me.

Also, even with all the converters out there, very few can convert mkv to a workable format with subs.

Workable? MKV is a playback, delivery format, and it works just fine.

On a few items, yes. Question is: What if you want to take it on the road? What if your laptop breaks down, and you need an alternate player? Many cheap players on the market, never saw MKV support in them.

As far as quality, it just depends on the computer and the software. So, unless you plan to carry your desktop and monitor with you, AVI is the more versatile, and sometimes prettier (I saw an H.264 MKV that was atrocious compared to the AVI and MP4 versions).

&quot;versatile&quot;: If I'm playing video on my PC, HTPC, or MKV-capable console player, I don't see why I should convert to AVI. AVI is a dinosaur container format without the capabilities and versatility of more modern formats (like containing softsubs, chapters, editions, multiple audio and subtitles tracks, etc.).

&quot;prettier&quot;: &quot;Atrocious&quot; quality? MKV is a media container; it has nothing to do with the quality of the H.264 video contained within. The same video in an MP4 can be put in an MKV too, with absolutely no difference in playback. Get your video knowledge straight.

Oh I love this argument.... When you run this on a laptop that has a hard time processing soft subs, video, and sometimes audio separately, MKV is ugly on it, no matter what video is inside (this IS a container problem, and yes, I use various forms of video). MP4 is no golden egg either, but BECAUSE of the restricted format most medium range laptops have no trouble with it. AVI, the "dinosaur" of the group, is more flexible in terms of where it can play, and because of its age, it is easy to make a good 1080p video without the need of a high-end processor. It is the DVD of video containers.
As far as MP4 being of Sony/Apple, I say this because Macs, iPods, and PS3/PSP natively support MP4. BTW, you might wish to get you facts a bit right. MP4 (Mpeg-4) has been around a bit longer than 8 years. (Try late 1998 next time: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MPEG-4. MP4 was built into Quicktime since... if I remember right, 4.0)

MP4 works great too (the Mac/Sony version of AVI)

MP4 and MKV are modern formats intended for storing modern H.264/AVC video. MP4 dates from 2001, and MKV from 2002. AVI is an ancient format from 1992, and was never intended to contain H.264 video. It doesn't have the ability to contain softsubs at all. MP4 is certainly not the &quot;Mac/Sony version of AVI&quot;.

MP4 is a less flexible container than MKV; up till a year or two ago many playback devices didn't even support AC3 in MP4. MKV allows you to put in DVD subtitles (vobsubs) and ASS softsubs, while MP4 doesn't. Plus it's an open standard format, unlike MP4.

Like I said, MP4 is not a new container. MP4 has been developed by many companies and groups to have a high-end standard. Sony has a version, Apple has one, Nero has another... MKV was made GPL, and at issue -is- its flexibility. Every time I find an MKV, I find some converter with "native" MKV support unable to convert it to a format for a portable player. If there was a real standard that all converters can tie in to, then I'd have no issue (I would convert my MKVs to AVIs). Also, the softsub issue is a pain as it is. Some softsubs never process right, and I have to find out if the font they used is inside the container, then if still an issue, install the font on my computer. Even then it still has issues.

as does .divx (Divx's answer to MKV, but playable on many newer players).

Lolwut. .divx is an extension of AVI, and can't contain H.264 video or SRT/ASS subs either. DivX's format for H.264 <i>is</i> MKV.

While it is true it cannot play h.264, it can take many sub formats (it converts them into streams). Also, it does provide a HD MKV standard for the devices you mentioned. If only everyone used it.

[IMG]file:///C:/Users/Shilar/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot.png[/IMG]You are pretty misinformed. If you want to watch MKVs, watch them on your computer, or buy a player that plays them. It's not subbers' fault if you insist on using your old DVD player to play your anime.

That sounds rather elitist. Subbers have been taking the advice though (very few subbers use MKV exclusively, and have an MP4 or AVI alternate). When a universal MKV standard comes out (that ALL MKV converters can convert, and can be converted to DVD/BR without the need for a massive guide to do so), and all subbers use that format exclusively, I'll give it another try.

[edit] I see the guide linked in your signature has the same misconceptions about what a 'container' is. I suggest you get a full understanding of why MKV is used in anime fansubbing and fix your page.

I understand why the container is used. The ones using it exclusively typically are either lazy, or elitist. The ones that have AVI/MP4 and MKV want to make all happy (no problem with that IMO). I just think it's easier for people to just put together the video individually rather than use MKV.

FYI: Please tone down the rhetoric, and next time READ the guide's FAQ on why my opinion of MKV is low.

[creamyhorror]

MKV can't play on much of anything outside of a PC, and even then subs can get lost.

MKVs play on affordable modern standalone players like the WD TV Live, Asus O!Play, etc. All future DivX-certified devices will play H.264 MKVs too; there are already a few TV and Bluray players out that do.

Lessee... can it play on a 2 YEAR OLD Phillips DVD player? Can it play on a PSP? Which PMPs support all MKV formats? What consoles support it? Please inform me.

Don't move the goalposts. You said it doesn't "play on much of anything outside of a PC", so I was listing what it does play on - a whole class of relatively new and affordable devices. (And of course it doesn't play on a DVD player - those don't play H.264 video at all.)

Workable? MKV is a playback, delivery format, and it works just fine.

On a few items, yes. Question is: What if you want to take it on the road? What if your laptop breaks down, and you need an alternate player?

Then you should get your laptop fixed, lol. You think you'll be able to watch anything if your anime's in your spoilt laptop? And how often does your laptop break down just when you're in the middle of a 1-month trip in Cambodia and desperately need an anime fix?

If you wanted to play a video on a PMP or smartphone, you generally have to make a separate re-encode for it anyway (as I do for my iPhone), so there's no harm in having an MKV as the main file.

Many cheap players on the market, never saw MKV support in them.

Are you referring to PMPs or standalones? That will change as the Chinese start demanding more MKVs. Already, MKV is displacing RMVB from certain niches of online video sharing in China. The Chinese already sell a whole bunch of MKV-capable standalone players for the home, and we'll be seeing similar PMPs pretty soon.

Oh I love this argument.... When you run this on a laptop that has a hard time processing soft subs, video, and sometimes audio separately, MKV is ugly on it, no matter what video is inside (this IS a container problem, and yes, I use various forms of video).

It isn't a container problem because if you changed the container to AVI and put the softsubs outside, you'd still have jerky, lagging, unwatchable playback. In fact, MKV actually has less overhead than AVI. The softsubs are not the issue, the H.264 video is. (And if you're watching 720p or SD anime, I'm fairly sure mostly any modern laptop or PC (even a Pentium 4) will play it fine, unless you're using a singlethreaded or crappy H.264 decoder.)

If you have problems playing MKV files but can play them fine if they're remuxed to MP4 or AVI, then you probably don't have Haali's Media Splitter or a necessary decoder (or one is messed up and you need to reinstall it). That's why CCCP exists - to satisfy the playback needs of the anime-watching community.

MP4 is no golden egg either, but BECAUSE of the restricted format most medium range laptops have no trouble with it.

What restricted format? H.264 video of any level and profile goes into MP4 just the same; there's no restriction there. Your medium range laptops that can play an MP4 will play the same video in an MKV just fine.

AVI, the "dinosaur" of the group, is more flexible in terms of where it can play, and because of its age, it is easy to make a good 1080p video without the need of a high-end processor. It is the DVD of video containers.

You don't know what you're talking about at all. 1080p video is the same no matter what container you put it in. Ask anyone else who knows about video, or google it.

BTW, you might wish to get you facts a bit right. MP4 (Mpeg-4) has been around a bit longer than 8 years. (Try late 1998 next time: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MPEG-4. MP4 was built into Quicktime since... if I remember right, 4.0)

MPEG-4 is not the same thing as the MP4 container. The very first standard for the MP4 file format was published in 2001: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MPEG-4_Part_14

MKV was made GPL, and at issue -is- its flexibility. Every time I find an MKV, I find some converter with "native" MKV support unable to convert it to a format for a portable player. If there was a real standard that all converters can tie in to, then I'd have no issue (I would convert my MKVs to AVIs).

How do badly-made converters that don't work imply that MKV has no 'standard'? I don't know why you have so much trouble with conversion, but programs like MeGUI and Handbrake work just fine on H.264 video and on MKVs. Probably StaxRip and many others too.

Also, the softsub issue is a pain as it is. Some softsubs never process right, and I have to find out if the font they used is inside the container, then if still an issue, install the font on my computer. Even then it still has issues.

How can you blame MKV when you'd have the same problem if you had AVI and a separate softsub? You'd still have to hardsub it anyway. And I haven't had problems with hardsubbing, but I've only done it a few times (using Textsub() in Avisynth).

More importantly, if your devices don't support a format, you can hardly blame that format simply for being difficult to convert to a format your devices like. If you can't play a subgroup's MKV releases, get AVI instead. There are always Xvid re-encodes floating around.

Lolwut. .divx is an extension of AVI, and can't contain H.264 video or SRT/ASS subs either. DivX's format for H.264 <i>is</i> MKV.

While it is true it cannot play h.264, it can take many sub formats (it converts them into streams).

More like it only takes 1 format (XSUB) so you have to convert any other subtitle format to that before you can mux. And the fact that it can't contain H.264 means that its days are numbered.

Also, it does provide a HD MKV standard for the devices you mentioned. If only everyone used it.

Their standard is just emerging, and the compatible devices aren't here yet. I'm sure those devices will play mostly any MKVs released by subgroups, although without the formatting in the ASS softsubs.

When a universal MKV standard comes out (that ALL MKV converters can convert, and can be converted to DVD/BR without the need for a massive guide to do so), and all subbers use that format exclusively, I'll give it another try.

You keep talking about the need for an MKV "standard" that all converters can convert, but you haven't even specified what exactly a "standard" would mean. Practically speaking, you just need to use software that actually works. The programs I mentioned earlier will read and convert H.264 in MKV just fine.

Why would you even want to convert to DVD/BR in the future (or even now) anyway? That would be akin to converting an XviD into a DVD just to play it on a player - a dumb way to do it if Xvids are your main format and Xvid-capable players are cheap and plentiful. Right now I use a networked media player to watch all my video files, whether MKVs, MP4s, AVIs, ripped DVD ISOs, or home videos from my camera and DVD-Handycam. Works a treat and I don't mess with conversion. I expect this will become a common setup around the world in the coming years.

I just think it's easier for people to just put together the video individually rather than use MKV.

What does that even mean?

Ultimately, MKV and MP4 are the formats of the present and future, and I'd like to see a flexible, open format endure (even if it doesn't displace MP4 to a large extent). Don't blame a young format for not being supported by your old devices. How do you expect old technology to support new? Ask the manufacturers to support the formats you want to play, and realize that they will respond, and are already responding.

And don't confuse softsubs with H.264 video with MKV. They are all separate issues.

[Sayuri]

Well, I tried to upload the MKV on youtube, but the subtitles weren't there.
As for Avidemux.. ehm

Video: MPEG-4 ASP (Xvid)
Audio: MP3
Format: AVI
Bitrate: 63 kBit/s
25 fps

I left the rest as it was, since I didn't know what to change and how anyway.

[Shilar]

MKV can't play on much of anything outside of a PC, and even then subs can get lost.

MKVs play on affordable modern standalone players like the WD TV Live, Asus O!Play, etc. All future DivX-certified devices will play H.264 MKVs too; there are already a few TV and Bluray players out that do.

Lessee... can it play on a 2 YEAR OLD Phillips DVD player? Can it play on a PSP? Which PMPs support all MKV formats? What consoles support it? Please inform me.

Don't move the goalposts. You said it doesn't "play on much of anything outside of a PC", so I was listing what it does play on - a whole class of relatively new and affordable devices. (And of course it doesn't play on a DVD player - those don't play H.264 video at all.)

Who's moving the goalpost? You mentioned a few desktop and future items. I mention the 100's of items compatible (or convertible) with the AVI container. Even if the video portion is not H.264, and the audio is standard MP3, not many products will play MKV, even if the device is compatible with AVI. Even the GP2X Wiz hates MKV, but will take AVI easily, at high resolutions.

Workable? MKV is a playback, delivery format, and it works just fine.

On a few items, yes. Question is: What if you want to take it on the road? What if your laptop breaks down, and you need an alternate player?

Then you should get your laptop fixed, lol. You think you'll be able to watch anything if your anime's in your spoilt laptop? And how often does your laptop break down just when you're in the middle of a 1-month trip in Cambodia and desperately need an anime fix?

If you wanted to play a video on a PMP or smartphone, you generally have to make a separate re-encode for it anyway (as I do for my iPhone), so there's no harm in having an MKV as the main file.

Someone didn't read my webpage....

MKV, at best, takes 30-40 minutes to re-encode at best (ie the video and audio is of a compatible format, and the subs are SRT), and at worst 1-2 hours PER FILE. Imagine 200 episodes that you want to play, with compatible video and audio, but uses VobSub subtitles (for those reading, that's a standard DVD format sub). Even DVDFab will not convert vobsub, so you're stuck with using VirtualDub, or VDubMOD if you like that one. My PMP, my portables... only require a move to the directory, 2-5 minutes.

Many cheap players on the market, never saw MKV support in them.

Are you referring to PMPs or standalones? That will change as the Chinese start demanding more MKVs. Already, MKV is displacing RMVB from certain niches of online video sharing in China. The Chinese already sell a whole bunch of MKV-capable standalone players for the home, and we'll be seeing similar PMPs pretty soon.

Then maybe the Chinese will bring about a standard MKV format.... doubtful. That RMVB format you speak of? Same issue, only much worse. Not many devices are compatible here, and hard to find the devices outside of China.

Oh I love this argument.... When you run this on a laptop that has a hard time processing soft subs, video, and sometimes audio separately, MKV is ugly on it, no matter what video is inside (this IS a container problem, and yes, I use various forms of video).

It isn't a container problem because if you changed the container to AVI and put the softsubs outside, you'd still have jerky, lagging, unwatchable playback. In fact, MKV actually has less overhead than AVI. The softsubs are not the issue, the H.264 video is. (And if you're watching 720p or SD anime, I'm fairly sure mostly any modern laptop or PC (even a Pentium 4) will play it fine, unless you're using a singlethreaded or crappy H.264 decoder.)

If you have problems playing MKV files but can play them fine if they're remuxed to MP4 or AVI, then you probably don't have Haali's Media Splitter or a necessary decoder (or one is messed up and you need to reinstall it). That's why CCCP exists - to satisfy the playback needs of the anime-watching community.

CCCP? Oh I remember that one. Basically not an issue there. The issue is the lack of compatibility in the CONVERTER. The proper codecs and drivers are there, but the converter has issues due to the "flexibility." The reason I have no problem on my desktop? KMplayer solves any issues (save Blu-ray, which they're working on I'm sure).

MP4 is no golden egg either, but BECAUSE of the restricted format most medium range laptops have no trouble with it.

What restricted format? H.264 video of any level and profile goes into MP4 just the same; there's no restriction there. Your medium range laptops that can play an MP4 will play the same video in an MKV just fine.

Excuse me, let me explain. A standard MKV needs one video file, one audio, one sub, and chapters and such after. The problem with you analogy is this: MKV has seperate video, seperate audio, seperate subs, etc. All in a compressed format. Surely you remember running programs directly from a compressed folder using Winzip a few years ago? Unless the MKV "uncompresses" and you play the files raw, it takes power from your CPU, and then GPU to take the file apart piece by piece, and mux them on the fly. MP4 is standardized better, and the tracks inside seldom deviate from the set standard, so playing and converting is easy.

AVI, the "dinosaur" of the group, is more flexible in terms of where it can play, and because of its age, it is easy to make a good 1080p video without the need of a high-end processor. It is the DVD of video containers.

You don't know what you're talking about at all. 1080p video is the same no matter what container you put it in. Ask anyone else who knows about video, or google it.

True, but to get the "glitzy" res, people say you need H.264. I'm simply saying I can make a piece of turd look like a diamond, or a "dinosaur" look like a Mercedes. It's just depending on the converter is all.

BTW, you might wish to get you facts a bit right. MP4 (Mpeg-4) has been around a bit longer than 8 years. (Try late 1998 next time: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MPEG-4. MP4 was built into Quicktime since... if I remember right, 4.0)

MPEG-4 is not the same thing as the MP4 container. The very first standard for the MP4 file format was published in 2001: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MPEG-4_Part_14[/quote]And you notice further down Mpeg-4 part 14 was based on the MOV format made popular by Quicktime? Mpeg 4 has been a file format since '99, and the SECOND edition was in 2001. As I said, it has been in Quicktime since 99.

MKV was made GPL, and at issue -is- its flexibility. Every time I find an MKV, I find some converter with "native" MKV support unable to convert it to a format for a portable player. If there was a real standard that all converters can tie in to, then I'd have no issue (I would convert my MKVs to AVIs).

How do badly-made converters that don't work imply that MKV has no 'standard'? I don't know why you have so much trouble with conversion, but programs like MeGUI and Handbrake work just fine on H.264 video and on MKVs. Probably StaxRip and many others too.

MeGUI and Handbrake are finding some MKVs I have right now impossible to convert. Problem? Vobsubs. All can convert the video and audio, but no subs. If it converts subs, they look translucent, and are hard to read on some screens.

Also, the softsub issue is a pain as it is. Some softsubs never process right, and I have to find out if the font they used is inside the container, then if still an issue, install the font on my computer. Even then it still has issues.

How can you blame MKV when you'd have the same problem if you had AVI and a separate softsub? You'd still have to hardsub it anyway. And I haven't had problems with hardsubbing, but I've only done it a few times (using Textsub() in Avisynth).

The funny on AVI with softsubs is several programs will easily convert them, but unless the subs are outside the MKV, will not find the subs in MKVs. This is because of the Aegisub format (which I have no issue with, and can convert it), or because of Vobsubs. Hence the walkthrough I have.

More importantly, if your devices don't support a format, you can hardly blame that format simply for being difficult to convert to a format your devices like. If you can't play a subgroup's MKV releases, get AVI instead. There are always Xvid re-encodes floating around.

As stated, sometimes you have to get the MKV, and yes I can blame a container when the format is hard to convert due to the plethora of styles of softsubs inside.

Lolwut. .divx is an extension of AVI, and can't contain H.264 video or SRT/ASS subs either. DivX's format for H.264 <i>is</i> MKV.

While it is true it cannot play h.264, it can take many sub formats (it converts them into streams).

More like it only takes 1 format (XSUB) so you have to convert any other subtitle format to that before you can mux. And the fact that it can't contain H.264 means that its days are numbered.

Also, it does provide a HD MKV standard for the devices you mentioned. If only everyone used it.

Their standard is just emerging, and the compatible devices aren't here yet. I'm sure those devices will play mostly any MKVs released by subgroups, although without the formatting in the ASS softsubs.

When a universal MKV standard comes out (that ALL MKV converters can convert, and can be converted to DVD/BR without the need for a massive guide to do so), and all subbers use that format exclusively, I'll give it another try.

You keep talking about the need for an MKV "standard" that all converters can convert, but you haven't even specified what exactly a "standard" would mean. Practically speaking, you just need to use software that actually works. The programs I mentioned earlier will read and convert H.264 in MKV just fine.

Why would you even want to convert to DVD/BR in the future (or even now) anyway? That would be akin to converting an XviD into a DVD just to play it on a player - a dumb way to do it if Xvids are your main format and Xvid-capable players are cheap and plentiful. Right now I use a networked media player to watch all my video files, whether MKVs, MP4s, AVIs, ripped DVD ISOs, or home videos from my camera and DVD-Handycam. Works a treat and I don't mess with conversion. I expect this will become a common setup around the world in the coming years.

I expect that too. Right now though it's not the reality. Many people use DVD players (most not Divx compatible), and some even still use standard TVs! It's amazing when you sit in a hotel room with a laptop you want to hook to a tv, and there is no appropriate slot. At work, we're even more archaic. The only place I have no issues is at home.

I just think it's easier for people to just put together the video individually rather than use MKV.

What does that even mean?

There's tons of free and low-cost video/audio/sub muxers out there that hardsub, where there's very few converters for MKV, and not all are guaranteed to convert the full video.

Ultimately, MKV and MP4 are the formats of the present and future, and I'd like to see a flexible, open format endure (even if it doesn't displace MP4 to a large extent). Don't blame a young format for not being supported by your old devices. How do you expect old technology to support new? Ask the manufacturers to support the formats you want to play, and realize that they will respond, and are already responding.

Really? I see PC manufacturers responding, and a few TVs. Heck I love MP4, and is the wave of the future for me. Easily workable, convertible for players that are more than a couple of years old, and very vivid and crisp.

And don't confuse softsubs with H.264 video with MKV. They are all separate issues.

When the MKV has multiple tracks for various items (imagine MKVs with 5 subs), it can easily become an issue.

[Alexstarfire]

I'm not exactly sure how this argument started BUT... I'd like to give my 2 cents.

MKV is a pretty good, scratch that, GREAT format for computers. It, however, isn't that great outside of computers. The biggest problem I see is that the MKV container is actually too versatile. While generally it contains some type of HD format, usually just H.264, it can have pretty much any video source it wants. I've seen OGG, AVI, H.264, x264, and MPeg just to name what I've seen. Same goes for audio. Most players won't support all those various formats and it'd be more than a pain in the ass to have to check every file and convert what is necessary. I agree that AVI files are far more compatible when it comes to other devices. It's nice that devices are coming out that support MKV, but I, and I'm sure just about everyone else, already have devices that support AVIs. Why buy new ones when the old ones are still working? If you need a new one, then yea. Getting one that supports MKV is the way to go. BTW, creamyhorror, MKV has gone through several revisions. I don't quite remember what's changed, but I know it's changed. Not sure how long it's been either.

That said, converting is a pain. Shilar, if you are converting regular anime files, like the 30 minute episodes, then it should not take 30-40 minutes per file. My system isn't even high end and I convert at the best possible settings and it takes me less than 20 minutes per file, usually 15-17 minutes. I always convert to AVI since a fair amount of DVD players support it. If I was going for pure compatibility I'd convert it to DVD format, but the quality is atrocious and I can't even fit as many on a disc. I like to use VirtualDub to do my converting and one of the things I hate is that when opening MKV files not only do I have to make an AVS file for it, I made a program to auto-create AVS files for me , but I also don't have the keyframes so cutting out parts is WAY more than a pain. Well, I should say I have too many keyframes since it counts every frame as a keyframe, but that's not really my point. I know NanDub and VirtualDubMod support MKVs, but not fully. I think this has to do with the revisions it's undergone, but I couldn't really say. All I know is that just about every MKV file I try to open in them fails. I've also come across a few files that simply don't convert properly using that technique. When that happens, or if I don't really need to modify the video, then I use WinMENcoder. That's the quickest way to do MKV conversions. Just drop all the MKV files in and let it convert them all for you. It'll convert subs too (at least every sub I've come across), but the problem is that you have to specify which file it is in the MKV file. Not a problem if all the MKV files are muxed identically, but if they are from various sites with different subbers then you might have issues in doing batch conversions.

Also, creamyhorror, playback of MKV files can be a bit more demanding than AVIs. Mid-range laptops shouldn't have an issue, but low-end ones can. Using SMPlayer I've got my 900Mhz Celeron laptop to run 720p MKVs (H.264 format) just fine. Seems that's the only player I've come across that works smoothly on my computer. So Shilar, you might want to try that one out if you're having trouble playing any MKV file on your laptop.

Ohhh, and not all 1080p video is created equal. You seem to be forgetting about the bitrate which can affect playback. Higher the bitrate the more demanding it will be to play back. Not saying it's a lot, but it matters. I imagine this would really only affect devices that have rather crappy storage, laptops with 5,400 RPM drives for one. I'm not going to bother trying it out since that's a waste of my time. If it happens to ever happen to me I'll be sure to inform you though. I doubt it will since I usually convert my anime to AVIs before I watch it; and my AVIs are DVD quality since that's the purpose for me converting them.

Well, that's my thoughts and experiences on the matter.

[creamyhorror]

MKV, at best, takes 30-40 minutes to re-encode at best (ie the video and audio is of a compatible format, and the subs are SRT), and at worst 1-2 hours PER FILE. Imagine 200 episodes that you want to play, with compatible video and audio, but uses VobSub subtitles (for those reading, that's a standard DVD format sub). Even DVDFab will not convert vobsub, so you're stuck with using VirtualDub, or VDubMOD if you like that one. My PMP, my portables... only require a move to the directory, 2-5 minutes.

My iPhone doesn't take AVI so I have to re-encode to MP4.

Then maybe the Chinese will bring about a standard MKV format.... doubtful. That RMVB format you speak of? Same issue, only much worse. Not many devices are compatible here, and hard to find the devices outside of China.

No, I'm saying that the Chinese are moving towards MKV and that their devices will accordingly shift to play it. That's why there are a bunch of MKV-capable players out there now sold by Chinese companies. There's no need for a "standard" (whatever that means) because these players will play mostly any MKV file at all (definitely the ones with H.264 video, DTS/AC3 audio, and SRT or ASS subtitles, which is the most common set). All these players are mostly based on certain Realtek or Sigma chipsets, and you can see them here:

http://www.iboum.com/net-media-players.php

Excuse me, let me explain. A standard MKV needs one video file, one audio, one sub, and chapters and such after. The problem with you analogy is this: MKV has seperate video, seperate audio, seperate subs, etc. All in a compressed format. Surely you remember running programs directly from a compressed folder using Winzip a few years ago? Unless the MKV "uncompresses" and you play the files raw, it takes power from your CPU, and then GPU to take the file apart piece by piece, and mux them on the fly. MP4 is standardized better, and the tracks inside seldom deviate from the set standard, so playing and converting is easy.

What a load of technical nonsense. There is nothing that makes MKV decoding more complex than MP4 decoding. MP4 tracks can be just as hard to decode as MKV. I don't know how to make things any clearer to you.

The only thing in MKVs that can potentially take more processing power to decode than with MP4s is .ASS subtitles with demanding effects, which is not the fault of MKV at all. It's actually largely the fault of vsfilter/DirectVobSub, a slow and buggy piece of software that has nevertheless become mainstream. Also, it's largely only in anime that people use ASS subtitles in MKV, so no one else is affected.

AVI, the "dinosaur" of the group, is more flexible in terms of where it can play, and because of its age, it is easy to make a good 1080p video without the need of a high-end processor. It is the DVD of video containers.

You don't know what you're talking about at all. 1080p video is the same no matter what container you put it in. Ask anyone else who knows about video, or google it.

True, but to get the "glitzy" res, people say you need H.264. I'm simply saying I can make a piece of turd look like a diamond, or a "dinosaur" look like a Mercedes. It's just depending on the converter is all.

What are you talking about? You said "it is easy to make a good 1080p video without the need of a high-end processor" "because of [AVI's] age", which is patent nonsense. Video, at whatever resolution, is created independently of its container format.

And you notice further down Mpeg-4 part 14 was based on the MOV format made popular by Quicktime? Mpeg 4 has been a file format since '99, and the SECOND edition was in 2001. As I said, it has been in Quicktime since 99.

Err no, the second edition specs was published in 2003:

The MPEG-4 file format, version 1 was published in 2001 as ISO/IEC 14496-1:2001, which is a revision of the MPEG-4 Part 1: Systems specification published in 1999 (ISO/IEC 14496-1:1999).In 2003, the first version of MP4 file format was revised and replaced by MPEG-4 Part 14: MP4 file format (ISO/IEC 14496-14:2003), commonly named as MPEG-4 file format version 2.

So the actual format specification for .MP4 was released in 2001, which marks the official standardization of the container. That's what I based my initial comment on. Let's not lose track of my initial point here: MP4 and MKV are both more modern than AVI, and thus appropriate replacements for it.

MeGUI and Handbrake are finding some MKVs I have right now impossible to convert. Problem? Vobsubs. All can convert the video and audio, but no subs. If it converts subs, they look translucent, and are hard to read on some screens.

I haven't hardsubbed vobsubs before (ugly...) so I can't help you there. When I do movie rips, I get SRT subtitles from OpenSubtitles. But it seems that the main problem you have with MKV is basically that it can contain subtitles. This is not a problem for most people, who don't use subtitles in their MKVs (and aren't anime watchers).

The funny on AVI with softsubs is several programs will easily convert them, but unless the subs are outside the MKV, will not find the subs in MKVs. This is because of the Aegisub format (which I have no issue with, and can convert it), or because of Vobsubs. Hence the walkthrough I have.

That is simply the fault of the programs, then, not the fault of MKV or Aegisub. They aren't working where (they claim) they should.

As stated, sometimes you have to get the MKV, and yes I can blame a container when the format is hard to convert due to the plethora of styles of softsubs inside.

No, you should blame the conversion programs if they claim to handle such subs. You shouldn't blame the format when it was never intended to be converted in the first place - only played on PC.

Right now I use a networked media player to watch all my video files, whether MKVs, MP4s, AVIs, ripped DVD ISOs, or home videos from my camera and DVD-Handycam. Works a treat and I don't mess with conversion. I expect this will become a common setup around the world in the coming years.

I expect that too. Right now though it's not the reality. Many people use DVD players (most not Divx compatible), and some even still use standard TVs! It's amazing when you sit in a hotel room with a laptop you want to hook to a tv, and there is no appropriate slot. At work, we're even more archaic. The only place I have no issues is at home.

But home is where we spend our time watching media, and where we put our fancy TVs and A/V setups. The home is what matters; other places tend to lag in terms of technology, but it's not a big deal.

I just think it's easier for people to just put together the video individually rather than use MKV.

What does that even mean?

There's tons of free and low-cost video/audio/sub muxers out there that hardsub, where there's very few converters for MKV, and not all are guaranteed to convert the full video.

Are you actually implying that MKV should actually be dropped in favor of...AVI plus softsubs? That's just all kinds of wrong. The point is that MKV releases aren't meant to be converted in the first place. That's why most groups release AVIs as well, and why people make re-encodes. MKV is for playback on modern devices, AVI is for playback on older devices - simple as that.

Putting fancy .ASS styles in MKV is trading off simplicity of re-encoding for advanced typesetting capabilities. If you want to hardsub a fancily-typeset ASS-in-MKV, then you should acknowledge that it's outside the 'job scope' of that MKV and not the inherent fault of MKV. Insisting otherwise is just being unreasonable.

Really? I see PC manufacturers responding, and a few TVs.

Have you really not heard of the WD TV, FAT+, O!Play or Popcorn Hour at all?

Heck I love MP4, and is the wave of the future for me. Easily workable, convertible for players that are more than a couple of years old, and very vivid and crisp.

MP4 is hobbled by its lack of softsubs, but it's a fair format otherwise. (Again, the MP4 container has nothing to do with video being "vivid and crisp" - you can put crappy video in MP4.) I'd rather see MKV become dominant, and force manufacturers to provide support for softsub display. Both are already the wave of the present.

And don't confuse softsubs with H.264 video with MKV. They are all separate issues.

When the MKV has multiple tracks for various items (imagine MKVs with 5 subs), it can easily become an issue.

Not at all; the purpose of MKV is playback, and playback of multiple tracks works fine. Different formats for different purposes and capabilities: MKV's ability to contain multiple subtitle streams is a good thing. The same goes for ASS styles; it's a good thing that MKV accepts them, since MP4 does not.

(By the way, did you know that MP4 supports multiple streams too, as well as vobsubs? You'd have as much trouble converting the vobsubs in such MP4s as with MKV - probably even more, in fact, since the converters may not even recognize the vobsubs in MP4.)

[Alexstarfire]

What is this fascination with softsubs? The only reason most things are released are released in the MKV format is because it's more like a RAR file (or any compressible file for that matter). They pact in everything they can conceive so they only have one file to hand out to people. I personally don't need multiple languages and different subtitles, which is another reason why I convert. Beside the fact I can only read and understand English who watches videos in more than one language? There is no reason to.

Whether or not a format is meant to be converted is rather irrelevant. MKV files could be organized a bit better so they are easily convertible, but they weren't and may never be. I can convert them all with only a little extra effort so it doesn't bother me very much. People will always want to convert into and out of formats for various reasons. As you pointed out, you have to convert files to play on your iPhone.

BTW, MP4s are just as flaky when it comes to devices that can play them. I think MP4s are a far bigger pain in this category. Just because a devices plays MP4s doesn't mean it'll play any MP4, I figured that out with my phone. Seems like there are tons of devices out there that require MP4 files specifically formatted one way. Rather lame if you ask me since an MP4 file should be an MP4 file. It's not exactly a container format like MKV is.

[Shilar]

I'm not exactly sure how this argument started BUT... I'd like to give my 2 cents.

Always glad to hear them.

MKV is a pretty good, scratch that, GREAT format for computers. It, however, isn't that great outside of computers. The biggest problem I see is that the MKV container is actually too versatile. While generally it contains some type of HD format, usually just H.264, it can have pretty much any video source it wants. I've seen OGG, AVI, H.264, x264, and MPeg just to name what I've seen. Same goes for audio. Most players won't support all those various formats and it'd be more than a pain in the ass to have to check every file and convert what is necessary. I agree that AVI files are far more compatible when it comes to other devices. It's nice that devices are coming out that support MKV, but I, and I'm sure just about everyone else, already have devices that support AVIs. Why buy new ones when the old ones are still working? If you need a new one, then yea. Getting one that supports MKV is the way to go. BTW, creamyhorror, MKV has gone through several revisions. I don't quite remember what's changed, but I know it's changed. Not sure how long it's been either.

That is one good issue I'm trying to tell creamyhorror. He keeps mentioning WD (Western Digital, a hard company), Asus (A PC company), et al, but here's my question: Is Sony, Panasonic, Sanyo, Phillips, Vizio, or even Fisher working on a player with -full- MKV format compatibility? These are all major brands sold everywhere.

That said, converting is a pain. Shilar, if you are converting regular anime files, like the 30 minute episodes, then it should not take 30-40 minutes per file.

This is mainly because I'm slower than most PC users (heck, it took me a 10-20 minutes to reply to this!). With having to de-mux the MKVs, then re-mux them into AVI using VirtualDub, takes about 5-10 minutes per file. If it's a 30-minute anime, it takes about 30 minutes at worst (10 minutes to de-mux MKV and run it through VIrtualDub with filters, then the processing time). If it's an easy one, I can use DVDFab and Subtitle Workshop (like my guide in the signature) and trim it to around 5 minutes of prep, and 15 minutes processing time.

My system isn't even high end and I convert at the best possible settings and it takes me less than 20 minutes per file, usually 15-17 minutes. I always convert to AVI since a fair amount of DVD players support it. If I was going for pure compatibility I'd convert it to DVD format, but the quality is atrocious and I can't even fit as many on a disc. I like to use VirtualDub to do my converting and one of the things I hate is that when opening MKV files not only do I have to make an AVS file for it, I made a program to auto-create AVS files for me , but I also don't have the keyframes so cutting out parts is WAY more than a pain. Well, I should say I have too many keyframes since it counts every frame as a keyframe, but that's not really my point. I know NanDub and VirtualDubMod support MKVs, but not fully.

And this is why it's a pain, and I agree. If even FormatFactory could support ALL the MKV files, I'd be happy.

I think this has to do with the revisions it's undergone, but I couldn't really say. All I know is that just about every MKV file I try to open in them fails. I've also come across a few files that simply don't convert properly using that technique. When that happens, or if I don't really need to modify the video, then I use WinMENcoder. That's the quickest way to do MKV conversions. Just drop all the MKV files in and let it convert them all for you. It'll convert subs too (at least every sub I've come across), but the problem is that you have to specify which file it is in the MKV file. Not a problem if all the MKV files are muxed identically, but if they are from various sites with different subbers then you might have issues in doing batch conversions.

thank you for pointing out WinMENcoder, I'll check it out when I get home.

Also, creamyhorror, playback of MKV files can be a bit more demanding than AVIs. Mid-range laptops shouldn't have an issue, but low-end ones can. Using SMPlayer I've got my 900Mhz Celeron laptop to run 720p MKVs (H.264 format) just fine. Seems that's the only player I've come across that works smoothly on my computer. So Shilar, you might want to try that one out if you're having trouble playing any MKV file on your laptop.

I've little issue with MKV at home, so I'll try SMPlayer on the road.

Ohhh, and not all 1080p video is created equal. You seem to be forgetting about the bitrate which can affect playback. Higher the bitrate the more demanding it will be to play back. Not saying it's a lot, but it matters. I imagine this would really only affect devices that have rather crappy storage, laptops with 5,400 RPM drives for one. I'm not going to bother trying it out since that's a waste of my time. If it happens to ever happen to me I'll be sure to inform you though. I doubt it will since I usually convert my anime to AVIs before I watch it; and my AVIs are DVD quality since that's the purpose for me converting them.

And doing the MKV with a high-end bitrate, 1080p video can be quite taxing on a laptop when you're also muxing audio and softsubs on the fly. I never have issues with MP4 and AVI on this matter.

Well, that's my thoughts and experiences on the matter.

Thank you for a good response.

[Shilar]

What is this fascination with softsubs? The only reason most things are released are released in the MKV format is because it's more like a RAR file (or any compressible file for that matter). They pact in everything they can conceive so they only have one file to hand out to people. I personally don't need multiple languages and different subtitles, which is another reason why I convert. Beside the fact I can only read and understand English who watches videos in more than one language? There is no reason to.

As I said, usually it's laziness. Sometimes a few converters release video solely in MKV, and some release in MP4/AVI as well as MKV. The ones doing multi-releases are great people. Also, I notice usually you have 10 seeders in MKV, vs 2-3 in AVI/MP4, with a lot of "leechers."

Whether or not a format is meant to be converted is rather irrelevant. MKV files could be organized a bit better so they are easily convertible, but they weren't and may never be. I can convert them all with only a little extra effort so it doesn't bother me very much. People will always want to convert into and out of formats for various reasons. As you pointed out, you have to convert files to play on your iPhone.

Or DVD Player, or iRiver, or Zen, or even PSP. Would you agree this is around 80-90% of the market right now?

BTW, MP4s are just as flaky when it comes to devices that can play them. I think MP4s are a far bigger pain in this category. Just because a devices plays MP4s doesn't mean it'll play any MP4, I figured that out with my phone. Seems like there are tons of devices out there that require MP4 files specifically formatted one way. Rather lame if you ask me since an MP4 file should be an MP4 file. It's not exactly a container format like MKV is.

MP4 is worked on by several companies, and yes I have run into this problem. I will say this though, the beauty of it is you can convert one mp4 to another mp4, compatible with your player. Try several converters and see.

[Supreme2k]

Why do people complain about converting taking so much time? You can batch convert while you sleep. And about those "200 episodes"? You're not going to watch them all at once, so the urgency shouldn't be a factor.

About MKV to AVI: There are not many legit (legal) downloads on mkv. If you are doing original encodes, aim for your preferred container. This sounds suspiciously like you are having problems with downloaded content. It's especially suspicious that you're planning on "releasing" this.

[Gavino]

Just because a devices plays MP4s doesn't mean it'll play any MP4, I figured that out with my phone. Seems like there are tons of devices out there that require MP4 files specifically formatted one way. Rather lame if you ask me since an MP4 file should be an MP4 file. It's not exactly a container format like MKV is.

Yes it is - for example, read https://www.videohelp.com/glossary?M#MP4.

[Alexstarfire]

As I said, usually it's laziness. Sometimes a few converters release video solely in MKV, and some release in MP4/AVI as well as MKV. The ones doing multi-releases are great people. Also, I notice usually you have 10 seeders in MKV, vs 2-3 in AVI/MP4, with a lot of "leechers."

I wouldn't call it laziness. One reason to have only one file is EXACTLY what you are talking about. MKVs are usually easier to download because more people are seeding it. And why is that? Because MKVs are targeted at a broader range of people. They can have MKV and AVI releases, and sometimes MP4 releases as well, but the problem with the AVI release is it's never higher than 720x480, usually it's 396p which makes a bit more sense. That's fine for me since the picture won't be stretched and because I usually have to shrink them a bit anyways (to make sure subtitles fit on the screen). It's a pity that I can't start with a higher resolution AVI file though. Easier for me to work with them.

Or DVD Player, or iRiver, or Zen, or even PSP. Would you agree this is around 80-90% of the market right now?

It could be.... but doesn't that just hurt your argument?

MP4 is worked on by several companies, and yes I have run into this problem. I will say this though, the beauty of it is you can convert one mp4 to another mp4, compatible with your player. Try several converters and see.

Ohh, of course. I wasn't trying to imply that you couldn't. It's just that when downloading an MP4 file it's damn near impossible to know what kind of MP4 it really is.

Yes it is - for example, read https://www.videohelp.com/glossary?M#MP4.

I figured someone would argue about this. If you want to get technical then just about every "format" is a container, including AVIs. All I was really trying to say is that in formats like AVI and MP4 your choices are far more limited than in an MKV. MKV is a true container format, not it's own video/audio/subtitle format.

[Shilar]

As I said, usually it's laziness. Sometimes a few converters release video solely in MKV, and some release in MP4/AVI as well as MKV. The ones doing multi-releases are great people. Also, I notice usually you have 10 seeders in MKV, vs 2-3 in AVI/MP4, with a lot of "leechers."

I wouldn't call it laziness. One reason to have only one file is EXACTLY what you are talking about. MKVs are usually easier to download because more people are seeding it. And why is that? Because MKVs are targeted at a broader range of people. They can have MKV and AVI releases, and sometimes MP4 releases as well, but the problem with the AVI release is it's never higher than 720x480, usually it's 396p which makes a bit more sense. That's fine for me since the picture won't be stretched and because I usually have to shrink them a bit anyways (to make sure subtitles fit on the screen). It's a pity that I can't start with a higher resolution AVI file though. Easier for me to work with them.

True on the higher res AVI, on occasion. There are a few that put out 720p, and sometimes 1080i releases. As far as downloading issues, downloading is downloading, no matter the container. With the same amount of seeders, an AVI usually takes as long as an MKV. 9 times out of 10, usually AVI is seeded less.

Or DVD Player, or iRiver, or Zen, or even PSP. Would you agree this is around 80-90% of the market right now?

It could be.... but doesn't that just hurt your argument?

Oooo, sounds like fightin' words. I'm just extimating of course, but seeing usually every quarter, iPods/iPhones are selling a lot hotter than most portable video players. PSPs are probably a distant 2nd compared to iPod, though both natively support MP4.

MP4 is worked on by several companies, and yes I have run into this problem. I will say this though, the beauty of it is you can convert one mp4 to another mp4, compatible with your player. Try several converters and see.

Ohh, of course. I wasn't trying to imply that you couldn't. It's just that when downloading an MP4 file it's damn near impossible to know what kind of MP4 it really is.

I know, just trying to help. I think there is a way, and I'll investigate later for you. Usually a mild scan of the video file from Gspot might provide answers. Otherwise, I'd recommend trying to play an MP4 in iTunes or Quicktime. That might help too.

Yes it is - for example, read https://www.videohelp.com/glossary?M#MP4.

I figured someone would argue about this. If you want to get technical then just about every "format" is a container, including AVIs. All I was really trying to say is that in formats like AVI and MP4 your choices are far more limited than in an MKV. MKV is a true container format, not it's own video/audio/subtitle format.

True, and that's its main downfall. So far I've run into MKVs with:

- h.264 video/aac audio/ass subs
- h.264 video/mp3 audio/srt subs
- divx video/mp3 audio/srt subs
- xvid video/mp3 audio/vobsubs

I'm sure there are more types out there, but of these, a lot of converters are completely compatible with:

- h.264 or divx video/aac or mp3 audio/srt subs

This makes for a pain in the conversion process, hmm?

[Alexstarfire]

As far as downloading issues, downloading is downloading, no matter the container. With the same amount of seeders, an AVI usually takes as long as an MKV. 9 times out of 10, usually AVI is seeded less.

I wasn't suggesting that an MKV would be quicker provided all else equal, that'd just be silly. MKVs usually have more people leeching and seeding because it's targeted at more people.

I know, just trying to help. I think there is a way, and I'll investigate later for you. Usually a mild scan of the video file from Gspot might provide answers. Otherwise, I'd recommend trying to play an MP4 in iTunes or Quicktime. That might help too.

Probably, but it really doesn't matter to me. I don't play anything but AVI files outside of my computer. And my converter won't give a crap what type of MP4 file it really is. I don't really put MP4 on my phone even though it's supported. The screen is too small and I don't like having to hold the phone while craning my neck for long periods of time.

[Shilar]

As far as downloading issues, downloading is downloading, no matter the container. With the same amount of seeders, an AVI usually takes as long as an MKV. 9 times out of 10, usually AVI is seeded less.

I wasn't suggesting that an MKV would be quicker provided all else equal, that'd just be silly. MKVs usually have more people leeching and seeding because it's targeted at more people.

While it might be targeted, usually I see more people in general going for the AVI or MP4 vs the MKV. The only problem is it's seeded less. MKV has plenty of seeds, but typically I see leechers at a 10:1 ratio in AVI/MP4.

I know, just trying to help. I think there is a way, and I'll investigate later for you. Usually a mild scan of the video file from Gspot might provide answers. Otherwise, I'd recommend trying to play an MP4 in iTunes or Quicktime. That might help too.

Probably, but it really doesn't matter to me. I don't play anything but AVI files outside of my computer. And my converter won't give a crap what type of MP4 file it really is. I don't really put MP4 on my phone even though it's supported. The screen is too small and I don't like having to hold the phone while craning my neck for long periods of time.

As do I on the AVI front. I do use MP4 or AVI on my PMP often, because I like to watch stuff in my free time at work (lunches and breaks). It's an old netbook, but loves AVI and MP4 files.