MKV to AVI/MP4 converter.

[Tyrien]

I have a couple video files that I've had forever, but won't play on my PS3 because they are MKV. I've been trying to find a converter but every one I come across that appears to be decent has a limit on how large (long of a file) will be converted unless I pay for the full version.

Ex: "This trial software will only convert the first 3 minutes of each video. Please purchase the full version".

Does anyone know of a free and reliable converter? Preferably one that I can queue multiple files at once. I'll enter them in one by one if I have to, but naturally I'd rather select all 23 at once, hit convert and come back to the computer in a few hours.

I've tried PS3 Video 9 but I'm receiving an error that the input channels are not supported by the software.

Thanks.

[Tyrien]

Finding it a tad hard to believe that no one here has a solution for this.

[Tutankhamun]

Try Handbrake it's really for converting media for Apple products but if you take the regular high profile preset it will play on the PS3.

[mickice]

^ There is a much better solution

Download a piece of software called MKV2VOB, What it does is only edit the container surrounding the file so that the PS3 can read it. I've been using it to convert HD rips of DoctorWho, only takes about 1 minute and you're done. HD MKV file to a .VOB ready to be viewed on a PS3.

http://www.bitburners.com/articles/c...-mkv2vob/4022/

It's FREE!

Edit: If your file is over 4GB and wont fit on an external HDD you can still network stream it.

[Tutankhamun]

Oh yes! I had forgot about MKV2VOB I used to use that when I was a Windows user. Great piece of software that is your solution.

[Tyrien]

Thanks, I'll try it. It appears to be maintaining the aspect ratio.

My only concern is whether the video or audio codec will be recognized by the PS3. I'm not sure if it can play AAC or not.

I'll try one of the files and see how it turns out.

[Tutankhamun]

It plays just dandy with MKV2VOB. The PS3 can play both AAC and AAC3 so nothing to worry about.

You can even use mkv2vob to make AVCHD folders, that's a blu-ray folder. This way I sometimes add subtitles to an mkv file and then remux it to AVCHD and get soft subtitles in HD!

[mickice]

It plays just dandy with MKV2VOB. The PS3 can play both AAC and AAC3 so nothing to worry about.

You can even use mkv2vob to make AVCHD folders, that's a blu-ray folder. This way I sometimes add subtitles to an mkv file and then remux it to AVCHD and get soft subtitles in HD!

You can do that? I'd love to have subtitles with my HD footage.

I know how to add soft subs to AVI's so when you click subtitles on the PS3 something actually comes up. This is coding the subs into the avi file.

[Tutankhamun]

You can do that? I'd love to have subtitles with my HD footage.

I know how to add soft subs to AVI's so when you click subtitles on the PS3 something actually comes up.

Yeah, I add the subtitle file to the mkv file with mkvtoolnix then in the settings for mkv2vob you choose AVCHD either CD or USB depending on how you want to store it (I take USB). Make sure to click load subtitles from file and then you should be golden.

If you want I can take a print screen of my settings, would just need to fire up the virtual machine running Windows.

[mickice]

Yeah, I add the subtitle file to the mkv file with mkvtoolnix then in the settings for mkv2vob you choose AVCHD either CD or USB depending on how you want to store it (I take USB). Make sure to click load subtitles from file and then you should be golden.

If you want I can take a print screen of my settings, would just need to fire up the virtual machine running Windows.

I'll give it a try on my HD Kick-*** rip tomorrow.

[Tutankhamun]

I'll give it a try on my HD Kick-*** rip tomorrow.

Yeah do that. If you take the USB option you need to put the whole AVCHD folder on the root of your USB-stick. If you put it anywhere else the PS3 won't recognize it.

The mistake I made when I used it the first time was that I clicked the triangle button and took show all if you do this it wont work you should just press 'x' and then choose the AVCHD file to play it. It's like playing a blu-ray essentially. There is software that can even add menus and more then one file into one AVCHD folder.

[Tyrien]

^ There is a much better solution

Download a piece of software called MKV2VOB, What it does is only edit the container surrounding the file so that the PS3 can read it. I've been using it to convert HD rips of DoctorWho, only takes about 1 minute and you're done. HD MKV file to a .VOB ready to be viewed on a PS3.

http://www.bitburners.com/articles/c...-mkv2vob/4022/

It's FREE!

Edit: If your file is over 4GB and wont fit on an external HDD you can still network stream it.

Damn, looks useful. Thanks. I'll try this is Tut's solution doesn't work, as it's converting fairly fast. I'll probably use mkv2vob as it looks more specific to PS3.

and the files are only about 250mb a piece. They're not even HD, just contained in an MKV.

Thanks guys. I think I can finally re-watch Samurai Champloo without having to hunch over a laptop screen. Dragging an HDMI cable from my TV to my laptop is so inconvenient.

[mickice]

Damn, looks useful. Thanks. I'll try this is Tut's solution doesn't work, as it's converting fairly fast. I'll probably use mkv2vob as it looks more specific to PS3.

and the files are only about 250mb a piece. They're not even HD, just contained in an MKV.

Thanks guys. I think I can finally re-watch Samurai Champloo without having to hunch over a laptop screen. Dragging an HDMI cable from my TV to my laptop is so inconvenient.

Ah good ol' Samurai Champloo, I have it on DVD looks nice upscaled on me PS3

[Tutankhamun]

Yeah mkv2vob is actually better and the software I use, just had a brain hemorrhage and totally forgot about it But if you want to convert anything else then mkv, Handbrake is a nice tool to have. mkv2vob only does mkv (duh)

[Tyrien]

Handbreak allowed the video to be played, but there was no audio.

[Tutankhamun]

Odd should work, will test myself sometime. Use mkv2vob and see if that works.

[Tyrien]

Just did, Audio doesn't appear to be playing on my PC even and only converted about 4 minutes of the video. :/

[Tutankhamun]

Does the original file work on your PC?

[Tyrien]

Yea perfectly.

Tossed the partially converted file onto my PS3, and it plays with video (only like 2.5 mins actually) and the audio is incredibly off sync, and almost fragmented. Like it will start and stop while the video plays.

I'm starting to get annoyed with this, and think it may just be the MKV itself.

I may just end up finding a new copy that takes up less disk space and is already an avi.

[Tutankhamun]

Download Meteorite which is a repair program for MKV files. You might get lucky.

[Tyrien]

Yup I just found a download for working AVIs that take up less space, but no noticeable loss in quality.

I'll keep these programs in mind though for future reference! Thanks guys, closing this.