MKVs

MKV, short for Matroska Video, is an open-standard and royalty-free multimedia container format. It is a file format that can hold an unlimited number of video, audio, picture, or subtitle tracks within a single file. Unlike formats like MP4 or AVI, MKV is not a codec itself but rather a container that can store various types of encoded data.

The Matroska format was developed in Russia and first released in 2002. Its flexibility allows it to support a wide range of video and audio codecs, including H.264, H.265 (HEVC), VP9, AC3, DTS, and AAC. This adaptability makes MKV a popular choice for storing high-definition video content, often used for digital rips of Blu-ray discs and other high-quality media.

Key features of MKV include its support for chapter points, which allow users to easily navigate through a video, and embedded subtitle tracks in various formats. It also supports metadata, enabling the storage of information like titles, artists, and descriptions. The open nature of the Matroska format means it is supported by a vast array of media players and editing software across different operating systems. Its extensibility and robustness have contributed to its widespread adoption, particularly among users who prioritize quality and flexibility in their media files.