Bloody MKV Files.....

LithRave · newbie! Joined: Feb 28, 2008 Posts: 5

I was wondering if someone could explain to me why people release fansubs in MKV format. I'm having trouble seeing any logic in it, other than its flagrant inconvenience to the viewers (yes, I know how to change an MKV to an AVI, but I see no value in releasing the file in that format, period).

Why can't they all just stick to AVI?

leoxjm · Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 1:05 am Post subject:

This is not a "serious"topic of conversation, so this isn;t the right forum for it. Moved to Tech Area.

Now on to your question.

Short answer: AVI sucks.

Long answer: Well, not really, but MKV IS better. It allows for the addition of subtitles without modifying the original image (what happens with AVI when adding the subs directly onto it). This has the benefit of producing a much cleaner image as the final result. It also allows the possibility of having more than 1 subtitle track on the same file, so you could have subs in english, chinese, spanish, etc in 1 file if you so desire. MKV files are easier to customize by the user by downloading just a couple easy to use applications (thanks, gg). You can style the fansubs you download any way you want, correct them any way you want, edit the subs any way you want and remove them completely to get screenshots without subs. Which is stuff you can't do with AVI. I think there are a few more reasons, but what I just said are why I think MKV is better.

So MKV has typically a higher image and more "flexible" subs, both choices are superior to AVI. In my opinion, the fact that some folks hardcode subs in MKV format kind of defeats the purpose of using MKV to begin with, but since it's not my work nor am I paying for it, I think I shouldn't complain.

Now, converting mkv to avi... that's just silly. In fact, I have no clue why you'd want to do that. Just get CCCP and you'll never have to worry about format for the rest of your life. "I can't play mkv files" is a lame excuse in this day and age.
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LithRave · newbie! Joined: Feb 28, 2008 Posts: 5

Sorry about the poor post placement, I saw things pertaining to religion and the US presidential election in there, so I naturally assumed it wasn't a serious section. Rolling Eyes

I never intended to infer that MKV didn't offer slightly better quality and options for people willing to take the time and mess with all number of poorly made programs, and spend time tweaking to get the right results, but I have to believe most people would prefer something more user friendly, and thats AVI. You can simply burn an AVI to a DVD and then its watchable on most DVD players. If you know of some way to play MKV from a DVD player, let me know, otherwise the file is still useless to me, and most people who prefer not to watch anime from a tiny comp monitor. The difference in quality is near negligible, especially if whoever made it knew what they were doing.

At the very least they should release an AVI version side by side with the MKV release. If its as easy as just downloading the right program it shouldn't be any trouble at all. Or provide instructions on how to handle the file properly, since most people, or at least people I know, just avoid all MKV releases. Unless its a series I REALLY want to see, so do I.

leoxjm · Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 1:29 am Post subject:

LithRave · newbie! Joined: Feb 28, 2008 Posts: 5

I know MKV is better, but right now the support technology wise is really lacking for that type of file. I just don't understand why there isn't a standalone player for MKV files, and support for it on most DVD players.
I'm aware that with the diversity of the Matroska container it would be quite difficult to develop a functional player for it. The array of codecs needed in order to play all the different compatible streams is ridiculous in and of itself.

In an ideal world, someone would have made a DVD player that can run programs like Windows Media Player/DiVX, and connect to the internet to update codecs somehow. Or somehow give me a wireless feed from my PC to my plasma......

Anyway, thanks for the help and sorry to whine so much.

PsiKro · Heimin (Commoner) Joined: Dec 10, 2006 Posts: 86

As far as I know, subbers that release eps in MKV generally also release the min AVI. So there really isn't any issue there. Furthermore, MKVs allow more flexibility as previously said. MKVs are helpful for AMV makers who don't want subs in their videos or for taking screenshots since you can turn off the subs. To the general public however, you're right, AVI probably seem like the less confusing option since you can play AVI with windows media player / DVD players without having to download / convert anything.