Win 7 Media Centre MKV files

BenEadir

Hi all,

Can someone point me in the direction of an easy way to get WMC to play MKV files? I've read about registry hacks but that's beyond my comfort zone and I've also read about a download which installs the right codec and makes MKV files viewable and playable from within WMC but for the life of me I can't find it anywhere.

As ever any help greatly appreciated.

Ben

SickBoy

Install the DivX codec pack.

BenEadir

Hi SickBoy,

I installed that and whilst DivX Player is now showing as the default player for the MKV files I have DivX Player won't play them It will play all my other media files but to play the MKV files I have I still have to use VLC player :mad:

I thought DivX was 'the' default player for MKV files?

Ben

Shane O' Malley

VLC will play them very well.

http://www.videolan.org/vlc/

BenEadir

Thanks Shane, you're right, VLC is a great player and will indeed play the MKV files I have. I just expected DivX to play them also as it's specifically designed to be an MKV player - along with lot's of other formats.

I just can't figure out why after installing DivX the icons associated with my MKV files changed from the VLC orange cone to the DivX logo (indicating DivX was the new default player for MKV files) yet it refuses flat out to play them

Ben

tman

SickBoy wrote: »

Install the DivX codec pack.

I might be missing something here, but why install a DIVX codec in order to play an MKV? (which are usually h264, not DIVX from my experience...)
You'll need to install something like the CCCP codec pack, or the k-lite codec pack, which will allow media centre to play pretty much anything out there

Voodu Child

The DivX codec pack includes a registry tweak(s) and MKV splitter. That's the main reason you see people suggesting it.

Personally I would go another route, I don't like putting anything from DivX on my system, and if you're installing all these codec packs it can get messy.

You should be able to get MKV in WMC just by installing the Haali splitter. Windows already has most video and audio codecs built in.

If you need subtitles, also install DirectVobSub.

seanp_25

Voodu Child wrote: »

You should be able to get MKV in WMC just by installing the Haali splitter

This is all you need, BenEadir.

BenEadir

Voodu and Sean,

Thanks for the input. Two quick questions:-

1. Is the Haali Splitter safe to install? I read a few negative comments about it and that people wanting to uninstall had major problems. Was the problem the people or the splitter?

2. Should I uninstall DivX if I install the Haali splitter and just live off WMC?

Ben

Voodu Child

I've been using it for years and havent had a problem. That said, i've never had any need to try and uninstall it.

Have you tried XBMC? Its a really good media centre and you don't need to worry about external codecs or splitters.

PogMoThoin

WMC is shíte, try XBMC or Boxee, they'll play absolutely every file you can throw at them and look and function much better than WMC

Shane O' Malley

PogMoThoin wrote: »

WMC is shíte, try XBMC or Boxee, they'll play absolutely every file you can throw at them and look and function much better than WMC

But they don't work on XBox 360 if that is what your extender is.

WMC for me is only for use when you have an extender.

BenEadir

Thanks Lads, I'd installed XMBC previously and either forgot about it or uninstalled it for some reason. Will get it back on the go again and take it from there. I'm just using a straightforward laptop to 720 plasma via HDMI.

Hoping to migrate to a http://www.amazon.co.uk/Acer-Integrated-Graphics-Wireless-Keyboard/dp/B002TI42YG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=computers&qid=1305205695&sr=8-1 or something similar in due course but for now my beat up old Vostro will have to double up as an office laptop and a HTPC!!

Ben
PS PMT - Nice to see you on another forum other than the SGS one