MKV is a flexible, open standard video file format that has quickly become the preferred file extension for high definition video on the Internet. It natively supports features like alternate audio tracks, multilingual subtitles and chapter points, as well as rich metadata authoring including cover art, ratings, descriptions and more. These features made it the perfect choice for DivX Plus™ HD video, allowing us to create an ideal viewing experience.
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I consider myself fairly internet-savvy, and haven't come across a single .MKV yet.
I rip DVDs into mkv. You don't need mkv for blu-ray either. AVI and MKV are just containers. Also, if this is Windows 7 is there any reason that you can't just install another media player? Are we just talking about an embedded default media player? I figured that the whole reason not to get an iPad was so that you could customize your device as you see fit.
That's true to some extent, but you understand that the 10" model runs Win embedded, which is the new name for CE, the same platform Win Mobile is based off of. So your options will be limited.
Maybe you can get CorePlayer or something like that to install, which supports MKV, but I'm not positive this will be the case, as it was built for Win Mo, which is a customized build of Win Embedded Compact. So there may be dependencies not on the device. Maybe someone else can comment further.
Yeah, it seems that the 10" is a stripped down version and doesn't offer you much in customization options. Like I said, I figured the makers of iPad alternatives would want to emphasize full customization. That is I would never buy an iPad as long as I couldn't choose what I wanted to do with it. I hate the artificial limitations.
You could use mp4 container just fine. Most people who use mkv dont' really need it. mkv seems to have a lot of "power" at expense of unnecessary processing complexity.
you don't have to look very far - usenet binaries, bittorrent, etc. pretty much all HD TV caps and HD movie releases are in mkv / x264. hundreds of GBs of new stuff every day. the internet is like a big DVR thanks to the efforts of some groups. also some videophiles like to rip their own DVDs / blurays in the same fashion for easy access on storage arrays. of course this is only referring to content that is legally distributed / public domain / homegrown / not subject to DMCA. remember kids, don't copy that floppy.
Very bad choice of words in this article. So is it the container (MKV) or the codecs that are usually used in a MKV container that are not supported? Video acceleration doesn't care about he container but the codec used on the streams. By saying "Doesn't support MKV" it leaves the option of using the same video stream and audio stream in a avi container.
Clarification is definiately needed here.
Is it:
It doesn't support the container OR it doesn't support the codecs typically found in a MKV container
I'm pretty sure it's the container that's the problem, atleast if we take a look at other places like the PS3 and Xbox 360 where mkv isn't supported either.
yeah, you obviously never download any HD-content. It the de-facto standard for ripped blu-rays and also TV series captured from HD-TV (720p). I somewhere read Bittorrent is already like 35 % of total Internet traffic. I would say at least have of it is HD-Movies and HD TV Series. So mkv's lead to like ~17% of total Inet traffic. (ok, pretty rough estimate because other sources like rapidshare are ignored)
I've seen several! MKV should work on any Windows machine, since it comes with the CCCCodec pack. If it runs linux, then you might not be able to see MKV (that is, if it is not available to that Linux version), but neither can you play DX10 games, program in MS VB, or do just about anything Windows that is cpu intensive...
Apparently this will be the tablet I buy, but saying it doesn't support MKV is curious I mean its windows 7.. Wouldn't you just simply download a codec pack? There is nothing that prevents you perhaps they're referring to a preinstalled asus movie player that doesn't support it.
Yes, you would still be able to download a codec and the movie would be decoded in software (by the CPU). Since this 10" version is not a fast dual core however, then the CPU probably wouldn't be able to keep up with a fast enough frame-rate to make the experience enjoyable.
Funny thing is, the 12" with the Core 2 Duo would probably be able to handle the 1080p in software...just barely. My quad core AMD can handle 1080p at about 20% across all 4...but using my ATI GPU to decode the MKV/x.264 my CPU goes down to <5%.
Woo for decent resolutions, which no one seems to have mentioned. Sure, lack of mkv on the 10" is nice, but 1366x768 resolution is nice. More than low-HD capable and widescreen. Higher resolution than the iPad's 9.7" screen.
Much nicer than the 1024x600 offerings which other people seem to be heading towards.
I was about to download the "Windows Embedded Compact 7 Public Community Technology Preview" to see how it was, but without mkv support, there's no reason to now. I have hopes for the 12" though.
I would love to get one but not unless there is I/O ports such as for example USB and support to boot from an USB flashstick so I can install a Linux on this device.
I'm sorry, I don't know of the support features.. but why would you go for this? None of the posts i read featured the Notion Ink Adam. Now thats the device you should be looking at.
Many of you seem to be upset with the lack of MKV support. Windows Embedded Compact isn't some strange far out operating system it's Windows 7 with more control over the components you install initially. There will be nothing to stop you from installing VLC Player and playing movies just fine.
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austonia - Wednesday, June 2, 2010 - link
Support for DXVA-complaint mkv / x264 / AC3 (& DTS) is essential.DWMorse - Wednesday, June 2, 2010 - link
What IS it?MKV is a flexible, open standard video file format that has quickly become the preferred file extension for high definition video on the Internet. It natively supports features like alternate audio tracks, multilingual subtitles and chapter points, as well as rich metadata authoring including cover art, ratings, descriptions and more. These features made it the perfect choice for DivX Plus™ HD video, allowing us to create an ideal viewing experience.
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I consider myself fairly internet-savvy, and haven't come across a single .MKV yet.
Murloc - Wednesday, June 2, 2010 - link
ripped dvd video --> aviripped blu-ray video --> mkv
you probably never downloaded any hd video (you only watched them on youtube maybe)
bigboxes - Wednesday, June 2, 2010 - link
I rip DVDs into mkv. You don't need mkv for blu-ray either. AVI and MKV are just containers. Also, if this is Windows 7 is there any reason that you can't just install another media player? Are we just talking about an embedded default media player? I figured that the whole reason not to get an iPad was so that you could customize your device as you see fit.kkwst2 - Wednesday, June 2, 2010 - link
That's true to some extent, but you understand that the 10" model runs Win embedded, which is the new name for CE, the same platform Win Mobile is based off of. So your options will be limited.Maybe you can get CorePlayer or something like that to install, which supports MKV, but I'm not positive this will be the case, as it was built for Win Mo, which is a customized build of Win Embedded Compact. So there may be dependencies not on the device. Maybe someone else can comment further.
bigboxes - Wednesday, June 2, 2010 - link
Yeah, it seems that the 10" is a stripped down version and doesn't offer you much in customization options. Like I said, I figured the makers of iPad alternatives would want to emphasize full customization. That is I would never buy an iPad as long as I couldn't choose what I wanted to do with it. I hate the artificial limitations.medi01 - Thursday, June 3, 2010 - link
You could use mp4 container just fine.Most people who use mkv dont' really need it.
mkv seems to have a lot of "power" at expense of unnecessary processing complexity.
austonia - Wednesday, June 2, 2010 - link
you don't have to look very far - usenet binaries, bittorrent, etc. pretty much all HD TV caps and HD movie releases are in mkv / x264. hundreds of GBs of new stuff every day. the internet is like a big DVR thanks to the efforts of some groups. also some videophiles like to rip their own DVDs / blurays in the same fashion for easy access on storage arrays. of course this is only referring to content that is legally distributed / public domain / homegrown / not subject to DMCA. remember kids, don't copy that floppy.probedb - Wednesday, June 2, 2010 - link
Divx adopted MKV for their DivX-HD format I believe.It's just a container format but it's far better than AVI and various others. Plus I believe it's open source?
zdzichu - Wednesday, June 2, 2010 - link
Also, Google's WebM is MKV.hvakrg - Wednesday, June 2, 2010 - link
And I love them for that, this is a big step towards getting mkv as something that's supported in "all devices".Deanjo - Wednesday, June 2, 2010 - link
Very bad choice of words in this article. So is it the container (MKV) or the codecs that are usually used in a MKV container that are not supported? Video acceleration doesn't care about he container but the codec used on the streams. By saying "Doesn't support MKV" it leaves the option of using the same video stream and audio stream in a avi container.Clarification is definiately needed here.
Is it:
It doesn't support the container OR
it doesn't support the codecs typically found in a MKV container
hvakrg - Thursday, June 3, 2010 - link
I'm pretty sure it's the container that's the problem, atleast if we take a look at other places like the PS3 and Xbox 360 where mkv isn't supported either.beginner99 - Wednesday, June 2, 2010 - link
yeah, you obviously never download any HD-content. It the de-facto standard for ripped blu-rays and also TV series captured from HD-TV (720p).I somewhere read Bittorrent is already like 35 % of total Internet traffic. I would say at least have of it is HD-Movies and HD TV Series. So mkv's lead to like ~17% of total Inet traffic.
(ok, pretty rough estimate because other sources like rapidshare are ignored)
piroroadkill - Wednesday, June 2, 2010 - link
You're not internet savvy. At all.ProDigit - Saturday, June 5, 2010 - link
I've seen several!MKV should work on any Windows machine, since it comes with the CCCCodec pack.
If it runs linux, then you might not be able to see MKV (that is, if it is not available to that Linux version), but neither can you play DX10 games, program in MS VB, or do just about anything Windows that is cpu intensive...
koenshaku - Wednesday, June 2, 2010 - link
Apparently this will be the tablet I buy, but saying it doesn't support MKV is curious I mean its windows 7.. Wouldn't you just simply download a codec pack? There is nothing that prevents you perhaps they're referring to a preinstalled asus movie player that doesn't support it.therealnickdanger - Wednesday, June 2, 2010 - link
The 10" Tegra 2 device, presumably using Android, is what doesn't natively support .MKV.hvakrg - Wednesday, June 2, 2010 - link
It's Windows CE7 not Android. (Windows CE is the OS-line Microsoft has been using for their phones and Zune devices)sweatshopking - Wednesday, June 2, 2010 - link
it isnt that it doesnt support it, i think the big deal is the hardware acceleration. chances are these things will stutter like crazy at 1080pAugmentedFourth - Wednesday, June 2, 2010 - link
Yes, you would still be able to download a codec and the movie would be decoded in software (by the CPU). Since this 10" version is not a fast dual core however, then the CPU probably wouldn't be able to keep up with a fast enough frame-rate to make the experience enjoyable.Funny thing is, the 12" with the Core 2 Duo would probably be able to handle the 1080p in software...just barely. My quad core AMD can handle 1080p at about 20% across all 4...but using my ATI GPU to decode the MKV/x.264 my CPU goes down to <5%.
xdrol - Wednesday, June 2, 2010 - link
The 10" model is NOT Windows 7, furthermore it is not x86. As the article states: 10" model running Windows Embedded Compact 7 on NVIDIA's Tegra 2.GullLars - Wednesday, June 2, 2010 - link
What's the storage configurations and options?Lonyo - Wednesday, June 2, 2010 - link
Woo for decent resolutions, which no one seems to have mentioned.Sure, lack of mkv on the 10" is nice, but 1366x768 resolution is nice. More than low-HD capable and widescreen. Higher resolution than the iPad's 9.7" screen.
Much nicer than the 1024x600 offerings which other people seem to be heading towards.
jonyah - Wednesday, June 2, 2010 - link
I was about to download the "Windows Embedded Compact 7 Public Community Technology Preview" to see how it was, but without mkv support, there's no reason to now. I have hopes for the 12" though.lordmetroid - Wednesday, June 2, 2010 - link
I would love to get one but not unless there is I/O ports such as for example USB and support to boot from an USB flashstick so I can install a Linux on this device.dingetje - Wednesday, June 2, 2010 - link
"The 10" Eee Pad will not support MKVs at this time"^ FAIL
Schnoogs - Thursday, June 3, 2010 - link
Who cares. I think it's funny people think that's a deal breaker over the iPad.jonyah - Thursday, June 3, 2010 - link
I don't think it's a deal breaker OVER the ipad. The ipad has it's own set of deal breakers, much more numerous than just the lack of support for MKV.Visual - Thursday, June 3, 2010 - link
It is exciting to see a Tegra 2 at last, but not in a 10" form factor, sorry.Call again when it is in a Zune or PSP update, or a cellphone.
av.kumar85 - Monday, June 7, 2010 - link
I'm sorry, I don't know of the support features.. but why would you go for this? None of the posts i read featured the Notion Ink Adam. Now thats the device you should be looking at.fancarolina - Wednesday, June 16, 2010 - link
Many of you seem to be upset with the lack of MKV support. Windows Embedded Compact isn't some strange far out operating system it's Windows 7 with more control over the components you install initially. There will be nothing to stop you from installing VLC Player and playing movies just fine.