Playing MKV files in the Windows 8 Video App

By Piggy
in The Fast Ring (Insider Previews)

 Share

Recommended Posts

Grand Master

George P Global Moderator

Posted
  • Global Moderator
Posted

You would have to write your own player app. WinRT doesn't seem to have a way to share functionality with other apps except by contracts. Microsoft would have to create an MKV container codec for the Xbox Video app and bundle it inside the package.

The Matroska splitter doesn't work because there isn't a way for an app to use regular Win32 DirectShow filters.

So I'm guessing there's no media playback type contract? It sounds like the Xbox video app is much like the zune client software in that regard since it can't play mkv either iirc.

Neowinian

duydangle

Posted
Posted

As the MS blog post on this states....

"During the development of Windows 7 we talked quite a bit about CODEC support natively in Windows and the formats available through extensibility. Since then, the environment around CODECs has consistently moved towards a smaller set of well-defined and broadly-supported formats, particularly h.264 for video. Due to factors such as intellectual property and hardware support, this makes a great deal of sense. Even browsers are making this transition with HTML5. But we also recognize that some individuals have preferred formats for a variety of reasons, and we wanted to make sure Windows 8 app developers could choose to use the formats they prefer. Formats popular among the enthusiast community or with specific developers such as FLAC, MKV, and OGG, can have their own CODECs packaged as part of a Metro style app, since the Windows 8 media platform is highly extensible."

Basically someone needs to write a "metro", or rather, winrt? mkv splitter/codec. Most if not all mkvs are your normal h264 which IS supported by the new media platform. In either case, they're not working for you right now because no codec has been writen to work with the new media platform in metro. The desktop side is the same so any desktop apps will just work like they have been.

Give it some time and someone will port their mkv, flac and even ogg codecs/splitters for the metro video app I bet.

I think that no one has read this post. Metro apps require other ways to work with, so people will have to wait till codecs are written for metro apps.

Proficient

Anthonyd

Posted
Posted

I think that no one has read this post. Metro apps require other ways to work with, so people will have to wait till codecs are written for metro apps.

To be more precise, you'll have to do an app that can play MKV files, it won't be a codec inside the video app made by MS.
Grand Master

George P Global Moderator

Posted
  • Global Moderator
Posted

To be more precise, you'll have to do an app that can play MKV files, it won't be a codec inside the video app made by MS.

Seems like it, but maybe you can just have the built in player pass mkv playback to the other app, do mkv files not show up in the xbox video app at all?

Contributor

Mackster

Posted
Posted

Well, FYI, I was unable to playback any mp4 files in the new Metro video player app, however, the normal Windows Media Player app played it perfectly.

It was a standard mp4 with h264 stream, that also playbacks perfectly in QuickTime Player X.

Have to say that I am pretty tired to still resort to third-party apps and codecs to playback normal video files. And I bet cover art and subtitles still do not work by default in Windows 8. As long as MS goes this route, it's hard to take their OS seriously.

Grand Master

Brandon Live Veteran

Posted
  • Veteran
Posted

Are you on RTM? If MP4 doesn't play, then surely you are not on RC...

MP4 is a container format. They're working fine for me with h.264 video (RTM build). But there are probably some more obscure codecs which won't work (at least out of the box).

Grand Master

George P Global Moderator

Posted
  • Global Moderator
Posted

It all depends on the type of h264 encode that was done for that mp4 file. The built in codec is pretty specific in the type/profile it supports. If you move away from that, even if it's still h264 it probably won't play or won't play well.

Grand Master

BajiRav

Posted
Posted

Well, FYI, I was unable to playback any mp4 files in the new Metro video player app, however, the normal Windows Media Player app played it perfectly.

It was a standard mp4 with h264 stream, that also playbacks perfectly in QuickTime Player X.

Have to say that I am pretty tired to still resort to third-party apps and codecs to playback normal video files. And I bet cover art and subtitles still do not work by default in Windows 8. As long as MS goes this route, it's hard to take their OS seriously.

I think if it's a non-standard MP4 (h.264 + mp3 for example), it won't play. I think I have played MP4 (h264 + stereo/5 channel AAC audio) and AVCHD (h264 + ac3) just fine. Most MKVs are just h264+ac3 and if you use something like tsMuxer to convert MKVs to AVCHD (.MTS or .M2TS), they will play fine although you will lose all subtitles track.

Mentor

ArialBlue

Posted
Posted

MP4 is a container format. They're working fine for me with h.264 video (RTM build). But there are probably some more obscure codecs which won't work (at least out of the box).

Should be rare though I would assume. I mean if someone encodes something and uses Mp4 container, it should imply compatibility. Just like if someone uses an AVI container, you do not expect an h264 video stream. Maybe I am a tad naive here.

Grand Master

Ryoken

Posted
Posted

MKV has more overhead. MP4 is indeed superior.

No clue why, I spend too much time looking at task manager.

If by superior, you mean far more limited, then you are indeed correct..

MKV is probably the best container out there. It supports all, or damn near all audio, video, and subtitle formats, loading of external files (if you use the right splitter.. this means you can encode the intro to a series once, and every episode encode will just call that file when it's needed.. saving space ).. also ordered chapters, meaning you can have more than 1 version of a movie at a time.

MP4 has a lot of limits on formats that can be used in it, it's not nearly as flexible, but it's also not the container of choice for "pirates" and as such, is more widely supported..

Mentor

ArialBlue

Posted
Posted (edited)

If by superior, you mean far more limited, then you are indeed correct..

MKV is probably the best container out there. It supports all, or damn near all audio, video, and subtitle formats, loading of external files (if you use the right splitter.. this means you can encode the intro to a series once, and every episode encode will just call that file when it's needed.. saving space ).. also ordered chapters, meaning you can have more than 1 version of a movie at a time.

MP4 has a lot of limits on formats that can be used in it, it's not nearly as flexible, but it's also not the container of choice for "pirates" and as such, is more widely supported..

Less Overhead

More Compatibility

Can be more assured will play on vanilla Windows install

Satisfactory for most everyone, except pirates

Grand Master

Ryoken

Posted
Posted

Less Overhead

More Compatibility

Can be more assured will play on vanilla Windows install

Satisfactory for most everyone, except pirates

Overhead.. lol.. Ya it uses an extra 0.5% cpu :p

Everything beyond that is who cares ? The idea that everyone should switch to it because you find it more satisfactory is absurd..

What if I want Chapters ? Subtitles ? FLAC Audio ? DTS ? Any of the HD Audio Formats [ TrueHD, DTS-HD, etc ] ? How about 3D Support since that is getting popular..

How about if I don't want to pay the MPEG-LA for the rights to use it in my hardware ? MP4 is not a "free" container, it's full of patents.

MKV is superior in every single way outside of Native support. Why ? Because pirates use it.. why? Because it's Better.

It's the same reason it took a while to get MP3 support in lots of hardware players, or Xvid/DivX support..

I've encoded or remuxed almost all of my DVD's and Blurays into H264 MKV's.. Best video with best audio, chapters, subtitles if needed. Telling me or anything else to go backward to MP4 is like telling people to go back to AVI, or RM. It's inferior, in almost every way.

And beyond all of that, I don't want MS telling me what formats I am allowed to watch. Didn't they just announce a new H265 format in the works for even better quality and smaller filesize.. OH but you can't use it because MS doesn't allow it's app to use normal codecs the system has, a system that was designed to that ALL programs could have access to and decoders/splitters/etc that you chose to install.

It would be like Microsoft having the favorites folder for IE in your personal folder, only making the Metro IE need a whole new list in a new folder.. it would be nothing but a hassle. Just as this is.

  • deactivated_
  • Like 1
Grand Master

George P Global Moderator

Posted
  • Global Moderator
Posted

modern apps use mediafoundation not directshow. all the old codecs are directshow. if there are MF codecs then they will work in modern. and btw windows 8 enterprise doesnt include media foundation,so no media apps work

Really? Now that's something I didn't expect, you would think Enterprise version would have everything in it the other ones have.

Grand Master

BajiRav

Posted
Posted

modern apps use mediafoundation not directshow. all the old codecs are directshow. if there are MF codecs then they will work in modern. and btw windows 8 enterprise doesnt include media foundation,so no media apps work

huh, that seems weird!

This topic is now closed to further replies.
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Posts

    • Beats Studio Pro wireless over-ear ANC headphones drop to their lowest price yet

      By Fiza Ali · Posted

      Beats Studio Pro wireless over-ear ANC headphones drop to their lowest price yet by Fiza Ali Amazon is currently offering the Beats Studio Pro headphones at their all-time low price. The Studio Pro use 40mm active drivers which are designed to improve clarity and reduce distortion compared to previous models, with up to an 80% improvement over the Beats Studio3 Wireless. A built-in digital processor adjusts frequency response to keep the sound balanced rather than overly boosted in any one area. They also include Active Noise Cancelling that adapts to your surroundings to reduce background noise along with a Transparency mode that lets outside sound in when you need awareness of what’s going on around you. Furthermore, the headphones support personalised Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking as well as Dolby Atmos playback on supported content. Moreover, built-in voice-targeting microphones improve call quality. You can also switch between three sound profiles including Beats Signature for balanced music playback, Entertainment for films and gaming, and Conversation for clearer voice in calls and podcasts. Physically, they are designed to be worn for long periods without feeling heavy or awkward. The ear cushions use UltraPlush engineered leather while metal sliders allow you to adjust the fit. On the connectivity side, the Studio Pro use Class 1 Bluetooth for a stable, long-range wireless connection. There is also a 3.5mm input if you want to plug in directly, including use with in-flight entertainment systems. Controls are located on the headphones and include a "b" button for music and call control, a volume rocker, and a multifunction button used for switching listening modes, EQ settings, power, and pairing. In addition, the headphones offer integration with both Apple and Android devices. On Apple devices, they support one-touch pairing with iCloud-linked devices, hands-free Siri access, Find My tracking based on last connected location, and automatic software updates. On Android devices, they support Google Fast Pair, Audio Switch between compatible devices, and Google Find My Device tracking, with additional features available through the Beats app. When it comes to the battery performance, it is rated at up to 40 hours of listening time with ANC turned off, and up to 24 hours with ANC or Transparency mode enabled. A 10-minute Fast Fuel charge should provide up to 4 hours of playback. Finally, the headphones use a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and charge via USB-C. Beats Studio Pro Wireless Over-Ear ANC Headphones: $149.95 (Amazon US) Good to know This Amazon deal is U.S. specific, and not available in other regions unless specified. We only use first-party seller links (at the time of article publishing); ensure that you purchase from a first-party seller link only. Check out Today's Deals on Amazon | or our recent tech deals. Become a Prime member (for Students or SNAP) via Neowin Get Prime Access - Prime for half price (for qualifying Medicaid, EBT, SNAP) Subscribe to Prime Video, Audible Plus, Music Unlimited or Kindle Unlimited via Neowin As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
    • Microsoft outs Windows 11 KB5095093 with long list of new features

      By leonsk29 · Posted

      "lets you pause updates by choosing an end date, for up to 35 days" Wasn't it "indefinitely"?
    • Microsoft outs Windows 11 KB5095093 with long list of new features

      By leonsk29 · Posted

      Those extra reboots are related to the UEFI Secure Boot certificate update thing.
    • Hands on with the ProtoArc EM25: Affordable ergonomic mouse that focuses on the right things

      By TarasBuria · Posted

      Hands on with the ProtoArc EM25: Affordable ergonomic mouse that focuses on the right things by Taras Buria ProtoArc is known for making all sorts of office products with a big focus on ergonomics and comfort. Its latest product, the EM25, promises a comfortable-to-use, affordable, and customizable mouse. We took one for a spin; here are our impressions. The ProtoArc EM25 is a $49.99 mouse, but right now, during Prime Day 2026, you can get it for just $37.99. Right off the bat, you can see that the EM25 is inspired by Logitech's MX Master lineup and the legendary MX Master 3/3S. Its shape and proportions are very similar, so for a person with large hands (right-handed person, mind you), the EM25 is very comfortable to use. The mouse fills the palm, and the thumb rests on a small extension, giving your wrist a small tilt to reduce strain. The mouse is made of black plastic without any coating, eliminating long-term wear concerns. However, I can see the main buttons and other areas you touch the most getting polished over time. Despite its size and bulk, the mouse is not too heavy. It weighs about 100 grams, which is significantly less than the MX Master 3S and its successor. It is no lightweight gaming mouse by any means, but it is not excessively heavy like the MX Master 4. The EM25 has a built-in storage for its USB dongle. It is a cleverly made magnetic flap that you open by simply pressing on it. Next to the flap, you will find the on/off switch, the 1,000 Hz sensor, and a DPI button (up to 8,000 DPI). I find the DPI button location a bit odd, and I would prefer it somewhere below the main scroll wheel. Still, given that I never change DPI on my mice, I will let it pass. What is more important is that, unlike MX Master 3/3S/4, the device switch button is located below the left-click button, which allows you to switch devices without lifting and flipping the mouse. For a multi-device setup, this is a perfect solution: the button does not require too much effort to use, it does not get in your way, but it is also easily reachable with your thumb. The main scroll wheel has two modes: ratcheted and free-flow. You can only change between them with a bright orange button (I like this little touch of color), which is sprung and requires some effort to press. The wheel is dead-silent in free-flow mode, but ratched is quite loud and stiff, perhaps even too much to my liking. I can hardly call it deal-breaking, but it will certainly take some time to get used to. The side scroll wheel, it is notched, silent, and pleasant to use. Next to it, you can find a piece of glossed plastic with connection indicators: Dongle, Bluetooth 1, Bluetooth 2, and the low battery indicator. By the way, the built-in battery is rechargeable via a USB Type-C cable, which is included. It is sleeved and has an orange velcro strap to keep it tidy. After using the EM25 for a few weeks, I can say that its main buttons are my absolute favorite. They have very pronounced clicks, which feel great with just the right amount of force required to register a press. I would say they feel like something in between regular mouse clicks and silent ones. You can hear and feel the springy switch, but it is not sharp or loud to the point of annoying you. As for back/forward and device switch buttons, they are very clicky and quite noisy. Unfortunately, there are no extra buttons that you can map to specific things like in the MX Master lineup. Besides great primary clicks, another thing I like about the EM25 is its 1,000 Hz sensor. In the world, where Logitech still uses 125 Hz sensors in $100+ mice, seeing a much faster sensor in a mouse that costs three times less is very refreshing. Also, all the settings and customization you make are stored on-device, and you do not need to install any software. Just open the web-based app and change all that you need. Speaking of customization, you can remap what buttons do, adjust the DPI, and the sensor speed. Sadly, gestures are not supported, but you can still map pretty much anything to each button, including shortcuts, media buttons, and more. I also recommend using software like XMouseControl, as it will let you remap the side scroll wheel. At the end of the day, the ProtoArc EM25 is a great mouse. Clearly inspired by the MX Master lineup, it takes the best of it and complements it with a much more wallet-friendly price tag, significantly better sensor, on-device memory, a built-in storage for the dongle, and more (it fixes everything that I complained about the MX Master 4 recently). And for only $37.99 during Prime Day, the EM25 is an easy recommendation. Buy ProtoArc EM25 mouse - $37.99 | 24% off with Prime As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
    • Subtitle Edit 5.0.0

      By Jaybonaut · Posted

      Pretty nice tool, thanks

  • Recent Achievements

    • Rookie
      DaviKar went up a rank
      Rookie
    • Dedicated
      HidekoYamamoto94 earned a badge
      Dedicated
    • One Month Later
      timbobit earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • One Month Later
      nates earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • Week One Done
      Almohandis earned a badge
      Week One Done

  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      460
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      161
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      110
    4. 4
      Michael Scrip
      81
    5. 5
      Steven P.
      69
    Show More

  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!