If you’re working on a video project, there’s more to think about than just what’s on camera. On the more technical end of things, you need to consider the best file format for your video. You have a few options, but the two formats you’re probably struggling with are MKV vs MP4.
MP4 and MKV are two of the most popular video formats used today. Each has its own set of pros and cons that will determine the best option. Let’s explore why MP4 and MKV are so popular video formats now.
What is MKV?
The MKV, or Matroska Multimedia Container, format is one of the most popular video formats used. It appeared in 2002 thanks to Steve Lhomme, who is now a developer at Google.
With an MKV file, you can store infinite video, audio, and photo files, as well as subtitles. MKV is open source, which means it’s free for everyone. Essentially though, all you need to know is that it is a file format used to play videos.
What is MP4?
MP4, or MPEG-4, is another video format. It can also store audio and images, and is considered the standard by most.
MP4 is one of the most versatile video formats, with compatibility on most machines. It is compatible with most streaming sites, cell phones, Mac and Windows, and more. MP4 is widely accepted in many industries and has a compact size that many users enjoy.
MKV vs MP4: A Technical Comparison
The best way to decide between MKV and MP4 is to compare them head-to-head in a series of technical comparisons. We’ve done exactly that to simplify your choice.
For starters, what is the best quality?
Although MKV files are usually larger than MP4 files, they are not of better quality. You can get the same video and audio quality from an MP4 and MKV file. It all depends on what you are recording with and your compression.
So, it’s a tie in terms of quality.
When it comes to file size, MP4 is the clear winner.
MKV files are usually larger than MP4, even at the same quality. You can compress MKV files, but you may see quality loss. MP4s generally do not need to be compressed, as they generally come in smaller sizes.
In the MKV vs MP4 file size battle, MP4 is the clear winner. It will be much faster to upload your MP4 file anywhere from the web to a flash drive.
Compatibility is a key factor in any video project. You want a file that will work on any machine you have to deal with.
MP4 is accepted on many more platforms than MKV. You can upload MP4 files to YouTube, play them on most computers, and upload them to most devices. On the other hand, your device or default video player may not accept MKV.
MKV videos have a huge advantage over MP4 when it comes to sound quality.
That advantage is FLAC. MP4 video files are not compatible with FLAC audio, one of the highest quality audio files out there. FLAC is lossless, which means it doesn’t lose quality with compression, giving you the best listening experience around.
MKV also supports SSA subtitles and MP4 does not. In this case, MKV is the winner. MP4 audio is perfectly fine, but it doesn’t go that extra step that MKV can.
The Pros of MP4 for Video Projects
There are many professionals that come with the MP4 file type for video projects specifically.
As we mentioned above, MP4 is supported by many machines and browsers that MKV is not. MP4 is smaller, its quality is just as good, and the MP4 format is endorsed by the industry association. Your mobile device will likely accept MP4 out of the box, while it probably won’t support MKV.
In this way, the MP4 format is probably the most suitable for video projects. You may not know what type of computer/machine you will need to work with to present your video project. This is especially true if it is a work or school project where the computer is provided to you right then and there.
You can even upload your MP4 to YouTube and stream it from the machine, which means you don’t need to worry about compatibility at all. Considering all this, MKV can’t compete unless you’re using your own computer to present the project. If that’s the case, feel free to use the MKV format.
Convert MKV to MP4
Regardless of the file type you want, the good news is that you can convert MKV to MP4 and MP4 to MKV.
There are many free websites that allow you to convert video formats directly from your browser. If you want a more secure experience, you can also find downloadable programs (both free and paid) to convert your files. Conversions are usually fast, but they can cause a loss in quality of both video and audio.
You can learn how to convert mkv to mp4 in more detail from the link provided.
What format should I use?
In the battle of MKV vs MP4, who wins?
MP4 tends to be the most versatile and proficient file format for most video projects. However, that may not be your case. To determine which file type you would like to use, read the comparisons above and make the best decision for your specific case.
For more informative articles on business, technology, and much more, check out the rest of our blog.
Also Read- Convert MP4 to MOV
Categories: Technology
Source: SCHOOL TRANG DAI
