MKV to AVI format converting?

[pete376403]

Whats the best programme (freeware or not) that can convert video files from .MKV to .AVI?

I've tried AVS video converter ver 8.1 which looked like it was doing the right things and the file certainly ended up with an .avi extension, but the media player (Panasonic DVD with USB input) complains about invalid format.

Videos that have been downloaded as AVIs (or extracted from RARs to an AVI) play ok.

[steve_t]

Can your DVD player play MP4 video files? If so, try Handbrake.

If you really want MKV->AVI you can try Freemake Video Converter but google it and see what people say about its possible spyware/adware built-in

[pete376403]

Thanks. Will try the MP4 thing. Just spent the last 1.5 hours converting an MKV to WMA and that doesn't work either.

[awa355]

I have just downloaded Prism Video Converter. It's brilliant, Have also installed its sister programme for converting audio formats.

[erik]

I'd recommend AlltoAvi, it's free and it works.
http://sourceforge.net/projects/alltoavi/

[Captain_Salty]

VLC media player (free) has a convert function, that can do mkv to mp4

[riffer]

Come on over Pete. I've got just the program you need.

And you never even waved at me at Whakatiki Rd roundabout you snob. I saw you check the Bandit out!

[pete376403]

You home tomorrow?

[riffer]

You home tomorrow?

Should be all day mate. Pop over.

[kevie]

I use the freemake converter, easy editing bits out and converting between formats.

http://www.freemake.com/free_video_converter/

[pete376403]

Well Riffer had a go and he couldn't do it either. Files that are produced are .avis and while they play perfectly on PC and a Freeview set top box that has usb input, (one of these http://www.harveynorman.co.nz/loranz-freeview-terrestrial-receiver.html ) they just come up with "file error" on the Panasonic DVD player.
So must be something about the way Panasonic interpret AVIs.

I dont really want to buy another box to hang off the bedroom TV but it doesn't do freeview so 'spose I'll have to.

Thanks to all for suggestions.

[erik]

there's a program GSpot: http://www.headbands.com/gspot/ that will tell you the details of the avi, if you compare it to other avi's that do play on the dvd player, you might figure out what's wrong. Or you could try converting the mkv to dvd, http://www.trustfm.net/divx/SoftwareAvi2Dvd.php (just be careful to click on the correct download link, there's so many ads for other programs on the same page).

[Usarka]

Is there a firmware upgrade available for your dvd player?

[steve_t]

Does your freeview box play MKVs?
If not, having gone down the Media Player search path myself and wasted lots of money, I highly recommend the WDTV Live. It'll play MKVs over your network. Great for the bedroom

And that way you won't have to convert your existing files :niceone:

[pete376403]

1. don't believe there is a firmware update for the DVD player.

2. Don't have a freeview box (yet), thats going to be the next option.

Meantime I'll just go with hooking up the laptop to the TV and watching the MKVs from there.

Incidentally Riffer showed me his home theatre setup using an app called MediaPortal which looks way cool. http://www.team-mediaportal.com/mediaportal-download