Conversion MKV or MP4 which one is better.

[denz 501]

I noticed in the latest releases that there is an option to convert recordings to MKV. For us that don't have enough knowledge of various codecs which one is better MKV or MP4?

 

have android and apple devices and of course windows pc. I want converted recording to have the picture quality that is equivalent of the original and direct playing on devices if possible.

 

Thank you

 

 

[jasonmcroy 316]

I am not an expert at this and don't really know which one is "better". However, in my experience, using an MKV container if you wish to retain original audio at 5.1 (and not change it to acc) it has worked better. 

 

I have seen big fans of using MP4 if you're using the audio channel as acc, especially with Apple products. 

 

I don't have any Apple products, I am a Windows and Android guy. All my recordings so far that I have had changed to MKV and preserved the original audio are direct playing on my Shield TV device in the Emby App which is my preferred method of playback.

 

I am sure some that are more knowledgeable about these codecs and containers will chime in. These are just my opinions on experience with it.

[Deathsquirrel 745]

If you have apple devices I suggest targeting MP4.  If you don't I'd go with MKV.  MKV does support more audio and subtitle options than MP4 and, aside from compatibility, is generally more flexible as a result.

[ebr 16169]

For the Apple platform, mp4 is your best bet.

 

BTW - these aren't codecs but, rather, containers (think of it as a box the audio and video are inside).  What is being put in the boxes is the same in both cases.