All-Purpose Multimedia Format: Everyone Needs an MKV Converter

“All-purpose multimedia format”, if someone told me this years ago, I was gonna tell you, “It’s bullshit!” But today, I’m gonna tell you, it’s true, and it’s called MKV – the real all-purpose multimedia format.

I don’t know how others get uptake of the format, but as an anime lover, I’ve got recognition for this multimedia container format from Daiphyer.com, an anime forum where I used to download animes. And one day when I was getting into the forum and looking for new animes, I found some new extensioned in .mkv.

It’s a brand-new format unacquainted to me. So I downloaded some and tried them out. In the very beginning, I thought there were no specials until I visited the MKV official site and read the specifications.

What exactly is MKV?

MKV file is a Matroska file for Videos with audios and subtitles, and if you noticed there are two sentences outstanding at the MKV official homepage: “It is NOT a video or audio compression format (video codec); It is an envelope for which there can be many audio, video and subtitles streams, allowing the user to store a complete movie or CD in a single file.”

In simple words through my understanding, it’s saying the format significantly features combination-only and envelope without file internal structure rebuilding and data recompressing. In other words, it’s a pure multimedia container format just as I mentioned above.

Lets move on to the structure of the video media file enveloped by MKV plainly. MKV file is combined with two main parts. While the primary part is storing the video and audio tracks which playback needs, the secondary part is also divided into two parts including multiple types of subtitle tracks embedded in MKV file for onscreen appearing and unlimited numbers of attachments. Designed for particular needs users requested, the attachments can be the image files, the text files, the compressed packages or any other kind of files.

So, is it enough? Of course not! You still need something like “paper knife” to unpack the envelope, the plugin.

We know that MKV has only offered one standard for the container enveloping. That means if you want to open up the MKV file under the operating system you are using, you should have it coupled with particular correlative plugins. Go a little further, it means if you want to playback the video and audio tracks of the MKV file with players you are holding, you have to make sure the particular plugin has been installed, which firstly enables the player to support the MKV container standard and secondly includes the correlative CODECs for the video and audio tracks.

Strongpoint

• Assuming that all above has been done, MKV format would behave as well as any other format does to be the all-purpose multimedia format.


• As the MKV format supports containing multiple audio tracks, it is available to add one or more dubbings in various languages into just one MKV file.


• With a DVD-like menu system integrated, MKV format supports Chapter management to help you customize segments with “bookmarks”.


• Being capable of containing subtitles differing in language and type, MKV format also allows subtitles to be changed or hidden.


• If there are more than one video tracks inside, you could alternatively switch them into current playing just like angle changes of DVD.

Drawback

• As we said, the only offered MKV container standard with no detail on video and audio encoding makes it possible to be the all-purpose format. But, it also brings out some inconveniences, such as you might probably spend so much time on looking for a fit plugin for your MKV file.


• Due to the unlimited definition of the header of MKV file, it would be very likely to spend a lot of time on file loading for the huge size of header file.

Regardless what shortages left, the improvement and optimization are still in progress. Anyway, MKV format stands for a new direction on multimedia researching, and I firmly believe in the near future, everyone needs an MKV converter. And there’s a guide for how to convert MOV to MKV you can see.

How to Change QuickTime MOV and MPEG-4

I got a question where someone asked me how to do a QuickTime MOV to MP4 conversion using QuickTime Pro 7. The answer to this depends on what MP4 file you want.

Someone may ask, “why it’s counting on the MP4 file I want? If you are a real Apple aficionado, you must not be unacquainted with QuickTime’s export function!”

Uh-huh, it’s easily to open up QuickTime “Export” option from the “file” menu and easily to select converting “Movies to MPEG-4”, and click “Save”. And even, you can just directly modify the file extension from .mov into .mp4 to do the conversion. Yes, these are somewhat MOV to MP4 change. But is it enough?

For some QuickTime newbies who are new to the process of MOV to MP4 creation, things can be quite confusing. In some cases, they did the conversion just as above, but found the output MP4 files cannot be played on the PSP or other MP4 players.

Let’s go back to the scene before “Save” click. Press the “Options” button right-hand “Export” box to pop out the “MPEG-4 Export Settings” dialog. Under the dialog, you’ll find there are 2 choices for “File Format” selection: MP4 ISMA and MP4.

ISMA (Internet Streaming Media Alliance) is an early alliance with representatives from all points of the streaming work-flow. Therefore the MP4 ISMA is especially better for streaming media over Internet and cellular phones with a low resolution. So if you are trying to get an MP4 movie in common or in HD, take the “MP4” file format.

Likewise, there are more than one options out there for “Video Format”. “None” means you can just get music or audio off the original movie without any image frames. “MPEG-4 Basic” defined the normal MP4 videos in some kind of low compression ratio. “MPEG-4 Improved” offers you HD MP4 video output using MPEG-4 codec, while “H.264” also gives you the high definition video quality with H.264 (MPEG-4 AVC either) codec. “Pass Through” is interesting. It just changes the MOV video container to be the MP4 video container without any interchanges, and this, is what I mentioned above, the “extension modification”.

So that’s it. All the left is just to keep the default parameters or do some changes, and then, click “Save”.

OK, if there are still confusions about conversion from MOV to MP4, and MOV to HD MP4, please go and see this guide: How to convert MOV to MP4 and MOV to HD MP4 with QuickTime Pro 7? And if you want more, just check video converter reviews.

Roku wants to stream everyone's content

It's been known for a while that Netflix and Roku's four-month-old relationship isn't exactly a monogamous one. But it looks like Roku is hoping to play the video-streaming field even more than we initially thought.

Roku makes the $100 Netflix Player, which enables customers to stream movies from the Netflix site to their TVs. It's a product that could be a hit, if only Netflix could secure partnerships with more of the major movie houses and seriously beef up its "Watch it Now" library.

But Roku isn't waiting around for Netflix to make those deals.

CEO Anthony Wood told an audience Wednesday at the Streaming Media West conference in San Jose, Calif., that his company is focused on enabling its set-top box to stream video from any content provider, according to Wired.com.

"We're opening up the platform to anyone who wants to put their video service on this box," Wired cites Wood as saying. "We're going to release the software developer kit, so anyone can publish any channel, and users can access Web content on their TVs."

Will Netflix feel jilted by the move? Woods says no, that both companies intended to work with others all along.

"They made a small investment in us...and they knew from the beginning that we were interested in working with other (content providers), just like they're interested in partnering with other boxes," he said.

For its part, Netflix announced deals Monday with CBS and the Disney Channel that will allow the movie rental service to stream episodes from current seasons of shows. In July, Microsoft said it would allow Xbox 360 owners with Netflix accounts to stream "Watch Now" movies and TV shows through their game console, without any extra hardware or software.

So who's next, I wonder? Hulu? YouTube? Amazon? I guess Roku figures if there are lots of fish in the sea, why not swim with them all?

Zune 3.0 now available, also get free WiFi access at McDonald’s

Microsoft announced the Zune 3.0 software last week and today you can download and install the new desktop and Zune device software update. I just finished installing the desktop software. The Zune 3.0 software includes Buy from FM, wireless access to the Zune Marketplace, and more.

In addition, Microsoft announced that Zune customers can get free WiFi hotspot access with their Zune at one of over 9,800 McDonald’s restaurants. In partnership with Wayport, Microsoft allows you to browse and access the Zune Marketplace when you visit McDonald’s, similar to what the iPhone gives you at Starbucks locations. Now when will we see the Zune’s appearing in Happy Meals?

MainConcept Adds DivX Support to Leading Video Reference Application

MainConcept GmbH, a wholly-owned subsidiary of DivX, Inc. (NASDAQ:DIVX) and one of the world's leading providers of video and audio codecs as well as software development kits to the broadcast, film and consumer electronic markets, today announced that the new version of MainConcept(TM) Reference 1.6 for Windows
will be released on September 1, 2008. The video converter application now features integrated DivX support with a dedicated software licensing plug-in. DivX transcoding capabilities join the portfolio of existing MainConcept plug-ins for the formats H.264/AVC, MPEG-2, MPEG-4 Part 2, VC-1, DVCPRO and JPEG2000.

With standard presets ranging from video for mobile devices up to high-definition video, the DivX plug-in for MainConcept Reference makes it easy to encode video footage into DivX compliant streams. There are five presets available for the DivX profiles Home Theatre, 720p, 1080p, Mobile and qMobile that offer a simple selection for the user to match to a DivX Certified(R) device. Over 100 million DivX Certified devices have shipped into the global market from major manufacturers, including DVD players, gaming consoles, digital televisions, Blu-ray devices and more.

"There are a huge number of different DivX Certified devices such as DVD players and mobile phones out in the market which support this exciting format and the DivX ecosystem continues to expand into new product categories," says Muzaffer Beygirci, Managing Director and VP Worldwide Sales at MainConcept. "With help of MainConcept Reference and its new DivX support, we will enable broadcasters and professionals to support one of the world's leading video formats and provide compliance with numerous DivX Certified devices."

MainConcept Reference 1.6 and the DivX plug-in will be available for online purchase and download at the MainConcept website beginning September 1, 2008. The SDK with DivX support will be available shortly.

To test the power of the codecs and the Reference workflow, a free evaluation version with all important MainConcept codecs in demo mode is available for pre-purchase testing at www.mainconcept.com.

If you like to learn more about MainConcept and its solutions, please visit us at IFA in hall 26, stand #226 and at IBC booth 2.C50.

About MainConcept

MainConcept is one of the world's leading providers of high-quality codec technology for the broadcast, film, consumer electronics, computer software, medical imaging and security markets. MainConcept(TM) solutions are optimized for various platforms including PCs, set-top boxes, portable media players and mobile phones. MainConcept supports the most popular industry standards such as MPEG-2, MPEG-4 Part 2, H.264/AVC, VC-1, DV, DVCPRO, DVCPRO HD, JPEG2000, AAC, HE-AAC and AC3.

MainConcept is based in Germany with subsidiaries in the USA, Russia, and Japan. The company serves the Asia-Pacific region through key distribution partners in China, Korea, and Taiwan. Customers include some of the most respected international companies in the world. MainConcept is a wholly owned subsidiary of DivX, Inc. (NASDAQ: DIVX).

For more information about MainConcept and available codecs visit www.mainconcept.com or www.codecby.com. Parties interested in licensing MainConcept technology can contact the company at sales(at)mainconcept.com.

About DivX, Inc.

DivX, Inc. is a digital media company that enables consumers to enjoy a high-quality video experience across any kind of device. DivX creates, distributes and licenses digital video technologies that span the "three screens" comprising today's consumer media environment - the PC, the television and mobile devices. Over 100 million DivX Certified(R) devices have shipped into the market from leading consumer electronics manufacturers. DivX also offers content providers and publishers a complete solution for the distribution of secure, high-quality digital video content. Driven by a globally recognized brand and a passionate community of hundreds of millions of consumers, DivX is simplifying the video experience to enable the digital home.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release that are not strictly historical in nature constitute 'forward-looking statements'. Such statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding visibility within the investment community. Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results to be materially different from historical results or from any results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to: the risk that customer use of the identified technology may not grow as anticipated; the risk that anticipated market opportunities may not materialize at expected levels, or at all; the risk that the Company's activities may not result in the growth of profitable revenue; risks and uncertainties related to the maintenance and strength of the applicable brands; risks associated with the Company's ability to penetrate existing and new markets; risks regarding the effects of competition; the Company's dependence on its licensees and partners; the effect of intellectual property rights claims; and other factors discussed in the 'Risk Factors' section of DivX's most recent report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 8, 2008. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. DivX is providing this information as of the date of this release and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

All trademarks remain the property of their owner(s), and are used for informational purposes only.

¶ MainConcept(TM) Reference Will Now Enable Broadcasters and Video
Professionals to Create DivX(R) Files Compatible with Wide Range of
Consumer Electronics Devices

Pistonsoft Announces the Release of Direct MIDI to MP3 Converter, Version 3.0

August 11, 2008 (FPRC) -- Pistonsoft today announces the release of Direct MIDI to MP3 Converter, version 3.0, a tool that makes the process of converting MIDI files to the much more functional MP3 format as well as to WAV, WMA and OGG formats as easy as a couple of mouse clicks. Direct MIDI to MP3 Converter will be the best choice for midi artists, amateur or professional musicians who compose MIDI music using digital pianos, keyboards or music sequencers and need a tool to convert their MIDI files to popular audio formats. The program is also perfect for anyone who wishes to record MIDI files to an Audio CD. All popular MIDI formats are supported including MIDI 0, MIDI 1, RIFF MIDI 0, RIFF MIDI 1 and Karaoke MIDI.

Actually Direct MIDI to MP3 Converter synthesizes the WAV/MP3 file from the small samples of already digitized sounds of real music instruments. The very fragments of already written sounds performed by different instruments are called samples and the sets of such samples are called banks. So, the better are the banks, the better will be your output file. Direct MIDI to MP3 Converter provides you with its own rich bank of samples and allows you to download them from Internet or other source. The program offers support for SF2 format soundfonts, which provide an extremely high quality of the sound. New soundfonts will make your favorite MIDI compositions sound in an absolutely new, fresh way.

Direct MIDI to MP3 Converter automates the whole procedure - all you'll need to do is simply drag and drop your MIDI files into it. Conveniently Direct MIDI to MP3 Converter also allows you to playback files directly in the program - built-in audio player (with track bar) lets you listen to MIDI, MID, RMI or Karaoke files before you start the converting process. Another built-in feature is an easy-to-use Tag Editor that will help you name your files and correctly fill in all the fields of the ID3 tags of MP3, WMA or OGG tracks. For those, whose aim is to create a musical collection, Direct MIDI to MP3 Converter provides batch mode which allows you to simultaneously convert multiple MIDI tracks.

Direct MIDI to MP3 Converter also lets you easily adjust quality options. You can convert your favorite mobile phone MIDI ring tones to MP3 with adjustable reverberation and do that fast. Another advantage of Direct MIDI to MP3 Converter is that its trial version allows you to convert a complete file, not just a portion of a file as some other programs do. Direct MIDI to MP3 Converter will help to prepare music for any occasion, wedding, birthday party and so on. It will also help game developers to equip their games with background music. It will help all those who need to convert their MIDI files to WAV or MP3 really fast and with great quality. Effective and reliable Direct MIDI to WAV/MP3 Converter has already helped a lot of people to convert their MIDI files, now it's become even better and is ready to help many more.

Microsoft stops HD DVD drives for Xbox 360!

SAN FRANCISCO (AFP) — Microsoft confirmed on Monday that it will no longer make HD DVD drives for its Xbox 360 video game consoles.

The much-anticipated announcement comes in the wake of the format being abandoned by its creator, Japanese electronics giant Toshiba, as well as major Hollywood studios and US retail chains.

"As a result of recent decisions made by Toshiba, Hollywood studios, and retailers, Microsoft plans to withdraw from HD DVD," the US technology titan said in a written statement released during the weekend.

"Xbox will no longer manufacture new HD DVD players for the Xbox 360, but we will continue to provide standard product and warranty support for all Xbox 360 HD DVD Players in the market."

Toshiba last week conceded defeat to rival Sony in a long-running DVD format war.

Toshiba said it would stop selling its HD DVD machines by the end of March, clearing the way for the Blu-ray format developed by Sony and its partners to become the industry standard.

The victory is sweet revenge for Sony, which learned its lessons well from a defeat in a similar format war that erupted in the late 1970s between the VHS and Betamax types of video cassettes.

Sony includes a Blu-ray player in its own video game console, the PlayStation 3.

Analysts say the end of the format war will reduce consumer confusion and should encourage the Hollywood studios to bring out more movies on Blu-ray.

Toshiba has sold 700,000 HD DVD players globally, while 300,000 more HD DVD drives have been sold for Microsoft's next-generation Xbox 360 video game console. Many more have been put into laptop computers.

"We do not believe this decision will have any material impact on the Xbox 360 platform or our position in the marketplace," Microsoft said of abandoning HD DVD drives.

Microsoft did not reveal whether it plans to shift to the Blu-ray format.

Blu-ray and HD DVD both offer cinematic-quality images and multimedia features, but the movie studios were eager to see the emergence of just one standard, while many consumers had been reluctant to buy a machine that might become nearly useless.

HD DVD's fate was sealed by a series of heavy setbacks, with Hollywood powerhouse Warner Brothers and US retail colossus Wal-Mart both throwing their weight behind Blu-ray.

LaCie's LaCinema Premier: The DVD ripper's friend?

As good as the Apple TV 2.0 is, it's still pretty limited on what sort of videos it can stream from a networked computer--if it hasn't been imported into iTunes, you're pretty much out of luck. If you're looking for something with more file format flexibility--and the simplicity of drag-and-drop operation--the LaCie LaCinema Premier may be just the ticket.

On one hand, it's a standard USB 2.0 external hard drive, available in beefy 500GB ($250), 750GB ($350), and 1TB ($500) capacities. But on the other hand, unlike standard backup drives the LaCinema Premier has a full set of AV outputs (composite, S-Video, and component video--but no HDMI--analog stereo, optical and coaxial surround-capable digital jacks). The idea is that you load the drive with all of your digital movies, music, and photos (via a USB connection from a Mac or Windows PC), and then connect it to your TV. You can then use the included remote control to select which videos, songs, or photos you would like to enjoy via an onscreen interface.

Though the lack of DivX compatibility is notable, the LaCinema Premier looks to support a reasonable variety of file formats, including MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, and--rippers take note--the ISO, IFO, and VOB files of DVDs. (Repeat after me: you're only legally allowed to rip DVDs that aren't copy-protected--which pretty much eliminates any Hollywood release.) The spec sheet also mentions "1080i upscaling." So while it's always a crapshoot to judge products from afar (which is to say: we haven't reviewed this LaCie drive, or even seen it in person), the LaCinema Premier may well be a "just right" sneakernet alternative to the too-small SanDisk Sansa TakeTV ($150) and the way-too-expensive Kaleidescape movie server ($20,000)--assuming the network-enabled Apple TV or Xbox 360 doesn't already handle those needs for you.

One final note to LaCie: In addition to adding that missing DivX support, you might also want to throw in an extra power adapter--one to leave at the computer (when you're loading up the drive with content), and one to leave by the TV (when you're enjoying it on the big screen).

Free DVD Ripper for Nokia, Motorola, Samsung, Palm, LG

Get the DVD ripper especially for mobile phone - Daniusoft DVD to Mobile Phone Converter for free and put your favorite DVD movies on your cell phone and save $29.00!

Daniusoft DVD to Mobile Phone Converter is a powerful and very easy to use program that can convert DVD to 3GP, MP4, AVI and WMV for different cell phones such as Nokia, Motorola, Samsung, Palm, LG, Pocket PC, and Sony Ericsson and so on.

SoftMetro DVD to iPod & PSP Video Converter Software

SoftMetro recently launched the brand new DVD to iPod / PSP Video Converter, allowing iPod / PSP users to take their favorite video DVD movies on the road. The software can convert any DVD movie to iPod Video or PSP compatible format, ready to transfer to iPod / PSP.

There are also some materials for DVD to iPod and PSP Video Converter, find what you want indeed!

ImTOO DVD Ripper Ultimate

A totally brand new DVD Ripper software was unveiled to us by ImTOO Studio, which's coming with more functions and features in user customization.

Check here for the software, and article for the DVD ripper software!