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Definative GUIDE for converting .MKV files to .MP4 files for PS3 usage!

I need help and have been referred to this thread. So I have a western digital portable hard drive that is formatted to fat32. I am trying to zip or rar a 8 gig mkv file so I can move it to that wd hard drive. I need this wd portable hard drive to stay in fat32 format because I also use it to upload divx movies to my ps3. So the problem is I also want to use this wd portable hard drive to store my hd rips. I downloaded simply rar and tried using it, but there are no instructions on it. I tried raring it and splitting the archive to 50 mb pieces and I was able to move the mkv files that were broken up on to my portable hard drive. The only problem is I am having problems unraring it. If anyone has done this before can you please assist me. Or if anyone has another method please let me know.
 
Does this not work for apple tv? I get it to show up in itunes but wont show up on apple tv. If I do a mkv in visual hub or handbrake it takes 20 hours on my imac
 
Howdy,
In case anyone is interested, after a bit of a hiatus, I've had the time to return to working on an update for my application - MKVtools. The potentially biggest news for readers of this thread is that I was able to track down a much newer version of mp4box (actually two of them) with the following improvements:

  1. Muxing speeds should be improved.
  2. AC3 audio can now be muxed into mp4 files. This means that mkv files with avc video and ac3 audio can be converted to mp4 files in minutes. The resulting file only plays in VLC unless the extension is changed from .mp4 to .m4v in which case quicktime (w/ perian) and itunes will play the video. However, since I don't have a PS3 (or xbox or apple TV) I don't know if this will work on other devices so your mileage may vary. I've heard of something called medialink that apparently lets you stream videos from iTunes to a PS3, so perhaps this will work for you. Otherwise you may have to fall back on AAC encoding.
  3. Mp4box can now mux files larger than 2GB. I converted a 3GB file to mp4 with the PS3 preset, video passthru and aac encoding in about 5 minutes on a macbook pro. I've had reports that these files will successfully play on PS3's. The downside is that I could only track down an intel binary of mp4box with this capability so though MKVtools is still universal binary, this one feature is intel only, at least for now.

If you want to give it a try, the newest beta can be found here. It's fully functional though you'll get an annoying nag screen and you can't queue jobs. If you've already registered for older versions of MKVtools, your registration code will work for this version. I'm hoping for feedback regarding the playability of these files on a PS3. Also, if needed, MKVtools does some hex editing to change the video track's profile level to 4.1. MKVtools can do this for the most commonly encoded videos, but if you get a "hex not found error" that means that MKVtools couldn't find the hex string to edit. If that's the case, I'd like to hear about it to see if I can expand the profile levels that MKVtools can handle.

Cheers and thanks in advance if you are able to supply feedback.

P.S. I'm just starting to research the conversion of 5.1 AC3/DTS to 5.1 AAC so if anyone knows of any command line, open source audio tools that have been compiled as static builds for mac, let me know and I'll see if I can incorporate it into MKVtools.

P.P.S. My apologies in advance if I don't respond to posts or e-mails promptly. Unfortunately, my other commitments limit my time to this project to sporadic at best.
 
a few weird issues here...

1) My PS3 doesn't seem to like the 2.0 aac. It seems to be playing the wrong channels as I get music and SFX, but zero dialogue. However, the dialogue plays fine in QT. After setting the export to mono, I hear the dialogue on the PS3... but then I have mono and nobody wants that.

2) 1080p videos that are profile 5.1 will not play on the PS3 after the QT export (even after using hexedit to change it to 4.1).

Any ideas?
 
It does... although your computer acts like a transcoder and sends the ps3 something it can play back. You can also control the buffer size (up to 600mb). It works pretty well and has worked with all mkv's (even ones that don't work with the QT passthrough method).
 
bigbossbmb said:
It does... although your computer acts like a transcoder and sends the ps3 something it can play back. You can also control the buffer size (up to 600mb). It works pretty well and has worked with all mkv's (even ones that don't work with the QT passthrough method).
Click to expand...

Good to know, thanks.
 
Quicktime Pasthrough to Ps3 never works for me! :/

I have been reading this post since it began.
Can someone help me PLEASE!

I have QT Pro
Perian
Several .MKV files
Pass through slected

Still no luck! :/
It passes through to .MP4. No joy playing them on the PS3, just wont recognise them streaming through eyeconnect, medialink or of EX HDD!
I'm thinking im **** out of luck and its got something to do with me Having an old Dual 2.0GHz PowerMac running Tiger.
What you guys think?
Jay
P.s. tried using VisualHub to convert the .MKV to .MP4 and Ps3 wont recognise that either in any combination of settings! :/

Help would be appreciated, sitting, staring at the screen ill and trying everything i can think off is making my headache even worse! HaHa
 
ive used mediainfo

below are the text retrived by mediainfo.
The first is a MP4 Passed through in QT Pro from MKV, That wont play on PS3.

*** MediaInfo Mac // Plain text file report
2009-03-09 15:45:00 +0000
Information for File: XXXXXXXXXXXX.mp4

General / Container Stream # 1
Total Video Streams for this File -> 1
Total Audio Streams for this File -> 1
Video Codecs Used -> AVC
Audio Codecs Used -> AAC LC
File Format -> MPEG-4
Play Time -> 1h 56mn
Total File Size -> 3.95 GiB
Total Stream BitRate -> 4 865 Kbps
Video Stream # 1
Codec (Human Name) -> AVC
Codec (FourCC) -> avc1
Codec Profile -> High@L4.1
Frame Width -> 1 280 pixels
Frame Height -> 720 pixels
Frame Rate -> 23.976 fps
Total Frames -> 167385
Display Aspect Ratio -> 16/9
Scan Type -> Progressive
Colorimetry -> 4:2:0
Codec Settings (Summary) -> CABAC / 6 Ref Frames
QF (like Gordian Knot) -> 0.214
Codec Settings (CABAC) -> Yes
Video Stream Length -> 1h 56mn 21s 361ms
Video Stream BitRate -> 4 728 Kbps
Video Stream BitRate Mode -> VBR
Bit Depth -> 24 bits
Video Stream Size -> 3.84 GiB (97%)
Video Encoder -> x264 - core 58 svn-736M
Video Encoder (Settings) -> cabac=1 / ref=6 / deblock=1:-3:-3 / analyse=0x3:0x133 / me=umh / subme=7 / me-prepass=0 / brdo=1 / mixed_ref=1 / me_range=16 / chroma_me=1 / trellis=1 / 8x8dct=1 / cqm=2 / deadzone=6,4 / chroma_qp_offset=0 / threads=6 / nr=0 / decimate=1 / mbaff=0 / bframes=3 / b_pyramid=1 / b_adapt=1 / b_bias=0 / direct=3 / wpredb=1 / bime=1 / keyint=250 / keyint_min=25 / scenecut=40(pre) / rc=2pass / bitrate=4728 / ratetol=1.0 / rceq='blurCplx^(1-qComp)' / qcomp=1.00 / qpmin=10 / qpmax=51 / qpstep=4 / cplxblur=20.0 / qblur=0.5 / ip_ratio=1.40 / pb_ratio=1.30 / aq=1:0.5:13.0 / zones=0,0,b=0.18
Date of Original Encoding -> UTC 2009-03-09 15:09:36
Audio Stream # 1
Codec -> AAC
Codec (FourCC) -> 40
Audio Stream Length -> 1h 56mn 21s 845ms
Audio Stream BitRate -> 132.3 Kbps
Audio Stream BitRate (Nominal) -> 128 Kbps
Audio Stream BitRate Mode -> CBR
Number of Audio Channels -> 1
Audio Channel's Positions -> C
Sampling Rate -> 44.1 KHz
Bit Depth -> 16 bits
Audio Stream Size -> 109 MiB (3%)
Audio Stream Language -> English
Date of Original Encoding -> UTC 2009-03-09 14:46:20

And below if a dowloaded MP4 file that definatly plays on PS3.



*** MediaInfo Mac // Plain text file report
2009-03-09 15:45:34 +0000
Information for File: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX.mp4

General / Container Stream # 1
Total Video Streams for this File -> 1
Total Audio Streams for this File -> 1
Video Codecs Used -> AVC
Audio Codecs Used -> AAC LC
File Format -> MPEG-4
Play Time -> 3h 16mn
Total File Size -> 3.91 GiB
Total Stream BitRate -> 2 856 Kbps
Video Stream # 1
Codec (Human Name) -> AVC
Codec (FourCC) -> avc1
Codec Profile -> High@L4.0
Frame Width -> 1 920 pixels
Frame Height -> 1 080 pixels
Frame Rate -> 23.976 fps
Total Frames -> 282024
Display Aspect Ratio -> 16/9
Scan Type -> Progressive
Colorimetry -> 4:2:0
Codec Settings (Summary) -> CABAC / 3 Ref Frames
QF (like Gordian Knot) -> 0.052
Codec Settings (CABAC) -> Yes
Video Stream Length -> 3h 16mn 2s 751ms
Video Stream BitRate -> 2 590 Kbps
Video Stream BitRate Mode -> VBR
Bit Depth -> 24 bits
Video Stream Size -> 3.55 GiB (91%)
Video Encoder -> x264 - core 65 r1066M 045ae40
Video Encoder (Settings) -> cabac=1 / ref=3 / deblock=1:0:0 / analyse=0x3:0x133 / me=umh / subme=7 / psy_rd=1.0:0.0 / mixed_ref=1 / me_range=16 / chroma_me=1 / trellis=1 / 8x8dct=1 / cqm=0 / deadzone=21,11 / chroma_qp_offset=-2 / threads=6 / nr=0 / decimate=1 / mbaff=0 / bframes=3 / b_pyramid=0 / b_adapt=1 / b_bias=0 / direct=3 / wpredb=1 / keyint=250 / keyint_min=25 / scenecut=40(pre) / rc=2pass / bitrate=2590 / ratetol=1.0 / qcomp=0.60 / qpmin=10 / qpmax=51 / qpstep=4 / cplxblur=20.0 / qblur=0.5 / vbv_maxrate=25000 / vbv_bufsize=25000 / ip_ratio=1.40 / pb_ratio=1.30 / aq=1:1.00
Date of Original Encoding -> UTC 2009-02-27 06:15:40
Audio Stream # 1
Codec -> AAC
Codec (FourCC) -> 40
Audio Stream Length -> 3h 16mn 2s 795ms
Audio Stream BitRate -> 264.6 Kbps
Audio Stream BitRate Mode -> VBR
Number of Audio Channels -> 6
Audio Channel's Positions -> Front: L C R, Rear: L R, LFE
Sampling Rate -> 48.0 KHz
Bit Depth -> 16 bits
Audio Stream Size -> 364 MiB (9%)
Date of Original Encoding -> UTC 2009-02-27 06:17:52


There are some differences, as you can see. But, can anyone tell me how i can change these!? Rewrite the coding or a passthrough to correct these differences?

Jay
 
since the video profile is v4, you should need to change anything.

you may want to try using PS3 Media Server (which I linked to earlier on this page). However, I don't know if a G5 can handle the transcoding.
 
i would love to try it just to see!

Only thing is im running Tiger and i havent got a copy of Leopard! :/
few more weeks and i will have a MacPro so that wont be to bad!
Just cant get my head round it!
the first file above i have passed through and the video will play, audio is just pure static!
Play the same file in VLC plays like a charm! It's odd.
IM sending the same MKV through VisualHub one as a -vcodec copy
and one as a normal mp4. I have found that SOMETIMES this will work. Dont think i have ever had a h.264 MP4 encoded in VisualHub actually work on the PS3! :(
JAY
SONY SORT YA ACT OUT!
 
How do you prevent the audio from going out of sync? I used this method on mkv files that are under 4gb and everything works out good, but when I tried this method on a file over 4gb and it has to be split in 2 separate files, the audio starts to go out of sync.

thanks
 
Great guide but if all you wanna do is to watch .MKV files on PS3 there is an easier way...

...Just run the .MKV file through tsMuxeR GUI and make a M2TS file out of it. This doesn't seem to change the image quality and only takes 3 minutes to do! You can then play the M2TS file on you PS3.
 
im streaming them to the PS3 with MediaLink, so no 4gb limit...

the audio tracks aren't recognized in VLC also. the audio is selected in tsMuxer and it mentions the audio in the output notes. no idea where it's going.
 
Ok, I'm also using medialink so that should not be the problem. All I do is drack and drop the .MKV file to the program, select M2TS muxin and hit start muxing. This creates a M2TS file, which I then stream from the PS3. I have done this many times with different .MKV files and it works like a dream. I don't know why I won't work for you, weird. Maybe some one else could help.
 
This thread has been really helpful, but there's a couple things I just don't get.

First is the issue with MKV formats period! They used to be popular with Anime because they could hold multiple audio tracks. Now I notice them only for HQ 720p and 1080p movie rips. Either way, is there any likelihood that Sony will just do a firmware update to play MKV? Is this even possible?

Also, whats the point in encoding them with DTS? I mean, I understand DTS is the best, and I believe MKV is the only one capable of holding DTS. But I don't know anyone nowadays that has DTS speakers hooked up to their optical sound cards on their computer. Home media servers are more common, especially with the PS3 and 360. But none of these can play MKV and therefore can't make use of the DTS. It's almost like a high quality file was made for a high quality system, but with out any bridge for them to communicate with.

Also, what about not converting an MKV into a different file at all? Most of the 720p files I find are 4.39gb, so burnable to a single layer DVD as is. What about burning the as-is image quality and the dts into a dvd format that the ps3 could read? How about doing it as an image file dvd too, so you don't have to burn to physical media nor multiple discs?

Or ultimately, how about Linux? I've thought about this since I would like to be able to play website flash videos on my PS3. Can't you install VLC on the Linux PS# version and output 720p HD vids with DTS audio? But ofcourse, will Medialink still work for networked media in Linux. Or will Linux stream networked HDs with out the help of medialink? (In my case, I have a 1TB external hooked up to my AEBS that holds all my data and use Medialink on the MBP has the hub).

That's all of my thoughts.
 
You guys should use the torrent downloader Vuze

1. Its totally free

2. It converts any video format to a PS3 supported format

3 After convertion, it automatically shares it to your local PS3 media center.

You don't need a hundred apps, only Vuze and you're good

Have fun
 
I thought I would chime in here because I download A LOT of TV shows in 720p and stream them to the PS3 for viewing.

The PS3 supports the m2ts file type and the absolute fastest way to convert an mkv to be viewable on the PS3 is with tSmuxeR. There is NO re-encoding of audio or video and it spits out a file that can be played on the PS3. The true 720p video with AC3 audio and no conversion necessary. It takes roughly 30 seconds to re-mux a 1 hour tv show.

I have my PS3 connected via gigabit and use Medialink to stream files to it. I have not run into any limitations yet.

Check out tSmuxeR for a native OS X application that works really well: http://www.smlabs.net/tsmuxer_en.html

It also has a command line utility that works great for scripting purposes.
 
phrac said:
I thought I would chime in here because I download A LOT of TV shows in 720p and stream them to the PS3 for viewing.

The PS3 supports the m2ts file type and the absolute fastest way to convert an mkv to be viewable on the PS3 is with tSmuxeR. There is NO re-encoding of audio or video and it spits out a file that can be played on the PS3. The true 720p video with AC3 audio and no conversion necessary. It takes roughly 30 seconds to re-mux a 1 hour tv show.

I have my PS3 connected via gigabit and use Medialink to stream files to it. I have not run into any limitations yet.

Check out tSmuxeR for a native OS X application that works really well: http://www.smlabs.net/tsmuxer_en.html

It also has a command line utility that works great for scripting purposes.
Click to expand...

This sounds perfect, but would it be possible to automate the process, say, through folder actions that would 1)detect new file in folder 2) run MKV through tsMuxeR 3) move old file to trash ?

The problem would be my complete lack of scripting knowledge (beside a few attempts with automator) :)
 
Rewes said:
Great guide but if all you wanna do is to watch .MKV files on PS3 there is an easier way...

...Just run the .MKV file through tsMuxeR GUI and make a M2TS file out of it. This doesn't seem to change the image quality and only takes 3 minutes to do! You can then play the M2TS file on you PS3.
Click to expand...

You are awesome. This took like a minute and I've just tested on the PS3 and it is PERFECT. Nice work fella! :cool::D:)
 
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