.mkv files

heya, just downloaded heroes.s02e02.proper.720p.hdtv.x264-halcyon but its
a .mkv file which i cannot play. i've downloaded a few codecs (avc1, xvid etc)
but nothing seems to help. how can i do this the easy way?

sorry if this is a stupid question. but my d'load speed has been real crap
lately.

thank you 🙂

why dont they use normal types of files like, wmv. or avi?

i suggest you do some research on x264 and mkv before you ask questions like
that. while you're at it do some research on the scene.

avi and wmv are wrappers not encode types. if x264 with ac3 was in
them you would still have the same problem and thus would still need
the app/decoder that can handle x264 and a pc with a decent amount of
horsepower (any pc made in the last few years)

the reason mkv (wrapper) is used is because it works much better with
x264 and ac3 mux. both avi and wmv can't handle it that mux anywhere
near as well. (unless they are hacked even more)

the reason x264 is used is because it compresses 40% better than xvid.

my personal experience is that x264 has a better picture and sound quality
than that of avi format. if you connect your pc to your tv, the result is
very obvious.

to play x264 files, i suggest google search "pure codec" and install it. i
used it and it played almost all kinds of files smoothly, even the ts files.

i have no problems playing mkv files on my mac, but my pinnacle can't cope with
them -- and it's the latter which is hooked up to my hdtv screen.

i would love to be able to recognize mkv files from the title -- but often miss
that until the download is complete, and my tv player doesn't recognize them.
while i appreciate the efforts of the mkv scene, please consider clearer
labeling for those whose antiquated firmware can't grok them.

thank you.